Burgundy wine market shows signs of stabilization amid challenges

The Burgundy wine market in 2025 is experiencing a period of adjustment. Confidence remains low, but there are signs of stabilization, According to the latest report published by Liv-ex.. White Burgundy wines are performing better than reds during this downturn. Since 2022, Burgundy's market share has decreased as buyers have become cautious. However, 2025 has seen an increase in trading volumes for Regional Burgundy wines, suggesting that prices may be reaching levels that attract buyers. UK buyers continue to show strong interest in Burgundy, especially at the Grand Cru level.

The small 2024 Burgundy vintage is a significant factor in the market. Although it won't be released for another year, it influences the pricing of the 2023 vintage and the market's future direction. Burgundy prices soared during the 2021-2022 period due to high demand and cheap credit. As credit costs rose and demand fell, prices dropped, and confidence hit historic lows.

The Burgundy 150 index has fallen more than any other sub-index of the Fine Wine 1000, down 30.2% over the past two years. However, over five years, it has increased by 16.7%. The Champagne 50 and Italy 100 are the only other sub-indices to show growth during this period. The performance of white and red Burgundy wines has diverged. Whites, which require less cellaring, have maintained a healthier demand-supply balance. At the market's peak in September 2022, the average price for Burgundy 150 reds was nearly five times that of whites, leading to a more significant price drop for reds.

Burgundy's market share peaked at 26.0% in 2022 but has since declined to 19.3% in 2025. The bid-to-offer ratio for the Burgundy 150 was 7.14 in October 2021 but has now dropped to 0.23, the lowest among Fine Wine 1000 sub-indices. Buyers remain cautious, especially at the high end, where the average trade price per case is over £8,500, down from a peak of £18,600 in 2022.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of sentiment balancing out. In 2025, more Burgundy 150 components have increased in value than in the past two years, indicating potential stability. Burgundy trade activity mirrors the broader market, with participants remaining active but trading smaller volumes at lower values. In 2025, transaction volumes have increased by 6.4% compared to 2024, driven by Regional Burgundy trade. The average trade value is 25.6% lower than the previous year.

The breadth of Burgundy wines traded has not narrowed despite decreased confidence. The number of unique Burgundy brands traded in 2024 was 3.7% higher than in 2022, although the number of unique vintages traded was 3.7% lower. UK buyers have become less central to Burgundy purchases over the past five years, but they still over-index compared to the broader market. US buyers have become more prominent, accounting for the largest share of Burgundy Premier Cru trade value in 2025.

The 2023 Burgundy vintage was abundant, with the largest volumes in Burgundy's history. Critics note that Pinot Noir yields were the highest since 1999. Despite the large crop, the 2023 vintage is considered consistent, though not homogeneous. Some producers focused on quality, resulting in less diluted wines. Critics' ratings for the 2023 vintage vary, with some placing it above 2017 and 2021.

Release prices for the 2023 vintage are generally flat compared to 2022. The market's focus on value, supply, and demand has affected the recent campaign. The small 2024 crop may benefit Burgundy in the long term. As 2023 wines enter the secondary market, prices are expected to soften. The average offer is 11.4% below the ex-London release price. With limited 2024 supply, collectors may be ready to buy again when the 2025 vintage is released.

The market remains cautious, and a longer period of price stability is needed to restore confidence. Lower prices could attract new collectors and expand the pool of potential buyers, supporting long-term demand.