information from the world of wine and wineries.

Recent news (5–7 points)

• Masi Agricola has secured €40 million in financing from a banking syndicate to support strategic and infrastructure objectives, including its “Experiential Hub Monteleone 21.”
• Heitz Cellar (Napa) is breaking with historic tradition: for the 2025 harvest, it will no longer purchase all of Martha’s Vineyard’s production, selling part of the grapes to other producers.
• Chapel Down (UK) abandons £32m winery project in Canterbury, citing stagnant demand for English wines.
• Vinarchy (Pernod Ricard/Accolade merger) has consolidated 11 wineries and its headquarters in Adelaide, focusing on the relaunch of the Hardys, Jacob’s Creek and Campo Viejo brands.
• Table wine sales in the United States are declining: over the last 52 weeks, volume has fallen by 6.2%, reflecting declining demand.
• In Italy, a “bountiful” 2025 harvest is expected: estimates indicate around 47.4 million hectolitres , with growth compared to 2024.
• The academic study “Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Wine Industry” (July 2025) confirms that AI technologies (machine learning, computer vision, predictive models) can optimize irrigation, soil management, winemaking processes, and the wine tourism experience.

M&A Radar / Current Operations

Prices & Harvest (mini box)

• 2025 Harvest – Italy : estimated at ~47.4 million hectoliters, up from 2024.
• Inventories & Domestic Demand : Food inventories remain stable until July 31, 2025, and the large-scale retail sector is showing positive trends for sparkling wines.
• Prices / trends on bottled / bulk / DOC wines • In Italian large-scale retail trade, DOC wines recorded a -0.9% in value and a -2.4% in volume in 2024; DOCG wines decreased by -1.8% in value / -3.1% in volume. • During 2025, in various markets, a decrease in table wine sales in the United States was recorded (volume -6.2%).
• Climate conditions / yields : alert for water stress and heat waves in some Italian regions — risk of quality decline and regional variability.

information from the world of wine and wineries.

Recent Key Points

• In the first seven months of 2025, Italian wine exports recorded a slight drop in value (-1.1%) compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 1.2 billion euros , while volumes rose by 6.1% (219.5 million litres) — a sign of a compression in the average unit price.
• The US scenario is particularly critical: the average price per litre of exported bottles fell to €5.48 (-6.8%) and bulk wine suffered a contraction in value of -39.5%.
• Weather conditions in Italy are looking favorable: the 2025 harvest is imminent with positive expectations, while in the southern hemisphere, below-average harvests are reported for Chile and Argentina, and good ones for Australia/New Zealand.
• The wine M&A market in 2025 remains active but selective: according to a mid-year review, there have been seven significant transactions in the wine sector so far, while investors favor strategic mergers and premium assets.
• In Oregon, two large vineyard management operators have announced a merger, while Vinarchy (a new vehicle for Pernod Ricard Winemakers) is investing $100 million in winery redevelopments in Australia.
• The study “Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Wine Industry” (July 2025) highlights how the use of AI in vineyards, wineries, and wine tourism can improve efficiency, sustainability, and personalization of the customer experience.
• In the USA, the historic Heitz winery (Martha’s Vineyard) is changing its approach: starting in 2025, it will no longer exclusively purchase all the bunches of grapes from a single vineyard, opening its sourcing to more producers to enhance the value of the territory.

M&A Radar / Current Operations

Prices & Harvest (mini-box)

• 2025 harvest situation (Italy / Northern Hemisphere): harvest imminent, general positive expectations for quantity and quality.
• Southern Hemisphere: Chile (below average), Argentina (average), Australia/New Zealand (above average production)
• Bulk/bottle prices and markets (Italy → USA): the average price per litre of bottled wine exported to the USA is around €5.48, down 6.8% compared to the previous year.
• Differentiation by segment: Italian sparkling wine continues to grow in value (4.3%) but with a drop in unit price (-8.5%).
• Volumetric vs. price trend: growth in export volumes (in some cases 4-6%) accompanied by compression of unit price lists, a sign of price competition and pressure on margins.

About the world of wine and cellars.

Highlights

• CAP under siege: 25% cut in EU budget agricultural resources. Paolo De Castro (Nomisma) warns that such a large reduction in resources for the Common Agricultural Policy risks jeopardizing billions in agri-food exports, including wine.
• Wine exports: Veneto remains the driving force According to WineNews / Istat, in the first half of 2025 Italian wine exports fell by -0.47% in value and -3.1% in volume compared to 2024. Veneto confirmed its leadership with 1.5% in value and a share of ~37.1%.
• USA: Weak exports, fragile consumption. Italian wine exports to the US decreased by 1.1% in value in the first seven months of 2025; in July, the figure worsened to 21.1%. Furthermore, in the first quarter, non-EU exports decreased by 9% in volume (essentially stable)—a sign of a misalignment between shipments and actual consumption.
• Historic wine waters: added to the heritage The Sicilian company Tasca d’Almerita , founded in 1830, was recognized in 2025 as a “Historical Brand of National Interest”.

Strategic themes in focus

1. Regulatory pressure & CAP support: A drastic reduction in EU resources could worsen the structural fragility of the wine sector (investments in viticulture, sustainability, and varietal research). The risk is that wineries will suffer indirect cuts in public support.
2. US exports are fragile, and we need to diversify. The decline in the US market highlights the country’s dependence on that channel. We need to push for alternative markets, bilateral agreements, and resilience strategies, as well as reposition valuable segments.
3. Misalignment between shipments and actual consumption The back-and-forth between export volumes and the domestic market/actual consumption highlights a danger: exporting is not enough; the product must meet actual final demand, not just movement.
4. Historical value, branding and premium positioning The recognition of historic wineries (“historic brands” such as Tasca d’Almerita) is a competitive asset: it enriches storytelling and strengthens the perceived value on the international market.

Here it is: this morning’s report (September 23, 2025) with the latest updates useful for operations, positioning, and strategy in the world of wine & cellars.

Recent news

• Italian exports in the first six months of 2025 remained essentially stable in value (-0.47%) compared to 2024, but recorded a decline in volume (-3.1%). Veneto continues to lead the way, with a 1.5% share in value and ~37.1% of total exports.
• The 2025 Italian harvest is estimated at ~ 47.4 million hectoliters , 8% vs 2024. Production is growing especially in the South (Puglia 17-19%, Sicily 20%), while Tuscany expects a decrease compared to 2024 for certain varieties, although with an improvement in the organic share.
• Grape prices: Strong demand for generic whites, especially in Puglia; prices have recently risen, but could stabilize by the end of September.
• Exports to the USA: In July 2025, the value of Italian wine exports to the USA will be ‐1.1% lower than in July 2024; volumes will increase slightly, but the average price/liter will decrease (≈ ‐13.9%) due to the new tariffs that came into effect.
• Winemakers report a global market suffering from saturation: production growth risks supply exceeding demand; US tariff policies and changes in consumption (health trends, “no/low alcohol”) add to uncertainty.

Prices & Harvest (mini box)

Strategic themes & risks in focus

• Exposure to new US tariffs: not only a direct impact on prices, but also the risk that the “stockpiling” effect (advance purchases) will distort real demand.
• Overcapacity and competition in the generic/bulk segment: differentiation in value (cru, organic, storytelling) is needed to avoid competing solely on price.
• The “no/low alcohol” trend and changes in consumption: opportunities for innovation in products, packaging, and commercial positioning.
• Rising production costs (energy, logistics, and plant protection); significant agronomic/technological choices to reduce weather risks, disease, and poor yields.

Content ideas for professional (business-oriented) posts

1. Title : “Quality vs. Quantity: How Italian wineries are modulating yields to increase value” Angle : focusing on cases in Tuscany or Piedmont where they have chosen to reduce volume to maintain quality, understanding the impact on costs, sales prices and product image.
2. Title : “Exporting Without Surprising: Italian Strategies After US Tariffs” Focus : Analyze how companies are adjusting prices, packaging, and alternative markets (Canada, Asia, and emerging markets) to offset the negative effects of tariffs; the role of institutional promotion and trade agreements.
3. Title : “The Return of Generic Wine: Risk or Opportunity for Artisan and Medium-Sized Wineries?” Focus : Exploring how demand for “entry-level” or generic wines is driving up the prices of generic grapes; which companies can leverage this segment; and how to differentiate (brand, label, packaging) to avoid being caught in competition based solely on costs.