Dubai’s wine market is experiencing a period of dynamic growth, according to Arturo Scamardella, head sommelier at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, one of the city’s most prestigious fine dining destinations.
Despite the reintroduction of a 30% municipal alcohol tax in early 2025—a move that initially raised concern among industry professionals—the city’s wine scene continues to evolve and attract global attention.
A Sommelier with Global Vision
Arturo Scamardella, originally from Italy and named Sommelier of the Year by Gault&Millau UAE 2025, brings with him a wealth of international experience, including positions at the Ritz London and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Since joining Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal, Scamardella has curated a wine list with over 1,600 references and a cellar of 6,000 bottles, featuring everything from rare vintages to iconic names like Screaming Eagle from Napa Valley.
The wine list emphasizes Italy, France, and Spain, with detailed historical and regional context, and even includes British sparkling wines such as Nyetimber—aligning with the restaurant's reinterpretation of traditional British cuisine under the guidance of Chef Chris Malone.
Wine and Tourism: A Symbiotic Relationship
Scamardella credits Dubai’s wine boom to the city's rising international tourism. In the first half of 2025 alone, over 9.88 million visitors came to Dubai—up 6% compared to the same period last year. This influx of tourists, many from wine-appreciating cultures, has created growing demand for premium wine experiences.
According to ISWR, combined wine sales in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman have nearly doubled since the pandemic and are projected to surpass USD 1 billion in 2025. This trend has led international wine companies like Cru Wines to establish operations in the Emirate, with others watching the market closely. Lebanese winemaker Faouzi Issa of Domaine des Tourelles notes that the Middle East is becoming increasingly significant for the premium wine trade.
Cultural Nuance and Legal Complexity
Dubai’s growth in the wine sector is unfolding within a complex legal and cultural framework. While alcohol consumption was decriminalized in 2020, it remains tightly regulated. Public drinking is still banned, and alcohol sales are subject to municipal taxation. Nevertheless, the steady flow of affluent tourists and international professionals has bolstered confidence among distributors and restaurateurs.
For sommeliers like Scamardella, this context requires not just technical knowledge but also cultural sensitivity and adaptability. He maintains close relationships with producers, regularly tastes new vintages with suppliers, and collaborates with chefs to ensure wine pairings enhance the culinary experience.
Shifting Tastes and New Challenges
Dubai’s multicultural identity is reflected in its wine preferences. Visitors often gravitate toward classic European wines, while local residents and younger consumers show growing interest in New World wines and lesser-known grape varieties. This has opened the door for labels from countries like South Africa, Chile, and Australia, as well as non-traditional regions of Europe and the Levant.
Scamardella notes the rapid pace of change in the city’s hospitality landscape: new restaurants and bars are constantly opening, requiring sommeliers to stay informed and adaptable. In this fluid environment, technology is also gaining importance—not just in inventory management, but in educating customers and creating personalized wine experiences.
A Promising Future
The presence of top-tier wine professionals from Europe, South Africa, and Australia continues to raise the standard of wine service in Dubai. Their expertise helps shape the market, bringing in not only new wines but also international service standards and practices.
Despite challenges like regulation and taxation, Dubai’s wine scene is flourishing—driven by tourism, innovation, and a thirst for discovery. As Scamardella puts it, the city is fast becoming a cosmopolitan hub for premium wine culture, where traditional boundaries are redefined and new opportunities continue to emerge.
Source: Vinetur