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Wine press review for Friday May 22 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.

Cantine Aperte 2026 focuses on wellness and experiences

The Wine Tourism Movement is relaunching the Cantine Aperte format, transforming wineries into places dedicated to wellness, nature, and immersive experiences: yoga among the vines, trekking, e-biking, cooking classes, and tastings are becoming central to contemporary wine tourism.

La Scolca celebrates Mario Soldati

The celebrations for Mario Soldati’s 120th birthday, promoted by Chiara Soldati of La Scolca, kicked off in Rome. The focus is on the connection between wine, culture, territory, and the authenticity of the Italian wine story.

The rural luxury of the Langhe

The Ceretto family is developing the “Le Brunate” project, a new hospitality model that integrates wine, cuisine, art, and landscape, transforming the vineyard into a complete cultural experience.

Roberto Giacobbo, wine producer in Puglia

Journalist and TV writer Roberto Giacobbo enters the world of wine with the “Torreclava” project together with the Faretra family in Puglia, focusing on organic production and territorial valorization.

Brunello di Montalcino: 2026 Yield Reduction Confirmed

The Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium confirms the reduction in yields from 80 to 70 quintals per hectare for the 2026 harvest, a measure designed to protect the quality, production balance, and value of the denomination.

Planeta combines wine and contemporary art

Planeta Winery is organizing a tour of vineyards, contemporary art, and tastings at Buonivini during Cantine Aperte 2026.

Cantina Produttori Fregona relaunches its Torchiato DOCG.

The Fregona cooperative promotes Torchiato DOCG Piera Dolza, a historic local passito wine produced with native grape varieties such as Glera, Boschera, and Verdiso.

Marchesini reconfirmed as head of the Valpolicella Consortium

Christian Marchesini will remain president of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium until 2028. His goals include international promotion and the UNESCO nomination for the grape drying ritual.

The historic Porta Romana winery closes.

After 25 years, one of Teramo’s iconic restaurants is closing its doors, reflecting on the city’s changing landscape and the loss of its local gastronomic identity.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

2026 Assoenologi Congress in Conegliano

The 79th Assoenologi Congress will address key issues in the sector: young consumers, health, climate, sustainability, low-alcohol wines, varietal innovation, and the future of international markets.

Mediobanca: Italian wine revenues down 2.8% in 2025

According to the Mediobanca report, the main Italian wine groups saw a 2.8% decline in turnover, with exports slowing, especially to the United States and Europe. Horeca, wine bars, and online sales also declined.

Italian white wines remain undervalued abroad

Analysis of the international positioning of Italian white wines: recognized quality but still penalized by languages and cultural perceptions that favor international grape varieties like Chardonnay.

Growing interest in low-alcohol wines at origin

More and more Italian wineries are experimenting with low-alcohol wines, developed directly in the vineyard and cellar, rather than simply through subsequent dealcoholization.

New EU limits on copper in vineyards

New European limits on copper residues will come into force in 2026. Precision viticulture, digital records, and proper system calibration are becoming increasingly important.

CMO Wine Promotion Third Countries 2026/2027

Applications for CMO Wine grants dedicated to promotion on non-EU markets are open from May 21 to June 26, 2026.

The best Sardinian wines according to a comparative test

Of the more than 100 labels analyzed, Cannonau, Vermentino, and Torbato from companies such as Argiolas and Sella & Mosca stand out for their quality and pleasantness.

Librandi takes center stage with its 2021 Cirò Riserva

Librandi’s Cirò Classico Superiore Riserva Duca Sanfelice 2021 received excellent reviews, describing it as elegant, persistent, and offering excellent value for money.

Hugo Spritz continues its summer boom

The Hugo Spritz confirms its success as a light and aromatic cocktail born in Alto Adige, increasingly present in European summer aperitifs.

International

United Kingdom: wine production boom

The United Kingdom is expected to record its second-largest harvest in history in 2025, with a 55% production rate and over 16.5 million bottles, thanks to favorable weather conditions and the growth of English sparkling wine.

Dom Pérignon and Tilda Swinton at the Guggenheim in Bilbao

Dom Pérignon presents an artistic performance at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with Tilda Swinton dedicated to the relationship between Champagne, art, and contemporary creativity.

Wine events

Vini Vaganti brings natural wines to Lecce

The event dedicated to artisanal wines returns to Lecce, featuring traveling tastings and producers from all over Italy.

Cori Civitas Vini celebrates biodiversity and territory

Two days of tastings, guided tours, masterclasses, and promotion of Bellone and Nero Buono wines in Lazio.

Open Cellars 2026: Sicily Heads for a Record

Over 30 Sicilian wineries will participate in the 2026 edition of Cantine Aperte, marking the growth of regional wine tourism.

Preview of the Open Cellars for Meyer

At the Valdichiana Designer Village, over 20 wineries will be hosting charity tastings in support of Meyer Hospital.

Umbria Wine Tourism Movement

More than 40 Umbrian wineries will be involved in tastings, vineyard picnics, e-bikes, and hospitality throughout the Montefalco, Orvieto, and Lake Trasimeno areas.

Wine Street Tasting brings life to Asti

Forty-one venues are part of the city’s largest food and wine district, dedicated to wine, Piedmontese cuisine, and international street food.

Mandrarossa Literary Award

Mandrarossa is reviving the dialogue between wine and culture with the “La Sicilia che non ti aspetti” Literary Prize, scheduled for Selinunte on July 25, 2026.

AIS Agrigento visits Masseria del Feudo

The AIS Agrigento course concluded with an educational visit to Masseria del Feudo, an example of organic farming and territorial innovation.

Thanks for listening, we remind you that today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

See you tomorrow.

Wine Trends in Italy – Week of May 18-22 – 2026

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The Italian wine sector continues to experience a complex phase, probably one of the most delicate in recent years.
The numbers confirm a market that is not in an irreversible structural crisis, but is undergoing a profound transformation made up of new consumption patterns, reduced volumes, pressure on margins, and changes in purchasing habits.
At the same time, new growth opportunities, new commercial geographies, and new consumption models are emerging that are reshaping the future of Italian and global wine.

According to the Mediobanca 2025 Report on leading Italian wineries, the slowdown in the sector is now evident even among large groups. Aggregate sales of the companies analyzed fell 2.8% compared to 2024, with exports weaker than the domestic market. Margins are particularly deteriorating: EBITDA -4.2%, net profit -7.5%, a sign of a cost structure that is increasingly difficult to sustain in a context of declining consumption and strong competitive pressure. The HoReCa sector, wine shops, wine bars, online sales, and the mid-market are particularly affected. Sparkling wines are holding up better, while organic wines are slowing, and no-low-alcohol wines remain marginal.

The international situation confirms the difficulties. OIV data show a very difficult global outlook for 2025: global wine trade will lose approximately €34 billion, global consumption will fall to its lowest levels since 1957, and international trade volumes will fall below 95 million hectoliters. The United States, France, and China are leading the global slowdown in consumption, while Europe continues to reduce vineyard areas and production to adapt to a less expansive market than in the past.

The main problem for Italian wine remains exports to the United States. In the twelve months following the introduction of US tariffs, the sector lost approximately €340 million, with volumes at their lowest levels in the last ten years. The first two months of 2026 still saw Italian exports decline by 13.3%, although February showed less negative signs than January. The US remains the primary market, but the pressure of tariffs, a weak dollar, and reduced consumption continues to weigh heavily on Italian companies.

Within this challenging scenario, however, some new strategic directions are beginning to emerge. Russia, China, and especially Brazil are showing significant signs of recovery. The emerging markets analyzed by Nomisma are projected to exceed €400 million in Italian wine imports in 2025, with growth of 4.3%. Countries such as Poland, Romania, Mexico, India, and the Czech Republic are becoming increasingly attractive areas for commercial diversification of Italian wine, especially for sparkling wines and bottled wines.

On the consumption front, the shift now appears structural. The dominant paradigm is becoming “less quantity, more quality.” Consumers aren’t stopping drinking wine, but they’re changing their approach: they’re drinking less often, choosing better, seeking experiences, authenticity, and greater consistency between price and perceived value. Consumption by the glass is growing, now chosen by 57% of global consumers according to Coravin, driven primarily by young people seeking variety, moderation, and discovery. This phenomenon is profoundly changing the work of restaurants, wine bars, and wine shops.

Pricing is also becoming a key issue in the restaurant industry. Distributors and HORECA operators are sounding the alarm over excessive wine list price increases. Today’s consumers compare prices, immediately perceive markups as overly aggressive, and tend to reduce out-of-home consumption when the quality-price ratio appears unbalanced. More and more restaurateurs are therefore considering more sustainable models, with lower markups and increased bottle rotation.

Meanwhile, production and marketing preferences are also changing. Liv-Ex data confirms impressive growth in the global fine wine market for white and sparkling wines: 650% for whites and 1,100% for sparkling wines since 2010, while reds remain essentially stagnant. This is an important signal because it reflects a real transformation in consumer tastes and international investor decisions.

Organic retail continues to grow in Italian distribution, with organic retail sales expected to reach €4.4 billion in 2025 (9.2%). However, organic wine has yet to fully capture this positive trend: organic wines and sparkling wines are stable in value (-0.1%) and declining in volume. This demonstrates that today’s consumers seek sustainability, but also demand accessibility, simplicity, and a clear perceived value.

At the same time, the importance of technological innovation is growing. Eatable Adventures’ Wine Tech Challenge highlights how the sector is increasingly investing in precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, water sustainability, distribution monitoring, dealcoholization, and commercial automation. Innovation is no longer an afterthought but a strategic competitive lever for reducing costs, improving sustainability, and adapting to new market scenarios.

Overall, the Italian wine industry is undergoing a momentous transformation. Global consumption is slowing, margins are compressing, and traditional markets are becoming more unstable. But at the same time, new opportunities are emerging related to alternative markets, experiential consumption, premiumization, technological innovation, sparkling wines, white wines, and the evolution of wine tourism.

The future of the sector does not seem to be oriented toward quantitative growth, but rather toward a more selective, managerial, and value-driven model. Those who can quickly adapt to changing consumer behavior, build direct relationships with the market, and offer authentic and sustainable experiences will have significant growth opportunities in the coming years.

Wine press review for Thursday May 21 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.

Italian wineries

Marsala DOC on the way to the Additional Geographical Units (UGA). The Marsala DOC Consortium begins the process of obtaining recognition for the Additional Geographical Units: Stagnone, Altopiano dei Bagli, Triglia, and San Nicola. The goal: to enhance territorial differences and strengthen Marsala’s global identity.

Kurtatsch Winery presents its new Alto Adige Uga wines. The Alto Adige cooperative is launching nine wines from eight different Uga wines, focusing on the zoning and climate adaptation of Gewürztraminer thanks to vineyards distributed between 220 and 900 meters above sea level.

Tenuta del Paguro and underwater aging Off the coast of Ravenna, Tenuta del Paguro continues its aging project in the Adriatic Sea: bottles are immersed 30 meters deep for twelve months at constant temperature and pressure.

Principe di Corleone opens its doors for Cantine Aperte. On May 31st, the Sicilian winery will host vineyard tours, tastings, and live music as part of the national initiative of the Movimento Turismo del Vino.

Piedmontese Ruchè in the spotlight after the brawl at the wine festival. The Ruchè Festival ended amid controversy and tension after a clash between two historic local producers. The industry fears damage to the Piedmontese grape’s reputation.

Emilia-Romagna focuses on contemporary, naturally low-alcohol wines. Davide Frascari, president of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Wine Shop, relaunches the region’s versatility: fresh, accessible wines with naturally lower alcohol content, in line with new consumption trends.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Wine Exports: Focus on New Emerging Markets Wine Monitor-Nomisma identifies 13 emerging markets for Italian wine, including India, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and Colombia. Wine imports to these countries are expected to grow by an average of 7.1% annually from 2019 to 2025.

Mediobanca Report: Italian wine slows. Sales of Italy’s leading producers are projected to decline 2.8% in 2025, with exports down 3.4% and margins sharply compressed. Sparkling wines and premium wines are holding up better, while smaller producers are struggling.

Frescobaldi: A more managerial sector is needed. The UIV president calls for greater production rationalization and reduced yields to avoid oversupply and further depreciation of Italian wines.

US slows for Italian wine According to Mediobanca, the American market will decline 6.3% for Italian wine in 2025. Problems related to declining global consumption and international uncertainty remain central.

Piwi-resistant grape varieties are increasingly central to the winemaking debate. Piwi-resistant grape varieties are gaining in interest thanks to their sustainability and climate resilience. Discussions remain open regarding their possible inclusion in DOC and DOCG designations.

Italian white wines undervalued abroad According to several international observers, Italy’s great white wines still suffer from ineffective communication, both linguistically and perceptually, compared to their international competitors.

Vintage Labeling: Regulatory Clarifications UIV delves into the rules governing vintage labeling for DOC, DOCG, IGP, and generic wines, highlighting the differences between European and national regulations.

US-EU Tariff Agreement: Bottega Cautiously Optimistic. Sandro Bottega considers the trade agreement between Washington and Brussels a positive development, but warns that energy, inflation, and geopolitical tensions remain the main challenges for wine SMEs.

ISWC 2026: Italy leads the way with 459 awards. Excellent performances by Amarone, Prosecco, Valpolicella Ripasso, Barolo, Franciacorta, and Etna DOC at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Horeca 2026: beverages recovering but consumption still fragile In the first quarter of 2026, Horeca sell-out grew by 6% in value compared to 2025, but remained below 2024 levels. Spirits, aperitifs and energy drinks performed well.

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI exports exceed 93%: Exports exceed €380 million, with distribution in over 130 countries. Asia and non-European markets are growing despite international logistics tensions.

International

Wine-Searcher Acquires Billionaire Olivier Goudet. The international wine data platform has joined the ranks of French investor Olivier Goudet. Investments in AI and a strengthening of the US market are planned.

Champagne remains strong in Italy. The Italian Sommelier Foundation’s “Champagne Oscars” confirm the strong connection between the Italian market and French Champagne. Italy is the world’s fifth largest market for Champagne consumption.

Alternative crops to address a changing climate. The European symposium in Vienna highlights the need to diversify agricultural crops: quinoa, hemp, dry rice, and legumes become strategic tools for resilience.

EU Fertilizer Action Plan: Farmers Critical The European Commission presents the new Fertilizer Action Plan, but the agricultural sector complains about a lack of concrete measures and insufficient financial resources.

Wine events

VitignoItalia closes with over 10,000 visitors. The 20th edition of the Neapolitan event confirms a strong presence of international buyers, press, and professionals, thanks also to the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE).

OST – Temporary Starred Osteria continues in Casentino. A new event on May 28th at the Lanificio di Stia will feature starred chefs and local restaurants to promote food and wine and tourism in Casentino.

World Biodiversity Day: Focus on Organic Farming FederBio relaunches the role of biodiversity and biodistricts as key tools for agricultural sustainability and territorial resilience.

Hospitality Award – Notes on Inclusivity and Hospitality The award promoted by Hospitality and WMF dedicated to the use of music in the hotel and restaurant industry as a tool for inclusion and well-being is underway.

Oristano joins the Wine Cities. The Sardinian city is banking on Vernaccia di Oristano as a lever for identity for tourism, culture, and territorial development.

CantinArte returns to Nurachi. The Caddeo Winery hosts a new cultural evening featuring literature, wine, and local produce as part of the CantinArte festival.

Thanks for listening. Today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

Wine press review for Wednesday May 20 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.

Italian wineries

Resistant vines take centre stage in Tarzo

The second edition of the event dedicated to resistant grape varieties, organized by the Corbanese Pro Loco, has concluded. Twenty-five producers from Treviso, Belluno, and Pordenone participated, with tastings and masterclasses dedicated to Piwi wines.

FIVI and SDA Bocconi analyze the sustainability of independent winemakers

The research developed by SDA Bocconi with Fivi and Crédit Agricole Italia explores the financial management, growth, and economic sustainability of Italian vertical wineries.

Ciliegiolo revitalizes the Tuscan Maremma

The Consortium for the Protection of Maremma Toscana Wines is committed to promoting Ciliegiolo as a grape variety that represents the identity of an increasingly attractive area for investment and new projects.

Donnafugata: Ben Ryé Beyond Dessert Wine

In Pantelleria, Donnafugata’s Ben Ryé is reinterpreted in a gastronomic key, paired with Mediterranean and Pantellerian cuisine during Sicilia en Primeur 2026.

Angelo Gaja invests in high-altitude white wines

The Gaja family inaugurates a new winery in the Langhe dedicated exclusively to white wines. The project looks to the future climate of Piedmontese viticulture, with vineyards up to 750 meters above sea level.

Folonari inaugurates the new Cabreo Winery

A new facility dedicated to the Super Tuscans of Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari Tenute opens in Greve in Chianti. A €7 million investment in technology, optical sorting, and wine tourism.

Ventiventi Winery and the New Face of Lambrusco

The Razzaboni brothers’ Emilian company continues to promote a contemporary, sustainable, and quality-oriented Lambrusco, overcoming old commercial stereotypes.

Roberto Giacobbo enters the world of wine

The well-known television host is starting a wine production in Puglia together with the Faretra family, focusing on native grape varieties and a limited-edition organic Primitivo.

Marsala Doc towards the UGA

The Marsala DOC Consortium approves the process for the recognition of the Additional Geographic Units: Stagnone, Altopiano dei Bagli, Triglia and San Nicola.

Ghemme DOCG, controversy over the Wine Exhibition

Some producers are challenging the management of Ghemme’s historic event, accusing Pro Loco of distorting the festival’s original purpose.

Mediobanca: 2025 will be difficult for major wine groups

The Mediobanca report highlights a general decline in revenues and margins in the Italian wine sector. Terre Cevico, Mack & Schuhle, and Mezzacorona are holding up better.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Heroic viticulture and climate change

The topic of mountain viticulture returns to the forefront of the “R-Evolution Green” meetings in Pordenone, with reflections on biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate adaptation.

Agricultural students learn in the vineyard

Students from the IIS Asiago institute participated in a practical lesson on pruning at the Anna Costa farm in Rotzo, combining theory and field experience.

UNESCO Italian cuisine and wine

Paolo Marchi of Identità Golose calls on the sector to further enhance the connection between wine, cuisine, and territory to reconnect with consumers.

The first Italian whisky made from ancient spelt is born

The Ligurian distillery Il Signor Camillo presents a craft whisky made from ancient Italian spelt, valorizing the agricultural supply chain and the territory.

Organic growing in Italian retail

In 2025, organic sales in Italian retail are expected to grow by 9.2%, while organic wines and sparkling wines remain substantially stable (-0.1%).

New routes for the export of Italian wine

According to Nomisma Wine Monitor, the 13 emerging markets for Italian wine are expected to exceed €400 million in 2025 (4.3%). Poland, the Czech Republic, and Mexico are among the most promising.

Emerging markets become strategic

Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America represent new areas of development for Italian wine in response to the slowdowns in the USA and Western Europe.

International

Abel Buezo defends the value of artisanal wine

The Spanish producer of Arlanza claims that 50 euro wines represent the right price for non-industrial, locally-sourced products.

Paulaner brings “Spezi” out of Germany

The historic cola-orange drink debuts in Switzerland and is also eyeing Italy as a strategic next European market.

Clessidra acquires control of “Sapore di Mare”

Structured finance transaction to relaunch the historic Italian retail chain specializing in frozen fish products.

Wine events

“Mountain Wines” at the Rauscedo Cooperative Nurseries

On May 21, the VCR Research Center hosts a conference dedicated to heroic viticulture and mountain wines.

Borgo Teresiano Wine Fest in Trieste

From May 28th to June 2nd, tastings, art, music, and wine bars will enliven Trieste’s historic center.

Olio e Dintorni returns to Friuli Venezia Giulia

From May 22nd to 24th, Villa Maseri hosts an event dedicated to regional extra virgin olive oil, featuring tastings and training.

“Table Games” in the Marche

The Marche wine tourism project combines tastings and sensory games to promote local wineries.

Open Cellars 2026 in Campania

Fonzone is preparing a day of wine, street food, music, and immersive audio tours in Irpinia.

Record-breaking Open Cellars 2026 in Sicily

Thirty companies will participate in the new edition of the Sicilian Wine Tourism Movement.

“A Quarter of Cellars” on Giglio Island

From May 22nd to 24th, Ansonaco tastings, music, and food will liven up Giglio Castello.

Tenute Tomasella opens its doors to wine tourists

May 31st is a day spent exploring vineyards, wineries, and family activities in Veneto and Friuli.

Sicilia en Primeur confirms the island’s central role

Five days dedicated to wine, culture, and wine tourism, focusing on Sicilian territorial identity.

Slow June opens in La Maddalena

From May 23rd to June 7th, the Slow Food festival brings over 150 natural and sustainable wines to Sardinia.

Sorsi d’Autore combines wine and culture in the Venetian Villas

From June 12th to July 5th, AIS Veneto will host tastings and cultural events in the historic villas of the Veneto region.

Southern Roots returns to Puglia

On June 8th, Gioia del Colle will host international tastings and reviews of Southern Italian wines and oils.

Thanks for listening, we remind you that today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

See you tomorrow.