The Complete Guide to Bordeaux En Primeur Sales: 

The purchase of wines en primeur is a centuries-old tradition unique to the Bordeaux wine region, offering enthusiasts and investors the unique opportunity to acquire the finest wines before they are bottled. But how does this market work? Is it still a financial opportunity in 2026? Discover our guide to mastering the intricacies of Bordeaux Square.

What is buying wine "en primeur"?

Buying wine en primeur means reserving your bottles while they are still aging in the barrels of the château. In practical terms, you buy the wine approximately 18 to 24 months before its physical delivery.

This system allows estates (Châteaux) to finance their harvest and buyers to secure allocations on prestigious estates such as Lafite Rothschild, Margaux or Cheval Blanc, often impossible to find once they are marketed on the traditional market.

Why invest in the 2025 vintage en primeur?

Every year, the First Fruits Week (April) is the global event where international critics (James Suckling, Antonio Galloni, Jane Anson, etc.) assess the aging potential of the new vintage.

The advantages of booking in advance:

• The preferential price: Historically, the initial release price is the lowest. This is the ideal time to realize potential capital gains before the global market launch.

• Guarantee of origin: By buying en primeur, you can be certain that the wine has never left the cellars of château before arriving in your cellar.

• The choice of formats: This is the only opportunity to order specific formats (Magnum, Double-Magnum, Impériale) to celebrate future events or to create a heritage wine cellar.

How does the release calendar work?

The early produce cycle is a well-oiled ritual that follows the seasons:

1. April : Professional tastings in Bordeaux.

2. May - June: Release of Château prices in successive waves (the "release tunnel").

3. Payment : Payment is made at the time of booking.

4. Delivery : Approximately two years later, after payment of shipping costs.

Our tips for successfully buying en primeur wines

Now is the perfect time to start building your wine cellar. Here are three golden rules for 2026:

• Target the "Best-Buys": Don't just aim for the Premier Grands Crus Classés. Appellations like Saint-Estèphe, Pessac-Léognan or Saint-Emilion often offer exceptional value for money.
  
  

• Follow the experts' ratings: A score above 95/100 on a "small" domaine is often a sign of a winning investment.
  
  

• Create your assortment: You can buy white wines for aging, but also fresher wines to be enjoyed quickly within 3 to 5 years. 
  Second wines also represent a quicker tasting opportunity with bottles coming from prestigious Châteaux and estates. 
  
  

• Need some advice? Our team of enthusiasts has been tasting Bordeaux wines for many years and participates annually in the en primeur tastings organized and reserved for professionals. Contact us for advice and support in building your wine cellar.