About the world of wine and cellars.

Highlights

• CAP under siege: 25% cut in EU budget agricultural resources. Paolo De Castro (Nomisma) warns that such a large reduction in resources for the Common Agricultural Policy risks jeopardizing billions in agri-food exports, including wine.
• Wine exports: Veneto remains the driving force According to WineNews / Istat, in the first half of 2025 Italian wine exports fell by -0.47% in value and -3.1% in volume compared to 2024. Veneto confirmed its leadership with 1.5% in value and a share of ~37.1%.
• USA: Weak exports, fragile consumption. Italian wine exports to the US decreased by 1.1% in value in the first seven months of 2025; in July, the figure worsened to 21.1%. Furthermore, in the first quarter, non-EU exports decreased by 9% in volume (essentially stable)—a sign of a misalignment between shipments and actual consumption.
• Historic wine waters: added to the heritage The Sicilian company Tasca d’Almerita , founded in 1830, was recognized in 2025 as a “Historical Brand of National Interest”.

Strategic themes in focus

1. Regulatory pressure & CAP support: A drastic reduction in EU resources could worsen the structural fragility of the wine sector (investments in viticulture, sustainability, and varietal research). The risk is that wineries will suffer indirect cuts in public support.
2. US exports are fragile, and we need to diversify. The decline in the US market highlights the country’s dependence on that channel. We need to push for alternative markets, bilateral agreements, and resilience strategies, as well as reposition valuable segments.
3. Misalignment between shipments and actual consumption The back-and-forth between export volumes and the domestic market/actual consumption highlights a danger: exporting is not enough; the product must meet actual final demand, not just movement.
4. Historical value, branding and premium positioning The recognition of historic wineries (“historic brands” such as Tasca d’Almerita) is a competitive asset: it enriches storytelling and strengthens the perceived value on the international market.

Here it is: this morning’s report (September 23, 2025) with the latest updates useful for operations, positioning, and strategy in the world of wine & cellars.

Recent news

• Italian exports in the first six months of 2025 remained essentially stable in value (-0.47%) compared to 2024, but recorded a decline in volume (-3.1%). Veneto continues to lead the way, with a 1.5% share in value and ~37.1% of total exports.
• The 2025 Italian harvest is estimated at ~ 47.4 million hectoliters , 8% vs 2024. Production is growing especially in the South (Puglia 17-19%, Sicily 20%), while Tuscany expects a decrease compared to 2024 for certain varieties, although with an improvement in the organic share.
• Grape prices: Strong demand for generic whites, especially in Puglia; prices have recently risen, but could stabilize by the end of September.
• Exports to the USA: In July 2025, the value of Italian wine exports to the USA will be ‐1.1% lower than in July 2024; volumes will increase slightly, but the average price/liter will decrease (≈ ‐13.9%) due to the new tariffs that came into effect.
• Winemakers report a global market suffering from saturation: production growth risks supply exceeding demand; US tariff policies and changes in consumption (health trends, “no/low alcohol”) add to uncertainty.

Prices & Harvest (mini box)

Strategic themes & risks in focus

• Exposure to new US tariffs: not only a direct impact on prices, but also the risk that the “stockpiling” effect (advance purchases) will distort real demand.
• Overcapacity and competition in the generic/bulk segment: differentiation in value (cru, organic, storytelling) is needed to avoid competing solely on price.
• The “no/low alcohol” trend and changes in consumption: opportunities for innovation in products, packaging, and commercial positioning.
• Rising production costs (energy, logistics, and plant protection); significant agronomic/technological choices to reduce weather risks, disease, and poor yields.

Content ideas for professional (business-oriented) posts

1. Title : “Quality vs. Quantity: How Italian wineries are modulating yields to increase value” Angle : focusing on cases in Tuscany or Piedmont where they have chosen to reduce volume to maintain quality, understanding the impact on costs, sales prices and product image.
2. Title : “Exporting Without Surprising: Italian Strategies After US Tariffs” Focus : Analyze how companies are adjusting prices, packaging, and alternative markets (Canada, Asia, and emerging markets) to offset the negative effects of tariffs; the role of institutional promotion and trade agreements.
3. Title : “The Return of Generic Wine: Risk or Opportunity for Artisan and Medium-Sized Wineries?” Focus : Exploring how demand for “entry-level” or generic wines is driving up the prices of generic grapes; which companies can leverage this segment; and how to differentiate (brand, label, packaging) to avoid being caught in competition based solely on costs.

Here’s this morning’s updated report on the world of wine and wineries—operational insights, strategic signals, and risks to monitor.

Main news

1. Italian exports first semester 2025
   • In the first six months, Italian wine exports recorded a -0.47% in value compared to the same period in 2024, while exported volume fell by -3.1%.
   • The US market continues to be central, showing growth driven mainly by pre-tariff stockpiling.
   • Veneto remains the driving force: 1.5% in value, with export share rising to 37.1%. Sparkling wines remain almost stable in value, with only slightly positive volumes.
2. 2025 Italian Harvest: Abundant and (mostly) Good Quality
   • Production estimated at ~47.4 million hectoliters, 8% vs 2024.
   • Southern regions such as Puglia and Sicily show very strong increases (≈ 19%) in production.
   • Some areas, such as Tuscany, are forecasting a reduction compared to last year for certain varieties (e.g. Sangiovese), but they remain above the recent average.
   • Organic production is growing (Tuscany) and the general qualitative balance is improving, although local disparities due to weather conditions persist.
3. Consolidation & Acquisitions
   • WarRoom Cellars has acquired Iris Vineyards (Willamette Valley, Oregon). The acquisition is designed to strengthen the portfolio, with national distribution handled by Total Beverage Solutions.
   • Heineken Beverages is making significant moves to revitalize its wine brands, including Nederburg, through investments and more aggressive positioning strategies.
4. Trends and signals from foreign markets
   • The European bulk wine sector is looking closely at the 2025 harvest season: surplus production in some areas, prices under pressure.
   • In Australia, despite the reduction in supply, price pressures persist. The vineyard market also remains “quiet”—little movement, with decisions on the most valuable varieties pending.

Emerging Risks & Challenges

• US Tariffs / Trade Policy : Stockpiling has mitigated the effects for now, but buyers and producers signal that real demand could weaken over time, especially after protectionist measures are enacted or announced.
• Global market saturation : With increasing production and stagnant or declining demand in some markets, the risk of oversupply in less diverse categories increases. Logistics, energy, and environmental costs are variables that compress margins.
• Regional Varieties & Quality : Differences in yield and quality between regions could penalize less powerful or less powerful brands if they don’t maintain rigorous standards; vigilance is needed regarding early grapes, water stress, and bunch health.

Strategic opportunities

• Promote appellations/crus/premium/organic wines : quality becomes a lever for distinctiveness. Areas with growing organic production (e.g., Tuscany) have scope for promoting them with a strong brand.
• Strengthen the narrative around emerging markets, those less exposed to tariffs (or those that absorb them better). Diversify not only geographically, but also in terms of consumption: “lighter” wines, aromatic whites, wines destined for the HoReCa market versus retail.
• Explore targeted acquisitions or partnerships: As with Iris Vineyards, merging brands with strong local reputations can help achieve economies of scale and distribution.
• Cost optimization & operational improvement: Given the pressure on margins, companies that already invest in advanced agronomy, traceability, sustainability, and efficient logistics will have a competitive advantage.