Fine wine sales subdued

The fine wine market is navigating turbulent times, with auction house iDealwine describing 2024 as “gloomy” and predicting only modest growth in 2025, while Liv-ex reports sharp trade declines due to weak US demand and ongoing tariff uncertainty.

France’s iDealwine, in its 2024 Auction Barometer, notes that despite auctioning a record 261,465 bottles, global sentiment remains subdued post-pandemic. Co-founder Angélique de Lencquesaing says the market reflects shifting tastes and lifestyles, with top collectors more selective than ever.

Meanwhile, UK-based Liv-ex reported a 30.2% month-on-month drop in trade value in April. US purchases fell sharply, down 34.8% from March, affected by dollar weakness and threatened 200% tariffs. Champagne, Tuscany and Piedmont were hit hardest, though Bordeaux held firm among US buyers.

Asia offered a silver lining, with April purchases up 24.7% on the year’s monthly average. Still, both platforms signal a cautious road ahead for the fine wine sector.