with updated useful insights as a basis for the wine/cellar sector:
Key news (5–7 points)
- In Italy, the 2025 harvest is estimated at 47.4 million hectolitres (8% compared to 2024), with quality ratings of “very good / excellent” in many regions.
- The first half of 2025 saw Italian wine exports record a decline in volumes (-3.0%) but a stability in values, thanks to a growing average price per litre (2.6%).
- In France, the Comité Champagne has reduced the maximum yield for the 2025 harvest to 9,000 kg/ha (approximately −10%) to contain excess stocks.
- The US/EU tariff environment continues to generate tensions: new protectionist measures are hitting entry-level European wines and redefining margins on US shelves.
- The bulk wine market is showing weakness: sluggish demand, high inventories, and difficulty generating attractive deals.
- Artificial intelligence is consolidating its role: predictive models, environmental monitoring, optimization of resources in the vineyard and cellar, and wine tourism management with automation are among the emerging applications.
- The Italian export voortrekkers are preparing for Vinitaly.USA 2025 in Chicago (October 5–6), with strong Italian participation and B2B meetings focused on pricing dynamics and brand positioning.
M&A Radar
| Operation / Rumor | Parties involved | Dimensions / Notes | Geography | Source / Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viva Wine Group acquires Delta Wines | Viva Wine Group (Sweden) → Delta Wines (NL) | ~ EUR 57 million for 89% of the shares | Europe, NL & Northern Europe distribution network | |
| Overshine Collective acquires Reeve Wines and Martha Stoumen | Overshine (holding company of former Google executive) → Sonoma wineries | Equity & brand operations (including festivals, labels) | California, USA |
Prices & Harvest (mini box)
- Italy (general) : estimated production 47.4 million hl (8% vs 2024) with good quality grapes.
- Veneto : grapes estimated at around 14 million quintals, 3–5% compared to 2024.
- Champagne : maximum yield reduced to 9,000 kg/ha (−10%) to contain stocks.
- Price trends : Italian exports recorded average prices rising (2.6%) in the first half of 2025, despite a drop in volumes.
- Harvest / Yield Notes : In Italy, the harvest started early almost everywhere. Some areas in central and northern Italy indicate possible drops of 10–20% in volumes, but the grapes will be healthy thanks to favorable weather.
with updated useful insights as a basis for the wine/cellar sector:
Relevant News & Trends (Latest Update)
- Italian wine production for 2025 has been revised downward: Legacoop reports lower-than-expected yields, with a final forecast of approximately 44 million hl, despite the grape quality being considered high.
- The harvest in Italy is more than 75% complete and some regions that had abundant production in 2024 are recording drops of 10-20%.
- In the US market, despite the drop in volumes, the value of the wine market is recovering: the Wine Market Report 2025 (BMO) reports a 4% share of sales value in the United States.
- The Vinitaly.USA 2025 initiative aims to consolidate the presence of Italian wine in the United States with 250 exhibitors and an export volume of 345 million liters in 2024 (US imports $2.25 billion).
- France has secured approval for a €5 billion aid plan to support wine exports to the US amid transatlantic tariff tensions.
- In the UK, Chapel Down winery has cancelled a £32 million project for a new winery, citing slowing domestic demand and the need to rein in investment.
- Artificial intelligence is gaining traction as a strategic tool for sustainability and efficiency: the study “Artificial Intelligence for the Sustainable Wine Industry” explores practical applications in viticulture, winemaking, and wine tourism.
M&A Radar
| Deal / Rumor | Parties involved | Size (if known) | Geographical area | Source / date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition of Tenuta Ulisse by White Bridge | Tenuta Ulisse, White Bridge Investments II | not disclosed | Italy, Campania | |
| Premium Consolidations and Acquisitions | wine operators/funds targeting quality assets | selective | Italy / Europe | |
| Chapel Down wine project cancelled | Chapel Down (UK) | approx. £32 million investment aborted | R |
Prices & Harvest (mini box)
- Yields in Italy are disappointing compared to initial estimates, suggesting a realignment of the supply-demand balance that is favorable to supporting prices.
- The production drops particularly affect regions that had had abundant production in 2024 (decreases of 10-20%).
- There is currently no recent public data available on spot prices for grapes or bulk wine, but the context suggests upward pressure for those who can guarantee quality and differentiation.
- Climatic phenomena (drought in the south, rain during the flowering phase in the north) have negatively affected yields, but not – for the moment – the quality of the grapes.