Here’s the updated daily briefing on the wine/winery sector, with recent data and strategic insights.
Recent Updates (5 – 7 points)
- The 2025 harvest in Italy is estimated at around 47.4 million hectolitres , with healthy grapes and a “very good / excellent” vintage in the main wine-growing areas.
- The wine cooperatives report qualitative balance : regular ripening, stable technical parameters and positive prospects despite climatic challenges that vary by region.
- In Puglia, production is expected to increase by ~17% compared to 2024 thanks to favorable weather, but grape prices remain under pressure, with calls for extraordinary measures to support farmers.
- Wine stocks in Italian cellars are high: approximately 36 million hectolitres as of July 31, 2025, and at the same time domestic consumption shows an estimated decline of 2%.
- On the Italian export front, the first half of 2025 shows a 1.5% increase in value, but a contraction in volumes (-3%) compared to the previous year.
- Exports to the United States are showing signs of weakness: in April 2025, Italian wine in the US recorded a decline of 7.5% in volume and 9.2% in value, following the introduction of tariffs.
- Among the notable M&A transactions: The Wine Group completed the acquisition of brands and facilities from Constellation Brands—including Meiomi, Woodbridge, SIMI—strengthening its premium and infrastructure portfolio.
M&A Radar
| Operation / Rumor | Parties involved | Value / notes | Geography / focus | Source / date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Wine Group → acquisition by Constellation Brands | The Wine Group vs Constellation Brands | not disclosed (including premium brands and implants) | USA / California & North America | |
| Stoller Wine Group acquires the Elouan brand (Azur consultancy) | Stoller Wine Group / Copper Cane Wines & Provisions | not disclosed | USA / Oregon / National | |
| Metis (M&A advisory) expanding California practice | Metis | operational / strategic | USA / California |
Prices & Harvest (mini box)
- Grape / bulk wine prices (when available) Currently, there are no updated official prices for all the main Italian DOCs, but there is evidence of strong downward pressure on common wines and “cash” grapes due to the high supply.
- Trend compared to the previous year / weeks • In Puglia: 17% of grape production compared to 2024, but static or falling prices. • Inventories (36 Mhl) increase the risk of market saturation and price compression.
- Yields, climate, and local characteristics • Harvest began early almost everywhere in Italy thanks to favorable weather, with peaks of 10-20% less than average weather expectations in some areas of central and northern Italy. • Cooperatives report balanced ripening and good technical parameters in areas ranging from Sicily to Veneto.