Cosmmelier: Wine and IFSCC 2026 trends (Part One)

Dear readers,

I am writing this column from the beautiful Gold Coast, following the excellent 2026 IFSCC Congress held in Perth.

As I review the key trends and innovations presented, I am naturally accompanied by a glass of Australian Shiraz. Introduced to this country in the 19th century, this variety developed a distinct identity, setting itself apart from the traditional Syrah of the French Rhône to become an emblem of Australian winemaking.

Shiraz offers a complex, multidimensional sensory experience: it begins with notes of violet, red fruit, and fresh blackberry; evolves into spicy facets and nuances of olive; and culminates in an elegant, lingering texture featuring delicate wood notes and silky tannins.

It is impossible not to draw a parallel with our own industry: it brings to mind the evolution of a luxury perfume, from top notes and bouquet to the heart, or the progression of pick-up, rub-out, and after-feel in an exquisite skincare texture.

Once again, wine and cosmetics share common trends... so I invite you to pour a glass of your favourite wine and join me on this journey through the highlights of the recent IFSCC Congress.

Emblematic of Madeira wines from Portugal, this centuries-old practice is sparking renewed interest thanks to its unique sensory profile, oxidative complexity, and alignment with the growing demand for authentic, artisanal products capable of evolving over time.

The process involves subjecting the wine to controlled heating, usually in tanks. thereby accelerating the transformations that barrels historically underwent during long sea voyages.

The combination of heat and oxidation yields remarkable aromatic richness, featuring notes of dried fruit, caramel, spices, coffee, and orange peel, all underpinned by vibrant acidity.

Paradoxically, the wine's exceptional longevity stems from this deliberate exposure to heat and oxygen, which stabilizes it against the primary mechanisms of spoilage, allowing it to retain its quality for decades, or even centuries.

Longevity was a key trend at the congress, reflecting a shift from the concept of "anti-aging" toward a more holistic vision of "well-aging" and the preservation of skin functionality.

Various studies addressed cellular senescence, resilience against environmental stress, and the strengthening of the skin barrier as strategies for maintaining healthy skin over the long term.

Additionally, research was presented on the impact of heat, pollution, and other exposome factors on accelerated aging, alongside artificial intelligence tools designed to predict biological changes and guide preventive interventions.

This new perspective aims not only to reduce visible signs of aging but also to optimize skin health, resilience, and performance over the long term through solutions backed by biology and technology.

A trend that bears an interesting parallel to the GLP-1 phenomenon is the growth of low-alcohol wines and offerings geared toward "mindful drinking." Much like GLP-1 treatments drive decisions centered on metabolic health and holistic well-being, many consumers today seek to reduce alcohol intake without sacrificing the sensory and social experience of wine.

In both instances, the focus shifts from indulgence to a healthier lifestyle, where pleasure, moderation, and well-being coexist in balance.

Another key trend highlighted at the congress is the growing interest in the impact of GLP-1-based treatments on skin appearance and physiology. The rapid weight loss associated with these medications has created new cosmetic needs regarding firmness, facial volume, and skin quality.

Presentations explored strategies to support barrier function, preserve the extracellular matrix, and maintain a healthy appearance during metabolic changes. This trend reflects an evolution in cosmetics toward a more holistic approach, where longevity, metabolic health, and aesthetic well-being converge to define a new generation of consumer solutions.

This trend is transforming the wine industry through the use of microorganisms - either engineered or selected - to produce specific compounds more efficiently and sustainably.

This technology enables the production of aromas, flavours, and functional molecules with a high degree of control, thereby reducing reliance on agricultural resources and minimizing harvest-related variability.

In the wine sector, precision fermentation opens up opportunities to create innovative sensory profiles, optimize production processes, and meet the demands of consumers seeking sustainable, traceable, and scientifically backed products - all without compromising quality or sensory experience.

By using microorganisms engineered to produce specific molecules, it is possible to obtain bioactive ingredients of high purity and consistent quality, while reducing reliance on animal, plant, or petrochemical resources.

This technology opens up opportunities to develop innovative proteins, peptides, and other active ingredients, optimizing resources and potentially lowering the environmental footprint. Its main appeal lies in combining efficacy, sustainability, and scalability, although economic and regulatory challenges remain.

It represents an evolution toward biologically engineered cosmetic ingredients, offering greater control over their production and functionality.

This trend focuses on extreme, rare, and terroir-driven wine experiences. Icewines, crafted from grapes naturally frozen on the vine, concentrate sugars, acidity, and aromas, resulting in sweet wines of extraordinary intensity and freshness.

Meanwhile, regions at extreme latitudes are exploring new winemaking possibilities made viable by climate change. Their appeal lies in transforming extreme conditions, such as cold, ice, and short growing seasons, into exclusivity, a compelling story of origin, and unexpected sensory profiles for consumers seeking discovery and authenticity.

A renowned Asian company presented a pioneering study on the recovery of skin exposed to extreme polar conditions. The research explored the potential of a postbiotic derived from cold-adapted Antarctic microorganisms, evaluating its cosmetic application directly under real-world polar exposure conditions.

This approach opens new opportunities for understanding skin response to extreme environmental stress and developing solutions that promote recovery. The trend points toward "resilience-focused" cosmetics inspired by extremophilic organisms and validated through research in challenging natural environments.

The concept of a barrier is also emerging as a fascinating topic in oenology. Much like the skin barrier in humans, the grape skin is far more than a mere covering; it protects against radiation, dehydration, microorganisms, and environmental stressors, all while regulating exchanges with the external environment.

It is precisely here that anthocyanins, tannins, and numerous phenolic compounds are concentrated, elements that determine the wine's colour, structure, and a portion of its sensory identity.

Today, increasingly precise winemaking practices aim to preserve the integrity of the grape and carefully manage skin extraction during vinification. Whether in human skin or grape skin, understanding and caring for this biological boundary is essential for maintaining resilience, functionality, and quality.

Another renowned Asian company unveiled an innovative biomimetic nanodispersion concept designed to replicate the organization of the skin's intercellular lipids. This approach reflects a trend toward the intelligent repair of the skin barrier using structures that mimic its natural architecture.

Beyond merely incorporating moisturizing ingredients, it seeks to optimize their organization and functionality to support epidermal integrity. Barriersome represents an evolution toward structurally biomimetic formulations, where nanotechnology and an understanding of skin biology converge to develop more sophisticated cosmetic solutions.

This field studies how the brain constructs the perception of wine based on sensory, emotional, and contextual stimuli. Just as this study demonstrates the influence of neuronal signals on skin appearance, the wine industry explores how aroma, expectations, music, narrative, and emotions modulate the tasting experience.

This trend is inspired by the fascinating research that won the Podium Applied Research Award. That study developed a three-dimensional human skin model incorporating neuronal signals to investigate how communication between nerves and skin cells influences pigmentation.

Researchers demonstrated that the RGMB signaling pathway plays a key role in localized hyperpigmentation and pigmentary aging, revealing that the nervous system actively contributes to the development of spots and skin tone irregularities.

These findings open up new opportunities for developing more precise depigmenting treatments based on advanced biological mechanisms.

In the second part, we will explore other trends identified at the IFSCC congress. In the meantime, let's enjoy a good Shiraz! Cheers!

Looking for something else?