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Wine press review for Sunday September 6-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine

The current picture highlights a two-tiered sector: on the one hand, generally high-quality harvests and denominations capable of maintaining value and recognition; on the other, high inventories, weak consumption, and financial and climatic difficulties are increasing pressure, especially on less structured producers.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Solopaca Winery celebrates 60 years

The historic Sannio cooperative, founded in 1966 by 25 winemakers, celebrates its sixtieth anniversary on September 10th. A history of cooperation and territorial development that continues to represent an important benchmark for Campania viticulture.

Franciacorta: I Barisèi focuses on organic wines and long-term aging.

The Bariselli family manages 48 hectares of vineyards in Erbusco, organic since 2014, with an average production of approximately 120,000 bottles. The company philosophy emphasizes particularly long aging periods, with some Riservas released after at least 90 months.

Sartori between corporate relaunch, grape harvest, and the Verona Arena

Casa Vinicola Sartori continues its collaboration with the Fondazione Arena di Verona, which began in 2005. This partnership with the world of culture accompanies a phase of evolution for the company, now part of the Collis Wine Group, while the 2026 harvest is anticipated.

Collio: Tenuta Stella showcases biodiversity and sustainability

A photography competition dedicated to vineyard biodiversity highlighted the relationship between landscape, viticulture, and sustainability in the Friulian Collio, reinforcing the role of terroir as a distinctive element of wine.

Liguria: New gold for Il Cascin

The Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC Vermentino 2025 from Azienda Agricola Il Cascin won the Gold Medal at the 2026 Mondial des Vins Extrêmes, confirming the recognition the company also obtained in the previous edition.

ITALIAN WINE

United States slows, but Prosecco holds firm

In the first months of 2026, Italian wine exports to the United States contracted by around 15%. However, companies in eastern Veneto appear to be holding up better, with exports to the US exceeding €20 million. Prosecco is a key player: in 2025, the DOC exceeded 660 million certified bottles, with over 80% destined for export.

Sicily: A “perfect storm” for cooperative wineries

The 2026 harvest is putting pressure on many cooperatives in western Sicily. Fewer grapes, drought, rising costs, debt, weak consumption, and challenging international markets threaten to further squeeze cooperative wineries’ margins.

Puglia: A good harvest, but 5 million hectoliters remain in the cellar.

The quality of the grapes appears positive, but the real problem is commercial and financial. According to discussions between Confagricoltura and the Ministry of Agriculture, Apulian wineries have approximately 5 million hectoliters of unsold wine. These high inventories risk depressing grape prices and exacerbating liquidity needs.

Abruzzo: Early harvest but healthy grapes

In the Vasto area, harvest began up to two weeks earlier than average. Warm temperatures accelerated ripening, but early signs point to healthy grapes of excellent quality.

Treviso: Prosecco amidst heat, drought, and manual harvesting

In the Treviso area, some wineries continue to harvest grapes manually. The 2026 harvest was affected by high temperatures, 10-30% less rainfall, and hailstorms that, in some vineyards, caused losses of up to 50%.

Tuscany: good quality in the Candia DOC vineyards

Despite the heat and drought, the rainfall that arrived after mid-August improved the harvest prospects in the heroic vineyards of Candia dei Colli Apuani. The first grapes harvested are healthy and of promising quality.

Native grape varieties: a possible response to the crisis

The Timorasso case demonstrates the economic potential of promoting distinctive grape varieties. From just 2 hectares in 2000, the area has grown to over 400 hectares, transforming a variety on the verge of extinction into a producer recognized for its quality, longevity, and strong territorial ties.

Falanghina del Sannio towards new recognition

Falanghina del Sannio continues to consolidate its position. The area is aiming for DOCG status, while several award-winning labels confirm an attractive quality-price ratio, with high-quality wines available for under €15.

Agriculture in the Monfalcone area: fewer farms, but a €40 million turnover.

Over the past five years, the area has reportedly lost approximately 10% of its agricultural businesses. Despite the decline, the sector maintains significant production diversity and a total turnover of around €40 million.

WINE PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND NEW TRENDS

Artificial Intelligence: Growing Especially in Wine Offices

In the United States, the use of AI in the wine industry is growing rapidly, especially in administrative, marketing, and communications activities. Direct use in the vineyard and winery, however, remains more limited. Among the operators surveyed, the share of those reporting great familiarity with AI rose from 22% in 2024 to 30% in 2026.

Context changes the perception of wine

Location, company, food, temperature, and expectations significantly influence the drinking experience. A wine enjoyed on vacation may therefore prove less appealing once brought home: an important factor in understanding the value of wine tourism and the experience tied to the region.

Wine is also gaining space in pizzerias

Wine is increasingly being offered as part of the contemporary pizzeria dining experience. Research into pairings, sommelier training, and attention to wine lists are all increasing, opening up new marketing opportunities for producers and distributors.

Wine and meat: pairing takes center stage again

Structure, freshness, aromatic intensity, and cooking method become the main criteria in choosing red wines to pair with different meats, showcasing the great diversity of Italian appellations.

INTERNATIONAL

China: Exports up 186% in value and the mystery of the mega-shipment

In the first half of 2026, the value of Chinese wine exports is projected to have grown by 186%, reaching approximately $75 million. However, this figure appears to be heavily influenced by a massive shipment of approximately 200,000 bottles to Singapore, attributed to a single brand and characterized by particularly high prices.

USA: AI is gradually entering the wine industry

The US sector is moving from experimentation to an initial phase of concrete integration of Artificial Intelligence, especially in management, commercial, and communications functions.

Non-alcoholic: the demand for transparency is growing

The expansion of low- and no-alcohol beverages is increasing consumer attention to labels. “Zero” and “non-alcoholic” don’t necessarily mean the same thing, and there’s a growing demand for clearer information about the presence of even minimal alcohol.

WINE EVENTS, AWARDS AND WINE TOURISM

Vinòforum 2026: Rome, the wine capital for a week

From September 7th to 13th, Piazza di Siena, in Villa Borghese, will host over 800 wineries and more than 3,200 labels . The program includes tastings, masterclasses, meetings, and signature dinners dedicated to Italian and international regions.

Mondial des Vins Extrêmes: 379 labels awarded

The 2026 edition of the competition dedicated to heroic viticulture saw 1,175 wines from 432 wineries from 22 countries participate. 84 Grand Gold Medals and 295 Gold Medals were awarded.

Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato: Wine aboard historic trains

Between October and November, new historic train routes will connect Milan to Alba and Turin to Canelli, combining wine, truffles, UNESCO landscapes, and experiential tourism. This initiative confirms the growing integration between wine, local produce, and tourism.

Verona focuses on the wine autumn

From September to November, Verona, Valpolicella, and the local winemaking system will be the focus of cultural, food and wine, and international events. Autumn is firmly established as a strategic season for attracting less seasonal and more experience-oriented tourism.

Milan: a menu with over 7,000 labels

Remedy offers a selection of over 7,000 wines and spirits, from the great French terroirs to the main Italian appellations and small producers, confirming the growing interest in places capable of transforming wine into a cultural experience.

THE PICTURE OF THE DAY

The news of September 6 highlights four signals to watch carefully .

1. The problem doesn’t seem to be the quality of the grapes, but the economic balance of the supply chain. In Sicily and Puglia, stocks, debt, costs, and difficulties absorbing market demand are clearly evident.

2. Prosecco continues to represent one of the most resilient assets of Italian wine. Even in the face of the US slowdown, the denomination maintains strong export potential and international penetration.

3. Territory, native grape varieties, and experience gain value. Timorasso, Falanghina, heroic viticulture, Collio, and wine tourism point in a clear direction: differentiation rather than competing solely on volume.

4. Technology and new consumption models are changing the market. Artificial intelligence, non-alcoholic beverages, new food channels, and in-person winery experiences demonstrate a sector that must adapt rapidly.

In summary

Italian wine enters the 2026 harvest with potentially good quality, but with an increasingly evident structural problem: producing well is no longer enough. It’s necessary to produce what the market is willing to buy, build value around the region and the brand, and rebalance volumes, inventories, and demand.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Saturday September 5-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine

TODAY’S PICTURE

The wine sector enters the 2026 harvest with a central theme: rebalancing production, demand, and value . High inventories are compressing prices, while Federvini urges avoiding blanket solutions and addressing them on a region-by-region basis. At the same time, interesting signs are emerging: the growth of native grape varieties, the return of collecting, the consolidation of e-commerce, a greater focus on innovation, and the rapid introduction of Artificial Intelligence into wineries’ operations.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Majolini – Franciacorta Pas Dosé Aligi Sassu 2021 This historic Franciacorta winery, now led by the third generation, manages 22 hectares of organic vineyards and produces approximately 110,000 bottles annually . The 2021 Pas Dosé Aligi Sassu confirms the winery’s position in the quality Metodo Classico.

Livia Fontana expands the Barolo range with Vignolo Riserva 2020. The winery introduces a new Riserva from the small Vignolo cru in Castiglione Falletto. Nebbiolo, aged for 40 months in traditional oak and subsequently in bottle, creates a Barolo geared towards elegance and longevity. Montina – Franciacorta Demi Sec Rosé The Rosé Demi Sec is the winery’s only sweet Franciacorta. Montina produces approximately 450,000 bottles annually , produced from 70 hectares planted primarily to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Nuovi Poderi di Sisini wins the 2026 WineHunter Award. The Giuntelli family’s Sardinian winery has won the highest Platinum award with its 2024 Taja, Nasco di Cagliari Classico DOC. Awards also go to Fadas, Istrale Black Label, and Cannonau Ojè. Tenuta Mariani: 2026 Harvest at 12% The estate expects 550 quintals of grapes, approximately 35,000 liters of wine, and 45,000 bottles , with a 12% increase in production despite the high temperatures. The inauguration of the new winery in Massaciuccoli is scheduled for September 26th. Francesco Annesanti, Local Viticulture in Valnerina In Arrone, Umbria, Francesco Annesanti manages approximately 20 hectares, focusing on varietals such as Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino, Malvasia, Moscato, Pecorino, Barbera, Aleatico, and Sangiovese. Diesel Farm – Renzo Rosso and Organic Wine in the Vicenza Area Since 1993, Renzo Rosso has developed a farm of over 100 hectares on the hills east of Marostica, dedicated to organic farming, vineyards, olive groves, woodlands, and pastures. Among the labels is the 2016 Breganze Rosso di Rosso.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Too much inventory in the cellar: increasing pressure on prices. At the end of July, Italian inventory reached 45.6 million hectoliters of wine and must . Prosecco accounted for 3.2 million hectoliters. Average prices for bulk PDO wines are down 7% compared to 2025, and those for common wines are down 19%. The sector is discussing yield reductions, crisis distillation, and possible destocking.

Federvini: “Surgical” interventions are needed, region by region. General Manager Gabriele Castelli urges against applying blanket prescriptions. Uprooting and distillation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, while on the demand side, investments in promotion, communication, and new consumption opportunities are needed. Prosecco DOCG: discussion on vineyards with slopes greater than 30%. In the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area, a possible differentiated management of production from the steepest vineyards is being discussed. The Region has authorized separate storage and traceability, but not yet a different treatment for destocking. Timorasso: fewer new plantings to maintain quality and value. In the Colli Tortonesi area, the growth of Timorasso is being managed with greater caution. The grape variety, the foundation of Derthona’s identity, has grown from just 2 hectares in 2000 to over 400 hectares, becoming one of the most significant cases of recovery for a native Italian grape variety. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo nominated as a symbol of new regional viticulture. Coldiretti Abruzzo proposes to further promote Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC as a wine capable of capturing new preferences for freshness, versatility, territorial identity, and more informed consumption. Insolia Nera is reborn in Agrigento. The ancient Sicilian Insolia red grape variety has been revived on the Doric Boutique Hotel estate. The project, begun in 2022, has already produced the 2024 and 2025 vintages and focuses primarily on conveying the terroir and its identity. Fiano di Avellino: longevity and cru as factors of valorization. Fiano confirms its ability to evolve over time thanks to the natural acidity and characteristics of the Irpinia soils. There is growing attention to individual vineyards and subzones as tools to strengthen the DOCG’s identity and value. Vinolok and the University of Udine study the evolution of bottled wine. A five-year study compares glass, screw, cork, and technical closures on Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir. After 36 months, wines with Vinolok closures showed positive sensory results, highlighting the role of the closure in the wine’s evolution. Organic Wine: The Burden of Bureaucracy Grows . A critical analysis highlights the operational effects of organic regulations, especially for producers and distributors, raising the issue of the balance between controls, sustainability, and management simplicity. Grants of up to 80% for Vineyards and Environmental Investments. A ministerial decree currently being published provides grants of up to 80% of the costs of vineyard renovation and conversion related to climate adaptation and for certain environmental investments in winemaking facilities. Artificial Intelligence Increasingly Entering Wineries . In the United States, AI is growing primarily in administration, marketing, and communications, while its direct use in the vineyard and winery remains more limited. Among the operators interviewed, those declaring themselves “very familiar” with AI increased from 22% in 2024 to 30% in 2026. Wine e-commerce: from digital promise to profitable channel. After the acceleration of Covid, online wine commerce has become structural but more selective. In Italy, the estimates cited indicate a market value of over 300 million euros in 2024 : today, the challenge is not simply selling online, but doing so with sustainable margins.

INTERNATIONAL

Fine Wine: Record Half-Year Results for Acker Wines and Sotheby’s. The collectible wine market is showing signs of recovery. Acker Wines reported $125 million in sales in the first half of 2026, accounting for 42% of the global auction market; Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits reported $49.2 million in hammer prices, with 94% of its lots sold.

United Kingdom: Convictions for Massive Non-Existent Wine Fraud Stephen Burton, founder of Bordeaux Cellars Ltd., has been sentenced to six years in prison for a $99 million fraud involving investments secured by supposedly non-existent collections of fine wines. His partner, James Wellesley, had already been sentenced to ten years. Heroic Italian Viticulture Takes Center Stage at the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes. Italy wins 20 Grand Gold Medals , with wines from extreme terroirs and distinctive grape varieties from Trentino to Calabria, from Valle d’Aosta to Sardinia, from Liguria to Sicily.

MARKET, CULTURE AND HORECA

Italian wine returns to television as a cultural heritage. Historic wineries, wine families, architecture, monasteries, territories, and new wine-cultural hubs become the protagonists of a television story that presents wine not only as a product, but as an expression of Italian history and culture.

Spirits and mixology: new opportunities for the Horeca sector. Faced with the slowdown in wine consumption, Italian amari, bitters, vermouth, and gin can enhance the experience of bars and restaurants. The key is to transform the drinks list from a simple list of products to a narrative of territories, ingredients, and identities. Cividale: Scubla 1921 is reborn – Dispensa Friulana Enrico Coser, from the family that owns the Ronco dei Tassi winery, reopens the historic Drogheria Scubla with a contemporary project dedicated to food and wine culture and Friulian products. Pistoia: wine and fine dining in a 17th-century palazzo Baldo Vino is moving its project to Palazzo Ganucci Cancellieri, combining a restaurant, bistro, American bar, and a cellar with over 3,000 wines: an example of integrating wine, gastronomy, hospitality, and historical heritage.

WINE EVENTS

Grimaldi Enoica Co-Wine Festival – September 5th The festival dedicated to Calabrian wine and the Savuto identity returns to Grimaldi. Tastings, talks, and seminars create a collective narrative of the region, involving producers, sommeliers, journalists, and wine lovers.

Campania Wine – Naples, September 6 and 7. At the Galleria Umberto I, over 100 wineries showcase Campania’s main appellations, from Vesuvius to Irpinia, from Sannio to the Phlegraean Fields, all the way to Cilento and the Amalfi Coast. “Sensi in Degustazione” – Colli Euganei On September 18 and 25, the Mioni Luxury Swim & Spa in Montegrotto Terme offers two evenings dedicated to the sensorial discovery of wine, paired with signature cicchetti and local stories. Upper Adriatic: Wine, Culture, and Territory The “A Sparkling Afternoon” initiative connects the winemaking excellence of the Upper Adriatic with the cultural heritage of Istria and Dalmatia, highlighting regional collaboration, the sea, culture, and local products.

THE SIGNAL TO FOLLOW

Today’s review reinforces a now evident trend: the future of Italian wine lies not simply in increasing production, but in the ability to transform territory, identity, quality, and consumer relationships into economic value.

High inventories and price pressure make it necessary to manage supply, but the medium-term response depends above all on demand : new consumers, communication, wine tourism, digital, Horeca, international markets, native grape varieties and innovation.

In this scenario, simply producing wine is no longer enough. We need to produce wine that the market has a clear reason to choose.

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

See you tomorrow.

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 .