Bulk Wine Supply at Record High

The bulk wine supply exceeds 31.5 million gallons, a record high, Turrentine Wine Brokerage reports, despite a small 2025 crop. Demand remains spotty; buyers are selective and prices are low with many lots unsold or trading below $3 a gallon.

Excess bulk wine is concentrated in Coastal California, driven by slow sales, cash nees and past custom crush volumes.

Limited options exist for bulk wine liquidation, older vintages weigh on prices and current vintage lots lack quality inputs, Turrentine said.

Here's a look at the state of the current bulk market:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: 1.3 million gallons in Napa, with recent sales from $8 to over $20 per gallon; Sonoma and North Coast volumes are high but demand is weak.
• Chardonnay: Active sales are limited; Sonoma County has 900,000 gallons, with recent deals below $10 per gallon.
• Pinot Noir: Elevated volumes across regions, but demand is minimal, mainly driven by low prices.
• Sauvignon Blanc: 2.3 million gallons listed; activity has slowed, and the market is essentially closed at current values.

Vineyard removals and reduced farming inputs are shrinking future supply, but current excess persists.

Demand is constrained by slow retail sales and financial pressures, making the market highly selective.

The window for securing quality fruit and bulk wine at favorable prices is narrowing; waiting risks limited options.

Industry efforts should focus on early engagement and strategic positioning to navigate the tightening market.