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
| Deal / rumor | Parties involved | Value (if known) | Geography / focus | Source / date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinarchy (Pernod Ricard & Accolade merger) | Pernod Ricard / Accolade → Vinarchy | not fully disclosed | Australia / Consolidation of global brands | |
| Iris Vineyards → WarRoom Cellars | Acquisition | unknown | USA / Napa (boutique winery) |
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.