Fine wine market steadies in Q2 as buyers seek global gems

Although the Liv-ex 100 index dipped -3% in Q2, the slide was gentler than previous quarters, suggesting fine wine prices may be adjusting to a new normal less rattled by geopolitical drama.

Bordeaux struggled, dropping -5.6% so far this year, hampered by a lacklustre En Primeur season and muted Asian demand. Burgundy saw a similar -5.6% fall as buyers cooled after past price surges.

Champagne fared better, slipping just -4.9% year-to-date and gaining +0.8% in June. Star performers included Rhône’s Domaine Jean Louis Chave 2021 Hermitage Rouge, soaring +36.8%, and California’s Screaming Eagle 2012, up +24.4%. However, looming tariff uncertainties threaten potential volatility in Q3.