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Wine press review for Thursday September 10-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

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

A day full of interesting signs for the sector. In Italy, investments in wineries, growth in wine tourism, and a focus on positioning and quality are emerging, but so is the problem of high inventories. Internationally, the French harvest is experiencing particularly low volumes, and Champagne is having to adapt to the effects of heat and climate change.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Pio Cesare invests 20 million euros in the Alba winery

The historic Pio Cesare winery , founded in 1881, celebrates its 145th anniversary with an investment of approximately €20 million to expand and renovate its cellar in Alba’s historic center. After four years of construction, the space now exceeds 9,000 square meters , more than double the previous size.

The goal isn’t to increase production, which remains stable at around 500,000 bottles , but to improve logistics, technology, aging, and wine management. Particular attention is paid to white wines, which now account for about 30% of production.

Kurtatsch Winery: Record Turnover of €12.34 Million

The South Tyrolean cooperative Cantina Kurtatsch closed the 2025/2026 financial year with record revenues of 12.34 million euros , an increase of 11.08%.

The company brings together 190 families and has increased the average value per bottle by 23.4% over the last five years. It has also shown positive results in foreign markets, in Italy, and in wine tourism. This is a significant example of growth based not only on volumes, but above all on the valorization of the product and the local area.

Venosa Winery: Early Harvest, High Quality

In the Vulture area of Basilicata, Cantina di Venosa reports healthy, excellent-quality grapes despite a summer with temperatures up to 42 degrees.

The harvest began 10-15 days early for Moscato and Malvasia. Yields have dropped by about 10%, while quality expectations remain very high. Greco and Aglianico del Vulture will follow.

Musita chooses Roberto Cipresso for a new winemaking project

The Sicilian winery Musita begins a collaboration with the winemaker Roberto Cipresso .

The project will involve the entire supply chain: vineyards, raw materials, agronomic choices, harvesting, vinification, blending, aging, and defining the wines’ style. The goal is to strengthen their identity and positioning in a market increasingly focused on quality, authenticity, and sustainability.

Cusumano: From bulk wine to a vineyard- and terroir-based model

The history of the Cusumano family represents an interesting journey of entrepreneurial transformation.

Initially focused primarily on bulk wine and purchased grapes, the company has gradually built a portfolio of bottled wines based on ownership and direct control of the vineyards. The Alta Mora project on Mount Etna today represents one of the most advanced expressions of this strategy.

Villa Maggioni: €2.5 million for a new winemaking project in the Euganean Hills

The Diocesan Institute for the Support of the Clergy of Padua has invested approximately 2.5 million euros in the purchase and restoration of Villa Maggioni , an estate of approximately 12 hectares in the Euganean Hills.

Five hectares are dedicated to vines. The project, overseen with the contribution of oenologist Riccardo Cotarella , aims to bring the first 25,000-30,000 bottles to market in spring 2027 , with an initial range of fresh and sparkling wines.

Sauvignon Luisa: double international recognition

The 2025 Sauvignon from the Luisa company won the gold medal at the international Mundus Vini competition and the “Best of Show Friuli White” mention, reserved for the Friulian white wine with the highest score.

The result follows the gold medal already obtained by the Sauvignon 2024 at the Sauvignon Selection and strengthens the international recognition of Friulian production.

Calabria: A complete winemaking supply chain is growing in the Alto Marchesato Crotonese.

The Fezzigna family, active in viticulture since 1957, has developed a project in the Alto Marchesato Crotonese based mainly on native vines: Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Greco Bianco and Malvasia.

Since 2016, the company has been making and bottling its own wines, managing the entire process in-house, from vineyard to bottle.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN ENOLOGY

Over 4.2 million hectoliters of still wine in Apulian cellars

In Puglia, the problem of wine inventories is once again at the forefront. According to ALPAA Puglia, over 4.2 million hectoliters are sitting in cellars while production continues.

The issue concerns not only the 2026 harvest, which has been judged to be qualitatively positive, but also the structural balance between production, demand, and commercial capacity. Immediate measures are called for to reduce volumes and support liquidity, along with medium- to long-term strategies geared more toward the markets.

Istat: Wine is among Italy’s most resilient agricultural products.

According to Istat data for the period 2006-2025 , the Italian wine sector shows remarkable resilience.

The area devoted to wine grapes decreased by 2.7% , from 713,673 to 694,333 hectares, while production fell by only 2.1%. The average yield, however, increased slightly, confirming the sector’s substantial production stability.

Wine tourism: sleeping in a vineyard becomes a commercial tool

Wine tourism is also playing an increasingly important role in the economic model of wineries. Food and wine stays by foreign tourists in Italy have increased by 176% in the last decade , reaching approximately 760,000 arrivals and spending of 396 million euros in 2024.

This is also the backdrop for the Vinova project, which installs mini-suites within wine estates. The first facilities are operational in the Gavi DOCG area, and the stated goal is to reach 300 units in Italy by 2030.

Oltrepò Pavese: Pinot Noir, the leading grape variety in the area

Pinot Noir has become the most cultivated grape variety in the Oltrepò Pavese with 2,903 hectares , equal to 25.2% of the vineyard surface area.

Croatina follows with 2,797 hectares, ahead of Barbera, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Moscato. Overall, the DOC/DOCG area comprises approximately 11,500 hectares of vineyards , concentrated primarily between 100 and 350 meters above sea level.

Soave: immediate quality and capacity for evolution

The Soave Consortium is relaunching the denomination’s positioning through the concept of “Soave, great now, great later” : a white wine that is enjoyable when young but also capable of evolving over time.

The theme was the focus of the third edition of “Appuntamento Soave,” with masterclasses, tastings, and a discussion on markets, communication, and the future of wine.

Gambellara Vin Santo: An Ancient Venetian Tradition Survives

In Gambellara the production of Vin Santo continues, testimony to a tradition that was once much more widespread in the Veneto.

The area, characterised by predominantly basaltic soils of volcanic origin, has preserved this production also thanks to its inclusion in the production regulations since the 1970s.

Italian agri-food: exports over 72 billion

In 2025, Italian agri-food exports exceeded 72 billion euros , with a growth of 5.6% compared to 2024 .

The data confirms the strategic importance of agri-food in the Italian economy despite geopolitical tensions, protectionism, and international price volatility.

INTERNATIONAL WINE

France: Harvest at its lowest in thirty years

French wine production in 2026 is estimated at around 34 million hectoliters , the lowest level in thirty years.

This represents a 6% decrease compared to 2025 and a 17% decrease compared to the average of the last five years. The main causes include drought, heat waves, and a reduction in vineyard areas, which decreased by 2.5% in one year.

Champagne: Harvest declines sharply, but stocks protect the market

The Champagne harvest is seeing a sharp decline, but this does not mean an immediate reduction in the number of bottles available.

The Champagne production system uses reserve wines from previous vintages and long aging periods. Accumulated stocks therefore help mitigate the commercial impact of a single particularly poor harvest.

Record heat: Champagne can reach up to 15 degrees

For the 2026 harvest, the Champagne Committee has obtained authorization to market bottles with an alcohol content of more than 13% and up to 15% .

The measure is linked to high temperatures, which accelerate ripening and increase the sugar concentration of the grapes. Prosecco is also addressing the effects of high temperatures, but through different regulatory measures.

West Bank: Wine Enters Commercial and Geopolitical Crisis

Psagot Winery, located in Israel’s Shaar Binyamin industrial zone, is at the center of the trade consequences of sanctions adopted by several Western countries against Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The affair demonstrates once again how geopolitics, international trade, and market access can directly impact wineries.

The world’s great wineries become destinations

An international selection from Wine Enthusiast brings together nine of the world’s largest and most spectacular wineries and wine collections.

It’s no longer just a place for storing wine: vaults, architecture, historical collections, catering, and hospitality transform the cellar itself into an experience and a tool for showcasing wine.

WINE EVENTS

Harvest in the Villa – Euganean Hills

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September , Villa dei Vescovi in Luvigliano di Torreglia hosts “Harvest in the Villa”.

The FAI initiative offers tastings, workshops, music, and experiences dedicated to the culture of the grape harvest. The 2026 edition also includes a special event for adults on Saturday.

Monferrato Wine Festival

The 65th Monferrato Wine Festival returns to Casale Monferrato, with events dedicated to wine culture and native grape varieties.

The book “Dionysian Alphabet in the Vineyard, in the Glass, at the Table” will be presented on Saturday, September 19th, followed by a guided tasting of three wines made from native Monferrato grape varieties.

The Wines of Love in the Cinque Terre

On Saturday 3 October, the Via dell’Amore will host the first edition of “I Vini dell’Amore” , an event dedicated to the viticulture of the Cinque Terre.

The event highlights one of the most significant expressions of Italian heroic viticulture, characterized by terraces, dry stone walls, steep slopes, and limited production.

Padua: ONAV course for Tasters and Sommeliers

The ONAV first-level course for Tasters and Sommeliers will take place in Padua from October 5th to December 17th 2026 .

The program includes 14 theoretical and practical lessons , with technical tastings of around 50 wines and in-depth discussions on viticulture, oenology, sustainability, sensory analysis, and the recognition of major defects.

THE PICTURE OF THE DAY

The news of September 10 paints a picture of a rapidly changing wine sector.

On the one hand , high inventories, pressure on consumption, and imbalances between production and demand are emerging. On the other, the most dynamic companies are investing in value per bottle, territorial identity, quality, technology, wine tourism, and positioning .

The climate is also becoming an economic and strategic variable: France is recording one of the lowest harvests in recent decades and even Champagne is being forced to adapt its production parameters.

The message that emerges is clear: in contemporary wine, producing well is no longer enough. It’s necessary to manage quantity, market, positioning, territory, and direct relationships with the consumer.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Wednesday September 9-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

Pasetti harvests its first Pinot Noir at nearly 1,000 meters. In Abruzzo, the Pasetti winery has begun the first harvest of Pinot Noir grown in Forca di Penne, at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. The project stems from the need to adapt viticulture to climate change and focuses on higher altitudes to preserve the quality and balance of the grapes. The winery also emphasizes the importance of production planning to avoid surpluses and unsold wine.

Montefalco grows 5.2% on the Italian market. The Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, Montefalco DOC, and Spoleto DOC denominations recorded 5.2% growth on the domestic market in the first half of 2026, reaching nearly 1.079 million equivalent bottles. This result is particularly significant considering that, in the same period, still and sparkling wines in Italian retail chains lost 3.4% in volume. Pizzolato Winery: Over 90% of plastic packaging recycled. The collaboration between Pizzolato Winery and Aliplast has enabled 91.7% of the plastic waste produced by the Treviso-based winery to be recycled. In 2025, nearly 20,000 kg of plastic film was recovered, subsequently transformed into new raw material and reintroduced into production cycles. Cantina Tollo supports the protection of the Marsican brown bear. Cantina Tollo Group supports the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park in a project to protect the Marsican brown bear. The cooperative will contribute to the purchase and regeneration of satellite collars used to monitor the animals, also linking the initiative to its Animaletti organic wine line. Cantina Contini brings Sardinia to New York. The historic Cantina Contini of Cabras participates in a major New York event dedicated to Italian wine, presenting Tyrsos Vermentino di Sardegna and Tonaghe Cannonau di Sardegna. This represents an opportunity to strengthen its presence in the United States by focusing on the recognition of the appellations and the Sardinian territorial identity. Pio Cesare: 145 Years and a Completely Renovated Winery. After four years of renovations, Pio Cesare celebrates 145 years of history with a major reorganization of its Alba headquarters. The space now exceeds 9,000 square meters and has more than doubled in size, without currently increasing production volumes. The project integrates the historic cellar with new spaces and contemporary technologies. The Manetti Family: 50 Years in the Conca d’Oro of Chianti Classico. For over half a century, the Manetti family has been developing its winemaking project in Panzano, in the Conca d’Oro of Chianti Classico. Research, sustainability, attention to the countryside, and innovation in production processes are the core elements of a business deeply rooted in the local area. Barzagli and Binotto choose the slow pace of the vineyard. Andrea Barzagli and Mattia Binotto have transformed their passion for wine into entrepreneurial projects rooted in the local area. Barzagli is involved with Le Casematte in the DOC Faro area of Sicily, while Binotto has developed the Eleusi project in Trentino, dedicated to high-altitude viticulture.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Istat: Wine among the most resilient Italian agricultural products. Between 2006 and 2025, the Italian wine sector demonstrated remarkable resilience. The area devoted to wine grapes decreased by 2.7%, while production fell by just 2.1% and the average yield per hectare increased slightly. This stability distinguishes wine from many other agricultural sectors.

Boscaini: “We produce with regulations designed for a market that no longer exists.” Sandro Boscaini, president of Masi Agricola, emphasizes the need to update production regulations in light of climate change and changing consumer preferences. The sector must simultaneously address the issue of supply-demand balance, the shift of vineyards to higher altitudes, and the growing demand for lighter whites and reds. Harvest 2026: Heat Changes Timing and Vineyard Work. In the Pontine Marshes, high temperatures are bringing the harvest forward by several weeks. Harvests are increasingly being carried out in the early morning or at night, and new techniques are being adopted to protect the grapes from the heat. Climate change is therefore altering not only the harvest calendar, but also wineries’ production strategies. Italian Wine 2026: Fluctuating Markets, Stability the Goal. Italian wine producers and managers describe a complex 2026, characterized by over-availability, inflation, changing consumption habits, and geopolitical tensions. Companies are looking to the final part of the year with a focus on market stabilization, hospitality, brand enhancement, and preparation for 2027. Puglia: 4.28 million hectoliters still in cellars. Coldiretti Puglia is calling for an extraordinary plan for the regional wine sector. 4.286 million hectoliters from the previous year remain in cellars, while the 2026 harvest is estimated to grow by 10%. The request focuses on inventory management, vineyard areas, and the market’s capacity to absorb production. Ganzega in Trentino: the value of traditional agricultural collaboration recognized. The traditional occasional and unpaid help provided by family, friends, and neighbors during the grape harvest is once again at the center of the debate. The Chamber of Commerce has included the “Ganzega” among the customs of great territorial importance, recognizing its historical, identity-building, and social value for Trentino agriculture. Valtènesi: The quality of Garda rosés is growing. Valtènesi consolidates its position among Italy’s most renowned rosé regions. According to Gambero Rosso, the appellation continues to grow in quality, stylistic precision, and ability to showcase the region’s finest grapes, also earning significant recognition in national guides. “L’Eroico” from the Costa Viola wins the Gran Medaglia d’Oro . The Zibibbo “L’Eroico” from the Cooperativa della Costa Viola of Bagnara Calabra won the Gran Medaglia d’Oro at the 2026 Mondial des Vins Extrêmes with a score above 93. This is an important recognition for the heroic viticulture of the terraced vineyards overlooking the sea.

INTERNATIONAL

Africa: A Challenging Market with Growth Prospects for Wine. Sub-Saharan Africa remains a niche market for Italian wine, but it offers attractive medium- to long-term prospects, also supported by a growing young population. Overall alcoholic beverage volumes are expected to increase by 1% in 2025, and IWSR forecasts average annual growth of 2% between 2025 and 2035. Chianti, Vinitaly, and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) are also increasing promotional activities on the continent.

France: €88 million to promote wine in non-EU markets . FranceAgriMer is making €88 million available to support the promotion of French wines in non-EU markets. The funds will fund advertising, public relations, participation in international trade fairs, information campaigns, and research into new markets through 2027. Chianti DOCG sets its sights on Japan and China. From September 14th to 20th, the Chianti Wine Consortium will host tastings and events in 15 restaurants in Tokyo and Shenzhen. The goal is to strengthen the denomination’s positioning in key Asian markets through pairings of Italian wine and fine dining.

WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM

Vendemmia Sociale: Wine and Solidarity in the Treviso Area. The first stage of the ninth annual Vendemmia Sociale took place in San Polo di Piave. The initiative, promoted by Antonio Facchin Wines, Tenuta Amadio, and Zeta Group, involved numerous volunteer grape harvesters in support of LILT Treviso, uniting the harvest, folk traditions, local area, and solidarity.

Garda DOC celebrates 30 years at Festivaletteratura. From September 9th to 13th, the Garda DOC Consortium will participate in Mantua’s Festivaletteratura for the tenth consecutive year as a partner and “Vino del Festival.” In 2026, the denomination’s thirtieth anniversary coincides with the thirtieth edition of the event, strengthening the relationship between wine, culture, and territory. Panicale reflects on the future of local grape varieties. At the Panicale Grape Festival, discussions focused on the future role of local grape varieties, the wine crisis, and the effects of climate change. Among the key topics were the early harvest and the need to adapt viticulture to new environmental conditions. Mesagne: “Day at the Cellar” on November 27. The Mesagne Pro Loco is organizing a day at the Bellamarina Winery dedicated to promoting local food, wine, and wine production, scheduled for Friday, November 27, 2026. Franciacorta: Country Chic Weekend at the Winery. Starting September 18, Cantina I Barisèi offers a program dedicated to wine tourism, including sunset aperitifs, production tours, Franciacorta tastings, a harvest dinner, live music, and Sunday brunch. This program demonstrates how the winery experience is becoming an integral part of the commercial promotion of wine. Agritourism and Direct Sales: The Parma Countryside Model. Just outside Parma, Agricola La Bergamina integrates catering, agricultural production, and direct sales, establishing itself in an area where a biodistrict covering approximately 100,000 hectares was established in 2024. This model combines agriculture, gastronomy, and direct contact with consumers.

SIGNAL OF THE DAY

The September 9th event sends a rather clear message: wine is entering a phase in which producing well is no longer enough .

High inventories, unstable markets, and changing consumer habits require greater planning. At the same time, climate and early harvests are changing vineyards and regulations, while the most dynamic companies are seeking value through new markets, sustainability, terroir, wine tourism, and brand positioning .

Signals from Africa and Asia point to opportunities yet to be developed, while French support for exports demonstrates how international competition increasingly hinges on the ability to work collaboratively. In Italy, the structural resilience of the vineyard remains a strength, but the balance between production, demand, and value will be one of the key issues in the coming years .

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Tuesday September 8-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

TORRE ROSAZZA AIMS AT THE GREAT WHITES OF THE EASTERN HILLS OF FRIULI

Torre Rosazza, part of the Tenute del Leone Alato estate—the Generali Group’s winemaking hub—is consolidating its role in promoting Friulano and Pinot Grigio . The estate, acquired in 1974, is located in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, where terraced vineyards, ponca soils, Adriatic breezes, and temperature variations contribute to the wines’ strong identity.

MASI: 2026 HARVEST EARLY, BUT GOOD QUALITY GRAPES

The harvest is well underway at the Masi Group estates, well ahead of traditional vintages. High temperatures, water shortages, and extreme weather events have complicated the growing season, but the grapes show good health and positive quality parameters. For President Sandro Boscaini, climate change and the market now require structural responses .

BARON RICASOLI, OVER EIGHT CENTURIES OF HISTORY IN CHIANTI

Founded in 1141, Barone Ricasoli is one of the oldest family-run wineries in the world. Today, the property extends over approximately 1,200 hectares , with 235 hectares of vineyards and 26 hectares of olive groves. Castello di Brolio remains the heart of a winemaking heritage deeply rooted in the history of Chianti Classico.

TUSCAN WINEGROWERS INVEST IN EFFICIENCY AND AUTOMATION

The Vini Viticoltori Toscani cooperative, founded in 2021 from the merger of historic Val d’Elsa wineries, has approximately 700 members and over 1,650 hectares of vineyards and olive groves . Investments supported by the PSR Toscana have included facilities, purification, new vats, and laboratory equipment, with the aim of strengthening production and marketing capacity.

CANTINA BOZEN CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF HUCK AM BACH

Huck Am Bach turns 40, and Cantina Bozen is celebrating the occasion with a dedicated label. The wine takes its name from the historic Santa Maddalena farm, which has been in the same family since 1783, strengthening the connection between wine, terroir, and South Tyrolean tradition.

SANTA MARIA LA PALMA BRINGS ALGHERO VERMENTINO TO NEW YORK

The Sardinian cooperative Santa Maria La Palma will be participating in Great Wines Italy New York 2026 on September 9th and 10th. The event will feature 180 Italian producers and approximately 350 wines. The winery will present its Akènta Cuvée and Akènta Sub, making the event an important sales opportunity for US buyers, importers, and distributors.

TENUTA CERI: WINE, RESTAURANTS, AND HOSPITALITY BECOME ONE PROJECT

In Carmignano, Tenuta Ceri is developing an integrated model combining wine production, hospitality, and fine dining. The project includes an underground cellar nestled into the hillside, new suites, and the relocation of the Michelin-starred Paca restaurant. It’s an example of how a winery can evolve from a production facility to a true wine tourism destination .

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 HARVEST: 42.6 MILLION HECTOLITERS ARE ALREADY IN ITALIAN CELLARS

The new harvest begins with 42.6 million hectoliters of wine already in storage as of July 31, 2026 , 6.9% more than the previous year. Of these, over 23.5 million are PDO wines and approximately 10.9 million PGI wines. The high inventory levels are increasing pressure on storage capacity, deliveries, and the commercial management of the new production.

PUGLIA: 4.28 MILLION HECTOLITERS IN THE CELLAR AND A GROWING HARVEST EXPECTED

Coldiretti Puglia is calling for a special plan for the regional wine sector . Approximately 4.29 million hectoliters of wine from the previous harvest remain in cellars, while the 2026 harvest is estimated to grow by 10%. At the heart of the problem are stocks, vineyard areas, and the market’s capacity to absorb production.

VALTÈNESI: GOOD QUALITY OF GRAPES, BUT DECREASING QUANTITY

The 2026 harvest in Valtènesi and the Riviera del Garda Classico area began early. The grapes are healthy and well-ripened, while the quantities are slightly lower than expected due to the high temperatures and the season’s weather events.

BARBERA D’ASTI: “WE’RE NOT JUST LOOKING AT HARVESTS, BUT ALSO AT INCOME.”

Filippo Mobrici, president of the Barbera d’Asti Consortium, draws attention to the economic situation of winemakers. The issue isn’t just the quantity produced: according to Mobrici, the progressive decline in agricultural profitability must be addressed and a general assembly of the sector must be convened.

LANGHE: LESS MONOCULTURE AND MORE BIODIVERSITY

In Lirano, producer Enrico Rivetto pursues an alternative agricultural model to monoculture. Of approximately 30 hectares, only 14 are dedicated to vines and 7 to woodland. Over the past fifteen years, approximately 1,500 trees have been planted and five kilometers of biological corridors have been created.

WINE TOURISM: A ROOM AMONG THE VINEYARDS BECOMES A SALES TOOL

As wine inventories increase, interest in a first-hand experience at the winery is growing. Food and wine stays by foreign tourists in Italy reached approximately 760,000 in 2024, with spending totaling €396 million . New hospitality models are thus being developed directly at wineries, integrating accommodation, direct sales, and promoting the local area.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: FROM THE VINEYARD TO THE CELLAR

AI is making a tangible impact on the winemaking industry. Drones, imaging, sensors, machine learning, and deep learning can support cluster counting, monitoring vigor, early detection of disease and water stress, irrigation, and predicting grape quality parameters. In the winery, technologies can also contribute to the control and management of fermentation .

THE CLOSURE INFLUENCES THE EVOLUTION OF WINE IN THE BOTTLED

A five-year study by Vinolok and the University of Udine analyzes the evolution of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir using different closure systems. The comparison involves glass, screwcaps, corks, and technical closures, with the aim of understanding how this element can impact the sensory evolution of wine over time.

THE VINEYARD ENTERS THE THERAPEUTIC PATHWAYS

The so-called therapeutic vineyard is being explored as a complementary environment to rehabilitation programs. Activities among the vines, when integrated into structured professional programs, can contribute to the development of physical, cognitive, and relational skills. They do not replace treatment, but can become an additional rehabilitation tool.

SPRITZ, PRICES FROM 2 TO OVER 16 EUROS: ITALY’S APERITIF WORLD IS DIVIDED

The 2026 Aperol Spritz Index shows significant price differences. Milan averages €16.66 , with peaks of €20, while Naples averages around €2 . This gap reflects tourism, purchasing power, location of venues, and different consumption patterns.

INTERNATIONAL

FRANCE: 2026 HARVEST LOOKS LIKE ONE OF THE LOWEST YIELD IN 30 YEARS

French wine production in 2026 is estimated at approximately 34 million hectoliters , 6% less than in 2025 and 17% below the 2021-2025 average. Drought, heat waves, and a reduction in vineyard area are among the causes. The declines expected in Champagne and Burgundy-Beaujolais are particularly significant.

MOËT & CHANDON AND FORMULA 1: LUXURY WINE STRENGTHENS ITS CONNECTION WITH MAJOR EVENTS

The presence of Moët & Chandon Champagne on the podium in Monza confirms the strategy of major luxury brands to combine wine, international sport, and high-visibility events. This positioning expands wine communication beyond traditional wine channels.

WINE EVENTS

VINIMILO: SIX GREAT WINES FROM ETNA COMPARED OVER TIME

On September 9th in Milo, a masterclass will compare six Etna wines from two different vintages, one recent and one at least ten years old. The goal is to analyze how grape varieties, terroirs, vintages, and production styles change over time.

FRANCIACORTA FESTIVAL IN CANTINA, SEPTEMBER 18TH TO 20TH

The Franciacorta in Cantina 2026 Festival returns, featuring tastings, tours, training, and direct meetings with producers. This edition focuses on understanding the Franciacorta method, the history of the appellation, and the relationship between wine and terroir.

NARDINI PRESENTS ITS NEW PRODUCTS AT THE ROMA BAR SHOW

Nardini will present Hylde , a new elderflower liqueur, at the Roma Bar Show on September 14th and 15th, along with a one-liter format of Garage Gin dedicated to the hospitality sector. The event will feature drink lists curated by leading figures in Italian mixology.

IRPINIA: WINE, CULTURE, AND INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION

The conference “The Time of Irpinia. Wine, Culture, Passion” brings together institutions, the Protection Consortium, and fifteen Italian Wine Ambassadors from various countries from the Vinitaly International Academy in Avellino, with the aim of strengthening the region’s international recognition.

VALTIDONE WINE FEST: SUCCESS FOR ORTRUGO AND THE PIACENTINI HILLS

The seventeenth edition of the Valtidone Wine Fest was a sold-out event in Borgonovo Val Tidone. Over twenty wineries presented their wines and local products, confirming the value of local events as a tool for promoting appellations and wine tourism.

ITALIANITY: ITALIAN WINE TOLD THROUGH TERRITORIES AND CULTURE

On September 13th in Serralunga d’Alba, Andrea Lonardi and Jessica Dupuy will present “Italianity ,” a cultural journey through Italian grape varieties, regions, and communities. Wine is interpreted as an expression of heritage, innovation, resilience, and lifestyle.

VINESTATE REMEMBERS ANTONIO FALLUTO

The 51st edition of VinEstate paid tribute to Antonio Falluto of the Cav. Mennato Falluto Winery, commemorating the family’s contribution to the birth and growth of the historic event.

THE PICTURE OF THE DAY

The news of September 8th highlights four important signals for Italian wine .

Harvest and Inventory – Grape quality appears generally positive, but the high level of wine still in the cellars is making the balance between new production, inventory, and sales capacity increasingly delicate.

Profitability – The sector’s problems can’t be measured solely in hectoliters. There’s growing concern about winegrowers’ incomes and the economic sustainability of wineries.

Diversification – Hospitality, catering, direct sales, and wine tourism are becoming increasingly important components of the winery’s business model.

Innovation – Artificial intelligence, precision viticulture, sustainability, biodiversity, and wine research demonstrate a supply chain seeking new tools to address climate, costs, and changing consumption patterns.

THE STRATEGIC KEY

Italian wine enters the 2026 harvest with potentially interesting quality, but with an increasingly evident problem of economic equilibrium.

Producing well is no longer enough.

The real challenge is to produce what the market can absorb, protect the vineyard’s income, reduce inventory, and increase the value generated by each customer , including through hospitality, direct sales, local produce, and new technologies.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Monday September 7-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, oenology, and wine events.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Mack & Schühle invests in dealcoholized wine and focuses on Puglia . The Italian market for no- and low-alcohol wines is accelerating. Mack & Schühle Italia sees dealcoholization as a new opportunity for growth and internationalization. The company operates through a supply chain involving approximately 5,000 winemakers and a network of 3 million hectoliters, with production hubs in Puglia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Terre d’Aenòr: Early Harvest in Franciacorta. The 2026 harvest confirms the effects of climate change on viticulture. Terre d’Aenòr brought approximately 3,500 quintals of grapes to the cellar. Initial evaluations indicate structured, aromatically rich, and elegant wines.

Five major Italian wine companies facing potential ownership changes. The sector is entering a significant phase of corporate and financial transformation. According to the review, at least five leading companies could change their ownership structure or management over the next 6-12 months. Approximately €1.45 billion in revenue is expected to be affected by potential ownership or management changes.

Alto Adige: The Protagonists of the Wine Renaissance A documentary chronicles the producers and winemakers who, since the 1970s and 1980s, have contributed to the qualitative and international transformation of Alto Adige wine, including Elena Walch, Alois Lageder, Louis Raifer, Hans Terzer, and Willi Stürz.

Le Manzane: 78 quintals collected in the Solidarity Harvest The 15th edition of the Solidarity Harvest brought together hundreds of participants in San Pietro di Feletto, in the Prosecco Hills, collecting 78 quintals of grapes to support the Il Filo di Simo ODV association.

Val d’Oca presents a contemporary Cartizze Extra Brut Heritage Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Cartizze Extra Brut DOCG 2025 offers a particularly dry interpretation of Cartizze, with a residual sugar content of less than 2 g/l, focusing on freshness, minerality and territorial identity.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Sardinia, quality grows: seven wines achieve 100/100. Vinodabere’s ninth Sardinian Wine Guide evaluated 331 wines, awarding 118 “Standing Ovations,” equal to 35.6% of the wines tasted. Vermentino and Cannonau stood out, and more generally, the entire regional sector has seen a qualitative improvement.

2026 Harvest Ever Earlier: Climate Changes Italian Vineyards. Heat and drought are profoundly altering harvest calendars. In the Langhe, some Nebbiolos were harvested as early as the end of August; the same phenomenon is evident in Franciacorta, Conegliano, Montalcino, and the Colli Tortonesi. Agronomic adaptability is becoming increasingly crucial.

Conegliano, Montalcino, and Tortona: good quality, but focus on market balance. Initial indications suggest grapes are generally in good condition and quality prospects are positive. Alongside quality, however, an economic issue emerges: protecting the value of the denominations and maintaining a balance between production growth, vineyards, and demand.

US exports struggle, but Prosecco holds firm. In the first months of 2026, Italian wine exports to the United States, according to the source, dropped by approximately 15%. Eastern Veneto is showing greater resilience, with exports exceeding €20 million, with Prosecco as the main driver. In 2025, DOC Prosecco had exceeded 660 million certified bottles, over 80% of which were exported.

Markets 2026: Complex, but with some positive signs. Renzo Cotarella, Michele Bernetti, Francesco Giovannini, and Alessio Planeta highlight a challenging market in Italy and abroad. Identity, adaptability, financial management, and strategic clarity become crucial elements for navigating this new phase.

Wine isn’t just losing space: the way it’s consumed is changing. The transformation isn’t just about volumes, but how, where, and why consumers choose wine . Restaurants, wine bars, wineries, first-hand experiences, and new consumption styles are changing the relationship between product, brand, and consumer.

Wine tourism: Umbria calls for rules more suited to small wineries. The region is calling for a review of the regional regulations, maintaining quality standards but adapting them to the characteristics of Umbrian companies, which are often small and family-run.

Ascheri: Fewer vineyards to protect the environment and value. The production sector also reflects on supply: limiting the expansion of vineyards could help reduce environmental impact and, at the same time, support the economic value of wine.

INTERNATIONAL AND MARKETS

Alcohol-Free Drinks: Global Market Nearing $3.3 Billion The no- and low-alcohol segment is now one of the areas of greatest strategic interest. According to reported data, the global business is worth approximately $2.4 billion and could reach $3.3 billion by 2028. The Italian industry is also accelerating after regulatory delays compared to other markets.

Mondial des Vins Extrêmes: 1,175 wines from 22 countries. The international competition dedicated to heroic viticulture registered 1,175 wines from 432 wineries in 22 countries. 84 Grand Gold Medals and 295 Gold Medals were awarded. Sardinia won one Grand Gold Medal and two Gold Medals.

Training: Italian Wine and Global Markets The twelfth edition of the Master’s program organized by the Scuola Sant’Anna, the University of Pisa, the University for Foreigners of Siena, and the University of Siena with AIS aims to develop integrated skills in production, marketing, communication, wine tourism, and international markets.

WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM

Friuli Doc 2026 – Udine, September 10-13. The 32nd edition will span over 33,000 square meters of the city, featuring more than 100 stands, 70 traditional dishes, over 40 musical events, and approximately 150 artists. The overall economic impact is estimated at €10 million.

Gustus 2026 – Vicenza, September 19-20. Over 100 labels and more than 20 wineries will be featured at the event dedicated to the Colli Berici, Vicenza, and Gambellara DOC wines. Two WineLabs will explore climate change, changing consumer tastes, and the role of aging.

Open Cellars during Harvest – Abruzzo and Umbria The initiative of the Wine Tourism Movement involves 11 companies in Abruzzo and 12 in Umbria , with harvests open to the public, tastings, visits, workshops and experiences for families between September and October.

Monferrato: September among Ruchè, vineyards, and infernot. Castagnole Monferrato and Viarigi focus on the Ruchè grape harvest and slow tourism, transforming vineyards, landscape, and food and wine into an integrated regional experience.

Historic trains in the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato. Between October and November, new historic train routes will connect Milan and Turin with Alba and Canelli, showcasing wine, truffles, UNESCO landscapes, and autumn tourism. The Milan-Alba route will depart on Sundays, October 11, 18, and 25.

Terra Madre: Eight great wineries recount 40 years of Italian wine. From September 24th to 27th in Turin, eight masterclasses will retrace forty years of Italian wine evolution through iconic companies such as Allegrini, Biondi-Santi, and De Bartoli, with vertical tastings reserved for only 20 participants per session.

Degu-Stazioni: Wine Comes to the Milan Metro On September 27, three stations on the M5 line will host a multi-tasting event with over 50 sommeliers: a format that brings wine out of traditional venues and directly into the city’s flow.

THE SIGNAL OF THE DAY

Today’s review tells the story of a sector that is entering a phase of selection and transformation .

The weather brings forward the harvests and requires new agronomic choices. Traditional markets are slowing, while dealcoholized wines and new consumption patterns are growing. Prosecco is demonstrating greater international resilience. Wine tourism is increasingly becoming an integral part of the value of wineries.

But perhaps the most important signal comes from the corporate front: several Italian wineries could change ownership, governance, or financial structure in the coming months .

This means that the future of Italian wine will not depend solely on the quality of the bottle. It will increasingly depend on the ability of companies to adapt, merge, invest, raise new capital, protect value, and build a scale commensurate with international markets .

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

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