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Wine press review for Tuesday September 29-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, oenology, and wine tourism in Italy and abroad.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Trentodoc grows: five new wineries and 74 member companies

The Trentodoc family expands with the addition of Ert1050, Die Felsen, Moncalisse, Rechof, and Roeno , bringing the number of wineries associated with the Trentodoc Institute to 74. The new producers come from diverse backgrounds and regions of Trentino, but they share the goal of enhancing the relationship between wine, the environment, and territorial identity.

The growth comes at a positive time for the denomination: the fifth edition of the Trentodoc Festival recorded around 12,000 attendees and almost 170 events , while annual production reaches around 12.2 million bottles.

Asolo Montello launches the “Enoteca Diffusa”

The Asolo Montello Wine Protection Consortium presented Enoteca Diffusa – Asolo Montello Wine Experience Network , a project that connects wineries, restaurants, wine shops, accommodation facilities, and tourism and cultural operators.

The goal is to transform the food, wine, and landscape heritage into a coordinated system of experiences, encouraging itinerant tastings and increasing visitor retention.

The largest Italian wine companies represent over 64% of the sector

According to data from the UIV Observatory referring to 2025, 120 wine companies – 80 private and 40 cooperatives – represent 64.3% of the sector’s turnover .

Overall, they generate just over €9 billion in revenue , with exports totaling €5.2 billion and sales on the Italian market totaling €3.8 billion. However, the data shows a decline compared to 2024 and confirms a challenging phase for the sector.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: Heat and Early Harvest Change Viticulture

The climate is one of the main protagonists of the 2026 harvest. In Val di Cornia , after a particularly hot summer, the harvest was brought forward by about ten days.

The August rains helped rebalance the ripening process, especially for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, resulting in grapes that were considered overall balanced.

The phenomenon affects many other Italian regions. In Franciacorta, some harvests began as early as July, while in several areas, the early harvest was accompanied by reduced yields. The climate issue is therefore becoming increasingly crucial to future vineyard management.

Veneto Wine Region: From Prosecco’s 30,000 hectares to smaller denominations

Veneto has one of the most complex winemaking systems in Italy, with 14 DOCGs, 29 DOCs and 10 IGTs .

Prosecco DOC covers almost 30,000 hectares, while Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG covers 8,665 hectares and Asolo Prosecco DOCG 2,469. Among the DOCs, Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie, Valpolicella, and Soave also stand out.

The significant difference in size between the denominations reopens the debate on the ability of smaller DOCs to sustain adequate commercial and promotional investments.

Abruzzo: fresher, more territorial, and contemporary wines

The style of a significant portion of Abruzzo’s production is changing. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is increasingly interpreted through freshness, balance, and a clear understanding of its terroir, reducing concentration, alcohol, and the pronounced use of wood.

At the same time, interest in Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is growing, supported by the demand for more dynamic and immediate wines.

Trentino: not just Trentodoc

The Classic Method remains one of the main drivers of the Trentino winemaking image, but interest in mountain whites, local reds, native vines and international varieties is also growing.

The tastings in the new guides describe an increasingly diverse region, where large cooperatives, historic wineries, and small winemakers contribute to the diversification of the offering.

Cinque Terre: Drones and Precision Agriculture in Heroic Vineyards

The Hero-Vine project brings drones and precision agriculture technologies to the terraced vineyards of the Cinque Terre.

The devices can be used for remote sensing, plant health monitoring, soil analysis, and targeted pest control, fertilization, and biostimulation. This experiment is particularly interesting for areas where traditional mechanization is difficult.

Puglian grapes: exports are growing, but prices at source remain low.

Puglia concentrates over 53% of the Italian surface area dedicated to table grapes , with approximately 25,000 hectares.

Despite growing exports, producers report prices at source around €0.30-€0.40/kg , while in distribution the product can be offered on promotion for around €0.99/kg. This gap brings the issue of the profitability of the agricultural supply chain back to the forefront.

MARKETS, EXPORTS AND INTERNATIONAL SCENARIOS

Italian wine: The United Kingdom remains a strategic market

In the first half of 2026, Italian wine exports to the United Kingdom reached approximately 345.5 million euros .

The British market remains the third-largest global destination for Italian wine after the United States and Germany. Italy is also the leading supplier by volume and second by value.

In London, the Italian sector is also a protagonist with Simply Italian Great Wines , an initiative dedicated to the promotion and internationalization of wineries.

Bulk wine: global trade down, seeking new markets

In the twelve months between April 2025 and March 2026, world bulk wine exports are expected to decrease by 10.3% in volume and 11.8% in value , with an average price close to 0.78 euros/litre.

In this scenario, new markets, white and varietal wines, bag-in-box, no/low alcohol and new logistics and supply models gain importance.

The theme will be at the heart of the World Bulk Wine Exhibition , scheduled to take place in Amsterdam on 30 November and 1 December 2026.

Barolo and Taurasi: value also depends on positioning

A comparison published by Wine-Searcher highlights the strong difference in international commercial presence between Barolo and Taurasi.

The database analyzed shows 14,477 offers of Barolo compared to 731 of Taurasi , with global average prices of 136 and 71 dollars respectively.

The comparison does not directly measure quality, but highlights how distribution, awareness, and continuity of market presence can impact the perceived value of a denomination.

European Parliament and wine: BECA draft approved by the Commission

The European Parliament’s Health Committee approved on 28 September the draft implementation of the European Beating Cancer Plan .

According to the Italian Wine Union, the text maintains the distinction between alcohol consumption and “harmful” consumption, does not introduce the concept of “no safe level,” and recognizes the wine sector’s progress in providing information on ingredients, nutritional values, and digital labeling.

The draft should now continue its parliamentary process.

GUIDES, AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Gambero Rosso 2027: 49 Three Glasses Awards for Veneto

The 2027 Italian Wine Guide awards 49 Tre Bicchieri to Veneto wines , 31 of which are from Verona.

13 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines stand out, while Valdobbiadene and Soave each receive seven awards.

Winemag 2027: J. Hofstätter Winery of the Year

The 2027 Winemag Guide names J. Hofstätter as Italian Winery of the Year and Cesarini Sforza’s Trento DOC Aquila Reale Riserva 2015 as Italian Wine of the Year.

Cantina del Taburno is named a breakthrough winery, while Valentina Cubi receives recognition for its organic winery.

Slow Wine 2027: 168 new wineries

The seventeenth edition of Slow Wine introduces 168 companies not present in the previous edition , joining the 247 Snails, 173 Bottles and 56 Coins already announced.

DoctorWine 2027: The pinnacle of Italian production selected

DoctorWine’s Essential Guide to Italian Wines 2027 has published the wines that have achieved the highest recognitions in its selection, with 40 wines rated 98/100 and 11 wines between 99 and 100/100 .

Cembra: 92 Falstaff points for Ororosso

Ororosso Trento Riserva DOC Pas Dosé 2020 from Cembra Cantina di Montagna has obtained 92 Falstaff points , confirming the international attention towards Trentino Classic Method sparkling wines.

WINE TOURISM AND WINE-RELATED EVENTS

Lugana Festival: debuting in Sirmione from October 16th to 19th

Sirmione will host the first edition of the Lugana Festival , four days dedicated to the denomination with tastings, masterclasses, gastronomy, and music.

Among the initiatives is the Lugana Express , a shuttle that will connect the center of Sirmione to the local wineries.

Open Cellars for Harvest until October 25th

Open Cellars during Harvest continues throughout Italy, an initiative by the Wine Tourism Movement that transforms the harvest period into a wine tourism experience.

The companies offer visits, activities in the vineyard and cellar, and experiences dedicated to families, young people, and international tourists.

Sicily: Seven stops for “Autumn in the Cellar”

From October 3rd to 25th, “Autumn in the Cellar” returns, a project promoted by IRVO.

Seven wineries will accompany visitors through different Sicilian regions, from Vittoria to Etna, from the Nebrodi to the Madonie mountains, all the way to western Sicily.

Only Wine 2027 opens the selections

From 24 to 26 April 2027 , Only Wine , a trade fair dedicated to young producers and small wineries, will return to Città di Castello.

Selections are now open to identify over 100 Italian and international companies with strong local identity and a capacity for innovation.

Wines of Italy 2027: preview in Asti

On October 1st, Asti will host the preview of the Gambero Rosso 2027 Italian Wine Guide, while the official presentation is scheduled in Rome on October 25th.

Particular attention will be paid to the new generations of producers and the state of Piedmontese wine.

WINE, TERRITORY AND CULTURE

Montalcino under the international spotlight

The wedding between Damiano David and Dove Cameron , celebrated in Montalcino, has once again brought the Tuscan region to the attention of the international media.

Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino accompanied the events, along with hospitality, fashion, and Italian gastronomy, once again demonstrating the potential of wine as a means of promoting the region.

Treviso: Wine and Culture at the Comic Book Festival

The Cecchetto Giorgio Winery awarded the 2026 Cecchetto Prize to illustrator Isotta Santinelli as part of the Treviso Comic Book Festival, an example of collaboration between winemaking and contemporary culture.

Venice intensifies controls on low-priced spritzes

The Venice Local Police are intensifying checks at establishments offering Spritz at particularly low prices, checking for any substitutions of the declared liqueurs with other products.

The issue concerns above all transparency towards the consumer, correct identification of products and protection of brands .

THE PICTURE OF THE DAY

The news of September 29th shows an Italian wine sector undergoing significant transformation.

On the one hand , climate change, declining consumption, pressure on exports, and profitability challenges are emerging. On the other, new opportunities are growing related to wine tourism, technology, the Classic Method, territorial positioning, new formats, and international markets .

The common thread appears increasingly evident: producing good wine is no longer enough .

Identity, distribution, commercial capacity, brand recognition, consumer experience, and international market presence are key factors in creating value.

Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Monday September 28-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, oenology, and wine tourism in Italy and abroad.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Asolo Montello: The Enoteca Diffusa is born

The Asolo Montello Wine Consortium launches Enoteca Diffusa – Asolo Montello Wine Experience Network , a project that connects wineries, the region, and tourism. Not a new physical structure, but a digital wine tourism system offering itinerant tastings and tours to discover Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Montello DOCG, and Montello Asolo DOC .

Andriano Winery: 133 Years of Cooperation in South Tyrol

Founded in 1893 by 31 winemakers , Cantina Andriano is one of the oldest winemaking cooperatives in Alto Adige. Today, it brings together around 60 members and 80 hectares of vineyards , representing a historic model of collaboration between small producers focused on quality and economic sustainability.

Nera Vini showcases the great Valtellina Reserves.

On October 5, 2026 , at the Chiuro headquarters, Nera Vini is organizing the Press Day “I Millesimi del Tempo” , dedicated to the evolution of the company’s great Reserves and Nebbiolo delle Alpi through different vintages, vineyards, sub-zones and refinement techniques.

Trentodoc: Francesco Moser opens cellar and vineyards

During the Trentodoc Festival, Francesco Moser ‘s estate opened its doors to visitors and professionals. This initiative confirms the evolution of wine tourism: no longer just tastings, but firsthand knowledge of producers, vineyards, the land, and production techniques.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest Early in Val di Cornia

In Val di Cornia, on the Tuscan coast, the harvest concluded about ten days earlier than the historical average. After a particularly hot and dry summer, August rains favored the late-ripening varieties in particular. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc completed ripening under more balanced conditions, with grapes judged to be rich and expressive.

Valtellina: vineyards up to 1,000 meters under study

The Consortium for the Protection of Valtellina Wines is discussing several changes to the specifications for Valtellina Superiore DOCG and Rosso di Valtellina DOC . Among the emerging issues is the evolution of viticulture toward higher altitudes, with potential effects on climate adaptation and the development of new production areas.

Sardinia: Record 18 Tre Bicchieri Awards

Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia 2027 guide awards Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) to 18 Sardinian wines , a new record for the island. Cannonau and Vermentino stand out, along with Carignano, Nuragus, and other regional expressions. The result confirms the growing appreciation of Sardinia’s viticultural biodiversity.

Liguria: Six Tre Bicchieri Awards, with Vermentino taking center stage.

Six Ligurian wines have been awarded the Tre Bicchieri 2027. Five are white and one is red. Vermentino dominates the selection, particularly in the Colli di Luni and Colline di Levanto areas, alongside Pigato del Ponente Liguria.

Trentino: not just Trentodoc

The Classic Method remains one of the pillars of Trentino production, but there is also growing interest in mountain whites, local reds, and native grape varieties . The regional landscape appears increasingly diversified between cooperatives, small winemakers, and historic wineries.

Falstaff rewards Italian sparkling wines

Among Falstaff’s 2026 ratings, several Italian labels stand out: Cantina Furletti Trento Riserva DOC Pas Dosé 2019 with 94 points, Contratto Alta Langa DOCG Blanc de Blancs Pas Dosé 2022 with 93 points and Cantina di Trento Trento DOC Millesimato Brut 2022 with 90 points.

The largest Italian wineries: turnover over 9 billion

According to data from the UIV 2025 Observatory, 120 major Italian wineries , including 80 private companies and 40 cooperatives, account for 64.3% of the sector’s turnover. Overall, they exceed €9 billion in revenue , with €5.2 billion coming from exports and €3.8 billion from the Italian market. However, the data show a decline compared to the previous year.

School and Oenology: Educational Harvest in Ravenna

Students from the Morigia-Perdisa Technical Institute in Ravenna participated in the traditional school harvest, picking Trebbiano and Merlot grapes. Part of the grapes will be vinified in the school laboratory, allowing students to directly observe the entire production process.

MARKETS, CONSUMPTION AND TRENDS

The wine of the future could be lighter

There’s growing debate in the industry about a potential shift in the parameters used to define high-end wines. Alongside concentration, oak, structure, and alcohol content, elegance, balance, freshness, and drinkability could become more important. Climate change also makes it technically more challenging to produce light wines without losing their identity and depth.

European Union: The debate on alcohol, advertising, and labels returns.

Within the framework of European health prevention policies, the debate on measures related to alcohol consumption is returning, with particular attention to consumer information, labeling, advertising, and sponsorship . The wine sector is closely monitoring the debate due to its potential impact on communication and the commercial promotion of wine.

From the award to the market: the wines of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles arrive in Milan.

Bistrot Pedol in Milan offers wines awarded at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles through the CMB Experience project. The goal is to transform the recognition gained in international competitions into a concrete tool for visibility, experimentation, and sales to the end consumer.

WINE EVENTS

Trentodoc Festival: 12,000 attendees

The fifth edition of the Trentodoc Festival concluded with approximately 12,000 attendees and nearly 170 events in Trento, Rovereto, and the production areas. Events organized directly at the wineries increased from 37 to approximately 130, strengthening the relationship between wine, tourism, restaurants, culture, and the region.

Barbera d’Asti Wine Festival: The third edition has been presented.

The Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato Wines Consortium has presented the third edition of the Barbera d’Asti Wine Festival. The program includes events in Milan, Merano, and Asti, with tastings, meetings, and initiatives aimed at professionals, journalists, and wine lovers.

ViWine Festival returns to Vicenza

From October 2 to 4, 2026 , Piazza dei Signori and Corte dei Bissari will host the seventh edition of ViWine Festival . The program features over 40 wineries and more than 200 labels , as well as tastings, food, music, masterclasses, and experiences dedicated to the public.

Gallarate rediscovers “Artist’s Wine”

The Vino d’artista initiative, launched in 1996, is back: ten artists will create works for the bottle labels, alongside tributes to deceased local cultural figures. A project that unites wine, art, and the memory of the region.

Cecchetto Farm supports emerging talent

At the 2026 Treviso Comic Book Festival , the Cecchetto Prize was awarded to illustrator Isotta Santinelli . The award, promoted since 2018 by the Cecchetto Giorgio Agricultural Company together with the event, confirms the connection between winemaking, culture, and the local area.

THE PICTURE OF THE DAY

Today’s news highlights an Italian wine sector that is evolving on multiple fronts simultaneously.

Territory, wine tourism, climate change, new ways of consuming, and the promotion of denominations are becoming increasingly intertwined.

Asolo Montello experiments with a regional network of wineries; Trentodoc strengthens the relationship between wine and tourism; Valtellina explores altitude; Sardinia and Liguria promote local grape varieties and identities.

At the same time, a reflection on the product emerges: the valuable wine of the future may not necessarily be the most powerful and concentrated, but rather the one capable of combining identity, balance, elegance, and pleasantness of consumption.

This is an important change: the value of wine is built less and less within the bottle and more and more through territory, experience, recognisability and the ability to communicate with new consumers .

Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Sunday September 27-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, oenology, and wine tourism in Italy and abroad.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Cantine 4 Valli acquires 80% of Piacenza-based winery

Robert Addis, an American from Philadelphia, and Francesca Carini, originally from Piacenza, have acquired 80% of Cantine 4 Valli , one of the largest wineries in the province of Piacenza.

The company produces over 10 million bottles a year and exports to more than 30 countries . The founding families, Ferrari and Perini, will remain shareholders and maintain operational roles. Stefano Perini will remain CEO, ensuring management continuity.

The 120 largest Italian wine companies are worth over 9 billion

The 120 main Italian wineries represent 64.3% of the sector’s national turnover, 66.8% of exports, and 61.2% of the domestic market.

In 2025, they achieved a total revenue of over 9 billion euros , down 1.4%, with exports of 5.2 billion (-1.9%) and sales on the Italian market of 3.8 billion (-0.6%).

The sample includes 80 private companies and 40 cooperatives . Among the new entrants is Perlino, with a turnover of €56.7 million. Vite Colte recorded €22.9 million, Cantina di Ruvo di Puglia €11 million, and Domini Castellare di Castellina €10.3 million.

Among the transactions of the year, the acquisition of Arnaldo Caprai by Angelini Wines & Estates is also noteworthy.

Le Monde: 120 hectares and a sustainable viticulture

In Prata di Pordenone, the Le Monde winery has approximately 120 hectares of vineyards , divided into six plots, with 14 varieties grown.

Since 2015, the company has adhered to the SQNPI certification and focuses on integrated viticulture and wines capable of enhancing the Friuli region.

La Falchetta: From a Management Career to Wine Production

Tanno Vos and Paola Daniele left their respective managerial careers to develop a winemaking project in Mombercelli, in the Monferrato area of Asti .

Their experience reveals an interesting trend: managerial and entrepreneurial skills from other sectors are entering the world of wine with new development and positioning models.

Ronco dei Tassi relaunches a historic Cividale shop

The historic Antica Drogheria Scubla , now Scubla 1921 – Dispensa Friulana, reopens in Cividale del Friuli.

The project is promoted by Enrico Coser, owner with his family of the Ronco dei Tassi winery in Cormòns, and aims to combine memory, local products, and contemporary gastronomy.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

PiemonteIs: a unique brand for regional excellence

Piedmont strengthens the link between territory, wine and agri-food with PiemonteIs , designated as the first Italian regional brand designed to jointly identify DOP, IGP and other Piedmontese excellences.

The goal is to increase recognition of Piedmontese origins and transform wine and food into ambassadors of the region.

Alto Adige: growing specialization between grape variety and terroir

Alto Adige viticulture continues to move toward greater territorial specialization. The 86 subzones identify the areas considered most suited to specific varieties.

Producers and cooperatives are increasingly focusing their attention on vineyards and wines capable of expressing a distinct territorial identity, with longer aging periods for the most ambitious labels.

Romagna: Heat and drought reduce harvests in the hills

According to Confcooperative Romagna-Estense, the heat and drought of the summer of 2026 have caused losses of up to 20% of the grapes in some hilly areas.

High temperatures, alternating drought and heavy rainfall, and early ripening are changing harvest times and methods. Investment, innovation, and collaboration are becoming increasingly important for the sector.

Trentodoc: 74 producers and 12.2 million bottles

Trentodoc currently has 74 associated producers , seven more than in 2025.

Production reaches approximately 12.2 million bottles per year , with an estimated turnover of approximately 180 million euros . The area also aims to strengthen its position as a national wine tourism destination.

Wine: the story becomes part of the value

An increasingly central theme emerges from the Trentodoc Festival: wine is no longer evaluated solely through technical parameters or scores.

Territory, producer, history, experience in the cellar, and communication skills are becoming increasingly important components in building the perceived value of a label.

Macerated white wines and amphorae: a return to ancient techniques

In Giulianova, Assosommelier Abruzzo dedicated a tasting to macerated white wines and vinification in amphora .

Ancient techniques, reminiscent of the Georgian tradition of kvevri, are returning to the center of contemporary winemaking interest for their structure, complexity, and expressiveness.

Before the bubble cage there was string

Before the introduction of modern wire cages, the corks of sparkling wine bottles were secured with string .

In Champagne there was even a specialized figure, the ficeleur , responsible for manually tying the corks to counteract the internal pressure of the bottle.

INTERNATIONAL

United Kingdom: Climate change boosts wine growth

Rising temperatures are changing the geography of European viticulture.

While several traditional areas are facing heat, drought and early harvests, the UK is developing more favourable conditions for wine production, particularly for sparkling wines.

The phenomenon shows how climate change can progressively modify production areas, cultivated varieties, and the international competitiveness of wine.

WINE TOURISM AND WINE TERRITORIES

Valtènesi: 24 wineries featured in Profumi di Mosto

Profumi di Mosto returns on October 4th , an event dedicated to the Valtènesi and the Brescian Riviera of Garda.

24 wineries will be involved, with tastings, visits and nine thematic itineraries dedicated to the relationship between wine, landscape and producers.

Valpolicella: 27 wineries combining wine, art, and territory

Val Polis Cellae returns on October 11th , organised by the Strada del Vino Valpolicella.

The 27 participating wineries will be included in six itineraries including tastings, visits, art, crafts, and local gastronomy.

Sicily: Autumn Returns to the Cellar

From 3 to 25 October 2026, Autunno in Cantina returns, an initiative promoted by IRVO to promote Sicilian wine tourism after the harvest.

Seven wineries will accompany visitors on a journey through different parts of the island, from southeastern Sicily to Mount Etna, from the Nebrodi to the Madonie mountains, all the way to western Sicily.

Salento: wine, territory, and hospitality

Masseria Borgo dei Trulli, in the Maruggio area between Manduria and the Ionian coast, represents an example of integration between wine, landscape and tourist experience .

The company works organically and has 55 hectares of vineyards , 16 of which are trained as bush vines, combining production with visits and tastings.

Wine villages strengthen Italy’s tourism offering

From Barolo to Montalcino and Brisighella, the small towns linked to the major Italian denominations confirm the growing interest in a tourism that combines wine, landscape, history, gastronomy and visits to the cellars .

WINE EVENTS

Morbegno in the Cellar 2026

The Valtellina event continues for three weekends: 25-27 September, 2-4 October and 9-11 October .

The wines of Valtellina, from Sforzato to Valtellina Superiore, will take center stage, along with tastings and tours of the historic center.

Glasses in the Villa 2026 in Zero Branco

On October 10th and 11th , Villa Guidini in Zero Branco will host the sixth edition of Calici in Villa .

The program includes Metodo Martinotti and Metodo Classico sparkling wines, wines, spirits, and food, with over 150 wines offered on Sunday.

Between Villages and Cellars: Nine Events in Siena

Tra Borghi e Cantine returns for autumn 2026, with nine dinners in the villages of the province of Siena.

Wineries, restaurateurs, and DOC and DOCG denominations will be the protagonists of a journey that will accompany the public towards Wine&Siena 2027.

Trentodoc Festival: bubbles and wine tourism

Three days of tastings, masterclasses, and winery events brought attention to the role of Trentodoc as a symbolic product of the region and a driving force for the development of Trentino wine tourism.

Alpine cheeses and Trentodoc

At Palazzo Roccabruna, a tasting compared five mountain cheeses of varying ages with different expressions of Trentodoc, exploring balance, acidity, flavor, persistence, and structure in the pairings.

THE PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Today’s news highlights four important transformations in Italian wine .

The sector continues to focus: acquisitions and corporate transactions show a growing interest in structured companies, brands and wine estates.

At the same time, climate and harvest are becoming strategic variables : the decline in yields in some Italian areas and the growth of viticulture in more northern countries indicate that the European production geography is changing.

The third element is the territory . Appellation, landscape, history, and local identity are increasingly important in the positioning of wine.

Finally, the importance of wine tourism is growing: wineries, tastings, villages, gastronomy, hospitality and events are increasingly integrated into a single experience.

Wine is no longer just what’s in the bottle. Its value increasingly stems from the combination of product, territory, story, experience, and the company’s ability to position itself on the market.

Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Saturday September 26-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, oenology, and wine tourism in Italy and abroad.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Italian Wine Brands: Revenues Down, Top Brands Up

Italian Wine Brands closed the first half of 2026 with revenues of 175.3 million euros , down 5.31% compared to the same period in 2025. Adjusted EBITDA stood at 19.1 million (-12.8%) and net profit at 7.9 million (-23.9%).

The financial position, however, improved, with net debt falling to 81.8 million euros , 8.7 million less than in June 2025.

The group reports a still complex international market, affected by weak consumption, high inventories, geopolitical tensions, and commercial uncertainty, but highlights the growth and enhancement of its proprietary brands.

4 Valli Wineries: Francesca Carini and Robert Addis appointed new majority

Change of control for Cantine 4 Valli , a major Piacenza winery with over 10 million bottles produced each year and exports to more than 30 countries.

The majority stake is transferred to Francesca Carini and Robert Addis , while the Ferrari and Perini families retain a stake and operational roles. Stefano Perini remains CEO.

The operation aims at business continuity and a new phase of international development.

Paolo Leo Winery: Growth, Relaunch of Candido, and the Wine Museum Project

The Leo family is preparing a new phase of development for Cantine Paolo Leo , a Puglia-based company that in 2025 achieved a turnover of approximately 25 million euros , with growth of 4.5% on the Italian market and 15% abroad.

The project involves the new generation of the family in the commercial, winemaking, marketing and purchasing areas and includes the relaunch of Candido and the development of a Wine Museum .

Salento: wine, territory, and hospitality at Masseria Borgo dei Trulli

Located in Maruggio, between Manduria and the Ionian coast, Masseria Borgo dei Trulli represents an example of integration between wine production, territory, and wine tourism experience.

The company practices organic farming and has 55 hectares of vineyards , 16 of which are bush-trained. A winery, vineyards, olive groves, Saracen trulli, and a restored 18th-century farmhouse combine to create an offering that blends wine and hospitality.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Italian Wines: 19 Labels in Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Best Buys 2026

19 Italian wines have been included in Wine Enthusiast’s “Top 100 Best Buys 2026.”

The international selection rewards wines with a price no higher than 20 dollars and at least 86 points, placing the focus on value for money , an increasingly important element in a phase characterized by weak consumption and greater attention to spending.

Aosta Valley: the case of Petit Arvine grown at high altitude

Aosta Valley viticulture highlights an interesting theme linked to climate change and regulations.

Petit Arvine grown at altitudes above the limits established in some municipalities cannot use the DOC, while other varieties can be grown higher.

Limits originally created for agronomic reasons are now being tested by climate change: higher temperatures are in fact altering the ripeness, acidity, and alcohol content of grapes even near 1,000 meters.

Quick Analysis: More Data to Help You Make Decisions in the Cellar

From harvest to bottling, the importance of rapidly accessing data on the composition of grapes, musts, and wines grows.

Among the technologies used is FT-IR spectroscopy , which allows for the rapid measurement of various oenological parameters, including alcohol content, reducing the use of reagents.

Modern winemaking is moving toward increasingly rapid, sustainable tools that can be used directly in winery operations, supported by predictive models.

Pinot Grigio: an award to bring research and innovation to the supply chain.

The DOC Delle Venezie Consortium has established the “Giuseppe Catarin” Award, dedicated to university theses on the wine sector of Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and the Autonomous Province of Trento.

Eligible topics include viticulture, oenology, sustainability, climate change, economics, marketing, wine law, tourism, landscape, and technological and digital innovation.

Applications are due by November 16, 2026 .

Agea: New payments also for the wine sector

Since 1 January 2026, Agea has disbursed a total of approximately 2.95 billion euros to the agricultural sector.

For the wine sector, 4.7 million euros have been allocated to the Investment measure , to which are added resources for the restructuring and reconversion of vineyards, balances, advances and sureties.

Agritourism and wine tourism continue to grow

Rural tourism continues to attract tourists. In 2025, Trentino-Alto Adige ranked second in Italy for agritourism stays, after Tuscany.

Veneto is also growing: 1.4 million visitors in 2025 , 28.8% more than the pre-pandemic period, with 1,738 active facilities.

The data reinforces the strategic role of hospitality and wine tourism in the economic development of agricultural and winemaking businesses.

Chianti Classico: wine, hospitality, and slow tourism

Autumn relaunches the Chianti Classico wine tourism offering, where wine, gastronomy, landscape, walking and cycling routes, and accommodations become part of a single experience.

The Castello di Fonterutoli Wine Resort represents an example of the integration of historical heritage, wine production, and hospitality.

INTERNATIONAL

European Union: Over a billion euros a year for wine

The European Union allocates approximately €1.061 billion per year to the wine sector through the Common Agricultural Policy.

The resources finance investments, promotion, vineyard renovation, and crop insurance.

At the same time, European health policies are pushing for a reduction in alcohol consumption. The sector is therefore at the center of a conflict between its agricultural, economic, territorial, and export weight and public health policy objectives.

Grape harvest in France: very different working conditions

The experiences of some Italian women workers involved in the French grape harvest show very different economic and logistical conditions from one company to another.

The theme draws attention to the management of seasonal labor , which is increasingly important for the social sustainability of the European wine sector.

Ticino: lower production but good quality expectations for 2026

In Italian-speaking Switzerland, the 2026 harvest was affected by intense heat, drought, thunderstorms and hailstorms .

Yields are lower, while quality expectations remain high. Sugar accumulation has been significant, and several harvests were brought forward, particularly for sparkling wines and white Merlot.

The Ticino case confirms how climate change is impacting vineyard management and harvest dates.

EVENTS, GUIDES AND WINE TOURISM

Wines of Italy 2027: National Preview in Asti

On October 1st, Asti will host the national preview of the Gambero Rosso 2027 Italian Wine Guide.

This edition coincides with the guide’s fortieth anniversary and will pay particular attention to new generations of producers. The official presentation is scheduled for Rome on October 25th.

DoctorWine presents the Essential Guide to Italian Wines 2027

The new edition of DoctorWine’s Essential Guide to Italian Wines will be presented in Milan on October 3 .

Tuscany is among the featured regions, with numerous labels selected through the guide’s evaluation system.

Sicily: “Autumn in the Cellar” returns

From October 3 to 25, 2026, “Autumn in the Cellar” returns, a project promoted by IRVO to extend the Sicilian wine tourism season beyond the summer.

Seven stages are planned between Vittoria, Butera, Castiglione di Sicilia, Furnari, Castelbuono, Sambuca di Sicilia and Marsala.

The initiative brings together wineries, regions, tastings, and landscapes, strengthening Sicily’s position as a year-round wine tourism destination.

America’s Cup: Wine joins Campania’s international promotion program

In view of the 38th America’s Cup , scheduled to take place in Naples from 10 to 18 July 2027, the Campania Region has launched the “Vento di Campania – Road Tour” project.

The goal is to use the event’s international visibility to promote Campania’s regions, agri-food products, wines, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Malvasia Without Borders: A Comparison of Piedmont and Friuli-Venezia Giulia

The “Malvasia senza confini” project offers a tasting dedicated to the different interpretations of Malvasia, with wines from Piedmont and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

The initiative involves Chambers of Commerce, Protection Consortia, and industry professionals, with the aim of illustrating the territorial and productive diversity of this family of grape varieties.

Pinot Noir and truffles: Oltrepò Pavese showcases its excellence.

La Genisia dedicates two days to the meeting between Pinot Noir and Oltrepò Pavese truffle , bringing together two products strongly linked to the territory.

An example of how wine, gastronomy, and experiences can contribute to building a recognizable wine tourism destination.

Slow Edition Wines & Vinyls Lake Como

“Vini & Vinili Slow Edition Lake Como” is scheduled for December 13, 2026 , an event dedicated to natural wine, music, and local products.

Around 20 winemakers have announced their participation, along with food producers and operators linked to the vinyl culture.

RESERVED OPPORTUNITIES – AGRICULTURAL ESTATES 24

Four Italian assets combining wine, territory, and hospitality.

Asolo – Veneto: Historic 17th-century complex in the center of Asolo, with 16 rooms and spaces for hospitality, events, meetings, and cultural initiatives.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia: a castle with approximately 28 hectares of property, over 20 hectares of vineyards, 16 rooms, a swimming pool, and hospitality services. Integrated asset for wine production, events, and a wine resort.

Chianti Classico – Tuscany: approximately 120-hectare estate near Florence, with 15.2 hectares of vineyards, approximately 17 hectares of olive groves, a cellar, a historic villa, farmhouses, and potential for revitalization of production and wine tourism.

Barolo – Piedmont: a boutique winery with approximately 2.2 hectares of vineyards, a modernized cellar, Barolo DOCG production, and a tasting room. This asset focuses on limited production and a premium positioning.

IN SUMMARY

The day highlights several important signs for the sector: a still-challenging wine market in terms of consumption, growing attention to brands and value for money, consolidation and corporate transfers in wineries, the growth of wine tourism and hospitality, and the growing impact of climate change on viticulture.

Alongside wine production , territory, experience, direct sales, technology, commercial capacity and brand positioning are becoming increasingly important.

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See you tomorrow.