En Primeur, or wine futures, is a centuries-old system that allows collectors to purchase wine while it is still aging in barrel, long before it is bottled and released to the market. Originating in Bordeaux, this practice has become a cornerstone of the fine wine world, offering early access to limited allocations from prestigious estates such as those in Pauillac, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol. Each spring following harvest, critics and trade professionals gather to taste barrel samples of the newest vintage, providing early assessments that shape global demand and influence pricing.

Wines purchased en primeur are typically released at their lowest market price, with provenance and storage handled directly by the producer or négociant - making this system especially appealing for long-term collectors and investors. Though most closely tied to Bordeaux, en primeur has expanded into other regions, including Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, and parts of Italy and California. For those looking to engage with a vintage at its origin and secure rare bottlings before they become scarce, En Primeur offers both privileged access and deep connection to the evolving story of a great wine.