Italian Wine Exports Reach €2.8 Billion in Early 2025

In the first half of 2025, Italian wine exports showed resilience, with a 1.5 percent increase in value, reaching 2.8 billion euros, and a 2.1 percent rise in volume, totaling 703.5 million liters. This performance slightly surpassed the global average growth of 1.4 percent in value. However, the United States, a key market for Italian wine, recorded a decline during the January to July period. Exports to the U.S. fell by 1.1 percent in value, and the average price per liter dropped by 6.8 percent.

The recent introduction of a 15 percent U.S. customs tariff on European Union wines, effective since August 2025, has particularly affected mainstream imported wines from Europe. In response, several Italian wine consortia, including Chianti, are actively seeking alternative markets such as China, Brazil, and Southeast Asia to offset the impact.

Italy’s grape harvest for 2025 is estimated at 47.4 million hectoliters, marking an 8 percent increase compared to 2024. This positions Italy once again as the world’s leading wine producer by volume, ahead of France and Spain. Despite this overall growth, some regions are choosing to limit production to maintain quality and reputation. In Tuscany, for example, forecasts indicate a reduction from 2.7 million hectoliters in 2024 to 2.4 million in 2025.

The bulk wine market is currently facing challenges. Brokers report slow demand and high supply levels, which are putting downward pressure on prices. Meanwhile, digital innovation and artificial intelligence are gaining traction in the sector. A recent study highlights how AI applications are being used in viticulture, production processes, and wine tourism to improve sustainability and efficiency.

In terms of mergers and acquisitions, activity in the wine sector has slowed significantly in 2025. The volume of transactions is at a historic low, with most notable deals involving strategic acquisitions of brands or facilities by large established groups. One significant transaction involves The Wine Group acquiring brands and facilities from Constellation Brands for approximately $900 million. This deal includes brands, production sites, and inventory across California and other U.S. locations.

Grape prices show regional variation but generally reflect a downward trend compared to previous years. In Pavia, Barbera DOP grapes are quoted at an average of €48 per quintal (with a range from €40 to €55). In Veneto and Vicenza, provisional DOC grape prices range from about €40 to €60 per quintal, with organic grapes commanding higher premiums.

Current offers for bulk wine on trading platforms include Bolgheri Vermentino at €320 per hectoliter, Toscana red wine at €200 per hectoliter, and organic Maremma Toscana red at €155 per hectoliter.

Harvest conditions vary across regions due to climate factors. In Alto Adige and along the Adige Valley, the harvest began earlier than usual—late August to early September—thanks to balanced vine growth and healthy grape clusters with less compactness than previous years. Veneto expects a significant increase in yield this year with an additional 100,000 tons of grapes reported for the 2025 harvest.

In Tuscany, several consortia have voluntarily reduced production volumes this year to focus on quality rather than maximizing output. This approach aims to protect the region’s reputation and ensure long-term sustainability for its wines amid changing market dynamics and international trade pressures.