Fashions don't just apply to what we wear. Emma Dance meets the experts from independent drinks supplier Bibendum to find out what the people of Bath will be drinking this summer.
The people of Bath like a drink - it's official.
Bibendum, which supplies drinks to restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels across the UK has conducted a survey that shows that in Bath we are more willing to part with our cash when it comes to our favourite tipple than anywhere else in the South West, spending on average 16 percent more on wine, 16 percent more on spirits, and 21 per cent more on fizz.
Perhaps this explains why, when in other parts of the country pubs are shutting up shop, the city's food and drink sector is thriving.
So when we're presented with a wine list or standing in front of the supermarket shelves what drives our decisions when we're selecting wine?
According to research 70 per cent of people believe grape variety is an important part of the decision making process when buying wine.
Pinot Grigio tops the charts when it comes to most popular grape varietals in Bath with Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet not far behind, with most of the wine consumed coming from Australia, Chile and France.
But the experts at Bibendum are encouraging people to try something different with their new app, Plonk, which helps people pick out new grape varieties based on their flavour preferences.
A spokeswoman from Bibendum said: "When choosing a wine people tend to just stick with what they know but there is so much out there just waiting to be discovered. Plonk can help suggest other varieties that you might like so it's not simply a matter of taking a shot in the dark."
But while Bibendum are encouraging people to spread their wine wings, they are also encouraging people to revisit flavours of the past that they might previously have discounted - like Lambrusco.
"In the past there was a lot of bad Lambrusco around," said a spokesman. "Because the Italians kept all the good grapes for themselves!
"But now we are seeing a resurgence and there are some good ones coming on to the market.
"We still wouldn't recommend picking up cheap bottles from the supermarket, but if you see Lambrusco on a wine list, don't discount it straight away. If you're not sure then ask the sommelier. A good sommelier will always be able to tell you about the grape and advise you."
Fun facts:
84 per cent of sparkling wine drinkers choose Prosecco
23 per cent of regular wine drinkers have bought lower alcohol wine
One in eight bottles of wine sold in the UK
