The NewsWorthy Special Edition: Sober Curious Shift? Wellness, Wine, & What’s Changing
Jun 7, 2025
Hilary Scheinbaum, journalist and founder of GoingDry.co, shares her insights on the sober curious movement, discussing her personal journey in giving up alcohol. Christian Miller, research director at the Wine Market Council, reveals surprising data on the decline of alcohol sales and the surge in non-alcoholic options such as wine. They explore changing consumer habits, the positive health effects of sobriety, and how these trends are reshaping social interactions and dating, encouraging more genuine connections beyond the drink.
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Wine Sales Declining Variedly
- Wine sales have declined after over 20 years of growth, with the entire alcohol segment dropping moderately in recent years.
- However, around 40% of wineries actually saw sales growth, showing a varied industry landscape.
Older and Younger Adults Drink Less
- Both younger adults and those aged 60 and over have seen increases in alcohol abstention, contributing to the overall decline in consumption.
- This decline shows a bipolar pattern with notable decreases in these two age groups, not just among Gen Z.
Wellness Drives Alcohol Reduction
- Wellness plays a major role in the alcohol consumption reduction trend, with people considering more than just direct health effects.
- Broader concerns such as energy levels and sugar intake influence people to drink less alcohol.
