35 Fine Wine Brands See Price Gains as Market Shows Signs of Recovery in 2025

Liv-ex, the global marketplace for fine wine, has released its 2025 Power 100 report, offering a detailed look at the most influential wine brands in the secondary market. The annual ranking comes after a turbulent 2024, a year marked by falling prices, weak demand, and uncertainty among buyers and sellers. The new report, however, points to early signs of stability and renewed confidence as the market begins to recover.

The Power 100 is based on a combination of factors including price performance, trading activity, and brand reputation. This year’s results show that 35 brands recorded price increases, compared to just 11 in the previous year. Liv-ex indices have also risen for three consecutive months, suggesting that the worst of the downturn may be over. The mood among buyers has shifted from concern about further declines to renewed interest in identifying value opportunities.

Cheval Blanc has emerged as the top brand in the 2025 ranking, climbing nine places from last year. The Bordeaux estate’s disciplined approach to pricing has helped it stand out during a period when many producers struggled with falling prices and excess stock. Market analysts note that Cheval Blanc’s stable release pricing model has built trust among buyers and reinforced its reputation for quality and value.

San Guido, producer of Sassicaia, secured second place overall. The Super Tuscan brand benefited from strong global demand and a balance between quality, production volume, and relatively accessible prices. Rayas from the Rhône Valley made one of the most significant jumps in the rankings, moving up 49 places to fifth position after recovering from steep price declines in previous years.

Champagne achieved its best-ever showing in the Power 100 with nine brands represented. Krug led the region’s performance, while Selosse and Salon entered the rankings for the first time. Champagne’s resilience is attributed to its broad appeal and consistent demand across global markets.

Burgundy saw more volatility than other regions, with ten brands dropping out of the Power 100 and nine new entrants taking their place. The brands that performed best were those offering mid-range wines—priced under £2,000 per case—that appeal to both collectors and drinkers. Burgundy’s share of market activity continues to grow as buyers seek wines suitable for immediate consumption rather than long-term investment.

Italy’s Super Tuscans maintained their strength despite a decline in demand for traditional Tuscan wines such as Chianti and Brunello. San Guido’s rise was driven by both price increases and high trading volumes. Other Super Tuscans like Ornellaia, Masseto, Tignanello, and Solaia also performed well. In contrast, several traditional Tuscan producers fell out of the rankings due to reduced interest from U.S. buyers.

Bordeaux remains a focal point for market analysis. While Cheval Blanc led the region’s resurgence, other estates like Yquem and La Conseillante also benefited from careful pricing strategies. Yquem remained in the top ten despite weaker demand for sweet wines overall. La Conseillante climbed 89 places thanks to its measured approach to release prices and continued reputation for quality at accessible prices.

Some Bordeaux estates faced challenges. Pontet-Canet and Leoville Barton dropped out of the top 100 entirely. Pavie and Angelus remained but lost ground after raising prices following their reclassification as Premier Grand Cru Classe A in 2012. Pomerol’s most exclusive wines—Petrus, Le Pin, and Lafleur—rose in rank due to increased trading activity rather than price gains.

Among California wines, Opus One led with a ninth-place finish overall. While its latest vintage saw some price declines post-release, older vintages remained stable or increased slightly in value.

Outside France and Italy, Spain’s Vega Sicilia experienced a sharp fall from first place last year to sixteenth this year. The brand was affected by tariffs and reduced support from U.S. buyers but maintained active trading volumes.

The report notes that while there is still an excess of stock on the market, rising bid-to-offer ratios indicate that lower prices are attracting buyers back into the market. The shift in sentiment is reflected in both trading activity and price stabilization across key indices.

Market analyst Sophia Gilmour commented that successful pricing strategies were crucial for this year’s top performers. She highlighted Cheval Blanc’s consistency as a model for other producers facing uncertain conditions.

The Liv-ex Power 100 report concludes that while challenges remain—such as lingering stock overhangs and cautious buyer sentiment—the fine wine market is showing signs of resilience. Brands that combine reasonable pricing with strong reputations are best positioned to benefit as confidence returns to the sector.