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Wine press review for Monday March 30 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers and today’s wine industry news.

The wine sector enters spring 2026 amidst new international challenges, evolving consumption, and a flurry of events and initiatives preparing the market for the upcoming Vinitaly . With export strategies, new wineries, commercial alliances, and the promotion of local areas, Italian wine continues to demonstrate resilience and capacity for innovation.

Italian wineries

Frescobaldi: New markets are needed for Italian wine.

During the first Italian Cuisine Forum at Masseria Li Reni (Manduria), Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of the Italian Wine Union, emphasized how the sector is going through a complex phase marked by slowing exports, geopolitical tensions, and logistical challenges. According to Frescobaldi, the future of Italian wine depends on the ability to identify new markets and strengthen the international positioning of Made in Italy agri-food products.

Tenuta Le Forconate: A new voice from Tuscany’s borderlands makes its debut.

Tenuta Le Forconate is born, a winemaking project by the Barbanera family in the San Casciano dei Bagni area, between Tuscany and Umbria. The winery has 26.5 hectares of vineyards and aims to promote the Colli dell’Etruria Centrale DOC , an area still little-known but rich in biodiversity and viticultural potential.

Val d’Oca distributes Champagne Encry in Italy

Val d’Oca and the Champagne House Encry have formed a new commercial partnership. The Valdobbiadene-based company becomes the exclusive distributor for the Italian market, strengthening its position in the premium HoReCa segment.

Cielo e Terra presents “The History of Gio” at Vinitaly

At Vinitaly, the Vicenza-based company Cielo e Terra will launch a new line of wines dedicated to its founder Giovanni Cielo . The project celebrates the company’s history through three labels that combine family tradition and contemporary style.

Tenuta Olianas expands its hospitality offering with Sa Frorèa.

In Sardinia, Tenuta Olianas inaugurates Sa Frorèa , a new space for weddings and events. The architectural design, integrated with the landscape, reinforces the winery’s strategy of wine tourism and experiential hospitality.

Sartori Winery Takes Center Stage at CiokoWine Fest

The historic Veronese company Sartori participated in the fourth edition of the CiokoWine Fest in Alcamo with a gesture of solidarity: all proceeds from the tastings were donated to students at local hotel schools.

Carpenè Malvolti among the excellences of Made in Italy

The historic sparkling wine house from Conegliano took part in the fourth edition of “Italiano Vero – Eccellenze nel Mondo” , an institutional event at the Chamber of Deputies dedicated to the symbolic companies of Made in Italy.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Amarone 2021: The style of the great Venetian red changes.

According to Gambero Rosso’s preview tastings, Amarone is undergoing a profound stylistic evolution. There’s a growing trend toward more elegant and less opulent wines, with lower residual sugar and a better balance between structure and freshness.

Monfortino Riserva 2019: an icon of Barolo

Giacomo Conterno’s 2019 Barolo Monfortino Riserva confirms its position as an absolute benchmark on the global scene. The wine expresses notes of blackberry, undergrowth, spice, and licorice, with a dynamic structure and a long, complex finish.

Italian wine to the rescue

On the eve of Vinitaly 2026, the sentiment among operators is one of cautious optimism. After record exports of € 8.1 billion in 2024 , 2025 closed with €7.7 billion , a modest decline compared to international competitors. The Italian wine sector currently represents 1.1% of the national GDP , with:

  • 670,000 hectares of vineyards
  • 530,000 businesses
  • 870,000 direct employees

Consumption in large-scale retail trade: lower volumes but rising average prices

In 2025, 737 million liters of wine and sparkling wine were sold in Italian large-scale retail trade, 20 million fewer than in 2024. The average price per liter is rising, a sign of a progressive premiumization of consumption . Among the best-selling wines:

  • Prosecco: over 53 million liters
  • Trebbiano: over 23 million liters
  • Sangiovese: over 18 million liters

Agricultural bonus of up to 400 euros per hectare

The Lazio Region is introducing an incentive of up to €400 per hectare for hazelnut and table grape cultivation under the SRA01 Integrated Production measure of the 2023-2027 CAP program.

Bolgheri defends its wine-growing landscape

The Bolgheri DOC and Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC Consortium has written to the Minister of the Environment to report potential landscape issues related to the offshore wind farm project in the Ligurian Sea and the infrastructure for connecting it to the electricity grid.

Talking about wine to win over young people

According to several industry professionals, wine promotion will need to change its language. Home consumption is evolving, and traditional conviviality around the table is diminishing: it’s therefore essential to share the region and the wine experience to engage the new generations.

International

War in Iran and the fertilizer crisis

Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are putting European farms in difficulty, with blockages affecting approximately a third of the global fertilizer trade . Regenerative farms are less exposed to the crisis due to their reduced dependence on chemical inputs.

Italian wine talents conquer the world

Two Italian sommeliers have received important recognition abroad:

  • Rudimante Belardi Galeone , Wine Director of the Maaemo restaurant in Oslo, named Sommelier of the Year in Norway.
  • Andrea Martinisi , an Umbrian sommelier in Auckland, will represent New Zealand at the “Best Sommelier of the World 2026” global competition.

Designer wineries: wine tourism is growing worldwide

In many European regions, from Rioja to Ribera del Duero, iconic wineries are emerging where architecture and wine merge into new tourist destinations. Among these is the new Bodegas Faustino in Rioja Alavesa, designed to offer immersive experiences amidst vineyards and design.

Wine events

Vinitaly 2026: Over 4,000 wineries will be present

Veronafiere President Federico Bricolo confirms impressive numbers for the next edition of Vinitaly:

  • over 4,000 participating wineries
  • 100,000 m2 of exhibition space
  • operators from 130 countries
  • over 2,200 accredited journalists

Calabria takes center stage at Vinitaly

The region will present over 100 wineries in a dedicated pavilion, under the Calabria Straordinaria brand, with a focus on native grape varieties and local biodiversity.

Civiltà del Bere awards the most awarded wineries

The Simply the Best event, a walk-around tasting that brings together 65 Italian wineries awarded by the main wine guides, is taking place in Milan.

Suber Wine Festival in Suvereto

From May 1st to 3rd, the Tuscan village will host the Suber Wine Festival, an event that combines wine, culture, art, and experiential tourism in the Alta Maremma.

Open Vineyards in Friuli

In the Collio and Colli Orientali regions, wine tourism events continue, allowing visitors to discover the wine-growing landscape through tastings and local stories.

Clavesana Wine Festival

The traditional event in the Langhe region, which celebrated the new vintage of local wines with tastings, culture, and food, drew a large turnout.

Tastings and vertical tastings at the Wine Bank

The vertical tasting of the Marenca cru from the Luigi Pira winery, dedicated to Barolo di Serralunga, hosted at the Banca del Vino in Pollenzo, was a great success.

Montemercurio presents itself in Rome

The Montepulciano company made its debut in the capital during the Due Passi in Vigna event, with tastings dedicated to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Sunday March 29 -2026

with:

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

A structured look at the key news from the world of wine: from the stories of Italian wineries to market dynamics, and the international events and scenarios reshaping the sector. A useful read for understanding where the wine supply chain is truly headed.

Italian wineries

Tolaini is the only Italian winery to make the Wine.com social media finals.

The Tolaini winery, in the Chianti Classico region, is the only Italian winery to reach the semifinals of the Bracket Challenge 2026 , the social media competition organized by Wine.com, the world’s largest wine e-commerce site. The competition involves 64 international wineries voted directly by followers on social media platforms. Tolaini faces the prestigious Spanish winery La Rioja Alta in the Reserva category, while other finalists include leading names such as Laurent-Perrier, Ridge, Purple Hands, and Susana Balbo. This is a sign of the growing digital visibility of Italian wineries in global markets.

Tenuta del Paguro: Wine that matures on the ocean floor

One of the most original projects in contemporary winemaking comes from Romagna. Tenuta del Paguro , based in Ravenna and growing grapes from Riolo Terme, ages some of its wines for twelve months at a depth of 30 meters in the wreck of the Paguro platform. This underwater aging technique has received international recognition at the “World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection” event, demonstrating how innovation and local tradition can coexist in projects of high symbolic value.

Your Rita: From Country Home to Maremma Icon

The story of Tua Rita , in the Val di Cornia, recounts one of the most emblematic transformations in contemporary Italian wine. Founded in 1984 by Rita Tua and Virgilio Bisti as a simple country retreat, the winery is now an internationally recognized enterprise. Starting with just one hectare of vineyards, it now boasts over 70 hectares and a production that has successfully combined Tuscan tradition with a modern vision, thanks in part to the work of winemaker Luca D’Attoma and the commitment of the second family generation.

La Velarda: high-altitude viticulture in the Taburno area

In Campoli del Monte Taburno, Campania, Antonietta Caporaso carries on a family winemaking tradition rooted in the Aglianico del Taburno DOCG denomination. The area, characterized by the highest altitudes in the denomination, is experiencing a revival thanks to the promotion of local viticulture and cultural and tourism initiatives that are bringing attention to an area historically dedicated to the production of Aglianico.

The Pearl of Garda: the evolution of Lugana over time

In Rome, at chef Francesco Apreda’s Michelin-starred restaurant Idylio, the Brescia-based Perla del Garda winery presented a vertical tasting of its Lugana DOP wines with owner Giovanna Prandini. The meeting highlighted how Lake Garda white wines can evolve positively over the years, developing aromatic complexity without losing freshness and acidity.

Sandrone and the 2020 Barolo Vite Talin

The 2020 Barolo Vite Talin from Sandrone winery represents one of the most distinctive expressions of Nebbiolo di Langa. Vinified in wood, it ages for three years in tonneaux and large barrels, followed by a further three years in bottle. The result is a powerful and structured wine, with aromas of dark fruit, dried roses, spices, tobacco, and citrus, supported by a complex tannic structure and remarkable persistence.

Caravaglio and Château Palmer: a Malvasia di Salina born from friendship

A conversation between Nino Caravaglio , a producer from Salina, and Thomas Duroux , director of Château Palmer in Bordeaux, has given birth to a unique winemaking project. Two labels of dry Malvasia di Salina— Piano della Croce and Punta Capo —2024 vintage, presented in Milan by Sarzi Amadè. A meeting of the Mediterranean and Bordeaux that demonstrates how wine is often the fruit of shared relationships and visions.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Women in Wine: Leadership and Gaps Yet to Be Filled

At Sicilia Wine 2026 in Chiusa Sclafani (Palermo), female wine and olive oil entrepreneurs spoke about a sector increasingly driven by female leadership. Women today manage businesses, dominate markets, and invest in the supply chain, yet still face structural inequalities. The change, however, now appears irreversible.

Wine dominates Italian online auctions

In 2025, wine was the best-selling category on Catawiki , with over 54,000 lots and 300,000 bottles traded . Among the most significant sales: a vertical tasting of Sassicaia from 1982 to 2018 sold for €16,100 and a bottle of Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2004 sold for €10,500. Italy also confirms its position as one of the main European markets for trading collectible wines.

Franciacorta: research, sustainability, and innovation

The Franciacorta Consortium has presented its 2026 Research & Development Activity Report , a document analyzing the 2025 vintage and the main lines of research on the region’s viticulture. Key themes include vineyard protection, climate adaptation, sustainability, and experimental microvinification, essential tools for addressing new agronomic challenges.

The Italian AgriFoodTech market is growing

According to the Eatable Adventure report, investments in Italian AgriFoodTech will reach €121.6 million in 2025, an 18% increase. Active startups have risen to 501 (23%), while employment has grown by 47%. These are signs of a maturing ecosystem that could increasingly impact the winemaking industry as well.

Signorvino continues to grow

The chain of wine bars and restaurants founded by Sandro Veronesi closed 2025 with a turnover of 90 million euros (5%) . The restaurant sector drove growth, seating over 2.2 million people and an average bill of nearly 50 euros. Sparkling wines account for 32% of retail sales, with Prosecco being the best-selling denomination.

The Oltrepò Crisis and the Birth of the “107 Committee”

Approximately one hundred members of the Terre d’Oltrepò cooperative winery have formed Committee 107 to seek clarity on the cooperative’s future and its business plan. The discussions also focused on the winery’s potential liquidation and the challenges posed by production losses in 2024.

Wine and Communication: Mistakes and Rules for Press Presentations

After over thirty years of tastings and press lunches, an industry expert has summarized some fundamental rules for properly presenting wines to journalists and influencers. Among the key criteria: balance between the wine’s structure and the cuisine offered, narrative clarity, and respect for the taster’s sensory experience.

International

Liv-ex: Signs of recovery for fine wines

According to Liv-ex analysis, the secondary market for fine wines could grow by 2.1% by the end of 2026. The Fine Wine 100 index has recorded four consecutive months of gains, while the value of European purchases has increased by 48% year-on-year.

Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger

French giant Pernod Ricard and American multinational Brown-Forman have confirmed talks regarding a potential merger. The deal would create one of the world’s largest spirits groups, capable of directly competing with Diageo.

US tariffs and consumption: imported wines hold up

According to a NielsenIQ analysis, the tariffs introduced in the United States in 2025 have had a limited impact: the prices of imported European wines have increased by just 1%, a sign that the market has absorbed the effect of the tariffs.

Brazil, a growing market

Brazil continues to emerge as a promising market for wine. In 2025, imports reached 165 million liters, worth $558 million (6.8%) . Italian exports reached €42.8 million , driven primarily by the growth of sparkling wines and the premiumization of consumption.

Wine events

Prosecco Spring: Final Weekend on Boxing Day

The Cartizze and Valdobbiadene DOCG Wine Show continues in Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene as part of the Prosecco Spring Festival. The weekend’s events include tastings, traditional cuisine, Venetian cicchetti, and a “Walk among the Rive” (Strolling along the Shores) through the vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage hills.

The new talents of Italian winemaking

Vinoway has launched the “New Talents in Italian Winemaking” format, dedicated to the new generation of winemakers who are driving the qualitative evolution of wineries. Among the protagonists are Alessandro Leoni, Andrea Pala, Jacopo Vagaggini, Nicola Biasi, and Giulia Harri.

Pinot Grigio delle Venezie is a partner of the 2026 Giro d’Italia.

Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie will be the official wine of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, an event with an estimated global audience of over 650 million viewers. The initiative represents a powerful international promotion platform for Italian wine.

Vinitaly 2026: the world’s largest wine hub

From April 12 to 15, Veronafiere will host the 58th edition of Vinitaly , with approximately 4,000 exhibiting companies and over 1,000 buyers from 140 countries. The event aims to strengthen Italy’s role as a global wine hub and tap into new markets, from Asia to South America.

San Casciano dei Bagni launches “Fonti di Vino” (Sources of Wine)

The Tuscan spa town hosts Fonti di Vino – Between Glasses and Thermal Waters , an event that combines wine tourism and wellness. Nine local wineries will showcase their wines in a context that blends culture, tourism, and local development.

Signature wine tour in the cellars of Adro

Adro, in Franciacorta, offers a spring itinerary through historic wineries like Ferghettina and Contadi Castaldi. The route combines tastings, underground architecture, and views of the vineyard-covered hills between Lake Iseo and the Po Valley.

DomeniCantina: Wine becomes a gastronomic experience

Colle Uncinano launches DomeniCantina , a format that combines seasonal cuisine and vineyard stories. Meetings take place in the winery’s rural spaces, creating an experience that directly connects agricultural production and hospitality.

New guide for the Piacenza Hills Road

Stefano Pizzamiglio, owner of the La Tosa company, has been appointed president of the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori dei Colli Piacentini , with the aim of strengthening territorial promotion and collaboration between producers, tourism and institutions.

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

See you tomorrow with new news from the world of wine.

Wine press review for Saturday March 28 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Antinori, the No. 1 European brand and No. 2 overall in the world. In Drinks International ‘s 2026 ranking of “The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands,” Antinori takes second place overall globally, confirming its position as the leading European wine brand. Italy features prominently, with seven wineries in the Top 50, including Gaja and Ornellaia, confirming the strong reputation of Italian wine on international markets.

Roco Winery, controlled by the Marzotto family, continues to grow in Oregon. Heritage USA continues its expansion in the Willamette Valley with the acquisition of the Domaine Lumineux vineyards. This acquisition strengthens the Marzotto family’s position in one of the most prestigious areas for American Pinot Noir and confirms an increasingly focused and structured international investment strategy.

Bonarda Distretto launches the #lamossaperfetta project website. The digital platform dedicated to promoting sparkling Bonarda from Oltrepò Pavese has launched online. Video interviews, editorial content, and insights reinforce a project that focuses on identity, a complete supply chain, production quality, and local recognition.

Col Vetoraz brings the full strength of Valdobbiadene DOCG to Vinitaly. The Treviso-based winery is presenting its full range of sparkling wines at Vinitaly 2026, reaffirming its connection to one of the most iconic regions of Italian sparkling wine. The message is clear: elegance, stylistic consistency, and a strong sense of territorial identity remain the brand’s distinctive assets.

Inserrata, the contemporary winery in San Miniato, Tuscany. Inserrata’s profile is growing, combining organic farming, aesthetic research, and cultural vision. A model of independent winemaking, it interprets wine as an agricultural, environmental, and identity-building project.

La Baia del Sole, an affordable Vermentino between Liguria and Tuscany. The Federici family continues to promote the Luni area with a product line centered on native grape varieties and a viticulture rooted in local history. An example of how quality, recognizability, and a balanced price can effectively coexist.

Podere Sapaio, Bolgheri, and Bibbona as seen by Massimo Piccin. The company confirms its high-end profile with a production philosophy based on precision, elegance, and expressive simplicity. The entrepreneurial story highlights a consistent trajectory of value creation in one of the strongest Tuscan wine regions.

Sesti and the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino. Giuseppe Maria Sesti’s winery, now led by his daughter Elisa, continues to be a benchmark for those seeking wines with a strong territorial identity and a sensitive approach to farming. The 2021 Brunello stands out for its vivacity, aromatic finesse, and depth of flavor.

Cantina San Bernardo, 800 years of history and a solid production vocation. In Poncarale, the Botti family recounts a business that combines historical heritage, agricultural work, respect for the environment, and a range of products capable of covering diverse consumer segments. It’s an example of a winery deeply rooted in the local area and in a direct relationship with its customers.

Talosa at Vinitaly 2026 with a memorable vertical tasting. The historic Montepulciano winery has chosen to highlight its quality journey through a vertical tasting of Pieve Le Grazie. This initiative strengthens Talosa’s position in the contemporary narrative of Vino Nobile.

Carpi and Sorbara Winery, Focus on Business Continuity : A delicate phase is dawning on the cooperative front in Emilia: institutional demands are emerging to safeguard the historic winery’s operations, its members, and the value built around iconic appellations such as Lambrusco di Sorbara, Salamino, and Pignoletto.

Cantine La Contea takes center stage with the “Il Viaggio del Salmone” event . On Mount Etna, the winery becomes the stage for a project that combines fine dining, regional storytelling, and wine experiences. This formula demonstrates how advanced wine tourism can generate value even through unconventional collaborations.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Italian wine remains optimistic despite the challenges. Amid geopolitical difficulties, pressure on consumption, and climate challenges, the sector continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt. The emerging message is one of confidence: Italian wine has already demonstrated its ability to transform crises into opportunities for recovery and innovation.

Italians are drinking less wine, but better. Data from the UIV-Vinitaly Observatory indicates that Italian consumers number approximately 30 million, equal to 55% of the population. Daily consumption is declining, especially among older age groups, while occasional consumption is increasing. The picture confirms a structural transformation: less quantity, more attention to quality and the consumption context.

The wine market, between stable value and declining volumes. The UIV-Vinitaly 2025 Observatory depicts a €14 billion sector, with an overall impact on the economy of €45 billion. Large-scale retail trade is holding steady in value but still losing volume; sparkling wines are growing, reds are declining, and whites are stable. The system remains highly important economically, but with evident tensions on the demand side.

Wine risks becoming a luxury good. The UCI is raising the alarm about the gap between producer prices and final prices, especially when consumed outside the home. The risk is that wine will gradually lose its role as an accessible, everyday product, sliding toward increasingly occasional consumption, perceived as elitist.

Increasingly expensive away from home: the perceived gap is growing. Despite having seen lower price increases than other food products, wine is perceived by consumers as more expensive, especially in restaurants. This signal raises questions throughout the supply chain regarding value, margin distribution, and commercial sustainability.

The decline in exports is a strategic signal that should not be underestimated. The slowdown in exports is not seen as a full-blown crisis, but as an important indicator of change. Historical markets appear more mature and selective, while emerging ones require new, more focused, and less opportunistic strategies.

Tuscan wine, tradition and the need for reinvention. Tuscany’s wine scene is described as a system called upon to combine history and adaptation. Tariffs, climate, and the slowdown of the American market are pushing toward a “creative resistance,” where territorial identity must be defended, but also reinterpreted with strategic clarity.

Capital in a Bottle: The Value of Wine as an Economic and Political Construction. A broader reflection emphasizes how the value of Italian wine depends not only on the myth of its origins, but also on processes of economic, regulatory, and symbolic construction. Territory, therefore, is not just a legacy: it is also the result of market choices and dynamics.

No more incomprehensible pairings: a new interpretation of the wine-food relationship. The debate on pairings is shifting from rigid frameworks to more intuitive and comprehensible criteria. The focus is shifting toward a cultural simplification that makes wine more accessible to a contemporary audience, less inclined to accept overly specialized codes.

The Valpolicella appassimento technique nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. The Ministry of Culture has also included the Valpolicella appassimento grape practice among the new UNESCO nominations. This is a significant step, as it highlights not just a wine, but agricultural and cultural knowledge that can further leverage its international recognition.

The dispute over Piedmont cooperatives sparks debate. Matteo Ascheri’s comments on the Piedmont wine crisis provoke a harsh response from Vite Colte president Piero Quadrumolo. The debate brings to the forefront the role of cooperatives, supplier remuneration, and the tensions currently affecting some highly renowned production areas.

170 years of the Meregalli Group: distribution, market, and future vision. The historic Italian distribution group reaffirms its approach: innovate, understand trends, and keep wine at the center of a culture of conscious drinking. This important testimony to the growing role of distribution in building value.

Osteria senz’Oste, rural charm transformed into a local story. In the heart of Cartizze, nestled in the hills of Valdobbiadene, a unique format continues to generate buzz: no innkeeper, no traditional service, but an experience built on trust, landscape, and simplicity. A case study that demonstrates the power of wine when it meets authenticity and storytelling.

International

Dutch market: good wine isn’t enough: style and storytelling are needed. A very clear message emerges from Amsterdam for Italian wineries: product alone is no longer enough. According to importer Michele Conte, sustainability, identity, and brand consistency can grow in the Netherlands, but generic and poorly targeted offerings must be avoided.

Australian and Brazilian Prosecco: An Open Challenge in the Field of Geographical Indications. Australia and Brazil continue to use the Prosecco name for local production, confirming that international protection of denominations remains a crucial issue for Italian wine. The case highlights an increasingly strong tension between global recognition of the name and legal protection of origin.

Strasbourg honors Italian wines in international competitions. At “The World White Wines Contest” and related competitions, Italian labels once again take center stage. Beyond the awards, the cultural value of themes such as ungrafted vines, capable of uniting historical memory and contemporaneity, stands out.

Wine events

Vinitaly 2026 approaches with key data and signals for the sector. The Roman presentation of the next edition of Vinitaly highlighted the evolution of Italian consumption and the changing consumer profile. The fair confirms its position not only as a commercial event, but also as a strategic market analysis platform.

Epoca di Vino in Viserba: vintage cars, tastings, and entertainment. The Viserba Tourist Committee is organizing two days dedicated to wine and vintage cars, with tastings, food and wine stands, music, and a parade along the seafront. A popular event that combines conviviality, local culture, and local attractions.

Gambero Rosso returns to Amsterdam. The Dutch leg of the tour reconnected Italian wineries, importers, sommeliers, and restaurateurs. This event was a valuable opportunity to consolidate business relationships and test the sentiment of an increasingly attractive Northern European market.

Talosa and Col Vetoraz focus on Vinitaly as a positioning showcase. The initiatives of the two wineries clearly demonstrate how today’s presence at the fair is not just about display, but also about storytelling: verticality, range, brand identity and valorization of the terroir become tools for differentiation.

“The Salmon’s Journey” on Etna The event organized with Upstream at Cantine La Contea confirms the growth of experiential formats in which wine, excellent cuisine, and landscape become part of a single proposal with high perceived value.

Wine press review for Friday March 27 – 2026

with:

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

Below is a wine press review for the web, organized by topic, focusing on the most relevant news for businesses, wineries, operators, and investors in the sector.

Italian wineries

Donatella Cinelli Colombini presents “Cenerentola 2020,” the new expression of the Orcia DOC Riserva.

At Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda, Donatella Cinelli Colombini presented the new vintage of Cenerentola 2020 Orcia DOC Riserva , with an original format that intertwined tasting, fashion, design, music, and history. The message was clear: wine is not just a production technique, but a cultural interpretation of the times in which it was born. Also central was the call to revive the native Foglia Tonda grape, promoted alongside Sangiovese.

Due Santi Vineyard, the winemaking miracle of Bassano del Grappa

In Bassano del Grappa, an area better known for grappa than wine, the Zonta family’s Vigneto Due Santi project continues to be an example of entrepreneurial tenacity and the creation of local value. This story demonstrates how identity, quality, and continuity can foster new wine regions, even outside the most obvious areas.

Moncalisse, the Walch sisters’ new sparkling wine project

Julia and Karoline Walch launch Moncalisse , a new project dedicated exclusively to sparkling wines in Trentino, in the heart of the Trento DOC region. The project stems from a plot of land purchased in 2016 on Monte Calisio and is based on a clear vision: to create a new specialized winery, focusing on altitude, temperature range, and the strong identity of the place.

Mionetto renews its governance structure: Fabio Boldini is the new CCO Italy.

The historic Valdobbiadene winery is strengthening its organizational structure with the addition of Fabio Boldini to the management board as Chief Commercial Officer for Italy . The goal is to consolidate the brand’s positioning in the domestic market and more effectively support its international growth.

Carpi and Sorbara wineries, concerned about the crisis

The mayor of Carpi, Riccardo Righi, expressed grave concern about the situation at the Cantina Sociale di Carpi e Sorbara , underlining how a crisis of this magnitude could have not only corporate effects, but systemic effects on the entire winemaking and processing chain in the area.

Monte Rossa hosts the Buon Ricordo assembly

The annual meeting of the Ristoranti del Buon Ricordo (Good Memory Restaurants ) took place at the Monte Rossa winery in Franciacorta, an event that strengthened the bond between fine dining, regional cuisine, and local wine. It was an important sign of the alliance between hospitality, gastronomic storytelling, and the promotion of appellations.

Cantine dell’Angelo: Focus on “Del Nonno” Irpinia Coda di Volpe DOC 2023

From Irpinia comes a confirmation of the value of Southern Italy’s historic grape varieties: Cantine dell’Angelo’s Coda di Volpe DOC 2023 “Del Nonno” stands out for its stylistic precision, minerality, and territorial identity. This wine reinforces the image of an Irpinia region increasingly capable of producing white wines with great personality.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Prosecco on tap: Masaf begins checks

Inspectors from the Italian Food and Agriculture Organization ( MASAF) are conducting checks on the serving and marketing of Prosecco DOC and Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG in public establishments. They are also monitoring the phenomenon of wine served “on tap” or in bulk, improperly labeled as Prosecco. Fines can reach up to €5,000 . This is a strong reminder to protect designations and promote fair trade practices in the HoReCa sector.

Agricultural diesel: the sector remains on the margins of aid

Legislative Decree No. 33 of March 18, 2026, created to combat rising energy prices, includes measures that, however, have little impact on agricultural diesel fuel . For the primary sector, the real benefit amounts to a few cents per liter, quickly absorbed by rising prices. This is a key issue for agricultural and winemaking businesses, which continue to face cost pressures.

Fine wine, first signs of recovery

The fine wine market is showing signs of stabilization. According to Liv-ex estimates, the Fine Wine 100 could close 2026 with a 2.1% gain, supported by price readjustment and more favorable financial conditions. This is of interest not only to collectors, but also to premium Italian brands focused on the high-end segment.

Derthona Timorasso, steady growth for a distinctive denomination

From March 28th to 30th , Derthona Due.Zero , an event dedicated to Timorasso, returns to Tortona, involving 50 producers. The Colli Tortonesi Consortium emphasizes how Derthona has played a crucial role in the growth of the denomination, which continues to demonstrate resilience during a delicate period for Italian wine. It’s a prime example of the successful revitalization of a once marginal grape variety.

Drones in the fields: Coldiretti welcomes the green light from the Agriculture Commission.

Coldiretti welcomes the advancement in the use of drones in agriculture , considering it consistent with the need for innovation, greater efficiency, and a response to climate change. For Italian wine, the topic opens up interesting prospects in terms of precision agriculture, sustainability, and rationalized treatment.

Wine consumers in Italy are growing thanks to young people

The UIV-Vinitaly Observatory paints a less pessimistic picture than is often portrayed: in Italy, wine consumers number approximately 30 million , equal to 55% of the population , with a stable base and even slightly increased compared to 2011. However, the way people drink is changing: less daily consumption and more occasional consumption, guided by the principles of moderation and quality. The data on the preferences of Gen Z is striking, attracted by great reds such as Amarone, Barbaresco, Taurasi, Bolgheri, and Chianti.

Italian wine in search of a new narrative

The launch of Vinitaly has revealed a strong strategic direction: Italian wine must strengthen three crucial levers, also highlighted by Luigi Scordamaglia of Filiera Italia: reputation, biodiversity, and territorial brands . In a context of high costs, new consumption patterns, and unstable markets, the sector’s language must become more understandable and less self-referential.

The “pioneers” of Italian wine reflect on the future

The reflections of figures such as Piero Antinori, Marco Caprai, Paolo Damilano, Gaetano Marzotto, and Josè Rallo bring the theme of the transition between eras back to the forefront: from a period of building modern Italian wine to a phase in which it is necessary to rethink positioning, the industrial model, and the relationship between wine and its territories.

Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie will be the Official Wine of the 2026 Giro d’Italia.

The Consorzio DOC Delle Venezie is tying its image to the 2026 Giro d’Italia , strengthening Pinot Grigio’s positioning as a national excellence capable of reaching a broad, popular, and international audience. This is a particularly interesting territorial marketing and reputational initiative.

International

The US needs an extraordinary plan to relaunch Italian wine after it is hit by tariffs.

Coldiretti and Filiera Italia are calling for a special promotional plan to support Italian wine on the US market, following a sharp decline in value in 2026. The United States remains a key market, accounting for approximately 23% of global Italian wine exports .

Exports to the United States in sharp decline

Matteo Zoppas, president of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) , notes that the start of 2026 for Italian exports to the US has been very difficult, with January down 35% according to his forecast. Among the pressure factors: tariffs, the euro-dollar exchange rate, consumer behavior, inventory management, and international geopolitical tensions.

Victor Schwartz: Clear rules needed to combat illegal tariffs

American importer Victor Oscar Schwartz , who led the Supreme Court appeal against the tariffs, reiterated how these measures have generated instability and damage to the entire supply chain, from producers to importers. His remarks emphasize a key point: wine exports require regulatory predictability, not political shocks.

Wine events

Vinitaly Design Award 2026: Packaging and Identity at the Center

The Vinitaly Design Award reaches its thirtieth edition with 284 finalist projects and Michelangelo Pistoletto as honorary president of the jury. The award confirms the strategic importance of labels, bottles, and visual language as competitive positioning tools in the wine and spirits market.

Trento hosts a conference on sustainability and Geographical Indications

On April 9 and 10, 2026, the University of Trento will host the conference “The regulation of Geographical Indications under the test of sustainability: the case of the wine supply chain.” This high-profile event will address the relationship between GIs, sustainability, supply chain governance, and legal instruments.

Vinitaly 2026: Italian wine relaunches its central role

The 58th edition of Vinitaly , scheduled to take place in Verona from 12 to 15 April 2026 , with OperaWine on 11 April, was presented in Rome. Vinitaly confirms its position not only as a trade fair, but also as a strategic platform for the repositioning of Italian wine in a period of great international complexity.

4,000 exhibitors and operators from 140 countries expected

The message emerging from the Vinitaly presentation is one of reaction and confidence: the sector aims to transform the crisis into a competitive lever, leveraging biodiversity, quality, reputation, and commercial capacity. Wine is confirmed as one of the strongest assets of the Italian agri-food system.

Vinitaly-NoLo Experience: The area dedicated to low- and dealcoholized wines debuts.

Vinitaly 2026 sees the debut of the NoLo Experience , a new space dedicated to low- and no-alcohol wines. This project captures the growing interest of Italian companies in a segment that is still young but destined to make its mark, especially in international markets and new consumption opportunities.

The Wine Net at Vinitaly Tourism 2026

The Wine Net cooperative network will be present at Vinitaly with a shared stand in the Vinitaly Tourism area, strengthening the narrative of cooperative wine as an experience of territory, hospitality, and local identity. This is an important signal of the role of wine tourism as a driver of development.

Wine tourism in San Casciano dei Bagni: nine wineries join forces

With “Fonti di Vino – Tra calici e acque termali,” San Casciano dei Bagni seeks to transform wine into a unifying tool for the region’s narrative. The nine wineries involved represent an interesting model of alliance between production, tourism, and local identity.

Final summary

Today’s photograph depicts an Italian wine sector that moves along four very clear lines.

The first is the protection of value , with stricter controls on denominations, greater attention to packaging, reputation and commercial protection of the product.

The second is the transformation of the market , where there are growing signs of change in consumption, communication, the use of technology and even in the openness towards emerging segments such as dealcoholized products.

The third is external pressure , especially on international markets, with the United States remaining decisive but today also particularly fragile for Italian exports.

The fourth is the centrality of the territory : from small, distinctive denominations like Timorasso to major events like Vinitaly, the wine system continues to find strength in its ability to network, better communicate its story, and transform the territory into an economic, cultural, and tourist asset.

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