Raise your can to these five wine trends

Making (and drinking) wine might be a tradition that dates back many generations, but it's evolved into something that's anything but traditional.

In 2018, the wine industry has taken us in directions that nobody could have predicted.

1. Wine in a can

We finally got the message that wine belongs in a bottle, not a cask, when along comes the can.

The can!

No one saw this coming.

The biggest barrier to having canned wine in the past was packaging; winemakers weren't sure how to stop the beverage from corroding the metal, and they couldn't figure out how to maintain a good shelf life.

Thanks to years of innovation, however, wine in a can now offers great quality, and is being lauded for the convenience it offers. Looks like it's well and truly here to stay.

How do you drink wine in a can? Well, the choice is yours. Some sip it straight from the can, others pour it into a glass, and lots of people love popping a straw into the can. Whatever works. Also on the rise, the cask. You have been warned.

2. Chardonnay makes a comeback

We tend to look back on chardonnay like a big perm: best left in its own era.

Just like the shoulder pads of its heyday, Chardonnay went out of fashion in the '90s. Its buttery flavour and rich, yellow colour were suddenly seen as too big: people were sick of drinking it, and they wanted subtler wines as Australia's love for different varieties grew.

There was even an entire movement dubbed ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) that meant the 'C' word was all but banned from everyone's lips – while out in civilised company, anyway.

Following the sauvignon blanc years, winemakers got to understand what consumers want in their white wines, and they played around with their chardonnay styles.

What they came up with is surprisingly delightful. Modern chardonnay can be described as fresh, elegant and complex, and we're all ready to cheers that glass of chardy again.

3. The era of organic, biodynamic and pét-nat wines

We still want to enjoy a good glass of wine with our organic food: Cellarmasters reports that sales of organic wines have increased by almost 400 per cent in the past 12 months.

Organic wines are made using grapes that haven't had contact with chemical fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides, either in the vineyard or during the winemaking process. They also have minimal or no added preservatives.

Biodynamic wines are made using organic theories, with an added element of staying true to the land on which they're grown and the seasons in which they've been produced. Some describe these wines as more vibrant than others.

Then there's the pet-nat (petillant-naturel) trend, in which sparkling wines are made using an ancient winemaking style that doesn't add yeasts or sugars.

Bonus: natural wines supposedly don't leave you with a hangover.

4. Wine icy poles

When you think of icy poles, chances are you think of the lemonade or raspberry flavoured treats from your childhood.

The good news is, icy poles have followed you into adulthood – now containing wine.

While they can be found for sale at some liquor shops and events, the best news of all is that you can make your own wine icy-poles at home. That means you can have fun with your favourite wine varieties, from Prosecco and rosé to pinot noir and sauvignon blanc.

The best wine icy poles are mixed with fruit – blackberries or plums with pinot noir, strawberries with champagne – to make them sweet and delicious.

5. Wine meets tech

Technology has hit the wine world in a big way, meaning that you no longer have to worry about not knowing much about wine. You no longer need to reach for your tried and trusted old favourite, the prettiest label or what's on special. All the knowledge is right there in your pocket.

Here are five great wine apps:

Vivino Wine Scanner: Tells you everything you wish to know about the wine you're drinking.

Wine Notes: Rate, track and share your favourite wines.

Vinloco: he cost conscious can scan a bottle at your local store, and the app will tell you if you're getting a bargain. If not, it'll recommend other options.

Wine Events: See wine-related events around the world, to help plan your next weekend or big trip.

Sammi: Described as "your personal mobile sommelier". The app tells you which wines will match what you're eating, and suggests offers from participating restaurants.