Today’s wine and cellar trends
Key points
- The 2025 Italian harvest is estimated at around 47.4 million hl , 8% compared to 2024: good health of the grapes and generally high quality.
- Italian wine exports in the first half of 2025 grew by 1.5% in value (~€2.8 billion) and 2.1% in volume (~703.5 million liters). However, the US market is showing significant weakness, with conditions deteriorating in the second half of the year.
- The bulk wine market in Italy is showing signs of price pressure: despite declining volumes, value is holding up thanks to a slight increase in the average price (~€0.78/litre) but with evident oversupply.
- Grape prices in some Italian regions are dropping sharply: in Umbria, for example, Sangiovese 2025 is quoted between €26-30/quintal, Merlot/Cabernet between €28-30/quintal, while Sagrantino DOCG is recording much higher values (€100-140/q).
- Globally, innovation is also entering the wine sector: a recent study highlights how AI, sensors, and Industry 4.0 technologies are gaining ground in vineyards, production, and wine tourism.
- The regulatory/trade environment presents challenges: US tariff action, the strength of the euro, and Italy’s need to diversify its export markets (Asia, South America) are the order of the day.
M&A Radar
| Operation | Parties involved | Size (if available) | Geography | Source data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase of the “Valle Talloria” site (Piedmont) | Caffo Group 1915 acquires from Italian Wine Brands SpA | not disclosed | IT (Piedmont) | October 13, 2025 |
| Sale of Cinzano Frattina brands from Campari Group to Caffo Group | Campari → Caffo | ~€100 million | IT | June 26, 2025 |
| Calmére Estate (Napa, USA) Acquired by Chinese Investor |
Prices & Harvest – Mini Box
- Italy 2025 harvest : ~47.4 million hl (≈ 8% vs 2024) Some regions choose to contain volumes (e.g. Tuscany 2.4 million hl compared to 2.7 million in 2024) to preserve quality.
- Grape prices :
- Umbria: Sangiovese ~€26-30/100 kg; Merlot/Cabernet ~€28-30/100 kg; Sagrantino DOCG ~€100-140/100 kg.
- Veneto/Vicenza DOC: DOC grapes approximately €40-60/quintal in 2025.
- Bulk wine market : In Italy, stable value (~€1.2 billion) despite a slight drop in volumes, average price ~€0.78/litre (2.1%) indicative of the segment.
- Weather/Quality Notes : Grapes generally healthy, high concentration, very good quality. However, drought risks persist in some areas (southern Italy).