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How much does a hectare of vineyard yield? A map of the most valuable Italian winegrowing areas.

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Alto Adige and Valle d’Aosta lead the European rankings, followed by Liguria and Piedmont. Tuscany, Molise, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia complete the Italian picture. But beware: the value generated by a vineyard does not coincide with its market price.

How much is a hectare of vineyard really worth? And, above all, how much economic value can it generate each year?
These are two different questions, but increasingly important for those working in the wine sector: winemakers, wineries, investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs interested in acquiring agricultural companies.

A study by the American Association of Wine Economists (AAWE) , developed on the basis of FADN 2024 – Farm Accountancy Data Network data, allows us to observe the vineyard from a particularly interesting perspective: the net added value generated by the company per hectare of vineyard surface .

The result highlights a geography of European wine very different from what might emerge by simply observing the fame of the denominations, the number of bottles produced, or the price of the land.

Champagne is out of reach, but Italy takes the podium.

In first place we find Champagne-Ardenne , with a net added value of around 60,030 euros per hectare .

Behind it, however, come two Italian territories.

Alto Adige reaches 32,155 euros per hectare , while Valle d’Aosta is practically at the same level, with 32,043 euros per hectare . These two relatively small regions are characterized by strongly identifiable production and, in the case of Valle d’Aosta, also by mountainous and heroic viticulture.

An interesting fact because it demonstrates one thing: to create value it is not necessarily essential to produce large volumes .

The ability to differentiate the product, territorial identity, positioning and limited availability can become economically more important than production size.

The ranking of the main Italian areas

Considering the Italian territories reported by the AAWE study, this picture emerges:

Position among the Italian areas

Region/area

Added value per hectare

1

South Tyrol

€32,155/ha

2

Aosta Valley

€32,043/ha

3

Liguria

€21,177/ha

4

Piedmont

€18,253/ha

5

Tuscany

€12,447/ha

6

Molise

€12,275/ha

7

Veneto

€11,609/ha

8

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

€9,373/ha

9

Trentino

€8,831/ha

10

Basilicata

€7,547/ha

11

Puglia

€7,058/ha

12

Lombardy

€6,933/ha

13

Emilia-Romagna

€6,650/ha

14

Lazio

€6,595/ha

Source: Based on AAWE/FADN 2024 data reported in the attached document. The study table is reproduced on pages 1 and 3 of the document.

Liguria: little vineyard, a lot of value

Liguria ‘s result is particularly significant, with 21,177 euros per hectare even placing it ahead of Piedmont.

It is an emblematic example of how scarcity can be transformed into value.

The terraced vineyards, the Cinque Terre, Western Liguria, the difficulties of cultivation and the limited availability of land make this viticulture difficult to replicate.

Liguria is in fifth place overall in the ranking, immediately after Burgundy, which reaches 25,312 euros per hectare.

Piedmont: Barolo and Barbaresco push up value

Piedmont reaches 18,253 euros of added value per hectare .

Here we find some of the strongest names in Italian wine: Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d’Asti, Alta Langa, Gavi and Asti.

The region occupies eighth position in the European ranking considered by the study.

Even in this case, however, the regional average figure must be interpreted with caution.

A hectare in the Langhe area of Barolo evidently does not have the same economic, commercial, and patrimonial characteristics as a vineyard located in a lesser-known area of Piedmont.

And this is precisely one of the most important aspects to consider when talking about the value of vineyards .

Tuscany: the weight of the major denominations

Tuscany records 12,447 euros per hectare .

Behind this average, extremely diverse realities coexist: Chianti Classico, Bolgheri, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Maremma, Chianti and IGT Toscana.

It is therefore difficult to speak of a single “Tuscan vineyard”.

The economic value of a hectare depends significantly on the denomination in which it is included, the possibility of claiming certain DOC or DOCG status, the quality of the location and, of course, the commercial capacity of the company that transforms those grapes into wine.

The Molise surprise

One of the perhaps least predictable results of the study is that of Molise .

With 12,275 euros per hectare , it is placed immediately behind Tuscany and ahead of Veneto.

This fact deserves attention because it demonstrates how even regions less present in international communication can demonstrate a strong capacity for value creation.

Tintilia probably represents the most interesting example of this search for territorial identity.

Veneto: Prosecco, Amarone, and a highly diversified viticulture

Veneto , with 11,609 euros per hectare , represents a special case.

In fact, within the same regional data, profoundly different territories and production models coexist: Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG, Prosecco DOC, Amarone della Valpolicella, Soave, Valpolicella, Bardolino and Lugana .

This makes the limitation of regional averages particularly evident.

There can be enormous differences between a vineyard intended for the production of a wine with a high potential for commercial valorization and one intended primarily for volume production.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia: quality and positioning

Friuli-Venezia Giulia reaches 9,373 euros per hectare , with particularly suitable territories such as Collio and Colli Orientali.

Even here, the value of the land does not tell the whole story.

Over the years, Friuli has built a particularly strong identity around quality white wines and often small-sized wineries, where the region, brand, and producer’s reputation can significantly impact their ability to create value.

Vineyard price and profitability: two values not to be confused

This is probably the most important point of the whole analysis.

The values indicated by the study do not represent the purchase price of a hectare of vineyard.

Instead, they represent the company’s net added value per hectare , and therefore a measure of the wealth generated by the wine-growing activity.

A vineyard may have a very high capital value but it does not necessarily guarantee, proportionally, the highest profitability.

Likewise, a lesser-known area may have more affordable land prices and produce interesting returns.

And it is precisely this relationship between purchase price and income-generating capacity that should become one of the main evaluation parameters for those considering a wine investment today.

There is no single price per region

The same study calls for caution in interpreting the ranking.

The data aggregates very large territories, and the internal differences can be enormous. The document explicitly cites cases like Tuscany, Piedmont, and Burgundy, where highly prestigious areas coexist with more volume-oriented areas within the same region.

For this reason, when evaluating the purchase of a vineyard or an entire winery, the simple average value per hectare risks being insufficient.

We need to go into the details of each individual property.

What really determines the value of a vineyard?

For an investor, purchasing ten hectares of vineyard does not simply mean purchasing ten hectares of agricultural land.

It means acquiring a set of factors: denomination, rights and production potential, agronomic quality, exposure, altitude, water availability, accessibility, age and condition of the vines, yield, price of the grapes, processing possibilities, commercial strength of the territory and scarcity of land supply .

If the acquisition involves an entire winery, additional factors come into play: the winery, brand, distribution, customers, exports, inventory, accommodations, wine tourism, and the company’s ability to transform agricultural value into commercial value.

And this is where the perspective changes completely.

From the value of the hectare to the value of the company

The true heritage of Italian viticulture is not only constituted by the agricultural surface area.

It is the combination of land, denomination, product, brand, territory and market .

One hectare can produce grapes.

The same hectare, owned by a company capable of transforming those grapes into a recognizable bottle, selling it directly, exporting it, and linking it to a wine tourism experience, can generate much greater economic value.

The AAWE ranking therefore offers an important cue: the future competition of Italian wine should not be played exclusively on the quantity produced, but above all on the wealth generated by each hectare cultivated .

For a country like Italy, characterized by unique territories, historic denominations, family-run businesses, and necessarily limited land availability, this could be one of the strategic keys to viticulture in the coming years.

Wine press review for Tuesday August 11 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Italian wine is entering the heart of the 2026 harvest with a two-tiered scenario. On the one hand, innovation, sustainability, growth in wine tourism, and investments by the most established wineries are emerging; on the other, concerns about inventory levels, slowing consumption, and the need to rebalance production and demand are growing. The inventory problem is particularly evident in Tuscany, where unsold stock equivalent to about a year and a half of production is reported.

ITALIAN WINERIES

The wine giants: 27 companies with revenues exceeding €100 million. The concentration of Italian wine continues. In 2024 , 27 wineries will have revenues exceeding €100 million , while 14 will exceed €200 million. Riunite & Civ leads the way, followed by Argea, Italian Wine Brands, Caviro, and Antinori. The large groups are thus assuming increasing influence, especially on international markets.

Vistorta looks to the future with a new winery. The historic Brandolini d’Adda family estate, on the border between Veneto and Friuli, encompasses approximately 140 hectares of agricultural land and about thirty hectares of vineyards. Production is organic, and plans call for a new winery by 2028. Nals Margreid showcases Alto Adige through three wines. Sirmian Pinot Bianco, Mantele Sauvignon, and Punggl Pinot Grigio represent three different regions and altitudes of Alto Adige, with a product line strongly rooted in gastronomy and local expertise. Castagner is growing despite the spirits crisis. The Veneto distillery surpasses €14 million in revenue , with an EBITDA of more than 10% of revenue net of excise taxes. In large-scale retail trade, which accounts for 65% of the business, it posted 6.6% in value and 4.6% in volume, while the Italian grappa market continues to contract. Corte Laureana focuses on sparkling wines and local products. The Serpico family’s winery in Cilento develops a winemaking experience that combines winemaking and hospitality. There are eight labels in total, including sparkling wines, semi-sparkling wines, and still wines. Gozzelino: Monferrato, identity, and family. In Costigliole d’Asti, Sergio and Lorenzo Gozzelino showcase Barbera and Grignolino through a project that connects wine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hospitality, and the renovation of tasting spaces.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Stocks still high: 42.6 million hectoliters

This is one of the most important figures of the day. As of July 31, 2026 , Italian wineries held 42.6 million hectoliters of wine , in addition to 3.1 million hectoliters of must.

Compared to the same period in 2025, wine inventories increased by 6.9% . This data confirms one of the main structural challenges facing the sector: gradually restoring balance between production, inventories, and the market’s real absorption capacity.

Tuscany: strong pressure on unsold properties

The situation appears particularly delicate in Tuscany, where the cellars reportedly have unsold wine equivalent to around a year and a half of production .

Bulk wine prices have dropped significantly from pre-Covid highs: approximately 35% for Chianti and 30% for Chianti Classico, according to the data reported.

Sicily: 20-25 million euro proposed for crisis distillation

Sicily is also facing the problem of full cellars on the eve of the grape harvest. The Region has proposed resources of between €20 and €25 million for a possible crisis distillation aimed at reducing stocks.

The slowdown in consumption, difficulties in exports, and increasing energy and logistics costs are weighing heavily.

2026 harvest anticipated, but with good quality prospects

The harvest has already begun in various Italian regions, from Sicily to Franciacorta, from Oltrepò Pavese to Alta Langa.

In the Alta Langa, expectations are positive: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay present conditions considered favorable for the production of sparkling wine bases characterized by freshness, finesse, and elegance.

PIWI: Italian research on resistant grape varieties

The Edmund Mach Foundation and CIVIT are carrying out important work on grape varieties resistant to the main grapevine diseases.

Around 40 varieties were presented during a technical day, around thirty of which were developed through the Foundation’s genetic improvement efforts. Eight were particularly interesting for sparkling wine production.

Four new selections— Termantis, Nermantis, Charvir, and Valnosia —have been registered in the National Register of Vine Varieties.

A national strategy on supply is needed

Senate Vice President Gian Marco Centinaio proposes more selective management of new vineyard areas, directing them toward growing denominations and businesses with concrete growth potential.

At the same time, a strategy is proposed for abandoned vineyards, encouraging their acquisition, uprooting, or conversion by active agricultural companies.

Europe intervenes on the high cost of fertilizers

The European Commission has approved new measures to help agricultural businesses address rising fertilizer costs, including greater flexibility in CAP instruments and the possibility of national co-financing.

MARKET, CONSUMPTION AND WINE TOURISM

25 million Italians choose tourism and food

By the summer of 2026, approximately 25 million Italians would have chosen tourism experiences that also included food and wine.

Food and wine tourism involves approximately 18 million Italians , 4.5 million more than in 2024. Wine is increasingly becoming part of an overall experience made up of landscape, cuisine, territory, sea, culture and hospitality.

The cellar becomes an experience

Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s estates perfectly exemplify this evolution: tastings, hospitality, cuisine, walks in the vineyards, photography activities, and multi-sensory itineraries transform the visit into a true local experience.

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, seven wineries will also open their vineyards and cellars to educational grape harvesting, directly involving enthusiasts and families in the harvesting and winemaking activities.

Alto Adige: wine and cycling tourism

South Tyrol continues to develop an advanced model of wine tourism in which wineries, vineyards, restaurants, hospitality, cycling routes, and landscape become components of the same experience.

Restaurants in cellars are growing

Wine Enthusiast selected 57 winery restaurants around the world, 22 of which are in Europe and six in Italy . Four Italian locations are located in Tuscany, confirming the growing importance of the integration of wine, fine dining, and hospitality.

Aperol Spritz global phenomenon

According to data reported by Campari Group, Aperol Spritz has reached 1.5 billion consumptions worldwide , compared to 60 million twenty years ago. Approximately 395 million are concentrated in Italy.

A result that demonstrates the international strength of beverage products capable of associating a brand with a recognizable consumption style.

INTERNATIONAL

Treasury Wine Estates downsizes US footprint

Australian wine giant Treasury Wine Estates has decided to profoundly rebalance its American business.

Production reductions, the fallowing of some vineyards, the reduction of bulk wine stocks, and the devaluation of assets and brands are expected.

The additional expected extraordinary impact is AUD$558.4 million after tax .

The restructuring has also been confirmed by updated international sources, which link it to slowing demand and production overcapacity in the United States.

The Treasury case is also significant for the Italian market: it demonstrates that the problem of excess supply compared to demand does not only concern Italy , but is taking on international dimensions.

WINE EVENTS

September 7-8 – Voghera | OltreGusto Oltrepò Land of Pinot Noir. A new format dedicated to the Pinot Noir of Oltrepò Pavese, featuring 32 wineries and 18 restaurants , along with chefs, industry professionals, and the press. A masterclass with Alessandro Masnaghetti and the presentation of the region’s new winegrowing maps are also planned.

September 26-27 – Velletri Wine Festival “Nicola Ferri”. The 13th edition will bring together wine, art, memory, and local identity within the Velletri Grape and Wine Festival. October 1-4 – DoloViniMiti, Val di Cembra and Val di Fiemme. The fourth edition of the vertical wine festival will focus on dry stone walls, a key element of the Cembra Valley’s viticultural landscape and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site.

TREND OF THE DAY – QUIDQUID NEWS

The problem is not just how much wine to produce, but how much wine the market is actually able to absorb, creating value.

The 42.6 million hectoliters present in Italian cellars , the pressure on stocks in Tuscany and Sicily and, on the international level, the American restructuring of Treasury Wine Estates indicate a fairly clear direction.

The sector seems to be entering a phase in which producing more does not necessarily mean growing .

For many wineries, the challenge in the coming years will likely be to produce more consistently with demand, improve positioning, develop international markets, strengthen wine tourism, and transform the value of the territory and the brand into greater profitability.

At the same time, the 27 large Italian groups with a turnover above €100 million are showing a progressive consolidation at the top end of the sector.

The photograph of August 11, 2026 is therefore that of an Italian wine that must find a new balance between production, market and value .

QUIDQUID – Wine Press Review A summary of the main news in the sector dedicated to entrepreneurs, wineries, investors and professionals in the supply chain.

Wine press review for Monday, August 10, 2026

with:

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

Tenuta San Guido tops the list of Italy’s most profitable wineries.

Profitability is particularly strong among the large Tuscan wineries. According to the latest Unione Italiana Vini Observatory, Tenuta San Guido , producer of Sassicaia, has an EBITDA/sales ratio of 63.2% , having remained above 60% for four years.

Jermann , owned by Marchesi Antinori, follows with 50.5%, while Marchesi Antinori reached 50.2% with a turnover of €263 million. The results demonstrate how company size, brand strength, and efficient management can coexist with particularly high margins.

Nunzia De Girolamo: From Politics to Viticulture

Nunzia De Girolamo talks about her bond with wine and the land, which began during her childhood and became an entrepreneurial project in 2016 with Passo delle Tortore , a winery in Pietradefusi, in the Taurasi area.

The venture involves the De Girolamo family and winemaker Francesco De Pierro and represents a return to the agricultural roots of a personal journey that has also crossed national politics.

Moncalisse: A new generation and a new project for the Walch family.

Carolina and Julia Walch, the new generation of the South Tyrolean Walch winemaking family, have opened Moncalisse , a new winery on the slopes of Monte Calisio, near Trento.

The project combines family continuity, contemporary architecture, and territorial development, marking a new phase in the family’s long entrepreneurial history.

Giustini focuses on Negroamaro rosé

With Costiero Rosato Salento IGP 2025 , obtained from Negroamaro, the Giustini company of San Giorgio Ionico offers a wine characterized by freshness, flavor and immediacy.

The project interprets an increasingly common trend in the market: developing contemporary and accessible wines while maintaining a strong connection to the territory and its grape varieties of origin.

Castiglion del Bosco strengthens its winemaking project

Castiglion del Bosco, owned by an international Middle Eastern family office since 2022, has 64 hectares of organic vineyards and produces around 180,000 bottles .

The Montalcino estate has embarked on a new production journey with winemaker Giuseppe Gorelli. Among the new creations is Undici 2024 , a Toscana IGT Bianco from Incrocio Manzoni, aged for six months in ceramic vats.

Vinicola del Sannio: 65 years of production and local history

For 65 years , Vinicola del Sannio in Castelvenere has been a point of reference for numerous suppliers in the Campania region.

Alongside its production for large-scale retail trade, the company is promoting lesser-known local varieties, such as Sciascinoso, and investing in communication through the “Essenze Sannite” project, which links wine, history, culture, gastronomy and local traditions.

Bolgheri: Fornacelle invests in wine tourism

The historic Fornacelle winery inaugurates La Vinoteka in Bolgheri, a new space dedicated to hospitality, tastings, and knowledge of the local area.

The initiative reflects the evolution of Italian wine tourism: a visit to a winery is no longer just a tasting or purchase, but an experience that brings together wine, territory, people, and history.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: More Wine in the Cellars and an Early Harvest

The 2026 Italian grape harvest is starting early in many areas due to high temperatures.

According to ICQRF data, as of June 30, 2026, there were 46.5 million hectolitres of wine in Italian wineries, 6.7% more than in June 2025.

The situation is pushing several denominations to intervene on yields and supply management to avoid further pressure on prices.

Tuscany and Abruzzo reduce yields to defend value

Faced with high inventories and weak consumption, several areas are adopting production containment strategies.

Reducing yields, storage, and harvest reserves become tools to avoid oversupply and protect the value of the denominations.

A similar strategy concerns Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi , where the yield limit has been extended to 110 quintals per hectare compared to the 140 foreseen by the regulations.

Sicily: Excellent grape quality, but cellars still full

The 2026 Sicilian harvest presents positive qualitative prospects, favored by water reserves and the good phytosanitary condition of the vines.

The problem, however, concerns inventory levels. The analyzed material indicates large quantities of wine still in cellars and an increase in inventories, with consequent pressure on companies’ liquidity and prices.

Cooperative organizations are calling for extraordinary interventions, including crisis distillation , while the Region is evaluating resources dedicated to reducing stocks.

Friuli Venezia Giulia: Harvest brought forward by the heat

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, the harvest began before mid-August, with a particularly early start in the Collio and Eastern Hills.

Temperatures that reached 40 degrees and drought conditions accelerated the ripening of the grapes, forcing many companies to bring forward operations.

Umbria: Promising quality, quantity to be verified

The 2026 harvest is also coming early in Umbria. Initial assessments indicate potentially interesting quality, while in some areas yields could decline by 5-10% due to water stress.

At the same time, the regional sector is calling for a more structured strategy to address market transformations.

Hailstorms in the Alto Novarese area: vineyards severely damaged

A violent meteorological phenomenon with hail, wind and rain hit the areas of Ghemme, Fara, Barengo, Cavaglio d’Agogna and Briona , causing serious damage to the vineyards.

In some companies, the bunches of grapes close to harvest were destroyed and the plants severely damaged.

The episode brings to the forefront the problem of Italian viticulture’s exposure to extreme weather events.

New MASAF funding for sustainable vineyards

The “Investments for the sustainability of vineyards” initiative, envisaged in the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, will begin in the 2026/2027 wine season.

The measure supports investments in technologies such as drones, sensors, and innovative equipment aimed at environmental sustainability, climate change management, and production improvements.

The national deadline indicated for the first annual payment is November 30, 2026 .

PIWI Research: New Resistant Varieties

Italian research on PIWI grape varieties and varieties resistant to the main grapevine diseases continues.

The genetic selection work led to the registration in the National Register of four new varieties: Termantis, Nermantis, Charvir and Valnosia .

The research also uses molecular markers to more quickly identify resistance characteristics to powdery mildew, downy mildew and black rot.

Italian wine also awarded in the skies

Two Italian wines won important awards in the international “Wines on the Wing” competition.

Alta Mora-Cusumano’s Contrada Guardiola Etna Rosso 2020 was awarded among the red wines served in First Class, while Astoria Lounge Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry received recognition in the Premium Economy sparkling category.

Casa Bottega Millesimato Brut also on the podium.

“Caro-calice”: high prices and risk of reduced consumption

The review material reports a significant increase in the price of wine by the glass in Italian tourist destinations.

Prices are reported between 8 and 14 euros , with higher levels in the main art cities, and a consequent tendency among some consumers to replace wine with other drinks.

The phenomenon sparks a reflection on the relationship between the marginality of the restaurant industry, the accessibility of wine, and the sector’s ability to maintain occasional consumption.

Italian agriculture: fewer farms and greater concentration

According to ISTAT data reported in the review, between 2010 and 2023 Italy lost 30.3% of its agricultural holdings , while the Utilized Agricultural Area decreased by 4.4%.

In 2023, there were 1,130,358 active agricultural companies , with 12.3 million hectares of UAA.

This structural transformation directly affects viticulture and raises the issue of company size, competitiveness, and generational turnover.

Luigi Veronelli: Wine as a culture of the land

On the centenary of Luigi Veronelli ‘s birth, the volume “Ode to Wine and Anarchy” brings the thoughts of one of the most important interpreters of Italian food and wine culture back to the fore.

For Veronelli, wine couldn’t be separated from its territory, its producers, and the people who cultivate the land. This belief remains relevant in a market where identity, authenticity, and the story of a territory are increasingly important.

Paolo Mieli: the wine that symbolizes Italian identity

According to journalist and essayist Paolo Mieli , wine represents one of the main symbols of Italian identity in the world.

The international success of Prosecco is cited as an example of the ability of Italian agricultural products to generate notoriety, tourism, and international recognition.

Wine tourism: simple tasting is no longer enough

Italian wine tourism is moving from traditional visits and tastings to more structured experiences.

Territory, history, culture, gastronomy, and family stories become an integral part of the offering.

The Marsala area is a significant example of this evolution, with companies such as Cantine Florio, Marco De Bartoli, Pellegrino, Caruso & Minini, and Paolini committed to the overall development of the area.

WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM

Chalices of San Lorenzo – The Magic of Barbarano

August 10, 2026

Magia di Barbarano offers an evening dedicated to wine, food, and music on the night of shooting stars.

Tastings of the company’s wines, local products, and a DJ set will accompany the event from 6:30 pm to midnight.

Valtidone Wine Fest – Emilia

September 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2026

The 17th edition of the Valtidone Wine Fest will guide the public on a discovery of the Piacenza Hills through four Sundays of tastings, food, markets, and entertainment.

The protagonists are Ortrugo, Malvasia and the sparkling wines of the area.

Etruscan Wine – Tarquinia

August 20-23 and 27-29, 2026

The twentieth edition of DiVino Etrusco will see 53 wineries as protagonists.

The event will showcase the territories of the ancient Etruscan Dodecapolis and will also open the debate to the productions of Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia.

Chianti DOCG in Canada

August 31 – Toronto September 1 – Montreal

The Chianti Wine Consortium continues its international activities with two masterclasses dedicated to Canadian importers, professionals, journalists, and operators.

Canada is listed as the fourth largest destination market for Italian wine and one of the most important non-EU markets.

Franciacorta Experience Milano Marittima

August 28, 2026

Milano Marittima will host over twenty Franciacorta wineries in an event dedicated to the appellation’s main expressions.

Among the announced companies are Bellavista, Ca’ del Bosco, Barone Pizzini, Contadi Castaldi, Monte Rossa, Antica Fratta and Castello Bonomi .

Festival in the Village – Calatabiano

August 24, 2026

The medieval Sicilian village of Calatabiano will host the first edition of Festà in Borgo , a widespread food and wine festival dedicated to Sicilian cuisine, local specialties, and the promotion of the historic center.

Franciacorta Festival in the Cellar

September 18-20, 2026

The Franciacorta in Cantina 2026 Festival aims to bring wine back to the center of the wine tourism experience.

Tastings, visits, meetings with producers, and educational activities will explore the production method, terroir, history, and identity of the denomination

Wine press review for Saturday August 8 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

The Italian wine sector is entering the 2026 harvest amidst a complex landscape: heat and drought are bringing forward the harvest, while high inventories and slowing demand are pushing several denominations to reduce yields.

At the same time, many wineries are reacting by focusing on quality, sustainability, innovation, the Classic Method, wine tourism, communication and new segments such as No/Low Alcohol wines .

ITALIAN WINERIES

Venturini: Amarone between respect for the land and tradition

In San Pietro in Cariano, in the heart of the Valpolicella Classica region, the Venturini family continues to focus on tradition, paying particular attention to vineyard management and the drinkability of their wines.

The winery has approximately 12 hectares of vineyards , almost 90% of which are hillside, and produces approximately 120,000 bottles a year , half of which are exported. Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Molinara represent the winery’s varietal heritage, and it also owns 40-60 year-old vines.

Serena Wines 1881 diversifies towards Classic Method and No-Alcohol

The historic Conegliano company, led by the fifth generation of the Serena family, produces over 30 million bottles and is particularly present in the Prosecco DOC and DOCG sectors and in the Horeca channel.

The company’s future strategy focuses on diversification and premium positioning. At Vinitaly 2026, Audace , the company’s first Metodo Classico, was presented. Serena is also looking into the alcohol-free segment and expanding its portfolio with a Champagne.

Berlucchi brings forward the harvest to 4 a.m.

To counteract the particularly high temperatures, Berlucchi decided for the first time to begin harvesting the grapes destined for Franciacorta at 4 in the morning .

Harvesting at night improves working conditions in the vineyards and simultaneously brings fresher, better-preserved bunches to the cellar.

A choice that highlights how climate change is also concretely modifying the organization of wineries.

Braida engages consumers through a digital quiz

Braida, a historic Piedmontese winery in Rocchetta Tanaro, is leveraging digital communication to connect with wine enthusiasts and younger generations.

The company, which has around 70 hectares of vineyards and produces around 600,000 bottles , has created the digital quiz “Play with Braida”, dedicated to learning about the company, Barbera and its wines.

Librandi awarded for sustainability and agroecology

The Calabrian winery Librandi received the “Ambassador of the Territory” award at Festambiente for its commitment to environmental sustainability and agroecological innovation.

The company was also awarded for its “glyphosate-free” approach and for the strategies adopted for the sustainable management of the vineyards.

Valtidone Wineries: Very early harvest, but quality grapes

The first 900 quintals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have arrived in Borgonovo.

The heat significantly accelerated ripening, but at the same time limited mold and disease. Initial assessments indicate healthy grapes and very good quality, particularly in the more mature vineyards.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Veneto: harvest brought forward by 8-10 days

The 2026 harvest in Veneto should remain overall close to the quantities of 2025, when approximately 14.7 million quintals were harvested, albeit with some territorial reductions.

The quality of the grapes is indicated as good to excellent .

The heat and water shortage brought forward the harvest by about 8-10 days .

The most critical situations concern Treviso, Vicenza, and especially Verona. For Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella, decreases of up to 10-12% are expected.

The situation in Padua and Rovigo is improving thanks to greater irrigation availability.

The phytosanitary situation is also positive: the reduced rainfall has limited downy mildew and powdery mildew.

Sardinia: Harvest brought forward by up to two weeks

Temperatures above 40 degrees are pushing several wineries belonging to Confcooperative Cagliari to bring forward the harvest by up to two weeks .

The goal is to preserve the quality of the grapes and protect workers from extreme temperatures.

If the heat continues, however, there could also be a reduction in production.

Puglia: Over 5 million hectoliters of unsold wine

One of the most delicate situations comes from Puglia.

According to data reported by Cantina Italia-Masaf, there are over 5 million hectolitres of unsold wine in Apulian cellars, of which more than 3 million belong to the IGP and DOP categories.

The region has approximately 94,000 hectares of vineyards and represents between 16% and 18% of national wine production.

The problem therefore does not appear to be productive, but above all commercial.

Rising costs, declining consumption, export difficulties, and changing consumer preferences are squeezing companies’ profitability.

Tuscany: a vintage and a half of wine in the cellars

Tuscany is also facing high inventories.

According to the information reported, the cellars contain the equivalent of approximately one and a half years of production .

The Region has therefore accepted requests from several Consortia, including Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Chianti and Toscana IGT, aimed at reducing yields.

The goal is to rebalance production and demand, support prices, and protect company profitability.

2026 Harvest: More and More Appellations Reduce Yields

Supply management is becoming one of the central themes of Italian wine.

Following Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto, Marche and Abruzzo are also adopting measures to limit production.

Yield reduction and storage are used to avoid further inventory growth and realign production with actual demand.

The strategic theme is increasingly evident: produce less when necessary to protect the value, prices and profitability of the supply chain .

Wine Consortia: New Skills Coming Soon

The sector awaits the new “consortium decree,” intended to implement EU Regulation 2024/1143 and some of the indications contained in the “Wine Package.”

The Consortia will be called upon to take on a broader role in the protection, promotion, valorization, consumer information, supervision and management of the denominations .

The discussion should continue with the Regions after the summer break.

Attilio Scienza: Rethinking grape varieties and denominations in the face of climate change

Professor Attilio Scienza offers a profound reflection on the future of Italian wine.

The system built on denominations and historic grape varieties has contributed enormously to the success of Made in Italy, but climate change and evolving consumption patterns could make greater flexibility necessary.

The point is not to abandon the DOCs, but to allow viticulture to evolve as the climate, environment, and market preferences change.

Water and vineyards: attention to resource sustainability

In the Treviso DOCG area, the problem of unauthorized withdrawals of drinking water intended for vineyard irrigation has emerged.

According to reports, over 2,800 cubic meters were removed per day for approximately a month.

The case highlights how water management is becoming strategic for viticulture, especially in years characterized by high temperatures and drought.

Italian rosés: an increasingly autonomous category

Rosé wine is gradually overcoming its image as an exclusively seasonal product.

More and more producers are planning their rosé right from the vineyard, choosing specific parcels, harvest times, and winemaking techniques.

Growth is supported by the demand for fresh, versatile and gastronomic wines, but above all by the qualitative improvement of the offer.

Classic Method: Growing Interest in Premium Sparkling Wines

The Classic Method continues to represent one of the most interesting segments of Italian sparkling wine production.

Franciacorta, Trentodoc, and Alta Langa are building an increasingly recognizable offering, based on terroir, refinement, quality, and premium positioning.

Among the labels and companies highlighted are Casa E. di Mirafiore Alta Langa Brut Blanc de Noir 2021, Altemasi Trento DOC Brut Rosé Riserva 2019 and Oro Rosso Trento DOC di Cembra Cantina di Montagna .

South Tyrol: Biodiversity, Territory, and Identity

Among the properties reported are Manincor, Ritterhof and Muri-Gries.

Manincor cultivates 52 hectares and produces around 350,000 bottles following biodynamic principles.

Ritterhof , owned by the Roner family, has around 40 hectares of vineyards and achieves a production of around 380,000 bottles.

Muri-Gries , a historic South Tyrolean monastic winery, manages approximately 70 hectares distributed throughout the province of Bolzano.

Romagna: Longanesi’s Anemo among the top 6 regional wines

Daniele Longanesi’s Anemo, a red passito made from 80% Longanesi grapes and 20% Balsamina, has been included among the six Top Wines of Romagna 2026 by the AIS guide “Emilia Romagna da Bere e da Mangiare”.

Production is limited to approximately 2,000 bottles per year.

Marche: Verdicchio takes center stage with Casalfarneto

Casalfarneto, in Serra de’ Conti, has approximately 60 hectares in total , of which 35 are vineyards.

A full 28 hectares are dedicated to Verdicchio.

Production reaches approximately 1.2 million bottles a year , with particular attention to the promotion of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.

Sardinia: quality on the rise

Vinodabere’s Guide to the Best Wines of Sardinia 2027 has tasted over 600 samples .

328 wines received a review and 117 a Standing Ovation, representing 35.67% of the selected wines. Seven wines achieved the highest score of 100/100.

INTERNATIONAL AND NEW TRENDS

Can alcohol-free wine become an answer to the consumer crisis?

With traditional wine consumption declining in several European markets, some producers, particularly German and Spanish, are looking with increasing interest at the No-Alcohol segment.

New technologies are improving the quality of dealcoholized products, and the sector could represent an opportunity for diversification.

Even important Italian companies are starting to move in this direction.

Sustainability, health, and no/low alcohol are at the heart of the future.

The comparison between Artificial Intelligence and producers carried out by WineNews highlights some of the themes destined to most influence wine in the coming years:

sustainability, health, changing consumption patterns, No/Low Alcohol, and the ability to communicate wine to new generations.

These are issues that numerous Italian producers are discussing, including representatives of Tedeschi, Fonzone, Fèlsina, Planeta, Marco Felluga, Bellavista, Hans Rottensteiner, Argiolas, and Sturm.

WINE EVENTS

August 10: Calici di Stelle travels across Italy

The night of San Lorenzo will represent the central moment of Calici di Stelle 2026 , an initiative of the Wine Tourism Movement.

Hundreds of events will involve Italian wineries, villages, castles, and wine regions.

Tastings, music, tours, and astronomical observations will transform wine into a tool for telling the story of the region, its culture, and wine tourism.

Alba: The “Nights of Wine” are back

On Monday 10 August , starting at 7pm, Via Cavour in Alba will host the second edition of the “Notti del Vino”.

13 Alba wineries will be the protagonists, within a city network that includes a total of 23 production facilities.

The goal is to bring residents, tourists, and enthusiasts closer to the area’s wine production.

Tarquinia: DiVino Etrusco 2026

From 20 to 23 and from 27 to 29 August 2026 , the historic centre of Tarquinia will host the twentieth edition of DiVino Etrusco.

The event brings together wine, history, culture, and the territories of the ancient Etruscan Dodecapolis.

The 2026 edition also extends the itinerary to Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria , strengthening the link with Mediterranean winemaking culture.

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