Fine Wine Bidding Surges 135% as Prices Hit Five-Year Low, Driven by UK and Asian Buyers

As 2025 draws to a close, the global fine wine market is showing signs of renewed momentum after several years of decline. According to Liv-ex, the international exchange for fine wine, prices have reached their lowest point in five years, creating a rare opportunity for buyers. The value of bids on Liv-ex has surged to £31 million, the highest level since April 2023. This increase in activity comes as the market’s major indices post their strongest gains in more than three years, signaling cautious optimism among traders and collectors.

The recent uptick in demand is being driven primarily by buyers from the United Kingdom and Asia, who together have fueled a 135% increase in bidding activity compared to the 2024 average. European buyers now account for nearly 40% of all purchases on Liv-ex, marking their largest share since August 2022. Meanwhile, U.S. demand remains subdued, with American buyers representing just under 17% of trade.

Liv-ex’s broadest benchmark, the Liv-ex 1000 index, rose by 0.4% in November, marking its third consecutive month of gains. The Liv-ex 50 index led the way with a 1.5% increase in November and a 2.9% rise over the past three months. For the first time since May 2023, bids on first growth Bordeaux wines have exceeded offers, indicating renewed interest in some of the market’s most prestigious labels.

Despite these positive signs, challenges remain. The market is still working through surplus stock from recent vintages, and upcoming campaigns for Burgundy and Bordeaux will require careful pricing to maintain momentum. Tom Burchfield, Head of Market Intelligence at Liv-ex, noted that while optimism is returning after three years of steady decline, it remains fragile.

Certain wine regions and labels have proven more resilient during the downturn. Sauternes wines experienced only modest declines and even posted gains in some cases. All five components of the Sauternes 50 index ranked among the ten most stable labels since September 2022. Italian wines such as Solaia and Gaja also held up well compared to peers. In contrast, Burgundy and Champagne suffered significant losses after sharp price increases during the bull run from 2020 to 2022.

Among top-performing wines since September 2022 are Chateau Climens Premier Cru Classe (Barsac), which rose by 4.2%, and Chateau Coutet Premier Cru Classe (Barsac), up by 4.1%. Joseph Drouhin’s Montrachet Grand Cru also managed a slight gain despite broader declines in Burgundy. On the other end of the spectrum, Domaine Georges Roumier’s Bonnes Mares Grand Cru fell by more than 53%, while several Champagne houses including Louis Roederer’s Cristal and Salon saw drops exceeding 30%.

Trade volumes reflect these trends. Italian wines accounted for over a quarter of all trade in November—their highest share in two years—with significant activity in Produttori del Barbaresco, Argiano Brunello di Montalcino, and Tignanello Toscana. Top-traded wines by value included Chateau Lafite Rothschild Premier Cru Classe (Pauillac) and Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino Riserva.

While overall trade value dipped slightly in November compared to October, average daily trade value increased by nearly 4%. Buyers appear encouraged by stabilizing prices; they initiated 38% of trades last month—their highest share this year.

Looking ahead, industry observers are watching closely to see if recent gains mark a turning point or simply a pause in a longer correction. The scars of the downturn remain visible across much of the market, particularly among Burgundy and Champagne producers who saw some of the steepest declines. However, with prices at their lowest levels since 2020 and demand rising—especially from UK and Asian buyers—many see this as an opportune moment for collectors and investors to secure sought-after wines at attractive prices.

As the fine wine market enters 2026, participants are balancing renewed optimism with caution amid ongoing supply challenges and evolving global demand patterns. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this recovery can be sustained or if further adjustments lie ahead for one of the world’s most closely watched luxury markets.