Categories
News

Mixed signals: correction continues but top wines prove the exception

  • Despite a broader market correction, some fine wines have risen over 10% year-to-date. 
  • The top-performers are united by their strong value proposition. 
  • The 2024 En Primeur is all about momentum and timing, given the mixed quality and the availability of well-priced older vintages.

Despite a broader market correction – with the Liv-ex 1000 index declining 2.1% year-to-date – select fine wines have demonstrated remarkable resilience. A closer look at Q1’s top performers reveals a diverse spread across key wine regions: Bordeaux, Piedmont, the Rhône, and Burgundy.

The best performing wines

The best performing wine was Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Rouge 2021, which surged 22.7%. The long-term trajectory of the brand has been upwards, with a 54% rise in value over the past decade.

The second spot was taken up by Pichon Baron 2013 with a 22.6% rise. Often overlooked due to the vintage’s cooler weather, it now stands out for its relative value and strong long-term potential. Over the past ten years, the brand’s prices have climbed by 58% on average.

From the Northern Rhône, Guigal’s La Landonne secured two spots on the leaderboard: the 2012 vintage rose 11.1%, while the 2014 – 10.6%. Across the past decade, the La La wines have appreciated by 47%, affirming their iconic status among Rhône collectors.

From Barolo, the 2001 Bruno Giacosa Serralunga d’Alba made the top ten with a 21.2% rise, showcasing continued demand for aged, cellar-ready Nebbiolo from one of Piedmont’s most revered producers.

Regional trends: pressure persists

While these individual wines bucked the trend, broader regional indices tell a more sobering story. Both Burgundy and Bordeaux, the primary pillars of the fine wine market, fell by 2.9% in Q1. Even regions that showed resilience – such as the Rhône, which rose 1.1% in March – remain down overall for the quarter.

This pattern underscores the current investor mindset: cautious, value-driven, and increasingly selective.

2024 En Primeur: momentum and timing

The 2024 Bordeaux En Primeur campaign has landed in challenging terrain. With the market in retreat and the specter of new U.S. tariffs, producers have had no choice but to re-evaluate pricing strategies. The first releases came in below last year’s prices, and before critic scores were published.

While these adjustments reflect an awareness of the macroeconomic environment, price cuts alone don’t guarantee demand. Investors are weighing these new offers against older vintages available at comparable – or better – value.

The swift pace and early start of this year’s campaign echo the successful 2019 En Primeur release, which capitalised on momentum and timing. However, given the mixed vintage quality and volatile market, strategic selectivity is more essential than ever.

Looking for more? Read our Q1 2025 Fine Wine Report.

Categories
Learn

How does Bordeaux set its release prices?

In the springtime of each year, all eyes turn to Bordeaux as the region begins its extended En Primeur campaign when châteaux across this prominent region set their wine prices.

Such decisions require the navigation of multiple factors within a delicate financial and cultural ecosystem. WineCap spoke with eminent producers for insights into what influences the all-important price setting.

  •         Previous vintages and price key influences
  •         Profitability for all players is an important driver
  •         Compelling price point for customers is critical
  •         Brand and critical ratings have some impact

Château Smith Haut-Lafitte, Grand Cru Classé, Graves

“Don’t believe people say, ‘I do it all by myself’,” said Florence Cathiard who co-owns the Graves house with her husband Daniel. “It’s a long process and very delicate because we have to take several parameters into account.”

These include contemplating pushing prices higher because of swift sales in previous years, the vintage quality, and the general global environment.

“We also take advice from some of the best négociants, brokers, and even some importers — not those who are just trying to put the price down, to sell high, but the real friends.”

Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, Second Growth, Pauillac

Christian Seely, managing director of AXA Millésimes, owner of Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, has devised a formula for the optimal release price of a Grand Cru Wine.

“The ideal price is the highest price possible at which my existing customers will buy the wine with enthusiasm,” he said. “It has to be the highest price possible, otherwise I might get fired. But it has to be the highest price possible at which my existing customers will buy the wine with enthusiasm. If you go too high, your existing customers might buy it without enthusiasm. If you go much too high, maybe your existing customers won’t buy it, and that would be terrible. It’s a personal judgment based on experience.”

Château Pichon Comtesse, Second Growth, Pauillac

Nicolas Glumineau, CEO and winemaker of Château Pichon Comtesse, combines mathematics with common sense.

“To price the wine correctly, you have to be very respectful of your market. And what we do is to have a very sharp eye on market prices,” he explained. “We consider that each step of the distribution chain has to get remuneration. It’s very important for each of us to earn money thanks to the distribution of Pichon Comtesse.”

Château Cheval Blanc, Saint-Émilion

Pierre-Oliver Clouet, Managing Director at Château Cheval Blanc has a similarly logical approach.

“En Primeur should be forever the lowest price you can find in your bottle,” he told WineCap. “The release price depends on many things: the quality of the vintage, the economic context in the world, and, as well, the price of new vintages available on the market. So, ultimately, the definition of the price En Primeur is not something difficult to reach. This is something mathematical.”

Château Canon, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Saint-Émilion.

Nicolas Audebert also follows mathematical logic in the pricing game. “If you go En Primeur, the interest for the consumer, the guy buying the bottle is that ‘if I buy en primeur, the bottle that I will put in my cellar and not able to drink now, it has to be at a lower price of the same quality I can buy in the market and drink now’,” he told WineCap.

Audebert takes an equivalent quality vintage from recent years, considers the margin, does some precision-calculations, and arrives at a price that offers a ‘win-win’ for all parties.

“Of course, afterwards, you can have ‘plus-value’ on the exceptional quality of the vintage or something like that. But if we play primeur, we have to play the game of logical pricing.”

Château Pavie, Premier Grand Cru Classé (A), Saint-Émilion

“There are some secrets,” jokes Olivier Gailly, commercial director for the Perse wine family at the renowned house. “There are a lot of different factors, which are, first of all, the history of your château, the different vintages and prices in the past, and how successful it was.

If the market demands, you have to push some, but you have to listen to it as well. Of course, ratings still play a role, meaning the feedback from the customers when they come and taste during the En Primeur week in Bordeaux. We then meet with Monsieur Perse and take the decision together. The final one will be his, being the owner of the property.”

Château La Mondotte, Premier Grand Cru Classé, Saint-Émilion

“If you have the wrong price, it’s a disaster,” Stéphane von Neipperg, owner of the Right Bank house said. “Nobody wants a lot of people wh don’t want to buy the wine.”

When his team goes to the market, they consider the global economy, the local market price direction, and information from brokers and négociants. “You have to absolutely test the price with negotiants, brokers, and also with your friends, the importers. Then we can say, ‘well, this would be a good price’. A good price is when everyone in the business makes money.”

Cos d’Estournel, Second Growth, Saint-Estèphe

Charles Thomas, commercial director of the Left Bank château, places an emphasis on quality and the good value the region offers when deciding on price. “I would be lying if I said it doesn’t depend sometimes on the exchange rate,” he said. “But also, it’s according to the quality we have — and this is the most important thing. Bordeaux is not expensive when you look at Burgundy and Napa Valley and some wine from other appellations.”

Vintage has more of an impact than elsewhere and can link to market price, Thomas added. “Of course, in Bordeaux you have the vintage effect that you don’t always have in other parts of the world. We try to be more stable for the client or the consumer, though, so they can accept any necessary price variation.”

Château Angelus, Saint-Émilion

As well as previous vintage pricing in Bordeaux and internationally, for Château Angelus CEO Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, two more factors are key influences when the prestigious house goes to market.

“The volume as well, of course, because it makes a real impact,” she explained. “I’d say the strength of the brand as well.”

See also our Bordeaux I Regional Report. 

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

Categories
News

Wine Advocate’s top-scoring Bordeaux 2024 wines

  • William Kelley defines Bordeaux 2024 as the ‘weakest vintage of the last decade’.
  • The vintage is characterised by challenges – weather and economic. 
  • Kelley’s top three wines achieved a barrel range of 94-96 points.

The Wine Advocate was among the first to release their Bordeaux 2024 En Primeur report last week, with William Kelley calling it the ‘weakest vintage of the last decade’. The report, titled ‘Ripeness is all’, highlights the challenging weather conditions and the growers ability to time the harvest, which played a crucial role in the making of the best wines. 

The style of the vintage

For Kelley, 2024 is not a Left or a Right Bank vintage; he argued that it ‘can only be understood on a producer basis’. 

For him, it is ‘more of a throwback, exhibiting flavors more familiar from the decade of the 1990s than more recent years’. The best wines show ‘the estate signature’ style and possess a ‘strong identity’. 

Kelley explained that ‘the most compelling 2024s are intensely flavored middleweights with good structure and energy, exhibiting integrated acidity and ripe tannin’.

‘A handful of wines, often thanks to a riskily late harvest and generally from early-ripening sites, even possess a density and mid-palate amplitude that transcends the year and which will render them hard to identify in blind tastings a decade from now’, he continued.

To achieve these results, terroir was crucial: ‘better-drained, earlier-ripening plots fared best’ in a year defined by cold and rain. Sorting was important too but only for fully ripe grapes.

Vintage challenges

Bordeaux 2024 will go down in history as a challenging vintage – first, due to the weather, and second, the macroeconomic context, including the waning sentiment towards the En Primeur system.

When it comes to the weather, it was a year of negative records. Kelley noted that ‘March-May saw 35% more rainfall than the 20-year average, making 2024 the third wettest spring recorded, after 1979 and 2008’. This delayed flowering, leading to uneven ripeness within bunches, which could have only been mitigated by patience. 

Rain and falling temperatures in September presented more obstacles – botrytis, and slower degradation of acidities and pyrazines. Many producers were quick to harvest – often underripe grapes; those that dared to wait gained ‘mid-palate amplitude and degrading pyrazines in the process, even if analytical maturity alone registered little change’.  

Now that the vintage is being released onto a downward market, Bordeaux is facing mounting pressure. In his report, Kelley wrote: ‘An excellent vintage at a very fair price might perhaps have been capable of reigniting some interest in en primeur, but it seems unlikely that 2024, beyond a handful of châteaux, will be able to achieve that.’

He concluded that ‘if Bordeaux rides high in good times, it is unavoidable that the region should also experience market lows particularly acutely. Bordeaux will be back, of course, it’s only a matter of time.’

Selectivity is key

Given this vintage background, strict selectivity when purchasing Bordeaux 2024 will be key. Beyond pricing, which has to be fair in the context of older vintages, critic scores play an important role. 

Kelley’s highest score for this vintage was a barrel range of 94-96 points, which went to three wines: Cheval Blanc, La Conseillante and Pontet-Canet (released on 23 April).

Of the three, La Conseillante has been the best price performer on a brand level, rising over 70% in value over the past decade, and considerably outperforming the broader Bordeaux market. 

For Kelley, these three wines were the ‘stars of the vintage’. For Cheval Blanc, he explained that ‘Pierre-Olivier Clouet and his team conducted an aggressive green harvest and also, exceptionally, used densimetric sorting to mitigate heterogenous maturity between and within bunches, accepting losses to rot in pursuit of full maturity.’ 

Sorting was also strict at Conseillante, which is ‘a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc that produced 22 hectoliters per hectare after extensive sorting’.

When it comes to Pontet-Canet, Kelley said that the final wine ‘underlines the fact that daring to harvest late paid dividends in this challenging vintage, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, black raspberries and plums mingled with accents of rose petals, licorice and exotic spices.’

See also our Bordeaux I Regional Report. 

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

Categories
Learn

What makes fine wine a great portfolio diversifier?

  • One of the key characteristics that make fine wine an attractive diversifier is its low correlation to traditional financial markets.
  • Its scarcity and tangibility further drive up its value. 
  • According to the WineCap Wealth Report 2025, 96% of UK wealth managers expect demand for fine wine to increase, a testament to its growing recognition as a valuable asset class. 

Moreover, fine wine’s value is tied to its provenance, condition, and aging potential, making it a tangible investment with intrinsic worth. Unlike cryptocurrencies or speculative stocks, which can experience extreme fluctuations based on sentiment or market cycles, fine wine benefits from an established secondary market where demand remains steady among collectors, investors, and luxury buyers.

Inflation hedge and wealth preservation

Fine wine serves as a natural hedge against inflation, protecting purchasing power when traditional assets are eroded by rising costs. As inflation increases, the prices of hard assets like fine art, real estate, and fine wine tend to appreciate, maintaining their value in real terms.

Wealth managers increasingly recommend allocating a small percentage of a portfolio to alternative assets like fine wine to safeguard against economic turbulence.

Tax efficiency for UK investors

For UK-based investors, fine wine presents a significant tax advantage over traditional investments. Unlike stocks, real estate, or business assets that are subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT), fine wine is classified as a “wasting asset”, meaning it has an anticipated lifespan of less than 50 years.

This classification makes fine wine exempt from CGT, allowing investors to realise profits without the same tax burdens as other asset classes.

For example, a traditional investment yielding a £5,000 profit could be subject to CGT at rates of up to 24%, reducing net returns. In contrast, a fine wine investment with the same £5,000 profit would be tax-free, maximising gains for high-net-worth investors.

This tax efficiency makes fine wine particularly attractive in wealth management strategies, especially as the UK government has lowered CGT allowances and increased tax rates in recent years.

Growing institutional and HNW investor demand

The perception of fine wine as a viable financial asset is rapidly evolving. Traditionally the domain of private collectors and enthusiasts, fine wine is now being incorporated into portfolios managed by wealth advisors, family offices, and institutional investors.

According to the WineCap Wealth Report 2025, 96% of UK wealth managers expect demand for fine wine to increase, a testament to its growing recognition as a valuable asset class. 

Additionally, AI-powered investment tools are making fine wine more accessible to a broader range of investors. Fine wine companies and professionally managed portfolios allow investors to gain exposure without needing deep industry expertise.

This institutional adoption further legitimises fine wine as a serious financial instrument, enhancing its liquidity and long-term viability.

Why fine wine deserves a place in your portfolio

Incorporating fine wine into an investment portfolio provides stability, tax efficiency, inflation protection, and strong diversification benefits. Its low correlation with traditional assets makes it particularly valuable during periods of market uncertainty, while its scarcity-driven appreciation ensures long-term value retention.

For investors seeking to protect and grow wealth, fine wine remains one of the most compelling alternative investments available today.

Categories
Learn Report

Q1 2025 Fine Wine Report

It has been a volatile start to the year, with President Donald Trump’s return to the White House unsettling global markets. The fine wine market continued its measured slowdown, yet optimism persists: wealth managers increasingly view fine wine as a strategic diversifier, with demand expected to rise in 2025. Q1 saw a cautiously successful Burgundy 2023 En Primeur campaign and a mixed round of spring La Place releases – headlined by the highly anticipated, 6×100-point Latour 2016.

This report explores the key trends that shaped Q1, from geopolitical tensions and shifting market sentiment to the top-performing wines and regional highlights.

Executive summary

  • Mainstream markets faltered:
    At the time of writing, the S&P 500 has fallen 7.2% year-to-date, Nikkei 225 dropped 20.5%, and crude oil is down 13.2%.
  • Fine wine prices dipped:
    The Liv-ex 100 declined 2.0% in Q1 2025. The broader Liv-ex 1000 index is down 2.1%.
  • Regional performance:
    Bordeaux and Burgundy were the weakest regions in Q1, each falling 2.9%. Italy continued to show resilience, down just 0.4%.
  • Top performer:
    The best performing wine was Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Rouge 2021, which surged 22.7%.
  • La Place spring campaign:
    Expanded further with new entrants. The Latour 2016, backed by six 100-point scores, stood out as one of the most successful and talked-about releases.
  • Looking ahead:
    The Bordeaux 2024 En Primeur campaign, the key fine wine event of Q2, faces heightened price pressure and buyer caution amid broader economic headwinds.

The trends that shaped the fine wine market

Escalating trade war tensions

One of the most disruptive forces in Q1 2025 has been the re-escalation of global trade tensions, largely stemming from President Donald Trump’s newly announced tariffs. The dramatic return to tariffs has created significant headwinds for global markets, and fine wine has not been immune.

Tariffs fluctuated rapidly. In early April, Trump declared 54% tariffs on Chinese goods imported into the US, a figure he raised to 125% just days later. In the same breath, he confirmed 20% tariffs on European goods, before abruptly announcing a 90-day pause on April 9th, during which tariffs for all non-Chinese countries were lowered to 10%. While this provided short-term relief to EU producers, the volatility has caused widespread uncertainty. 

One thing seems clear: the coming months will be pivotal, with trade developments likely to dictate sentiment and demand in key markets.

Markets under stress

In Q1 2025, mainstream financial markets experienced significant volatility, largely driven by the abrupt changes outlined above. The S&P 500 entered correction territory, declining over 10% from its February 19th high, before partially recovering in late March. The energy sector mirrored this instability. Oil prices plunged to a four-year low amid recession fears and heightened tariffs, only to rebound following announcements of tariff pauses. The rapid succession of policy shifts has led to a climate of uncertainty, making it difficult for investors to anticipate market movements.

Fine wine in Q1 2025

The fine wine market similarly felt the pressure. Prices fell 2% on average over the last three months. The broader Liv-ex 1000 index declined 2.1%, highlighting continued softness across the board. Regionally, Bordeaux and Burgundy were the weakest performers, each down 2.9%. Italy once again stood out for its resilience, declining 0.4%, thanks to consistent demand for top names and relatively stable pricing. The top performing wines in Q1 included Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche Riserva 2014 (72.1%), Château Léoville Barton 2021 (30.9%), and Château Rieussec 2019 (22.8%).

Pressure on En Primeur

The ongoing trade war comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Bordeaux 2024 En Primeur campaign, which is about to launch. The system has been under increasing scrutiny in recent years, with release prices often failing to offer meaningful value versus back vintages. The threat of added import costs, even if delayed, puts further pressure on producers and négociants to rethink pricing strategies. With confidence in En Primeur already eroding, this year’s campaign faces a delicate balancing act: justify pricing amid broader market weakness, or risk alienating already-cautious buyers.

Regional fine wine performance in Q1

Since the start of the year, fine wine prices across major regions have fallen 2.1% on average. While some regions experienced temporary increases – the Rhône bounced back by 1.1% in March – the majority were in consistent decline. Burgundy and Bordeaux – the two dominant market forces – fell the most, down 2.9% in Q1. 

Despite falling prices, Liv-ex noted that trade activity is rising – total trade volume and value were up on Q1 2024.

The best-performing wines

Q1’s top performers comprised a varied group from across Bordeaux, Piedmont, the Rhône, and Burgundy. The best performing wine was Vieux Telegraphe La Crau Rouge 2021, which surged 22.7%. Pichon Baron 2013 followed with a 22.6% rise. 

Two vintages of Guigal La Landonne also appeared in the rankings, the 2012 (11.1%) and 2014 (10.6%). 

From Barolo, the 2001 Bruno Giacosa Serralunga d’Alba made the top ten with a 21.2% rise in value over the past three months.

The spring La Place campaign

March saw just over 50 wine releases via La Place de Bordeaux, including new Burgundies, grower Champagne and big names like Promontory 2020, Ao Yun 2021 and Latour 2016. 

The latter was particularly notable as the first prime release to hit the market since the château abandoned the En Primeur system. The wine boasts a number of 100-points from major critics including Neal Martin, Antonio Galloni, Lisa Perotti-Brown MW, Jane Anson, Jeff Leve, and Tim Atkin.

The comparisons being made – to 1961, 1982, and 2010 – suggest the wine is already being framed within the estate’s historic lineage. What’s more, while the price reflects its stature, its positioning below recent back vintages like 2009 and 2010 suggests value for money.

In a campaign that highlighted the growing breadth of La Place, Latour served as a reminder of Bordeaux’s enduring ability to dominate the conversation, when it chooses to.

Fine wine enjoys resilient fundamentals and growing confidence

Beneath the surface of a softening market, confidence in fine wine as a long-term investment continues to strengthen. Our recent Wealth Reports released in Q1 revealed a clear trend in investor attitudes: 96% of UK wealth managers expect demand for fine wine to increase in 2025, underscoring its growing role in diversified portfolios.

This optimism is rooted in fine wine’s defining characteristics – low correlation to mainstream markets, long-term price appreciation, and intrinsic scarcity. While short-term volatility and trade disruptions have created a subdued environment, many see this as an attractive entry point. With prices off their peak, the market now offers a rare opportunity to access top names at more favourable levels.

Fine wine is increasingly viewed as a maturing asset class – one that rewards patience rather than speculation. As macroeconomic uncertainty continues to rattle equities and bonds, fine wine’s stability and resilience are drawing renewed attention from high-net-worth individuals and wealth advisors.

Q2 2025 market outlook

All eyes now turn to the Bordeaux 2024 En Primeur campaign – the most significant event in the fine wine calendar and a litmus test for buyer confidence in a fragile market. After a lacklustre few years, the system finds itself at a crossroads. Pressure is mounting for producers and négociants to reset expectations, as past campaigns have struggled to offer compelling value compared to back vintages already available on the secondary market. Adding to the challenge is the uncertain tariff environment. 

At the same time, there is cautious optimism. While prices across Bordeaux have softened, trade volume has increased – a signal that buyers are still engaged, albeit more selective. If producers respond with competitive pricing and clear value propositions, 2024 could mark a turning point for the campaign.

Beyond Bordeaux, Q2 is expected to bring continued price sensitivity, but also renewed interest from investors who see current levels as a buying opportunity. The long-term fundamentals remain intact: scarcity, brand equity, and an increasing role for fine wine in diversified portfolios. In short, while the market remains in a momentary phase of recalibration, Q2 may offer the first signs of recovery if the right tone is struck.

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

Categories
News

Part II Bordeaux climate change: adaptive viticulture the way forward?

Climate change Bordeaux

With vineyard temperatures on the rise in Bordeaux, WineCap spoke with leading Bordeaux estates about how they’re fighting back to protect both wine heritage and future generations.

  • Adaptive viticulture is a widespread method of coping with climate change.
  • Traditional and experimental moderating methods are both in use.
  • High temperatures can be beneficial for recent and, potentially, near-term vintage quality.

Vineyard layout, clones, rootstocks, and varietal proportion: Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Château Margaux, Château La Conseillante, and Château Pavie

To moderate the impact of climate change, Julien Barthe, co-owner of Beau-Séjour Becot has implemented a radical vineyard layout change to prevent berry burn. ‘The vineyard was formerly planted in an east-west direction. From mid-day to 1 pm, the sun arrived on the west side, right on the berries. This is why we changed the orientation from north to south ­— to avoid the same effect.’

Philippe Bascaules, managing director of Château Margaux has taken the same approach. ‘We decided to change the orientation of our rows,’ he told WineCap.

Barthe also explained that the house is using new clonal selections of Cabernet Franc to help retain the freshness in its Merlot-dominant blends.

Cultivating resilient vines was, similarly, the approach of Marielle Cazaux, the general manager of La Conseillante. ‘Climate change is a big question. We are thinking long term about rootstocks and grape variety.’

Referring to early-ripening Merlot’s vulnerability to climate change, Cazaux stressed the importance of preserving its classic wine profile. ‘We are adapting the rootstock to be more resilient against hydraulic stress and thinking about changing the clones a little bit.’

Olivier Gailly from Château Pavie said that his team had already begun experimenting with climate-resistant proportions of grape varietals at the turn of the century. The house replanted its vineyards with an increased quantity of later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon and similarly-behaving Cabernet Franc to blend with Merlot. This proportion has helped to maintain wine freshness as temperatures rise. 

Adaptive vineyard management: Château Cheval Blanc, Château Angelus, and Château Calon Segur

Traditional vineyard management techniques such as dense canopy cultivation, durable old vine revival, and biodiversity practices that support the mitigation of climate change have been intensified around Bordeaux since at least the millennium. While some methods have a short time frame, Pierre-Oliver Clouet, winemaker and technical manager at Château Cheval Blanc, which famously voluntarily withdrew from the Saint-Émilion classification system in 2021, spoke about the need for a long-term view.

‘We should adapt today to preserve Cheval Blanc in 20 years,’ he told WineCap. ‘Global warming is going to be a problem because, with two or three more degrees, the wine quality is still going to be good enough, but the identity will not be the same.’

Clouet said the château implements cover crop techniques to protect the soil from high temperatures, enhance soil nutrients and resilience, and to conserve rainwater more efficiently. He has also planted trees to expand cooling shade for vines and is training plants that are heat- and disease-resistant.

Saint-Émilion peer Château Angelus, which also opted out of the appellation’s classification system in 2022, uses a device that assists with hydrating and cooling vines in a region with stringent irrigation rules. President and CEO Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal explained: ‘For hail, we have a device that is a balloon that auto launches. It’s blown with helium and contains salt crystals so when it’s swollen by a cloud, it spreads out the salt and allows the ice to melt. Instead of having hail, we have rain,’ she told WineCap.

Cooling heat-stressed plants was also a priority for Vincent Millet, general manager of Château Calon Ségur. He told WineCap how he and his team are refining a mechanism to conserve cooling dampness in vineyard plots: ‘We are setting up specific enclosure systems which can trap and return humidity to the plant.’

Research and experimentation: Château La Dominique

While age-old vineyard methods are adapted to counter the perils of global warming, innovation is a key part of Château La Dominique’s philosophy.

General manager, Gwendoline Lucas, detailed the producer’s efforts in this area. ‘We are very concerned about climate change, so we started working with Bordeaux Sciences Agro years ago to do some research about how we can better manage our vineyard,’ she told WineCap. ‘We are also part of VitiREV, which is the first European fund specialising in viticultural ecological transition. We are like a laboratory testing new solutions from startups. We see a lot of proposals and when we think that something is quite interesting, we try it in our vineyard.’

Beneficial natural environment: Château Pavie, Château Canon, Cos d’Estournel, and Château Margaux

While acknowledging the potential hazards of climate change, several producers told WineCap that they had, to date, avoided any serious consequences of rising temperatures across Bordeaux by dint of resilient terroir. Whether location or soil composition, nature provides a mitigating influence to the heat, ensuring balance and traditional character in yield and wines.

‘We are fortunate to have this exceptional limestone terroir which really keeps a lot of freshness in the wine,’ said Olivier Gailly, commercial director of Saint-Émilion house Château Pavie. ‘Then we have the forests around the château which are very important to keep a bit cooler.’

Soil make-up was also cited by Nicolas Audebert, winemaker and general manager at fellow Saint-Émilion house, Château Canon. Referring to climate change, he said: ‘We see it in berry ripeness every day, but we still have a long way to go before we get into trouble because we are on a fantastic, limestone terroir.’

The water-retaining freshness of limestone guarantees that vines do not suffer severe heat stress, Audebert added, also noting the benefits of micro-practices.

‘There are a lot of fantastic wine producing regions in the world where the climate is warmer than here and they manage,’ he said. ‘I spent ten years in Argentina making wine so I have some experience of how we can evolve our viticulture to protect it. There are thousands of small things we can adapt to keep that elegant, vibrant, precise, style we like.’

Vineyard coolness was also cited by Charles Thomas, commercial director at Cos d’Estournel. ‘We are lucky enough to be in the north part of the Médoc where we have the Gironde River providing freshness to the vineyard.’

Not all Bordeaux producers regard climate change unfavourably and are optimistic that, with a responsive approach, the trials of the decades ahead will be overcome.

‘I think we are just at the beginning,’ Philippe Bascaules of Château Margaux told WineCap. ‘For the last ten years, summer drought and heat have helped us to make even better wine. But, of course, we know that if the temperatures continue to increase, we will be in big trouble because it will not only change the quantity of wine but also the style of the wine we want to produce.’

To this end, the chateau continues to be attentive and flexible in the face of global warming. ‘At least for the next 50 years, I’m quite optimistic that we will find the parameters and the techniques to continue to produce the wine of Château Margaux as it exists today,’ he said. ‘I don’t know about after that because who knows what the temperature will be in Bordeaux in 50 years?’

See also our Bordeaux I Regional Report. 

Categories
Report

WineCap Wealth Report 2025: UK Edition

Fine wine has cemented its position as the most sought-after collectible among UK high-net-worth individuals, according to the newly released 2025 UK Wealth Report. Drawing on fresh research from leading UK wealth managers and IFAs, the report explores how fine wine has continued to evolve from a niche passion asset into a strategic, tax-efficient component of diversified portfolios.

Key report findings:

  • 96% of wealth managers expect demand for fine wine to grow in 2025 – more than for any other luxury asset
  • 80% say fine wine’s exemption from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is driving renewed investor interest amid tightening tax rules
  • 26% of portfolios now include fine wine in higher-risk strategies – up from 12% in 2024
  • Fine wine is entering retirement planning for the first time, with allocations rising from 0% to 6%
  • A generational shift is underway, with younger, tech-enabled investors embracing wine as a financial instrument

‘Fine wine is no longer reserved for collectors and connoisseurs – year after year our research shows that it is being viewed as a serious asset with strong fundamentals for growth, and valuable tax advantages,’ said Alexander Westgarth, Founder and CEO of WineCap. 

Market shifts and generational change

The report highlights a market in flux: seasoned collectors are beginning to liquidate long-held assets, creating increased supply and driving a slight dip in average portfolio allocations – from 10.8% in 2024 to 7.8% in 2025. However, this rebalancing is creating fresh opportunities for new entrants, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z investors who prioritise tangibility, transparency, and long-term performance.

Tax efficiency and diversification at the forefront

Fine wine’s unique tax status under UK law – classified as a ‘wasting asset’ and therefore exempt from Capital Gains Tax – makes it increasingly attractive at a time when HMRC has reduced tax-free allowances and raised effective rates. The report shows that 80% of wealth managers believe demand will rise due to this exemption alone.

The report further looks at the factors creating demand for fine wine, the impact of Trump’s policies on investment, and how AI is modernising the market. 

Download your complimentary copy of the 2025 WineCap Wealth Report and discover how fine wine can enhance your investment portfolio.

Categories
Report

WineCap Wealth Report 2025: US Edition

In a year marked by shifting interest rates, political uncertainty, and evolving investor mindsets, one asset is quietly holding its ground – and gaining new momentum: fine wine.

According to WineCap’s newly released 2025 Wealth Report, fine wine has once again claimed the top spot among collectible investments, with 94% of US wealth managers expecting demand to rise this year. 

Key report findings:

  • 94% of US wealth managers expect demand for fine wine to increase in 2025 (up from 84% in 2024)
  • Fine wine now appears in 28% of high-risk portfolios
  • 72% say high interest rates are a supportive factor for fine wine investment
  • 98% of respondents value wine’s independence from the US dollar as a macro hedge
  • 46% cite strong long-term returns as a key reason for rising demand
  • Portfolio allocations to wine now average 10.7%, reflecting more diversified investment strategies

‘Fine wine continues to prove itself as a robust and intelligent asset class,’ said Alexander Westgarth, Founder and CEO of WineCap. ‘While some seasoned collectors are selling to capitalise on earlier gains, we’re seeing younger, more data-driven investors enter the market – redefining how wine is used in wealth portfolios.’ 

Fine wine in the world of investment

According to the report, fine wine ranks higher than all other collectible investments for 2025. Confidence in its market stability, liquidity, and transparency places it above art, watches, whiskey, and luxury handbags.

In a post-pandemic landscape marked by inflation spikes, rate fluctuations, and policy shifts, wealth managers are increasingly recommending tangible assets with low correlation to equities. Fine wine’s appeal as an inflation-resistant, currency-independent, and globally traded asset makes it an attractive choice for investors seeking stability across economic cycles.

A maturing market

Despite a dip in average allocations from 13% to 10.7%, the report points to a healthy market recalibration – one where liquidity is improving, supply is expanding, and younger investors are driving new demand.

‘This is no longer a passion-driven niche – it’s a credible, data-backed, and globally relevant investment class,’ added Westgarth. ‘As the landscape evolves, we see fine wine becoming a cornerstone of modern portfolio diversification.’ 

The report further looks at the factors creating demand for fine wine, the impact of Trump’s policies on investment, and how AI is modernising the market. 

Download your complimentary copy of the 2025 WineCap Wealth Report and discover how fine wine can enhance your investment portfolio.

 

Categories
Learn

2025 investment trends: Trump’s impact on global markets

We have conducted our wealth management survey again in 2025. Here is what UK wealth managers expect to happen with investment demand under Trump’s policies.

  • 94% of UK wealth managers favour US equities under Trump’s pro-business policies, and 90% predict growth in emerging markets.
  • 82% see UK property as a strong hedge against inflation, signalling a shift toward stability-focused investment strategies.
  • 58% of respondents highlight fine wine, art, and classic cars as attractive investments, reinforcing the trend toward tangible, wealth-preserving assets amid economic uncertainty.

With the return of Donald Trump to the White House in 2025, the global investment landscape is experiencing heightened volatility. Events could unfold in any direction given President Trump’s inherent unpredictability – making it more crucial than ever for investors to prepare for the unexpected.

His administration’s tax and trade policies – historically pro-business, protectionist, and favouring domestic production – are already creating ripple effects far beyond US borders. For UK investors, this means a reassessment of how political developments shape financial decisions.

While Trump’s policies could drive stock market rallies, lower corporate taxes, and encourage capital repatriation, they also pose potential risks – such as renewed tariff wars, increased market fragmentation, and a more aggressive stance on trade negotiations. 

The last time Trump held office, his administration imposed tariffs on European wines, disrupting trade and affecting fine wine markets in both the US and UK. In 2025, the geopolitical and economic landscape is vastly different, and while tariffs remain a possibility, the bigger picture suggests that alternative assets – including fine wine – may play an increasingly important role in UK investment strategies.

Investment trends forecast

The expected increase in demand for assets under Trump’s tax and trade policies underscores a broader flight toward stability, alternative assets, and tangible wealth preservation. The following results are based on a 2025 survey among UK wealth managers and independent financial advisors. 

Strongest performing asset classes

US stocks
US equities are projected to see the biggest increase in demand, favoured by 94% of investors. This is a continuation of the 2024 trend, fuelled by expectations of corporate tax cuts, deregulation, and a more business-friendly environment. Historically, Trump’s economic policies have supported stock market growth, and investors appear confident in a similar outcome this time around.

Emerging market stocks
Emerging markets follow closely, with 90% of respondents anticipating increased demand. During Trump’s first term, emerging markets posted positive results, achieving 13.6% annualised growth. However, with Trump’s history of trade wars and potential geopolitical tensions, investors are likely to tread cautiously, focusing on regions that align with US trade interests.

Property
UK property is also enjoying rising demand, according to 82% of wealth managers. At the start of 2025, buyer activity rose 13% year-over-year, with new sales agreed up 12% over 2024. More properties are reaching sale-agreed status, and a 10% increase in listings suggests previously hesitant buyers are re-entering the market. As real estate remains a hedge against inflation, demand for prime and luxury properties is expected to strengthen further.

Cash
The old adage ‘cash is king’ rings true for 80% of investors, reflecting a preference for liquidity amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. With interest rates still elevated and market volatility expected, investors appear to be holding significant cash reserves, waiting for the right moment to deploy capital.

Alternative and safe-haven assets

Bonds
As fiscal policy and interest rate expectations evolve, 72% of investors see bonds as an attractive asset class. With central banks adapting to economic shifts, fixed-income investments may serve as a stabilising force in portfolios.

Non-US developed market stocks
While US stocks dominate, 72% of investors also foresee demand for non-US developed markets, particularly in regions that may benefit from a changing trade landscape.

Startups & venture capital
With Trump’s pro-business policies likely to fuel entrepreneurial activity, 70% of respondents see an uptick in demand for venture capital and angel investing. Lower corporate tax rates and deregulation could further incentivise innovation and high-growth sectors.

Luxury collectibles
The category that includes fine wine, art, and classic cars is expected to see greater demand, with 58% of respondents highlighting it as an attractive asset class. Given fine wine’s historical resilience during economic downturns and inflationary periods, investors may see it as a store of value amid uncertainty.

Moderate to low confidence assets

Digital currency
Despite Trump’s previous scepticism toward cryptocurrency, his recent endorsement of digital assets may explain why exactly half of respondents see further growth in this sector. While regulatory uncertainty persists, crypto remains a potential high-risk, high-reward investment.

Precious metals
Traditionally a go-to safe haven during market turmoil, precious metals received the lowest investor confidence in our survey. With only 48% forecasting increased demand, this suggests investors may be looking toward more dynamic, yield-generating alternatives rather than passive gold holdings.

Stay tuned for the 2025 edition of the WineCap Wealth Report – published next week.

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.

Categories
News

Climate change in Bordeaux: are new varieties the answer?

Heat resistant grape varieties

WineCap spoke with leading Bordeaux estates on the much-discussed possibility of introducing new, heat-resistant grape varietals to this leading wine region to mitigate the impact of global warming.

    • Adaptive viticulture and winemaking were the prevalent answers to coping with climate change.
    • The minority considered old resilient Bordeaux varietals and new grapes.
    • Heritage and current appellation laws are significant.

 Adaptive winemaking: Château Pichon-Baron

Christian Seely, managing director of AXA Millésimes, owner of Château Pichon-Baron was firm that the response to climate change was not the introduction of new cultivars but rather adaptive winemaking.

‘Here at Pichon, 25 years ago, the blend tended to be around 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot. These days, it’s 80% or more Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot,’ he told WineCap. ‘It’s not an answer to climate change, but it’s how we’re adapting because we are having more hot, sunny years which enable us to get the Cabernets magnificently ripe. In the old days, when we hadn’t got the Cabernets perfectly ripe, a nice bit of ripe Merlot was a useful element in the blend. It’s still a useful element, but we need less of it.’

This approach also softens the grape alcohol content that has steadily risen along with warmer growing seasons. ‘Merlot grapes here will probably have one degree more of alcohol than Cabernet. If you want to keep your wines under 14% abv, which we do at Pichon, one way of doing that is to increase the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon.’

Traditional vineyard management and quality over trend: Château Canon-la-Gaffelière and Château Calon Segur

Stéphane von Neipperg, proprietor of Château Canon-la-Gaffelière, was uncompromising on his views about new varieties, preferring skilled, traditional viticulture instead.

‘Increasingly, some technical people are speaking about new varieties for wines. I’m just against it,’ he told WineCap. ‘They’re not proving that the quality is outstanding. They only prove that they don’t need to spray against mildew.’

Von Neipperg stressed the château’s effective practice of copper spraying which complements the composition of its vineyard soils and its cultivation of old vines that display hardiness to warmer summers.

‘We are well known for old vines. We have our own genetics and I think this is much more important than these new varieties.’

Vincent Millet, general manager of Château Calon Ségur has a similar approach to dealing with rising temperatures: massal selection and a decades-long vineyard restructuring plan to be completed in 2035.

‘We recovered old Merlot vines from 1940, Petit Verdot from the 1930s, and Cabernet Franc from the 1970s. We have created our own collection,’ he told WineCap. ‘This collection allows us to preserve a genetic heritage…which allows us to try to resist the increases in temperature.’

Under this climate change-defying scheme, rather than planting new cultivars, the château plans to plant more Cabernet Sauvignon and adjust the quantities of the other traditional Bordeaux varietals.

Potential of resilient Bordeaux varieties: Château Saint Pierre and Château Beychevelle

For co-owner of Château Saint Pierre, Jean Triaud, there is the possibility of regional heat-tolerant grape varieties thriving in warmer climates, making a comeback. He cited Malbec, a varietal that originated and still grows in southwest France and now flourishes in Argentina and Carménère, formerly planted widely in the Médoc and now the flagship black grape of Chile.

‘Those great varieties come from Bordeaux, but finally work much better in other places thanks to the weather. Why not come back?’

However, referring to appellation laws, he acknowledged that the situation was complex. ‘But it’s not so easy because here we don’t decide all the rules,’ he added.

While acknowledging the strict limitations of the appellation system, Philippe Blanc of Château Beychevelle had a similar perspective.

‘The most sensible thing would be to take varieties coming from the south, mainly Spain and Portugal, and see how they adapt here,’ he told WineCap. ‘It’s always this way. You go north and plant Pinot Noir in Sweden or Brittany or Chardonnay in Kent. Maybe it’s good to invest in Brittany or Normandy to make new vineyards in the future.’

Restrictive appellation laws: Château Beychevelle

General manager of Château Beychevelle, Philippe Blanc, is open to the possibility of introducing new heat-resistant grape varieties but recognises that the French appellation system is slow to react and evolve.

‘It takes a lot of time to reach an agreement. If I decide to plant Shiraz, I can make Vin de France, but I can’t make Saint-Julien. So, in terms of value, it’s difficult to do,’ he said. ‘I’ve got no new varieties but, we’ll keep an eye on this and as soon as we’re allowed to plant new grapes, even 2% or 3%, we’ll do it.’

Value of regional heritage and legacy: Château Margaux and Château Troplong Montot

Philippe Bascaules, managing director of Château Margaux said that the estate has the possibility of cultivar changes in mind and a designated block of vineyard for experimentation with new varietals. However, he told WineCap, ‘it’s not decided’.

‘Cabernet Sauvignon is the core of the blend of Château Margaux. The decision to change that is a big one. I’m not considering doing it in the next 50 years.’

Commercial director of Château Troplong Montot, Ferréol du Fou, was more direct about the option to use heat-resistant grapes as a buffer against climate change.

‘Burgundy has Pinot Noir. Bordeaux has Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. The solution is to work more in the vineyard, it’s not planting Tempranillo. It’s a plaster, it’s a bandage. We have to think about the next generation,’ he told WineCap. ‘Making Tempranillo in Bordeaux is stupid. I’m a bit harsh, but this is the truth for me.’

See also our Bordeaux I Regional Report. 

WineCap’s independent market analysis showcases the value of portfolio diversification and the stability offered by investing in wine. Speak to one of our wine investment experts and start building your portfolio. Schedule your free consultation today.