Cru Wine Featured in the Financial Times: Investing in Wine During a Correction Year
The wine market has faced a challenging year, and we’re proud that Cru Wine has been featured in the Financial Times, offering our expert perspective on these turbulent times. Our CEO, Gregory Swartberg, shared valuable insights into the current market trends and opportunities for those interested in investing in wine.
Challenges and Opportunities in Wine Investment: A Year of Correction
2024 has seen a significant correction in wine prices, particularly for top-end Burgundy and vintage Champagne. According to Liv-ex’s Burgundy 150 Index, prices dropped by 14.4% by the end of November, with vintage Champagne falling 9.8%. Bordeaux, too, has experienced an 11.3% decline.
Several factors have contributed to this downturn:
- Higher interest rates reducing the appeal of non-yielding assets like wine.
- Dwindling demand from Asia, a historically strong market for French red wine.
- Economic uncertainty, prompting a more cautious approach from investors.
Gregory reflected on the impact, stating: “November 2024 was one of the worst months of the year. We’re not out of the woods yet.” However, for those focused on investing in wine, such downturns often create opportunities for long-term gains.
Key opportunities for investing in Wine in 2025
While the market’s current state has been tough for many, it has also opened up rare opportunities for discerning collectors and investors. Gregory has been advising clients to focus on high-quality vintages that combine scarcity with enduring appeal.
Notable recommendations for investing in wine include:
- Krug 1996 and Dom Pérignon 1996: Extraordinary Champagne vintages with limited availability, ideal for investment.
- Iconic Bordeaux vintages: 2000, 2005, and 2009 from renowned estates like Château Angelus and Château Cheval Blanc, perfect for wine investors seeking reliable returns.
- Exceptional Burgundies: Domaine Romanée-Conti, Rousseau, and Dujac wines, now available at prices that were unheard of two years ago.
As Gregory remarked, “More and more people are starting to make the most of the current market conditions, using this year of correction to enhance their portfolios.”
Long-term Outlook for Wine Investors: What’s Next for Your Portfolio
The wine market has always been cyclical, and while 2024 has been a year of correction, history shows that periods of volatility often create opportunities for long-term gains. At Cru Wine, our mission is to make the process of investing in wine transparent, effortless, and accessible for our clients.
For those considering their next steps in investing in wine, the key lies in focusing on quality, rarity, and a trusted partner to navigate this evolving landscape.
If you’d like to learn more about investing in wine, you can download our investment guide here.