Emerging auction trends: broadening diversity, younger vintages and organics on the rise
While demand for mature wines remains strong, wine lovers are increasingly open to “acquiring recent vintages at auction”, according to the annual iDealwine Barometer, which revealed some of the top trends of 2025.
The Barometer – a report analysing the results, bidding patterns, regional ranking each year – identified a number of key trends at auction over the last year. It found that 55% of the wine sold in 2025 were over 20 years old, compared to 69% in 2024, showing that wine collectors are increasingly open to “acquiring more recent vintages at auction.”
Red wines remained stable in the last year, the report said, accounting for 72% of the volumes sold and 71.4% of the total value, even though white wine has seen an increase in its share in recent years. Meanwhile organic wine also saw an increase – accounting for nearly a third (30%) of volume and 36% by value.
Regional breakdown
Demand for Burgundy remained high, accounting for 41.3% of value sales – the number one region by value and pipped only by Bordeaux in volume terms. It also saw the highest average prices of €212, even though this had declined by 15% in the year. iDealwine noted however that this decline should be viewed “in context”, pointing out that it was less pronounced at the top end of the auction, or among the top 20 estates.
The year’s most expensive wine was a Burgundy too – a bottle of Musigny 2006 from Domaine Leroy sold for €25,416, pipping last year’s top wine from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. However DRC remained one of the most sought after wines at auction, selling the equivalent of 514 x75cl bottles for a total of €1.9million.
Meanwhile Bordeaux saw volumes increase “significantly”, rising 23% in the last year to take it over the 105,000 bottle mark. It accounted for just over a third (36%) of total volume sold. Total hammer prices were also up by 19% to €12.5million, although the increased share of younger wines may account for a 3% dip in the average price per bottle (€119).
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The third most popular region, the Rhone saw “strong momentum”, the Barometer said, “largely defined” by the success of wines by Emmanual Reynaud, which saw 4,813 bottles sold.
Combined, the top three regions saw a 10% drop off in their market share by volume however, indicating a broadening of the market. Areas that are creeping up include Beaujolais, Alsace, the South-West of France and Corsica.
Other areas of note include Champagne, which saw the total value sales rise by 21% and the average price rise by double figures (16%). Grower champagne proved to be stable, but the top traded names remained the prestigious Champagne houses, which account for 13 of the top 20.
Jura also saw increased demand, up 10% in volume, and 7% by value, although the average price dipped slightly, down 3% to €116.
“Record year”
According to iDealwine, 2025 was a “record year”, seeing a 9% increase in value, and 19% of volumes sales passing through its auctions. This totalled 390,924 bottles, which raised €33,9million in total hammer sale. Spirit sales also rose achieving €2.1million through its joint-venture platform with La Maison du Whisky, FSA.
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