A tumultuous 2025 economy likely depressed wine sales. In 2026, the higher-end segments should continue to outperform, and the grape market should be less oversupplied when harvest begins.

REPORT SNAPSHOT

Situation: Wine sales softened across the board in 2025, and prices stagnated as a result of consumer price sensitivity and heightened competition among producers trying to move excess inventory. Although the wine market slump continues, relative bright spots include premium and luxury wines, nonalcoholic and ready-to-drink wines, and white and sparkling wines.

Outlook: I’m not expecting a material change in the trajectory of U.S. wine sales in the near term, though I see the most potential for progress in the second half of the year. There should be less excess supply burdening the grape market when the 2026 harvest begins than there was in 2025.

Impact: For wineries that are fairly certain about their grape needs, it may be prudent to act sooner rather than later.

Download the Spring 2026 issue of Winescape

This issue:

• Shines a light on the influence of the economy and consumer preferences
• Gives an update on the 2026 outlook for the wine and grape markets
• Draws implications from the 2025 crush for the 2026 grape market