All posts by admin

Wine press review for Friday September 4-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine

ITALIAN WINERIES

KURTATSCH WINERY CLOSES A RECORD FINANCIAL YEAR: TURNOVER OF €12.34 MILLION

The South Tyrolean cooperative Cantina Kurtatsch , founded in 1900 and comprising 190 member families, closed the 2025/2026 fiscal year with the highest turnover in its history: €12.34 million, an 11.08% increase over the previous year. This growth stems from a strategy focused on product positioning, commercial development, and wine tourism. Over the past five years, the average value per bottle has increased by 23.4% , driven by the increased weight of its most representative and distinctive lines.

LUNGAROTTI, WINE AS UMBRIA’S IDENTITY

The Lungarotti family continues to represent a historic benchmark in Umbrian winemaking. From Torgiano, an area between Perugia and Assisi, the company has built a true winemaking network over time, showcasing the region, culture, and hospitality. Chiara Lungarotti emphasizes the family’s deep connection to Torgiano and to an agricultural tradition that has increasingly focused on winemaking over the generations.

AGROS ROMANI: A NEW GENERATION INVESTS IN THE CASTELLI ROMANI

Agros Romani , a young agricultural company founded by Grazia Versace and Michele Colao, is born in Lanuvio. They are replanting vineyards with Malvasia, Bellone, Grechetto, Cesanese di Affile, and Merlot on five hilly hectares. The first harvest has already produced around 8,000 bottles . Another four hectares are home to around 300 olive trees, destined for future oil production.

ORSOGNA REDISCOVERS THE NATIVE MAIELLA VINE VARIETIES

The Bio Cantina Sociale Orsogna presented the results of five years of microvinification dedicated to rare native varieties of the eastern Maiella. The “Pe’ nin perde la sumente” project, carried out with the Maiella National Park’s Germplasm Bank, aims to preserve biodiversity and territorial identity in response to the growing standardization of wine.

CASTELLO DI MELETO BETWEEN WINE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Castello di Meleto will participate in the Italian Chef Charity Night in Florence on September 9th, an initiative dedicated to supporting young refugees. This social commitment complements the estate’s existing environmental activities, from protecting biodiversity to maintaining the woods surrounding the vineyards and the Bee Park.

DERBUSCO CIVES: FRANCIACORTA LINKED TO THE TERRITORY OF ERBUSCO

Founded in 2005 by five partners, Derbusco Cives produces Franciacorta exclusively from 12 hectares of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the municipality of Erbusco . The production philosophy involves the use of only free-run must and long aging on the lees, for at least 30 months. Among its flagship labels is the Franciacorta DOCG Brut Blanc de Noir Crisalis 2018.

TEDESCHI: AMARONE BETWEEN TRADITION, CRU, AND RESEARCH

The Tedeschi family continues its journey in Valpolicella, focusing on the development of crus and increasingly refined and balanced wines. The company has 48 hectares of vineyards and produces approximately 450,000 bottles annually . Among its most representative labels is the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Capitel Monte Olmi Riserva 2018.

LEONARDO DA VINCI CELLARS: TREBBIANO DI ROMAGNA IN THE CAVIRO PROJECT

The Leonardo da Vinci project connects Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna through wines inspired by the territories crossed by the Renaissance genius. Among these is the Romagna Trebbiano DOC 1502 Duomo di Faenza 2025. The project is led by the Caviro Group , a cooperative with 22 members, 11,500 winemakers, and 36,200 hectares of vineyards, which markets approximately 150 million liters of wine.

FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA: WHITES WIN INTERNATIONAL CRITICS

Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, and Chardonnay continue to support the quality positioning of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Two 97-point Platinum Medals were awarded at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards : for Muzic’s 2021 Friulano “Villa de Randis” Collio DOC and Amandum’s 2021 Pinot Bianco Friuli Isonzo DOC.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

CELLARS FULL: 45.6 MILLION HECTOLITERS OF WINE AND MUST

The main problem with the 2026 harvest does not appear to be quality, but the balance between production and demand. At the end of July , 45.6 million hectoliters of wine and must were in storage , slightly more than the entire previous harvest. 55.9% of the stored wine is located in the Northern regions, and Prosecco has approximately 3.2 million hectoliters of stock . Average prices for bulk DOP wines are down 7%, and those for common wines are down 19%.

Puglia: Wine Crisis, Urgent Action Called for

With nearly 5 million hectoliters of wine in Apulian cellars , grape prices under pressure, and high production costs, the regional sector is calling for extraordinary measures. Proposals include crisis distillation, storage, increased liquidity for businesses, combating illegal winemaking, and opening new export markets . This topic will also be the focus of the public meeting organized by Confagricoltura Puglia on September 5th in Brindisi.

VALPOLICELLA: GRAPE PRICES ARE TOO LOW

Consorzio Vini Valpolicella president Christian Marchesini reports lower-than-expected grape prices: from the expected 60-80 cents/kg , some transactions have reportedly dropped to 50 and even 40 cents. Pierangelo Tommasi also criticizes this trend, emphasizing the risk of weakening the entire denomination system at a time already characterized by declining consumption and rising costs.

SPARKLING WINES IN LARGE-SCALE RETAIL: -5.4%, NEED FOR NEW POSITIONING

In the first half of 2026, sparkling wines declined by 5.4% in value in large-scale retail trade , compared to -1.2% for wine overall and 2.9% for sparkling wines. The problem appears to be structural: consumption occasions are changing, and sparkling wines are perceived as more contemporary and attractive. For Lambrusco, sparkling whites, and rosés, it is therefore necessary to rethink their role, identity, and consumption occasions.

COOPERATIVES: SELECTIVELY MANAGE PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION, AND EXPORTS

Cooperatives represent approximately 40% of Italian wine revenue and nearly 60% of its production volume . Confcooperative and Legacoop Agroalimentare maintain that there is no single solution to the current situation: production, surpluses, and markets must be managed with targeted interventions tailored to individual regions and different wine categories.

CLIMATE CHANGE: ADAPT WITHOUT LOSING OUR IDENTITY

The early harvests of 2026 confirm the extent to which climate change is transforming viticulture. The sector must evaluate agronomic techniques, new varieties, and possible shifts in production areas, while striving to preserve the identity of the terroirs. Even in Champagne, some wineries are considering allocating part of the grapes traditionally used for sparkling wines to the production of still wines.

NICOLA BIASI: “THE CLIMATE HAS CHANGED, NOW WE NEED TO CHANGE THE GRAPE VARIETIES”

According to winemaker Nicola Biasi , the 2026 harvest highlights the need to rethink the relationship between grape varieties, terroirs, and appellations. The experience with PIWI resistant grape varieties and the Moselle Project raises questions about the ability of current regulations to adapt to future climate conditions.

OENOLOGY AND THE CONSUMER: “WE DRINK, NOT TASTE”

Winemaker Romeo Taraborrelli proposes simplifying the language of wine, arguing that excessive ritualism in “tasting” can create distance between consumers and the winemaker. The key is to restore freedom and immediacy to the experience: a wine can simply be liked or disliked, without the consumer needing technical expertise to express their opinion.

HARVEST AND ROAD SAFETY: BEWARE OF GRAPES AND MUST ON ASPHALT

As the grape harvest intensifies, the presence of tractors and trailers on the roads increases. Authorities remind drivers of the obligation to ease traffic when traffic jams form and to immediately report any cargo losses. Grapes and must can make the asphalt extremely slippery , posing a serious traffic hazard.

GANZEGA: BETWEEN AGRICULTURAL TRADITION AND THE RISK OF ILLEGAL WORK

“Ganzega,” the spontaneous, occasional, and unpaid agricultural assistance provided by family, friends, and neighbors, is back at the center of the debate. Following its recognition in Trentino and a similar precedent in Alto Adige, Veneto is looking at the model. However, the FAI CISL (Italian National Federation of Workers) has raised doubts about the possibility of clearly distinguishing traditional collaboration from irregular work.

FOOD AND WINE AND TOURISM: PROFESSIONALISM INCREASINGLY IN DEMAND

According to data from the Excelsior Information System, tourism, hospitality, and food and wine are among the professional areas where companies are having the greatest difficulty finding qualified personnel. Over the next five years, the Italian labor market is expected to generate 3.7 million new hires , largely related to generational turnover.

INTERNATIONAL

CLIMATE AND WINE: ITALY, FRANCE, AND CHAMPAGNE FACING THE SAME CHALLENGE

Climate change is altering the grape harvest calendar in many European regions. In 2026, several areas of Italy and France recorded some of the earliest harvests ever . The issue concerns not only yields, but the very future of grape varieties, appellations, and production models.

MONDIAL DES VINS EXTRÊMES: 22 COUNTRIES FOR HEROIC VITICULTURE

The 2026 Mondial des Vins Extrêmes , organized by CERVIM, brought together 1,175 wines from 432 wineries from 22 countries . 84 Grand Gold Medals and 295 Gold Medals were awarded. The competition confirms the growing international attention towards mountain viticulture, on steep slopes and in areas considered heroic.

WINE EVENTS

VINÒFORUM RETURNS TO ROME FROM SEPTEMBER 7TH TO 13TH

Piazza di Siena, in Villa Borghese, will host the 23rd edition of Vinòforum , featuring 800 wineries, over 3,200 labels, and more than 50 chefs and master pizza makers . The program includes tastings, dinners, masterclasses, mixology, Champagne, extra virgin olive oil, and numerous meetings with industry professionals.

OPEN CELLARS DURING HARVEST IN ABRUZZO

From September 5th to October 25th, 2026 , “Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia” (Open Cellars in Harvest) returns, promoted by the Movimento Turismo del Vino (Wine Tourism Movement). Eleven Abruzzo wineries will open their vineyards and cellars to the public with tastings, harvest experiences, and direct meetings with producers.

WINE AND TERRITORY: SEPTEMBER FULL OF EVENTS

The Italian calendar offers numerous events: OltreGusto – Oltrepò Terra di Pinot Nero , ViVa – Vini Valtellina , Appuntamento Soave , Vinitaly – The Opera Ouverture, Cinema in the Cellar in Prosecco DOC, Chianti Classico Fest and other events that integrate wine, gastronomy, culture, music and tourism.

VALTÈNESI PROTAGONIST ON THE GARDA RIVIERA

The Valtènesi Consortium opens September with a busy schedule of events on the Garda Riviera as the 2026 harvest continues. The harvest began early, around August 19th, for the grapes destined for rosé wines , while the harvest of the red grapes destined for DOC wines began in earnest on August 25th. Initial quality assessments are positive.

HEROIC VITICULTURE: FROM CIAPEL D’OR TO VIVA VALTELLINA

Valtellina promotes its winemaking heritage through events dedicated to the local Nebbiolo, Chiavennasca , and the unique viticulture developed on its Alpine slopes. The Ciapel d’Or, now in its 41st year, is one of the most symbolic events celebrating this heritage.

ALLEYS IN THE GLASS 2026 IN CHIETI

On September 4th and 5th , Vicoli in Calice , a food and wine and cultural event in the Civitella district of Chieti, returns. This sixth edition features tastings, masterclasses, training for professionals, guided tours, shows, and family-friendly initiatives.

Prosecco Superiore DOCG at the Venice Film Festival

For the third consecutive year, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the Official Sparkling Wine of the Venice International Film Festival. This initiative strengthens the connection between the region, Italian excellence, culture, and the appellation’s international positioning.

TREVIGIANA MARCA: FROM ICONIC DESTINATIONS TO EXPERIENCE TOURISM

The Marca Trevigiana aims to present itself as an integrated destination, connecting cities, hills, countryside, wine, and local communities. According to data from the Travel Innovation Observatory of the Milan Polytechnic, for over 80% of travelers, experiences are a key factor in choosing a destination .

The message is increasingly clear: producing wine isn’t enough. You need to produce what the market is willing to recognize, choose, and pay for.

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

See you tomorrow.

WINE TRENDS IN ITALY – Week of August 31 – September 4-2026

with:

ITALIAN WINE IS ENTERING THE “LESS, BUT BETTER” PHASE: HIGH STOCKS, DECLINED EXPORTS, BUT SPARKLING WINES, BRAND, WINE TOURISM, AND CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS ARE OPEN UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES.

The picture emerging this week is that of an Italian wine sector that has entered a phase of structural transformation.
Wineries are approaching harvest time with 42.6 million hectolitres of wine still in stock , exports are slowing, bulk prices are under pressure and some of the main international markets are showing signs of weakness.

At the same time, however, areas capable of generating value are emerging: Classic Method, Prosecco in large-scale retail trade, producer brands, wine tourism, cellar catering, new markets and corporate mergers .

The message for the sector is therefore increasingly clear: the future will not be determined only by the quantity produced, but by the ability of companies to sell better, build margins, strengthen the brand, diversify revenues and have a size and organisation appropriate to the market .

1. STOCKS: 42.6 MILLION HECTOLITERS BEFORE THE NEW HARVEST

At the end of July, 42.6 million hectolitres of wine were stored in Italian cellars.

Compared to June, inventories decreased by 8.6%, a normal trend in the pre-harvest phase. The most significant figure, however, emerges from the year-on-year comparison: compared to July 31, 2025, inventories are 6.9% higher , with over 2.7 million hectoliters added.

PDO and PGI represent over 80% of the stocks: approximately 23.5 million hectolitres of PDO and 11 million of PGI .

Veneto alone accounts for about a quarter of Italian wine in storage, with over 10.2 million hectoliters, followed by Tuscany, Puglia, Emilia-Romagna, and Piedmont.

Among the denominations, Prosecco has the largest stocks, with approximately 3.24 million hectolitres.

The point is therefore not simply how much wine will be produced in 2026. The central question is how much product the market will be able to absorb while guaranteeing adequate profitability for the supply chain .

2. 2026 HARVEST: THE RISK IS PRODUCING MORE THAN THE MARKET CAN ABSORB

Italian production in 2026 is estimated at around 40 million hectolitres , a level that could keep Italy at the top of the world in terms of quantity.

At this time, however, being the first producer does not necessarily represent an advantage.

High inventories are meeting a slower market and are increasing pressure on prices.

In June, the average prices of DOC wines fell by 7%, while for common wines the drop reached 19%.

Tensions are also rising over grape prices in some production areas. In Valpolicella, fresh grape prices are reported to be lower than producers’ expectations, while in Piedmont, Moscato, Dolcetto, and Barbera d’Asti are being closely monitored.

With high production costs and agricultural prices under pressure, in some situations the loss of profitability per hectare can become significant.

The 2026 harvest therefore raises a fundamental question: does it still make sense to measure the strength of Italian wine primarily by the hectoliters produced?

More and more likely, no.

3. ITALIAN EXPORTS: UNDER €3 BILLION IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS

In the first five months of 2026, Italian wine exports stood at approximately 2.98 billion euros , a 6.9% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.

Volumes decrease by more than 5%.

The bottled wine segment is particularly difficult, losing 9.6% in value between January and May.

Sparkling wines are showing greater staying power: the overall value remains substantially stable at around 876 million euros.

Within the category, however, performances are mixed. Prosecco DOP declined by 2.2%, while Asti grew by 35%, and other DOP sparkling wine categories, both varietal and common, maintained positive figures.

The difficulty concerns both EU and non-EU markets.

The United States , the largest market for Italian wine, saw a 15.5% decline in value in the first five months. Germany and the United Kingdom also recorded negative figures.

However, some markets are emerging that go against the trend: China 18%, Brazil 15.2%, Russia 17.5% , while Canada remains substantially stable.

The geography of exports must therefore be rethought. Excessive dependence on a few mature markets is becoming a risk.

4. CHINA: LESS EUROPEAN WINE, BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN ABANDONING THE MARKET

China continues to be one of the most complex markets.

In the first six months of 2026, Chinese imports of bottled wine from the European Union decreased by 16.6% in volume and 7.9% in value .

For Italy, the indicated decrease reaches 17.7%.

Daily wine consumption continues to be less deeply rooted in the Chinese market, and even the segment of fine collectible wines has lost some of the momentum of past years.

This very situation, however, is generating an interesting secondary market: large collections accumulated in previous years are becoming available again, creating opportunities for European operators and collectors.

At the same time, Hong Kong continues to represent an important platform for Asian fine wine and could offer space for great mature and collectible Italian wines.

China, therefore, should not simply be classified as a growth or crisis market: it requires much more selective strategies in terms of product, price range and distribution channel .

5. UNITED STATES: LESS ALCOHOL, BUT WINE RETAINS ITS AUDIENCE

In the United States, only 54% of adults report drinking alcohol , the lowest level Gallup has recorded since 1939.

In 2023, the percentage was still 62%.

At the same time, there is growing attention to health and moderation.

However, another interesting fact for the wine sector is: among those who consume alcohol, the preference for wine remains around 30% , substantially stable compared to previous years.

Wine also maintains a particularly strong position among consumers over 55 and among women.

At the same time, the no/low alcohol phenomenon is growing.

The American market is therefore not simply abandoning wine: it is changing the occasions, frequency and methods of consumption .

6. Large-scale retail trade: wine prices are falling, bubbles are rising

In the Italian large-scale retail trade, the overall wine market recorded, in the twelve months ending in July 2026, sales of 414 million litres , down 3.4%, and a value of approximately 1.8 billion euros , down 1.2%.

Within this scenario, however, the strength of the bubbles clearly emerges.

Sparkling wines grew by 1% in volume and 1.2% in value.

Prosecco reaches around 40 million litres, growing by 3.8%, while the most significant data concerns the Italian Classic Method , which records:

7.6% in volume and 6.2% in value.

Franciacorta, Trentodoc, and other Metodo Classico wines are therefore capturing a demand that is more oriented toward quality and value.

The growth of bag-in-box is also interesting, 1.3% in volume and 4.7% in value.

Private labels, on the other hand, are in sharp decline: -5.4% in volume and -5% in value .

This is an important signal.

In a phase in which the consumer buys less wine, the producer, the brand, the territory and the recognition once again have greater weight in the purchasing decision .

7. SPARKLING WINES: A CATEGORY IN SEARCH OF A NEW IDENTITY

Sparkling wine is in a more complex situation.

For years it has represented the meeting point between still and sparkling wine: informal, accessible and suitable for everyday consumption.

Today this space is increasingly occupied by competitive Charmat sparkling wines.

In the first quarter of 2026, exports of Italian sparkling wines recorded a 12.5% decrease in value , accompanied by a reduction in average prices.

Germany and the United States continue to generate around 40% of the value of exports, but Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are growing.

A new commercial geography is therefore taking shape, more concentrated on continental and Eastern Europe.

For sparkling wines, the challenge will not only be to recover volumes, but to redefine positioning, identity and consumption occasions .

8. BULK WINE: THE GLOBAL MARKET SLOWS DOWN

The slowdown doesn’t just concern packaged wine.

In the first quarter of 2026, world bulk wine exports decreased by 18.8% in value , stopping at 566 million euros, and by 18.9% in volume , to 7.1 million hectolitres.

Italy remains among the world’s leading operators, but in the twelve months ending in March it recorded a contraction of 11.3% in value and 13.3% in volume.

This phenomenon confirms that the reduction in demand is not affecting a single segment of the market: it is affecting a significant part of the international supply chain.

9. WINE TOURISM: FROM TASTING TO EXPERIENCE

As the traditional market slows, the importance of the direct relationship between winery and consumer grows.

Tuscany offers an interesting indication.

September accounts for 16.3% of annual visits to Tuscan wineries , compared to a national average of 14.8%.

In 2025, the average value of a wine tourism booking in Tuscany reached 153 euros , compared to 117 euros in 2023: approximately 31% more in two years.

The average spending per visitor rose from 39 to 45 euros.

The audience is strongly international: only 36% of visitors are Italian and over 70% of the experiences are also offered in English.

Consumers no longer seek just a tasting. They seek territory, story, vineyard, harvest, gastronomy, culture, and a direct relationship with the winemaker .

10. CELLAR RESTAURANT: WINE BECOMES A DESTINATION

The growth of wine tourism is leading many companies to invest directly in catering.

Restaurants, hospitality, resorts, events, and gastronomic experiences are no longer simply complementary services.

For some companies, they are becoming real business lines capable of increasing the margins of direct sales, strengthening the brand and transforming the winery into a destination .

The economic model of the winery therefore tends to expand:

wine direct sales hospitality catering territory experience.

It is probably one of the most important transformations underway in the sector.

11. THE JOB MARKET IS CHANGING: THE “SUPER SALESMAN” IS NO LONGER ENOUGH

The professional skills required by companies are also changing.

The trade slowdown is increasing the demand for people capable not only of selling, but of building markets, managing distribution channels and developing international commercial strategies .

At the same time, the importance of hospitality skills is growing, because wine tourism isn’t simply about selling a few bottles after a tasting.

It means building customer loyalty, reputation, and creating a direct relationship between consumer and brand.

For many wineries, the real need will therefore be to move from a predominantly productive culture to a more commercial and managerial culture.

12. WINE M&A: 1.45 BILLION IN TURNOVER POTENTIALLY IN MOVEMENT

Another significant signal concerns the ownership structures.

According to the information reported in the analyzed material, at least six-seven important Italian wine companies , which together represent a turnover of approximately 1.45 billion euros , could face significant changes in governance in the next 6-12 months.

Funds, industrial investors, new partners, mergers and acquisitions could therefore become increasingly present in the sector.

It’s not just about finance.

Structural problems lie behind many operations: generational transitions, capital needs, export development, growth, insufficient sales networks, and the need for managerial skills.

For this reason , M&A and mergers can become one of the tools through which Italian wine faces the new market phase .

Wine press review for Thursday September 3-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of Italian and international wine.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Winery dining: growing investment in wine tourism

Catering has become one of the main areas of investment for Italian wineries. The goal is to expand the offering, increase guest stays, and integrate wine, cuisine, local produce, and hospitality.

Numerous companies have developed high-end restaurants, some of which Michelin-starred, transforming winery visits into a complete experience. Examples include those in the Langhe, Franciacorta, Maremma, Trentino, Chianti Classico, and Sicily.

The phenomenon confirms an important transformation: the winery no longer sells just wine, but territory, hospitality and experience .

Cantine Settesoli enters the dealcoholized wine market

Cantine Settesoli, a Menfi-based cooperative with approximately 2,000 members, 6,000 hectares of vineyards, and an annual production of approximately 20 million bottles , has obtained a license from the Customs Agency for the dealcoholization of wines.

It is the first Sicilian winery to be authorized to operate in this new segment. The company already has the necessary equipment and will use vacuum evaporation technology.

The operation confirms the growing attention of Italian wine towards the no-low alcohol market.

Feudi di San Gregorio: wine, art, and hospitality in Irpinia

Borgo San Gregorio represents the evolution of Feudi di San Gregorio’s hospitality model: wine, contemporary art, architecture, and landscape are integrated into an immersive hospitality project.

The old farmhouses have been restored and transformed into accommodations nestled among the vineyards, strengthening the link between wine production and local experience.

Bio Cantina Orsogna rediscovers the Maiella grape varieties

Five years of experimentation and micro-vinification have led Bio Cantina Orsogna to develop the “Irripetibili,” wines made from rare varieties of eastern Maiella.

The project aims to preserve viticultural biodiversity and promote native grape varieties, balancing territorial identity and winemaking research with the growing international standardization of wine.

Le Colture combines Prosecco and contemporary art

The Le Colture winery in Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene supports the exhibition “On the Future of the Body” , scheduled at the Galleria Civica Cavour in Padua from 5 September to 4 October 2026.

This initiative confirms wineries’ growing focus on art and culture as tools for brand engagement and positioning.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

Italian wine: 42.6 million hectoliters still in the cellar

The main problem in the sector remains the balance between production and demand.

As of July 31, 2026, Italian wine stocks amounted to 42.6 million hectoliters, 6.9% higher than in July 2025. If musts are also included, availability reaches 45.6 million hectoliters.

The 2026 harvest is estimated at around 40 million hectolitres , a quantity that should keep Italy at the top of the world production.

But the abundance of product, combined with weak demand, is compressing prices: in June, the prices of DOC wines were down an average of 7%, while those of common wines recorded a 19% drop.

Valpolicella: grapes even at 40-50 cents per kilo

The harvest opens with strong price tensions.

Initial prices for fresh grapes were around 50 cents per kilogram , compared to a considered fair range of 60 to 80 cents. Transactions as low as 40 cents were also reported.

Christian Marchesini, president of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium, speaks of the risk of speculation. The backdrop is heavy inventory levels, a slowing market, and a harvest that began about two weeks earlier than the historical average due to heat and drought.

Prosecco DOCG: A comparison of vineyards with slopes greater than 30%

In the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area, there is a discussion about the possibility of distinguishing, during future destocking, the production coming from vineyards with a slope equal to or greater than 30% .

The hypothesis foresees that these productions could maintain the DOCG classification, while some of the productions coming from less steep terrains could be reclassified as DOC.

The Region has authorized separate storage and tracking, but has not yet approved separate treatment .

Brunello di Montalcino: early harvest and controlled yields

In Montalcino, the 2026 harvest should begin, for most companies, around September 7 , about a week earlier than in 2025.

The Consortium confirmed the yield reduction from 80 to 70 quintals per hectare . Volumes are expected to be in line with or slightly lower than the previous year, while the phytosanitary condition of the vineyards is judged to be very positive.

Asti: excellent grapes, but drought and lower yields

The harvest in the Asti area began about ten days early.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay destined for sparkling wines were harvested as early as the first days of August, followed by Sauvignon, other whites and Moscato.

The quality of the grapes is considered high, but drought and high temperatures are reducing yields and increasing the use of mechanization.

Trentino-Alto Adige: Heat and hail also hit vineyards.

High temperatures and extreme weather events are causing damage to regional agriculture.

In addition to apples, which were particularly affected by the high temperatures, hail also affected several wine-growing areas, confirming the growing exposure of Alpine agriculture to extreme weather events.

The future of wine also depends on sales by the glass

In a period of declining consumption, pouring wine can become an important marketing tool for restaurants and wine shops.

Selling wine by the glass allows consumers to experience more labels and regions, reducing the economic barrier posed by purchasing a full bottle.

For producers and Ho.Re.Ca. operators, however, this means working more effectively on conservation, bottle rotation, and margins.

Classic Method: OI presents a 795 gram bottle

OI has developed a 75cl, 795g bottle intended for the Classic Method.

The goal is to lighten the container while maintaining the necessary resistance to high internal pressures and compatibility with existing production and packaging lines.

A solution that combines sustainability, glass reduction, and industrial efficiency.

Gender equality: certified wineries on the rise

The Italian wine sector is showing signs of progress in terms of gender equality, although the number of certified companies remains limited.

Among the companies mentioned are Carpineto, Donatella Cinelli Colombini, Famiglia Cotarella, Ruffino, Venica & Venica and Cantine del Notaio.

According to DNV, other wineries are starting certification processes that could materialize between the end of 2026 and 2027.

Campania: Selling wine increasingly means building relationships.

The experience of the Zotti Agency, active in Caserta since 1967, captures the evolution of wine distribution.

The representative is no longer just a bottle seller, but increasingly a consultant capable of interpreting the needs of producers and customers, moving between Ho.Re.Ca., distribution, native grape varieties and new low-alcohol consumption.

INTERNATIONAL

Champagne and Formula 1: Major Brands Invest in Sports

Moët & Chandon returns as the Official Champagne of Formula 1.

During the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, from 4 to 6 September , Champagne will accompany the celebrations on the podium and will also be at the centre of initiatives dedicated to cuisine, bubbles and mixology in Milan.

The strategy confirms how major wine and beverage brands are increasingly seeking visibility through sports, luxury, and international events.

Champagne: the heat favors the production of still wines

High temperatures are also changing production strategies in Champagne.

The 2026 harvest started exceptionally early and some houses are considering allocating a greater share of grapes to the production of Coteaux Champenois still wines, rather than Champagne.

Climate change therefore not only alters the harvest calendar, but can directly impact the type of wine produced.

Table grapes: demand expected to recover

The table grape campaign started early with generally good quality, but initially weak demand due to competition from peaches, apricots, and nectarines.

As summer fruit gradually disappears from shelves, producers expect increased demand for grapes in the coming weeks.

WINE EVENTS

Campania.Wine – Naples, September 6 and 7

Over 100 wineries will participate in the third edition of Campania.Wine.

Tastings, masterclasses, wine tourism, gastronomy, and hospitality will showcase the region’s entire winemaking heritage, from Vesuvius to the Phlegraean Fields, from Sannio to Irpinia, from Caserta to Cilento and the Amalfi Coast.

The event is a collaboration between the Campania Protection Consortia, the Campania Region, and the Municipality of Naples.

The Great Wine Festival – September 26th and 27th

Villa Farsetti, in Santa Maria di Sala in the province of Venice, will host the 19th edition of the Great Wine Festival .

The announced numbers: 149 exhibitors, 29 countries, 5 continents, 420 labels and over 8,000 bottles .

The event is aimed at wine lovers, sommeliers, Ho.Re.Ca. operators, buyers, distributors, and industry professionals.

Trentino Wine Consortium: 3rd Sustainability Report

On September 30th in Trento, the Trentino Wine Consortium will present its third Sustainability Report.

The meeting focused on the relationship between environmental protection, economic and social sustainability, business competitiveness, and the region’s ability to adapt to market changes.

Pitigliano celebrates 60 years of Bianco di Pitigliano DOC

The book The vine, the winemakers and the wine in the Bianco di Pitigliano area will be presented on September 4th .

The initiative is part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the DOC and aims to highlight the winemaking history of Pitigliano, the Città del Tufo, Bianco di Pitigliano, and Rosso di Sovana.

Valtidone Wine Fest: Ortrugo protagonist

Ortrugo&Chisöla , the first event of the Valtidone Wine Fest, kicks off in Corano on September 3rd.

Colli Piacentini DOC wine, food, music, vineyard tours, and local culture are featured in a program that will continue over the weekend in Borgonovo.

Sa Innenna meets the Nights of Wine

In Sorgono, in the heart of Mandrolisai, the tradition of the grape harvest, tastings, music, ancient crafts, and gastronomy become an experiential journey.

The event combines rural culture and the promotion of local wine production, part of the Autunno in Barbagia program.

September in Oltrepò, Valtellina, Soave, and other major wine regions

The Italian wine calendar is getting into full swing with numerous events: OltreGusto – Oltrepò Terra di Pinot Nero , ViVa – Vini Valtellina , Appuntamento Soave , Vinitaly Opera Ouverture, Cinema in the Cellar, Collisioni Festival, Chianti Classico Fest and Vinòforum.

A network of events that confirms the growing link between wine, gastronomy, tourism, culture, music and territory .

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Wednesday September 2-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of Italian and international wine.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Compagnia del Gusto acquires Winelivery. The Cosulich family’s holding company is strengthening its presence in the wine sector with the acquisition of the Winelivery platform, which generated approximately €4.5 million in revenue in 2025. The acquisition brings the group not only a new direct-to-consumer channel, but also data, technology, and digital expertise. Winelivery will become part of the sub-holding company Compagnia delle Vigne, which has already made significant acquisitions in the sector.

The Crops: From 8 hectares to 40 hectares and approximately 800,000 bottles The history of the Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene winery recounts the evolution of a family business that began in 1983 with eight hectares and wine sold in demijohns. Today, it owns 40 hectares of land between Rive di Valdobbiadene, Cartizze, and Montello, with production almost entirely dedicated to sparkling wines. Gianni Tessari focuses on the identity of the Lessini Mountains . The project dedicated to Durella and the Classic Method aims to strengthen the bond between wine and territory, connecting the winery, landscape, gastronomy, refuges, hiking, and hospitality. The goal is to transform the Lessini Mountains from a simple geographical indication to a true wine tourism destination. Torre Santo Stefano: a new winemaking project in Salento. In Otranto, in the Baia dei Turchi area, Michela Negro and Marco Pellegrino are developing a project that integrates viticulture, agricultural tradition, research, and hospitality. A company rooted in the agricultural business started by the Negro family in 1947. Sicily: four wineries to showcase the new wine regions. From the Corleone area to Etna and the Val di Noto, a new generation of wineries is growing, showcasing grape varieties, terroirs, and local identities. Sicily thus continues to strengthen its position as a wine tourism destination.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

Italian wine exports: -6.9% in the first five months of 2026. Exports fell to €2.98 billion , while turnover in May fell 7.1%. Bottled wines were particularly hard hit. Sparkling wines, on the other hand, held essentially stable in overall value at €876 million, but Prosecco DOP declined by 2.2%. Asti (35%), other DOP sparkling wines, varietals, and common wines, grew.

Sparkling Wines: Continental Europe’s Importance Grows. In the first quarter of 2026, Italian sparkling wine exports lost 12.5% in value , with average prices falling to €2.61/liter. While the United States and Germany remain key markets, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia are increasing in importance. Brunello di Montalcino: Early Harvest, High Quality Expected. The 2026 harvest will begin for most wineries on September 7 , at least a week earlier than in 2025. The Consortium reports vineyards in good phytosanitary condition and expected volumes in line with or slightly lower than the previous year. Prosecco Hills: Water and Hydrogeological Instability Become Strategic. President Marina Montedoro calls for a structured program that simultaneously addresses water availability, storage capacity, and slope stability. Climate change and land management are therefore becoming increasingly central issues for the future of viticulture in Conegliano Valdobbiadene. Valtellina: Wine Tourism Enters the Age of Artificial Intelligence. For wineries, being listed on search engines is no longer enough: more and more tourists are using artificial intelligence systems to choose regions, companies, and activities to visit. Being correctly indexed and recognizable by AI is therefore becoming a new competitive lever for wine tourism. Sardinia 2027: Average Wine Quality Rises . Vinodabere’s new Sardinian Wine Guide has tasted over 600 wines , awarding 118 Standing Ovations and seven 100/100 scores. Despite a slight decline in the number of wines, an overall improvement in the quality of regional production is evident.

INTERNATIONAL

EU agri-food exports reach €117.2 billion, wine declines. In the first six months of 2026, European Union agri-food exports reached €117.2 billion , a decrease of 2%. Wine fell to approximately €7.8 billion, a decrease of 4% . The United Kingdom remains the main non-EU market, while the United States recorded an 11% decline.

Fortified Wines: Global Market Approaching $22.46 Billion Port, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala, and Vermouth are experiencing a new phase, thanks in part to mixology. The global market, valued at $15.78 billion in 2025 , is expected to grow to $22.46 billion in 2035. Europe represents 53% of global revenue. Napa Valley: $1.1 Billion Green Plan California is considering an ambitious program aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045. The project includes progressively more stringent sustainability requirements for wineries, but is facing resistance from the industry. A final decision is expected on November 3. Canada: Historic Barrier to Direct Wine Sales Removed Nine provinces have reached an agreement to facilitate the direct sale of wine, beer, and spirits across provincial borders. This opens up the opportunity for producers to more easily reach Canadian consumers, overcoming some of the market’s historic regulatory fragmentation.

WINE EVENTS

DiVin October – Trentino The 21st edition will accompany all five weekends of October with tastings, local products, autumn products and experiences dedicated to wine tourism.

AIS Introduction to Wine Course – Trieste From September 17th , four lectures and a winery tour dedicated to sensory analysis, viticulture, oenology, Italian and international wines, and food and wine pairing. Harvest Social-e – Treviso On September 6th and 12th , the charity initiative returns to the vineyards of the Antonio Facchin and Tenuta Amadio wineries. Proceeds will be donated to LILT Treviso. Sprigno di Ruoti – Basilicata On September 4th, a panel test will be dedicated to the 2025 vintage of Sprigno di Ruoti, a native grape variety recovered through a historical and scientific research project. Douja d’Or – Asti From September 11th to 20th , the event returns to the historic center of Asti, with a model spread across squares and buildings and the involvement of the main wine consortia of the area. Dolo-Vini-Miti – Val di Fiemme and Valle di Cembra The festival celebrates the “vertical wines” of the Cembra Valley, areas characterized by vineyards with slopes up to 40%, 700 kilometers of dry stone walls, and predominantly porphyry soils. Franciacorta in Cantina Festival Starting September 18th , wineries and the surrounding area will take center stage with tastings, tours, and experiences dedicated to Franciacorta. Among the initiatives, I Barisèi offers Wine & Sunset and production tours with the disgorging line in operation. Monfrà Jazz Fest – Monferrato UNESCO From September 11th to 13th , four free concerts and tastings among the vineyards, wineries, and distilleries of Monferrato, combining music, wine, spirits, and the surrounding area. Truffle and Tintilia – Castropignano The Molise event dedicated to the encounter between Tintilia, truffles, gastronomy, and the cultural heritage of the area kicks off on September 5th.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The September 2nd review highlights three particularly important signs for Italian wine : exports continue to show weakness, with a 6.9% contraction in the first five months; the importance of digitalization and artificial intelligence is growing in wine tourism as well ; at the same time, the process of aggregation and consolidation of companies continues, as demonstrated by the acquisition of Winelivery by Compagnia del Gusto.

On the production front, climate, water availability, and land conservation are now becoming structural variables. Brunello harvests early, while in the Prosecco Hills, a long-term strategy for water and slope stability is required.

In short: there’s less certainty about volumes and exports, but new opportunities are emerging from technology, tourism, mergers, direct sales, and the ability to transform wine and terroir into a single experience.

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

See you tomorrow.