on the main news in the world of wine and wineries, with a strategic eye for those working in the sector.

Key updates

• Italian wine exports in the first six months of 2025 recorded a modest increase: 1.5% in value (approximately €2.8 billion ) and 2.1% in volume (~703.5 million litres).
• However, the trend in recent months shows signs of weakness: for example, in the first eight months Italian exports to the USA fell by 28% (July-August 2025 vs 2024) in value.
• Globally, world wine trade recorded a decrease in value of -2.3% and in volume of -3.7% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
• Regarding production in Italy: the 2025 harvest is estimated at ~47.4 million hl, 8% less than 2024; in some regions, however (e.g. Tuscany), a voluntary reduction in yields has been recorded (from ~2.7 million hl to ~2.4).
• On the quality and environmental front: the harvest is reported as “in healthy conditions, concentrated grapes” in many areas, for example for Primitivo in Puglia.
• Innovation: Growing attention is being paid to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in viticulture, production, and marketing in the wine industry; recent studies highlight the role of AI in sustainable resource management and competitive differentiation.
• Under M&A: Tenuta Ulisse’s acquisition of the prestigious Campania winery Montevetrano was formalized in September 2025 (White Bridge Investments Group).

M&A Radar

Prices & Harvest – Mini Box

2025 Harvest (Italy): Estimated ~47.4 million hl (8% vs. 2024) with good quality reported. Territorial Yields: Tuscany estimated ~2.4 million hl (from ~2.7 million hl in 2024) due to the decision to limit production. Bulk Grape/Wine Prices: According to market reports, bulk wine prices in Italy are expected to remain stable or show slight upward pressure for certain varieties in 2025; for example, reduced availability has supported “high” prices, especially for in-demand varieties. Weather and Quality Notes: Generally favorable weather conditions in many Italian regions with healthy grapes and good concentrations; however, caution is needed in southern areas susceptible to drought (e.g., Puglia, Sicily).

on the main news in the world of wine and wineries, with a strategic eye for those working in the sector.

Major updates

• Italian wine exports in the first seven months of 2025 recorded a value of approximately €4.63 billion (-0.9% vs. the same period in 2024) and a volume equal to 1.23 billion litres (-3.4%).
• Italian exports to the United States, in the period July-August 2025, show a decrease of -28% in value , despite an average reduction in prices of -17%.
• The EU-Mercosur Agreement receives the green light from the European Commission: it represents a potential strategic diversification of the markets for Italian wine towards South America.
• The M&A market in the wine and spirits segment in Europe is at a 27-year low, with only around 38 deals recorded in the sector.
• As for the 2025 harvest in Italy: very positive signs from many areas—high grape quality, yields to be monitored in some areas where drought continues to be a concern.
• In the fine-wines/international auctions segment, France sees an estimated 2025 production decline to 36 million hl (-1% year-on-year, -16% vs. five-year average) due to heat waves and drought.
• Innovative trends: The adoption of AI in the wine sector—viticulture, wine tourism, and production—is highlighted as a strategic lever for sustainability, efficiency, and competitive differentiation.

M&A Radar

Transaction/rumor: No major Italian names have recently been disclosed with monetary details; however, the segment is experiencing a sharp contraction in deals. Parties involved: Generic – European wine producers/brands and spirits groups . Size/value: Undisclosed (trend toward small targets). Geography: Europe (Italy indirectly involved). Comments: M&A activity is focused on premium or niche brands (organic, luxury, sparkling wines) in an evolving oligopolistic context.

Prices & Harvest

• Fresh grape prices (2025 campaign – Italy): indicative range for generic grapes between ~US$ 3.68 and 5.52/kg (≈ €3.40-5.10), increases compared to the two previous years.
• Bulk wine prices in Italy: recent examples – Bolgheri Vermentino ~€320/hl; Toscana red ~€200/hl; Maremma Toscana organic red ~€155/hl.
• Yields and quality of the 2025 harvest: Many areas report healthy grapes, good concentration, and ripeness (e.g., Puglia 40% vs. 2024); however, risks related to heat and drought persist in Puglia and Sicily.
• Export price trend for bottles in Italy: average export of bottles was ~€4.43/l in a recent period in Italy.

on the main news in the world of wine and wineries, with a strategic eye for those working in the sector.

Recent Key Points

• Italian wine exports in the first months of 2025 reached approximately €2.8 billion (1.5% in value) and 703 million litres (2.1%) in the first six months.
• As of September 30, 2025, there were approximately 36 million hectoliters of wine in stock in Italian wineries: a 9.6% decrease compared to July but a 1.3% decrease compared to September 2024.
• The 2025 Italian harvest is estimated at 47.4 million hectolitres (8% compared to 2024), with generally good-excellent quality but with signs of overproduction and pressure on prices.
• In Tuscany, a voluntary reduction in yields is expected for 2025, from approximately 2.7 million to 2.4 million hl, in order to safeguard quality, reputation and average price.
• Italian exports to the United States and other non-EU markets are showing signs of weakness: in July-August 2025, a decline of -28% in value compared to 2024 despite price reductions (~-17%) to counter tariffs.
• Technological innovation is gaining ground: a recent study highlights the application of artificial intelligence in viticulture, production, and wine tourism as a lever for efficiency and strategic differentiation.
• In the M&A segment, for example, an anonymous Chinese investor acquired the Calmére Estate Winery (Napa USA) for $16.8 million in cash , with plans to expand into Asia.

M&A Radar

Prices & Harvest: mini box

• DOC grapes in Veneto/Vicenza: provisional prices between €40-€60/quintal (with organic premiums) for the 2025 harvest. (Local market signals source)
• Wholesale grape prices in Italy: suggested range 2025 between US$1.19-5.46/kg (approx. €1.10-€5/kg) depending on variety/territory.
• 2025 harvest conditions: good grape health, estimated good-excellent quality, but in some areas of the South (Puglia, Sicily) concerns about water stress.
• Cellar stock: 36 Mhl as of September 30, 2025 (Italy) representing a significant existing base before the new harvest.
• Trend: with the harvest increasing (8%) and stocks already high, strong pressure is expected on the prices of both grapes and bulk wine if not accompanied by action to contain yields or diversify markets.