Umbrian Grape Prices Plunge Over 50 Percent in Two Years Despite Strong 2025 Harvest

The 2025 grape harvest in Umbria is underway with higher production volumes and good wine quality compared to last year. However, despite these positive signs, the region’s wineries are facing a sharp drop in grape prices. The latest figures from the Umbria Chamber of Commerce’s Commodity Exchange, published on October 14, show that prices for grapes have fallen by as much as 30% for minimum prices and 33.3% for maximum prices compared to 2024. When compared to 2023, the decline is even more severe, with minimum prices down by up to 50% and maximum prices falling by 54%.

Among the most affected grape varieties are those used for red DOC and DOCG wines. The only exception is Trebbiano Spoletino, which saw its price rise by nearly 65%, but this increase is due to a shortage in production rather than strong demand.

For the 2025 harvest, Sangiovese grapes are selling for between 26 and 30 euros per quintal. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are priced similarly, between 28 and 30 euros per quintal. Sagrantino DOCG, a flagship grape of Umbria, remains higher at 100 to 140 euros per quintal. Among white DOC grapes, Trebbiano is priced between 22 and 26 euros per quintal, while Grechetto ranges from 30 to 35 euros. Trebbiano Spoletino stands out at 70 to 80 euros per quintal due to its limited availability.

Compared to last year, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Gamay have all dropped by about 32%. Sangiovese is down nearly 31%, and Trebbiano has fallen by almost 24%. Looking at the two-year period from 2023 to 2025, the losses are even more dramatic: Sangiovese has lost over half its value, with a decrease of more than 52%. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have both dropped by over 50%. Trebbiano and Grechetto have also seen significant declines of around 47% and 44%, respectively. Even Sagrantino DOCG has not been spared, with a decrease of one-third since 2023.

The wine sector in Umbria is under increasing pressure. Demand remains weak and the market continues to contract. Wine consumption in Italy has dropped sharply over the past fifteen years—from nearly 22 liters per person in 2010 to just over ten liters in 2024. The slowdown in the European economy and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have also hurt exports to the United States, which is a key market for Umbrian producers.

Wineries across Umbria now face growing challenges as they are often forced to sell their grapes at prices that do not cover production costs, especially those related to energy and labor. This situation has triggered serious concern among producers who fear they will not be able to sustain another harvest if prices remain at these levels.

In this difficult context, the Commodity Exchange of the Umbria Chamber of Commerce serves as an important source of transparency for the sector. It provides real data on prices paid to producers, helping them understand market trends and make informed decisions about their future operations. For many wineries in Umbria, this information is essential for monitoring economic conditions and developing targeted support policies as they navigate a challenging period for regional viticulture.