The global secondary wine market witnessed significant evolution in 2024, with a surge in trading volumes and a marked shift in consumer preferences, according to the annual report released by iDealwine, a leading online wine auction platform. The report, which has tracked buying and selling trends since 2008 through its proprietary barometer, revealed a 17.7% increase in the number of wines traded and a 15% rise in value year-over-year—figures that signal a robust and transforming market.
While Bordeaux and Burgundy maintained their dominance—collectively accounting for more than half of all transactions—interest in other regions surged. The Languedoc region posted a remarkable 44.3% increase in sales, and foreign wines, particularly from Spain and Italy, saw notable gains. Spanish wines experienced an 84% spike in transaction volume, underscoring the expanding geographical appetite of collectors.
Despite this diversification, Burgundy remains the benchmark for prestige. Twenty-four of the 50 most sought-after producers on the platform hail from the region. Names such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Georges Roumier, and Coche-Dury continue to command strong demand from buyers.
Challenging conventional wisdom, French collectors accounted for more than half of the most expensive wines sold on iDealwine in 2024, dispelling the notion that top-tier bottles are predominantly exported to affluent buyers in the United States or China. In Bordeaux, concerns about the region’s long-term vitality have not stifled market activity. Mature vintages—specifically those over 20 years old—made up 56% of Bordeaux transactions, appealing to collectors seeking wines at their peak.
Pinot Noir continued its rise in popularity, with growing interest across diverse appellations. Prices for wines from Nyver climbed, while increased demand was also recorded for Pinot Noir from Beaune, Jura, Sancerre, and even Muscadet. In Alsace, red wines—especially Grand Cru bottlings—are becoming more prominent in auctions. In Italy’s Piedmont, Nebbiolo-based wines stood out, representing 13 of the 20 highest-priced Italian wines sold on the platform.
Red wines continued to dominate, comprising over 70% of sales, but white wines made significant gains, now accounting for 21% of the market. The Loire Valley led global white wine sales, responsible for 65% of the category. White Burgundy prices rose by 37%, driven largely by wines from the Côte de Beaune. Meanwhile, Savoie and Bugey also experienced notable growth in white wine sales—an uptick attributed in part to climate change and evolving consumer tastes.
Champagne sales rose by 38%, with major houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Louis Roederer regaining prominence.
Organic, biodynamic, and natural wines continued to secure a meaningful portion of the market. While national figures in France showed modest increases—7 percentage points in volume and 6 in value—iDealwine reported that sales of these categories have stabilized at 28% of volume and 35% of value. Burgundy led in value, largely due to its high average bottle price, though producers there often do not display certification. In terms of volume, Jura (over 72%), Provence (nearly 73%), and Corsica (nearly 83%) emerged as organic wine strongholds.
The hunt for rare and collectible wines remains central to buyer behavior on the platform. Wines made in exceptional vintages or by deceased winemakers continue to attract high interest. Emerging regions such as Auvergne (+7%), Savoie (+18%), Roussillon (+24%), Beaujolais (+16%), and Southwest France (+15%) all recorded price increases for their rarest offerings.
These shifts reflect a growing curiosity among global wine collectors and a willingness to explore beyond the boundaries of traditional regions and producers. Throughout 2024, both auction dynamics and broader market activity in France and internationally mirrored this expanding and increasingly adventurous landscape.
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