The fine wine trade continues to recover after two years of stagnation. This is shown by reports from the global wine trading platform Liv-ex as well as the wine investment consultancy WineCap. The main indices of Liv-ex recorded their strongest gains in November in over three years. The Liv-ex 1000 index rose for the third consecutive month. Some prices are at their lowest level in five years and are currently perceived as buying opportunities. In November alone, bids exceeding 35 million euros were placed. This is the highest value since April 2023. For Bordeaux Premier Crus, bids exceeded offers for the first time since May 2023. However, the trading value in November was almost ten percent below that of October. Italian wines accounted for over 25 percent of trading activity in November. There was particularly high demand from buyers in the UK and Asia.

WineCap also sees clear signs of a recovery in trade in its annual report. The interest rate cuts in Europe and the USA are an important factor for alternative asset classes like fine wine. According to the report, 95 percent of asset managers in the UK and the USA view fine wine as "one of the most profitable collector categories." More and more young and "data-driven" investors are entering the market. Fine wine is evolving from a specialized niche to an established and recognized investment strategy.

Half of the most sought-after wines of 2025, according to WineCap, come from the Rhône, followed by Burgundy with 30 percent, Tuscany, and Sauternes with ten percent each. The largest price increase was for the Château Rayas 2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which rose by 66.7 percent from 8,900 to almost 15,000 euros per case. Demand has exploded, especially after the death of owner Emmanuel Reynaud in November.

WineCap concludes in its report that the recovery will remain volatile. Some regions and vintages have not yet reached their lows. However, the outlook for 2026 is "as solid as it has been at any time since the beginning of the correction.".

(al; Image: 123rf)

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