Fine Wine Investment Grows More Complex as Select Labels Outperform Market

Investing in fine wines has become increasingly challenging in recent years, with the market no longer offering the easy gains seen in the past. According to WineCap, a specialized platform that tracks wine investment trends, the current environment is marked by greater complexity and risk. However, despite the overall negative trend, there are still individual labels that show growth potential for investors who make careful selections.

WineCap recently published its list of top-performing wines for the first half of 2025. Among these is Soldera Case Basse 2018, a cult name from Montalcino, which continues to attract attention from collectors and investors. The platform highlights several other promising wines for those looking to diversify their portfolios. In Bordeaux, Les Carmes Haut Brion stands out as a label with strong performance. Burgundy also offers opportunities, with Domaine Michel Lafarge, Domaine de la Vougeraie, and Samuel Billaud noted for their consistent quality and investment appeal.

Champagne remains a key region for fine wine investment, particularly with prestige cuvées from Dom Pérignon, Krug, and Cristal. WineCap points to vintages between 2008 and 2014 as especially attractive. Other notable bottles include Le Mesnil by Salon and Comtes de Champagne by Taittinger from the 2008 to 2012 vintages.

Italy continues to be a significant player in the fine wine market. The classic “blue chip” names from Bolgheri—Sassicaia from Tenuta San Guido, Ornellaia, and Masseto from the Frescobaldi group—remain staples for investors. WineCap also identifies recent high performers such as Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso Santa Caterina d’Oro Riserva from Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona. This wine appreciated by an average of 21% over the past year and 86% over ten years. Another standout is Scrio from Le Macchiole in Bolgheri, which saw its value rise by 29% in twelve months and 107% over a decade.

Piedmont’s classic producers are also represented among WineCap’s recommendations. Gaja, known worldwide for Barbaresco and Barolo, is highlighted this time for its white wine Rossj-Bass, which increased by 28% in one year and 128% over ten years. Barolo from Cascina Fontana posted similar gains: up 29% in twelve months and 129% over ten years.

From Valpolicella, WineCap notes Amarone from Marion, a small producer whose wines rose by 21% in one year and 43% over five years. These wines share characteristics that make them attractive for investment: rarity, critical acclaim, demand for older vintages, strong brand reputation, and aging potential.

The current market requires more expertise than ever before. Investors need to focus on labels that meet strict criteria for quality and scarcity while keeping an eye on shifting demand patterns. While broad market gains may be harder to achieve than in previous years, carefully selected wines continue to offer opportunities for those willing to do their research and seek expert advice.