News — Fine Wine

Fine-wine trading opened September with a meaningful increase in activity. Liv-ex reported that total trade value rose 53.6% week-on-week, driven principally by greater purchasing from buyers in the United States and Europe. American buyers accounted for 41% of total traded value, maintaining their position as the market’s most important buying group for the week.

Napa Valley’s reputation is often tied to single-estate Cabernet Sauvignon, but Decanter’s September 2026 panel tasting puts the focus on the region’s red blends—and the results are notably strong.

France’s 2026 harvest has begun in August in many regions, far earlier than the traditional September rhythm. The reason is straightforward: prolonged heat and drought have accelerated ripening while reducing acidity, forcing growers to make picking decisions earlier than they would prefer.

The major July fires in Gironde are now reported to be under control, but the consequences for Bordeaux’s 2026 growing season are still being assessed. The fire came within approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) of Bordeaux and prompted the evacuation of 224,000 people across 23 communes, including 55,000 people in a single night.