The world’s most valuable wine brands are splitting into two camps.
According to the 2026 “Alcoholic Drinks” report from Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, Champagne labels are pulling ahead while still wine brands struggle to hold their ground. The three fastest-growing brands in the entire ranking are all Champagne: Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon.
Champagne Houses Gain Value
Moët & Chandon remains the most valuable Champagne brand in the world. Its brand value rose 12% to $2.3 billion, and its Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 80.3 out of 100 earns it an AAA brand strength rating.
The standout performer is Veuve Clicquot. Its brand value jumped 39% to $1.4 billion, making it the fastest-growing brand in the ranking. It climbed from fourth place in 2025 to second this year.
Dom Pérignon also posted strong results, with its value up 21% to $300 million, placing it ninth. Altogether, the 10 most valuable Champagne and wine brands in the world are worth $8.2 billion.
Resilience Despite Falling Shipments
These gains come at a time when Champagne shipment volumes remain under pressure. Consumers may be buying fewer bottles overall, yet the leading houses continue to hold and build value. The reason lies in their heritage, luxury positioning, and strong association with exclusivity and prestige. In other words, the category’s top names are valued less for volume and more for what they represent.
Still Wine Faces Headwinds
The picture is far less positive for still wine. Four of the six still wine brands in the ranking lost value. The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) reported that global wine consumption fell by nearly 3% in 2025, to 208 million hectoliters, reflecting pressure from changes in mature markets, economic conditions, and shifting consumer behavior.
The Brand Finance ranking reflects this clearly:
- Penfolds (Australia): the sharpest decline, down 32% to $776 million, the largest drop in the ranking
- Changyu (China): down 22% to $641 million
- Beringer (USA): down 16%
- Yellow Tail (Australia): down 14%
Everyday Wines Hold Their Own
Not every still wine brand struggled. Barefoot, the US brand owned by California’s E. & J. Gallo Winery, is the strongest wine brand of 2026, with a BSI score of 85.1 out of 100. Its brand value grew 2% to $1.3 billion. Carlo Rossi, also owned by Gallo, rose 8% to $313 million. Their performance shows that value-driven, everyday wine brands can still gain traction when they combine strong familiarity with affordability.
What the Experts Say
Henry Farr, Global Head of Brand Finance for Beverages and Spirits, summed up the trend: “Consumers are drinking less wine, but they are still willing to spend on brands that represent significant occasions.” He explained that the success of Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Dom Pérignon shows that strong brands can outperform their categories when they have high-level perceptions and emotional relevance. By contrast, the declines at Penfolds and Changyu reflect broader pressures on the still wine industry, where shifting consumption patterns make growth harder.
The Top 10 Champagne and Wine Brands of 2026
- Moët & Chandon (France)
- Veuve Clicquot (France)
- Barefoot (USA)
- Penfolds (Australia)
- Changyu (China)
- Yellow Tail (Australia)
- Beringer (USA)
- Carlo Rossi (USA)
- Dom Pérignon (France)
- Mumm (France)
The Takeaway
The 2026 ranking points to a clear lesson: in a shrinking market, brand strength matters more than volume. Champagne’s prestige, emotional appeal, and association with celebration let its leading houses grow in value even as consumers buy fewer bottles. Still wine brands without that premium positioning face a tougher road, while accessible, familiar names like Barefoot and Carlo Rossi show there is still room to grow at the value end of the market.
Source: WineNews