Sotheby’s has announced impressive results for its 2025 annual sales in the wine and spirits category, reaching a total of $127.5 million—a nearly 12% increase compared to the previous year.
This figure marks the fourth-highest total in the department’s history since its establishment in 1970, trailing only behind 2023 ($159 million), 2022 ($150 million), and 2021 ($132 million).
The past decade has seen remarkable growth for Sotheby’s in this segment. In 2015, annual sales stood at $47 million, meaning the current volume has more than doubled over ten years. This year, wine dominated the sales at $106 million, while spirits contributed $21.5 million.
Interest in Sotheby’s auctions continues to expand globally. Buyers from 63 countries participated in 2025, setting a new record for the auction house. Remarkably, 35% of these buyers were new clients, highlighting the growing appeal of wine and spirits collecting. Europe led in sales, totaling $56.6 million, with France contributing $35.4 million and the UK $21.3 million. The US followed with $37.3 million, and Asia reached $33.5 million.
New York consolidated its position as Sotheby’s top-selling location for the second consecutive year, surpassing Hong Kong and achieving the city’s second-best historical result. Nick Pegna, Sotheby’s International Head of Wine and Spirits, emphasized that these results reflect the trust collectors place in the auction house and the increasing importance of new buyers and expertly curated single-owner collections.
Among the standout lots of 2025, The Glenlivet SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965 sold for $864,825, while a joint collection from Antinori Napa Valley and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars titled “From Napa Valley to Tuscany: A Journey Through Storied Wine Regions” fetched $550,000. The Glen Grant Eternal 77 Year Old 1948 achieved $532,200. Sotheby’s plans to continue its international auction activity while attracting both new and seasoned collectors of wines and spirits.
Source: Vinetur