Sotheby’s annual Wine & Spirits sales (auction and private) in 2025 totalled $127.5 million, a rise of nearly 12% on 2024. 

This marks the fourth-highest annual total for the category since the department’s launch at Sotheby’s in 1970, highlighting the continued strength and international reach of the Wine & Spirits business and positioning Sotheby’s as one of the global leaders in Wine and Spirits auctions.

“Our 2025 results underscore the strength and momentum of Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits business,” Nick Pegna, Global Head of Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits said in a news release. “Achieving $127.5 million in sales across auctions and private transactions reflects not only the resilience of the fine wine and spirits market, but also the continued confidence collectors place in Sotheby’s to steward the world’s most important cellars and collections. This success has been driven by a truly international buyer base, strong growth in new collectors, and our depth of expertise in presenting landmark single-owner collections. 

“We are equally proud of the role we continue to play in prestigious charity auctions around the world. In particular, we are delighted to have renewed our partnership with the Hospices Civils de Beaune, extending our collaboration through 2030. The Hospices de Beaune auction is one of the most historic and meaningful events in the wine world, and it is a privilege to continue supporting its vital charitable mission while delivering record-breaking global participation and results.”

By Region

For the second consecutive year, New York outperformed Hong Kong as Sotheby’s top-selling location, achieving its second-highest total sales to date. Alongside this, Sotheby’s reaffirmed its position as the market leader in Europe, which represented its strongest region globally. This performance was driven by robust results across France and the UK.

At the same time, the company expanded its sales operations into Japan and Switzerland through the establishment of dedicated, full-time local teams and a permanent physical presence in both markets strengthening its global footprint and client proximity.

Regional breakdown:

• USA: $37.3 million 
• Asia: $33.5 million
• Europe: $56.7 million
• UK: $21.3 million
• France: $35.4 million

Selection of Valuable Lots Sold

• The Glenlivet SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965 (1 Bottle 1.5L), $864,825  – Edinburgh, 10 October
• Antinori Napa Valley & Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars | From Napa Valley to Tuscany: A Journey Through Storied Wine Regions, $550,000 – Napa, 7 June 
• The Glen Grant Eternal 77 Year Old 1948 (1 Bottle 1.5L), $532,200 – Edinburgh, 10 October 
• Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, Cuvée Dames de Flandres 2025 (1 PCE), $502,027 – Beaune, 16 November
• Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, Cuvée Dames de Flandres 2025 (1 PCE), $502,027 – Beaune, 16 November
• Pièce de Charité – Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens 2025 (1 PDP), $502,027 – Beaune, 16 November
• Port Ellen Prism 46 Year Old 1978 (1 Bottle 1.5L + 1 Sample 10cl + EXP), $498,938 – Edinburgh, 10 October 
• Romanée Conti 1990 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (12 BT), $449,890 – Hong Kong, 2 September 
• Alpha Omega & Bouchaine Vineyard | The Magic of Mustique: Fantasy & Romance at “Toucan Hill”, $425,000 – Napa, 7 June 
• Ladyburn One of One 2025 Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw 58 Year Old 1966 (1 Bottle 70cl), $299,363 – Edinburgh, 10 October 

Read more: Sotheby’s Great American Whiskey Auction Hits Historic Value

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Sotheby’s expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building at 945 Madison Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit https://www.sothebys.com/en/.