All posts by admin

Wine press review for Wednesday October 21-2026

with:

Italian wine, wineries, international markets and wine events.

Champagne on the rise, California vineyards declining, Franciacorta gaining popularity, and new opportunities for Italian wine tourism. These are the key wine industry news for October 21, 2026, including innovation, investments, business trends, and wine-related events.

1. Italian wineries: companies, investments, and innovation

Terradesa: Sustainable Viticulture between Varese and Novara

Erica Battaglioli and Carlo Cioci are developing a winemaking project between Cassano Magnago and Mezzomerico. In their Varese vineyards, they are experimenting with PIWI-resistant varieties, including Solaris, Johanniter, and Souvignier Gris, with the support of winemaker Mario Falcetti.

Torrevilla: 2026 harvest anticipated in Oltrepò Pavese

The cooperative began harvesting on August 4th, one of the earliest dates in the area. The sparkling wine bases were harvested within ten days, with good quality results. The red grape production was lower due to the heat.

Count Vistarino presents Ottavia 2021

The Oltrepò Pavese winery is launching a Pinot Noir produced in 3,300 bottles, made from a north-facing vineyard at 460 meters above sea level. The project, spearheaded by Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino, also accompanies the company’s image revamp.

Arianna Occhipinti invests in hospitality in Sicily

The winemaker, along with her cousins Giovanni and Paolo, acquired the historic Pianogrillo estate in Chiaramonte Gulfi. The project includes a country inn, approximately ten guest rooms, and a new winery.

Le Monde inaugurates the Wine Garden in Friuli

The Maccan family opens a space in Prata di Pordenone dedicated to tastings, events, and hospitality. The Wine Garden showcases Le Monde and La Ponca wines, integrating wine tourism, gastronomy, and landscape.

Cascina Castlèt awarded for its accessibility

Mariuccia Borio’s winery in Costigliole d’Asti has won the 2026 Wine Hospitality Award in the accessibility category. The winery’s spaces are wheelchair accessible and the website is accessible to people with visual impairments.

I Vini di Maremma Winery: Research on Native Yeasts

The cooperative is collaborating with the Leopoldo II Agricultural Institute of Lorena and the Crisba center in Grosseto to test two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast isolated from Vermentino grapes, with scientific verification by the CREA of Asti.

Foss Marai presents its sparkling wines in Milan

The Guia di Valdobbiadene winery promotes Cartizze, Brut Guia, and Roös rosé. The Biasiotto family-owned company focuses on high-end sparkling wines and distribution in restaurants, hotels, and wine shops.

Passo delle Tortore inaugurates its new winery in Irpinia.

In Pietradefusi, Campania, the De Girolamo sisters and Ilaria Facchiano present their new company project. At its core, it focuses on enhancing the local area, producing quality products, and engaging the younger generations.

2. Italian wine and oenology: markets, consumption and trends

Franciacorta known by 94% of Italians

According to an Ipsos Doxa survey commissioned by the Franciacorta Consortium, 94% of Italians are familiar with the appellation, 75% have tasted it at least once, and 50% say they consume it. This result is also supported by collaborations with fashion, sports, food, and culture.

Italian Agritourism: 33 Million Tourists in 2026

According to Isnart, since the beginning of the year, 33 million tourists have chosen experiences related to nature, culture, and food and wine, including 18.5 million foreigners. Eight percent seek visits to wineries, oil mills, and Wine Routes. The more than 25,000 agritourism establishments represent an important resource for the regions.

Asolo Montello: The Enoteca Diffusa is born

The Asolo Montello Wine Consortium promotes a wine tourism network involving wineries, restaurants, accommodations, and cultural operators in 18 municipalities. The project includes a digital platform and training activities, starting with a membership of 475.

Edoardo Freddi International grows in the United States

In the first half of 2026, EFI recorded a 12% increase in volume and 8% in value in the US, despite the decline in wine imports. Positive results were also achieved in Russia and in volumes in Japan. Among the most important products are Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Montepulciano, and Pecorino.

Alcohol-Free Wines: The Evolving Italian Market

During Sober October, there’s growing interest in alcohol-free and low-alcohol products. In Italy, the sector is growing at an estimated 15%, while the global alcohol-free wine market is worth approximately $2.4 billion. Caviro, Argea, and other operators are investing in the sector.

Morellino di Scansano: Four wines awarded Tre Bicchieri

Gambero Rosso’s 2027 Vini d’Italia guide honors Fattorie Le Pupille, Provveditore, Cantina Vignaioli Scansano, and Roccapesta. This recognition recognizes the quality and expressive variety of Maremma Sangiovese.

Wine must return to speaking a simple language

Fabio Diego Morsello Angileri, Sicilian winemaker and oenologist at Millami, warns against overly technical communication, which can alienate consumers. The goal is to make wine understandable and accessible.

Asti: Producers and restaurants join forces to promote wine culture.

Luca Ferraris, Stefano Chiarlo and the Il Podestà restaurant are promoting an initiative between October and November dedicated to wine by the glass, food pairings and balanced prices, with particular attention to a young public.

The Cotarella Family: A New Dialogue with Young People

The project “Shall we have a glass? Why not!” promotes more immediate communication about wine culture. The next event is October 24th in Milan, during Milan Wine Week.

Falstaff Bar Guide Italia 2027: wine bars and wineries protagonists

The guide highlights four establishments in Milan, Rome, Verona, and Florence. Among them is Remedy in Milan, with approximately 6,000 labels and over 18,000 bottles, an example of a winery that combines selection, expertise, and hospitality.

David Khayat receives the Civiltà del Vino Award

The French oncologist, honored by the Masi Foundation, recounts his cultural and personal relationship with wine, emphasizing its historical, regional, and convivial value. A personal account, distinct from medical advice on the risks of alcohol.

3. International: markets, exports and world viticulture

Champagne: Most Valuable Brands Overtake Still Wine

According to Brand Finance 2026, the top ten global Champagne and wine brands are worth a combined $8.2 billion. Moët & Chandon leads the ranking with $2.3 billion (12%), followed by Veuve Clicquot with $1.4 billion (39%). Dom Pérignon grows by 21%, while several still wine brands decline in value.

California: Over 19,000 hectares of vineyards uprooted

Between August 2025 and August 2026, more than 19,000 hectares of vineyards were eliminated. According to the California Association of Winegrape Growers, the remaining acreage is approximately 177,700 hectares. The main causes are overproduction, declining consumption, and grape prices insufficient to support producers.

Canada: Lambrusco Finds New Opportunities in Ontario

The share of Italian wine in the Ontario market has increased from 21% to 25% since March 2025. Interest in fresh, light, and sparkling wines is growing. The Lambrusco Consortium will participate in a trade mission to Toronto on October 28th and 29th with ten Italian wineries.

Italian wine tourism: strong interest from the United States

According to AITE research for Vinitaly, 79% of Americans surveyed associate Italy with authentic food and wine experiences, and 47% consider a trip with wine tourism activities desirable in the next 24 months. Sicily, Tuscany, and Piedmont are among the most attractive regions.

France: Lérins Abbey combines vineyards and cultural tourism

On the island of Saint-Honorat, near Cannes, Lérins Abbey represents an example of the integration of viticulture, historical heritage, Mediterranean landscape, and tourism.

4. Wine events: fairs, tastings and appointments

Calendar of events mentioned in the review, with dates indicated in the original news.

DateEvent and location
October 24 – November 854th DOC and DOCG Colli Euganei Wine Exhibition, Luvigliano (PD), together with the San Martino Festival
October 24–25Autumn Festival and Divinum in Vinum, Concordia Sagittaria (VE), with tastings and local products
October 24th“Shall we have a glass of wine? Why not!”, Milan, Cotarella Family Project
October 25–26Gambero Rosso – Tre Bicchieri, La Nuvola, Rome, with presentation of the 2027 Italian Wine Guide
October 26–27Vinitaly.USA 2026, New York, promoting Italian wine
October 28–29Lambrusco Mission to Canada, Toronto, with Ten Italian Wineries
November 14–15Eroica Val di Non 2026, Novella (TN), meetings and tastings on mountain viticulture
February 1–4, 2027Hospitality, Riva del Garda (TN), with the Design for Food project

Derthona on Tour: Timorasso takes center stage in Rome

The stop at WeGil highlighted Timorasso dei Colli Tortonesi, a Piedmontese grape variety revived thanks in part to the pioneering work of Walter Massa. The focus was on the territorial identity and the ability of white wines to evolve.

Vini ad Arte 2026 moves to Milan

The Consorzio Vini di Romagna has chosen Milan to promote Albana, Sangiovese, and the Romagna subzones to professionals, distributors, restaurateurs, and journalists.

Winemakers in the Brewery: Artisanal Wine and Brewing Culture in Rome

The Be.Re. venue in Piazza Risorgimento brings together the worlds of artisanal wine and beer, showcasing independent production and new tasting opportunities.

5. Trends to follow in the wine sector

Five significant signals emerge from the news of October 21st for producers, winery owners, and investors:

  1. Brand value becomes crucial: the growth of Champagne and the notoriety of Franciacorta confirm the importance of commercial positioning.
  2. Production must adapt to demand: the uprootings in California demonstrate the consequences of imbalances between supply, consumption, and profitability.
  3. Wine tourism expands revenue opportunities: hospitality, catering, and local networks become complementary activities to wine production.
  4. Consumers and markets are changing: fresh, light wines, sparkling wines and alcohol-free products require new commercial strategies.
  5. Innovation and accessibility create value: wine research, sustainability, and inclusive hospitality contribute to companies’ competitiveness.

The WINEIDEA – FORBUS perspective

The wine market is undergoing a transformation that affects production, distribution, consumption, and corporate assets. For Italian wineries, the challenge is not just to produce quality wines, but to build businesses capable of sustaining margins, promoting the region, diversifying revenues, and identifying new business opportunities.

For those looking to invest in, acquire, or enhance the value of a winery, it’s increasingly important to evaluate assets, production organization, brand, markets, and development potential.

Press review by WINEIDEA – October 21, 2026. Editorial summary of the news provided, not subjected to independent verification.

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

See you tomorrow with new news from the world of wine.

Wine press review for Tuesday October 20-2026

with:

Wine market, Italian wineries, innovation, exports, oenology, and events: the main news from the wine sector for October 20, 2026.

Italian wine is undergoing a transformation, with high inventories, price pressure, and new business opportunities. Encouraging signs are coming from exports to the United States, while wineries and producers are investing in quality, innovation, sustainability, and wine tourism.

1. Italian wineries: companies, investments, and awards

Rubinelli Vajol (Veneto) – A new wine for Valpolicella. The San Pietro in Cariano winery presents Rubinì, a non-DOC wine that focuses on freshness, elegance, and drinkability, distancing itself from the more structured styles of the local tradition.

Fiamberti and Picchioni (Lombardy) – The historic Buttafuoco of the Oltrepò Pavese. Two producers showcase the Solenga vineyard, three shared hectares in the Sperone di Stradella, through comparative tastings of different vintages.

Lenzo Winery (Sicily) – Riccardo Cotarella has joined as a new consultant. The Ficarra winery in the Nebrodi mountains is collaborating with the winemaker to strengthen its production identity. It currently produces approximately 30,000 bottles, with a potential capacity of 70,000.

Cantina Candido (Puglia) – Relaunch after acquisition. The historic Salice Salentino producer, founded in 1929, was acquired by the Paolo Leo group in July 2025. The project includes renovation, enhancement of the historical heritage, and creation of a Wine Museum.

Ca’ Rugate (Veneto) – 2027 Slow Wine Award for Hospitality. The Verona-based organic winery received one of the guide’s seven special awards. In 2025, it welcomed approximately 25,000 visitors. The 2019 Amarone Classico Riserva Cima Caponiera also received an award.

Chitarra Winery (Sicily) – International Gold for Zibibbo. Ríh Al-Mare, produced in the Stagnone area of Marsala, won the gold medal at The DB Autumn Tasting 2026 in London.

Cantina di Carpi e Sorbara (Emilia-Romagna) – The restructuring process continues. After a bank exposure of nearly €12 million, the cooperative has reached agreements with a significant portion of its creditors. The negotiated resolution of the crisis continues, with the goal of completion by November.

Tenuta San Leonardo (Trentino) – Bordeaux tradition in Vallagarina. The 2021 San Leonardo confirms the style of the historic Guerrieri Gonzaga estate, based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carmenère.

Case Danesi (Lombardy) – New winery in Franciacorta. Mario and Angelo Danesi are launching a business in Erbusco with 10 hectares of organic vineyards spread across five municipalities. A 10,000-bottle Franciacorta Satèn Brut is debuting.

Cantina dei Colli Ripani (Marche) – Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses) for Pecorino. The Mercantino Offida Pecorino DOCG 2025 has earned Gambero Rosso’s highest award, recognizing the work of the Ripatransone cooperative.

2. Italian wine: market, economy and exports

The Italian wine supply chain is worth €40.7 billion. According to The European House Ambrosetti’s Visione Vino 2026 Report, the wine sector generated direct revenues of €16.5 billion and added value of €4.7 billion in 2025. Considering the extended supply chain and indirect and induced effects, the economic value reaches €40.7 billion, equal to 2.1% of Italy’s GDP.

Italian wine exports: United States up 17% in the third quarter. According to provisional EU data compiled by the UIV Observatory, between July and September 2026, exports to the US grew by nearly 17% in value and 6.6% in volume. The January-September balance remains negative (-6%), but improved compared to the first half (-14%). Extra-EU exports increased overall by nearly 8% in the quarter.

Piedmont: High inventories and calls for production reduction. As of July 31, 2026, Italian inventories reached 42.6 million hectoliters (6.9%). In Piedmont, inventories of PDO wines reached nearly 3 million hectoliters. Confagricoltura is proposing production containment measures, including green harvesting and a temporary suspension of permits for new vineyards.

Oltrepò Pavese: a good harvest, but low grape prices. The Torrevilla cooperative reports a satisfactory 2026 harvest in terms of quality and quantity, but highlights financial difficulties for winemakers. Investments include a 430 kW photovoltaic system to reduce energy costs.

The wine crisis: every winery needs a specific strategy. According to Carlo G. Ferretti of Geo Identity Research, revitalization requires understanding how quality, terroir, and identity can be transformed into value recognized by consumers. Data analytics and artificial intelligence can help companies identify new business strategies.

Wine and young people: communicating more simply. A 2025 Wine Tourism Hub survey indicates that 58% of young people interviewed fear making mistakes when talking about wine, and 49% consider the sector elitist. For producers, accessible communication, rooted in conviviality and local culture, is becoming increasingly important.

3. Italian winemaking: innovation, research, and sustainability

Liguria – Experimental drones for heroic viticulture. The DROLig project is testing drones for precision spraying in terraced vineyards in Ceriana. The trials, conducted without pesticides, verify the drones’ automatic flight adaptation to the terrain and the even distribution of sprays.

Artificial intelligence and sensory analysis of wine. An experiment on seven Sauvignon Blancs from different vineyards highlights differences between the assessments of twelve tasters and instrumental analyses. The case opens new perspectives for scientifically describing wine characteristics, integrating technology and human expertise.

Lake Nemi – Caligola wine aged underwater. The experimental Dispensa Subacquea project preserves bottles of wine on the bottom of the Lazio lake. The initiative was featured on Linea Verde on Rai 1 on October 18.

Sardinia – Evidence of viticulture from the Bronze Age. Archaeological excavations at Sa Osa, near Cabras, have uncovered thousands of grape seeds dating back to 1300-1100 BC, providing important evidence of the island’s ancient viticultural culture.

Slow Wine 2027 – Quality and Sustainability. The guide examined over 10,000 labels, awarding 779 recognitions across Top Wine, Vini Slow, and Best Buy. Environmental considerations remain a key concern: 38% of the wines reviewed use bottles weighing no more than 450 grams, compared to 41% in the previous edition.

4. International: markets, consumption and new frontiers of wine

Global Market – Structural Red Wine Surpluses. According to a study by economist Kym Anderson, published in the Journal of Wine Economics, the sector faces an international imbalance between supply and demand, particularly evident in budget-priced red wines. Reducing vineyard acreage is considered one possible response.

Champagne – Brands dominate the global rankings. The Brand Finance 2026 report attributes a combined value of $8.2 billion to the ten most valuable Champagne and wine brands. Moët & Chandon leads the way with $2.3 billion (12%), followed by Veuve Clicquot with $1.4 billion (39%). Dom Pérignon grew by 21%, reaching $300 million.

United Kingdom – Lowering prices doesn’t guarantee increased consumption. London’s Michelin-starred restaurant Hide has experimented with lower markups on fine wines without seeing an increase in customers. This experience shows that price isn’t the only factor driving demand.

Denmark – Viticulture is growing on the Baltic coast. On the island of Fejø, Hideaway Vingård grows resistant varieties such as Solaris, Rondo, and Bolero. The project demonstrates the productive potential of viticulture in northern Europe.

5. Wine events, awards and wine tourism

Vinea Tirolensis 2026 – Alto Adige. Record attendance, with 88 independent winemakers and approximately 450 wines for tasting. An opportunity for producers, enthusiasts, and professionals to meet face-to-face.

Carignano Trails – GIST Award 2026. The Sardinian itinerary wins the Travel Food Award in the Italian Food and Wine Destination category, highlighting the relationship between landscape, wine culture, and tourism.

Wannenes – Fine wine auctions in Milan. The Cellar Selection – Wine & Spirits Auction will take place on October 23rd, with an online session open until October 26th. A total of 832 lots from five private collections, including Barolo, Champagne, and collectible vintages.

Lake Garda – Hike through vineyards and landscapes. A guided tour of approximately 10 km through the Bardolino hills, meeting in Costermano sul Garda, combining nature, history, and local traditions. The date of the excursion is not specified in the materials provided.

Osterie d’Italia 2027 – Slow Food Awards. The guide lists 1,952 establishments, with 335 Chiocciole (Snails), 228 Bere Bene (Being Well) awards, and 627 Bottles (Bottles) for their wine selection.

Slow Wine 2027 – Italian Excellence. Over 250 collaborators participated in the evaluation of wineries and wines, rewarding quality, sustainability, connection to the territory, and responsible production practices.

The industry picture: what’s emerging today

The news of October 20, 2026, highlights three main trends: the need to rebalance production and demand, the growing importance of corporate profitability, and the valorization of territorial identity.

The recovery in US exports is a positive sign, but inventory levels and price pressures require more selective marketing strategies. At the same time, investments in innovation, wine tourism, corporate management, and brand positioning can contribute to the competitiveness of Italian wineries.

For entrepreneurs and investors, the challenge is not just to produce quality wines, but to build financially sound, recognizable companies capable of adapting to market changes.

Press review by WINEIDEA – October 20, 2026. Editorial summary of the news provided, without independent verification of the sources.

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

See you tomorrow with new news on Italian and international wine.

Italian agriculture: FORBUS proposes modern sharecropping to revitalize agricultural and winemaking businesses.

with:

Abandoned lands, struggling businesses, and a lack of generational change.

FORBUS presents a new model of collaboration between owners, families, young entrepreneurs, and investors to recover productivity, enhance agricultural assets, and create new management opportunities, including with the prospect of future purchase.

Italian agriculture: nearly 500,000 fewer farms in ten years

Italian agriculture is undergoing a profound transformation. According to the ISTAT General Census of Agriculture, between 2010 and 2020, the number of farms decreased from approximately 1.62 million to 1.13 million , a reduction of almost 488,000 businesses, or 30% .

Over the same period, the average utilized agricultural area per farm grew from approximately 7.9 to 11.5 hectares, highlighting a progressive process of concentration of agricultural activities.

Added to this transformation are increasingly evident problems: underutilized land, rising costs, difficulty finding labor, uncertain profitability, and the lack of successors in family businesses.

For many owners of farms, wineries, and wine estates, the choice seems to boil down to three options: continue the business, sell, or abandon it.

But there is a fourth option: retain ownership and entrust management to those with the skills, entrepreneurial ability, and a concrete development plan.

The FORBUS proposal: a modern sharecropping system to create new value

From this need was born the FORBUS modern sharecropping project, an initiative developed by Quidquid Srls to encourage new forms of collaboration in the agricultural and wine-growing sectors.

The idea draws on a principle of Italian farming tradition: connecting those who own the land with those who wish to cultivate, manage, and enhance it.

It’s not about reinstating the old sharecropping contract, the new stipulation of which is prohibited by Italian law, but about developing modern, sustainable management agreements that comply with current regulations , tailored to the characteristics of each farm.

The owner can offer land, vineyards, farm buildings, cellars, and production facilities. Management can be entrusted to young agricultural entrepreneurs, Italian or foreign families, cooperatives, agricultural businesses, or qualified operators.

The agreements must regulate responsibilities, investments, duration, remuneration and production objectives, using the applicable legal instruments.

From management to purchasing: a three-step journey

The FORBUS model can also include a gradual path towards the acquisition of the company.

1. Management and relaunch

The owner initially retains ownership of the assets, while selected operators assume management through defined agreements. The goal is to recover productivity and re-establish economic sustainability.

2. Development and valorization

We address corporate organization, production efficiency, costs, marketing, and the investments needed to increase the company’s profitability and value.

3. Possible acquisition

When the economic, financial, and contractual conditions are met, the process can culminate with the management purchasing the company through appropriate legal instruments.

This way, the owner can enhance the value of the assets before selling them, while the future buyer can gradually build their entrepreneurial and financial capacity.

A new opportunity for wineries and wineries

The project is of particular interest to the Italian wine sector, where numerous companies own valuable vineyards, cellars, properties, and brands, but face difficulties in managing them financially, productively, or commercially.

Professional management can help recover unused production capacity, develop new markets, improve distribution, and introduce complementary activities such as wine tourism, rural hospitality, and direct sales.

For a family without generational change, this solution can represent an alternative to an immediate sale.

For a young entrepreneur or investor, it could instead become an opportunity to enter the agricultural and winemaking sector through a progressive path.

Paola Benvenuti: Giving continuity to Italy’s agricultural heritage

In the vision illustrated by Professor Paola Benvenuti, sole director of Quidquid Srls , the transformation of Italian agriculture is not just about reducing the number of businesses, but also about the continuity of production activities, the protection of rural heritage, and job opportunities.

In fact, many agricultural businesses retain significant potential, even though they no longer have the family, organizational, or financial resources necessary to continue operating independently.

The project’s goal is to identify solutions that can keep these assets productive, preventing their sale from becoming a forced choice rather than a strategic decision.

FORBUS: from evaluation to operational management

FORBUS supports owners, entrepreneurs, and investors through an integrated team of professionals with agricultural, winemaking, industrial, commercial, and financial expertise.

The process may include company analysis, asset and financial assessment, identification of managers or partners, definition of the development project, and coordination of legal, tax, and technical specialists.

Each initiative is assessed individually: not all companies are suited to this model, and economic sustainability must be verified before making commitments.

The goal is not simply to find someone willing to manage a company, but to create the conditions for that management to produce results and value over time.

The future of Italian agriculture must not be just sales

Land represents an economic, productive, environmental, and cultural asset. When a farm ceases operations, the risk also affects the territory, employment, and the continuity of production traditions.

The modern sharecropping system proposed by FORBUS aims to offer a possible solution: to foster the encounter between agricultural owners and new entrepreneurial energies, transforming difficult situations into revitalization projects.

Before selling a farm or winery, it’s worth asking yourself how much it might be worth if it were managed differently.

Do you have a farm or winery to promote?

FORBUS is aimed at owners of wineries, farms, and wine estates, families with no generational turnover, cooperatives, Italian and foreign entrepreneurs and investors interested in management, development, and potential acquisition projects.

Present your project to FORBUS and evaluate alternatives to immediate sale.

www.forbus.it

FORBUS – Manage, enhance, develop. And sell when it’s convenient.

Wine press review for Monday October 19-2026

with:

Italian wineries, the wine market, enology, the 2026 harvest, wine tourism, and events: the industry’s top news, organized by topic and summarized for quick reading.

1. Italian wineries: companies, producers and news

Santa Tresa debuts on Etna with an organic Bianco DOC. The Sicilian winery, led by Stefano and Marina Girelli, presents the first Etna Bianco DOC made from organic Carricante grapes grown on the volcano’s southeast slope. Expected production is 8,000 bottles, with a retail price of €15.50.

Tommasi celebrates Amarone with the Family Library. Tommasi Family Estates presents 100 exclusive gift boxes featuring the 2012, 2017, and 2022 vintages of Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG. A 2017 Special Edition of 1,000 bottles is also available.

Follador presents Ca’ Dei Noni, seven appellations from the Veneto region. The Col San Martino winery expands its offering with a line of still wines showcasing terroirs such as Montello, Valpolicella, Lake Garda, and the Asolo hills.

Velenosi showcases Pecorino delle Marche. The Ascoli-based winery presents three interpretations of the native grape rediscovered in the 1980s by Guido Cocci Grifoni, now the protagonist of the Offida DOCG appellation.

Pietraluce Franciacorta focuses on sustainability and young people. Founded in 2018 in Calino, Brescia, Marika Bertoli Savoldi’s winery promotes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir through efficient technologies, environmental awareness, and a more accessible winemaking style.

Morellino di Scansano, Roggiano goes charitable. The Morellino di Scansano winery presents the fifth edition of the Roggiano DOCG charitable label, supporting the Il Sogno di Nidia association and its projects for the independence of young people with disabilities in 2026.

Cusumano wins at Milan Wine Week 2026. The Sicilian winery wins the Wine Hospitality Award in the Best Art & Culture Wine Hospitality category, dedicated to the best hospitality experiences combining wine, art, and culture.

Nikolas Juretic is the 2027 Slow Wine Young Winemaker. The producer from Cormons, in the Collio Friulano area, received recognition for his terroir-conscious viticulture and his contribution to the Senza Meja collective project. His Mont 2024 also received recognition.

Nima Wine Shop celebrates its first anniversary in Melfi. After opening in Milan, the retail project celebrates the first anniversary of its Lucanian store, aiming to combine local identity with an international vision.

Carlo “Tète” Torboli and Vino Santo: a story from Trentino. The story recalls the entrepreneur from Riva del Garda who opened his winery in 1961, involving, according to tradition, Mike Bongiorno.

2. Italian wine and oenology: market, production and trends

Italian wine stocks increased by 14.2%. According to the ICQRF’s Cantina Italia, as of September 30, 2026, Italian wineries held 41.04 million hectoliters of wine, over 5 million more than in 2025. Added to this are 12.8 million hectoliters of must and 8.9 million hectoliters of new wine still in fermentation.

Tuscany is Italy’s second largest region in terms of stocks. Veneto leads the way with over 10.2 million hectoliters, followed by Tuscany with approximately 5.1 million. Siena has 2 million hectoliters, and Florence 1.45 million. High inventories are placing a strain on warehouse management and winery profitability.

The 2026 Italian harvest is estimated at 41.1 million hectoliters. The European Commission’s forecasts indicate a decline of approximately 7% compared to 2025. Italy would still maintain its leading European production, ahead of Spain and France.

Romagna, Sangiovese DOC subzones are growing. Although Romagna Sangiovese DOC production has dropped from 9 to 8 million bottles in 2025, the subzones have increased from 518,933 to 647,733 bottles. The Consortium is focused on enhancing the different territorial identities.

Abruzzo’s Trabocco project promotes indigenous sparkling wines. The collective brand, launched in 2022, promotes Metodo Martinotti sparkling wines made from regional grape varieties, including Pecorino, Passerina, Cococciola, Montonico, Trebbiano, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, bottled in the region.

Brunello Fuligni is the star of James Suckling’s list. The selection of the top 100 Italian wines and winemakers highlights a growing focus on freshness, territorial authenticity, balance, and wines less affected by over-ripening.

Maremma, the agricultural labor problem is growing. The difficulty in finding local workers for grape and olive harvests is increasing the reliance on foreign workers. The issues concern costs, worker availability, and generational turnover.

Agriculture and young people: a call from Vesuvius. Salvatore Acampora, producer of Pomodorino del Piennolo DOP in Ercolano, urges young people to invest in southern Italian agriculture, denouncing bureaucratic difficulties, costs, and land abandonment.

FIVI wine tourism: revenues growing for over half of winemakers. A Nomisma Wine Monitor and FIVI study reports that over 50% of independent winemakers are experiencing growth in wine tourism activities. Approximately 85% of members’ vineyards are located in hilly and mountainous areas.

Tuscany is Europe’s top destination for wine lovers. A study cited by Wine & Travel Magazine gives the region a score of 8.43 out of 10. European wine tourism is increasingly showcasing its landscapes, culture, tastings, and rural heritage.

Contemporary wine: consumption, communication, and identity. The book “On Contemporary Wine,” with a contribution by Fabio Rizzari, analyzes the evolution of Italian winemaking since the 1990s, the weight of ratings, and the current challenges in consumer relations.

Riadi Piacentini proposes a new language for wine. The Turin-based lawyer encourages us to move beyond formalism, repetitive tastings, and overly technical communication, offering events and experiences that engage diverse audiences.

Autumn wine tourism: new experiences at Italian wineries. Franciacorta and other regions offer tours, contemporary art, gastronomy, hospitality, and cultural experiences. Among the wineries mentioned are Villa Biondelli, Guido Berlucchi, and Ricci Curbastro.

Amaro del Ciclista expands its Le Frecce collection. Six packages celebrate legendary cycling climbs, including Stelvio, Sestriere, and Alpe d’Huez, through collectible bottles and dedicated gift boxes.

3. International: production, climate and vines

The 2026 European harvest is forecast at 137.4 million hectoliters. The European Commission estimates a 1.2% decrease. Italy remains in first place with 41.1 million hectoliters, followed by Spain with 37.6 million and France with 33.9 million. Spain is expected to see a 13.4% increase.

England, extreme heat and early harvest. The high temperatures of 2026 accelerated grape ripening by up to a month in some areas. WineGB requested the possibility of acidifying the wines to preserve balance, especially in the sparkling base wines.

Burgundy, Aligoté rediscovered. The French white grape is returning to the spotlight for its freshness and ability to evolve. Its recognition as an AOC Bouzeron in 1997 was crucial to its development.

Veuve Clicquot presents La Grande Dame Rosé 2018. The House celebrates the tradition of blended rosé Champagne introduced by Madame Clicquot in 1818. The new cuvée showcases Pinot Noir and represents the twenty-fifth edition of the La Grande Dame line.

4. Wine events, auctions, awards and tastings

Barolo en Primeur 2026, international charity auction. On Friday, October 23rd, 14 barrels of Barolo Vigna Gustava 2025 will be auctioned at Grinzane Cavour Castle, with links to London and New York. The 2025 auction raised €1,130,300; over €4.5 million in the first five editions. A fifteenth barrel will be offered on November 8th.

Milano Wine Week 2026, October 17-25. Over 100 events, including tastings, meetings, masterclasses, and hospitality experiences. The Wine Hospitality Awards recognize 50 Italian wineries in ten categories.

FIVI and Nomisma present their research on wine tourism. On October 21st in Rome, the “Wine & Future” conference will explore direct sales, hospitality, catering, and the prospects of independent winemakers.

Orta Wine & Beer Festival, tastings on Lake Orta. The event brings together 25 partners, including wineries, breweries, and distilleries, with approximately 100 labels and events dedicated to food and wine culture.

Gustatus 2026 in Orbetello, with Ansonica as the star. From October 29th to November 1st, the event will showcase 160 Maremma wines. Shades of Ansonica is scheduled for October 29th; a B2B meeting for HORECA professionals is scheduled for November 2nd.

Vini ad Arte 2026 brings Romagna to Milan. On October 12 and 13, the Consorzio Vini di Romagna presented its Sangiovese wines and subzones to restaurateurs, distributors, wine merchants, and journalists.

Vino e Arte che Passione celebrates its tenth edition. At the Casino dell’Aurora Pallavicini in Rome, the event brought together producers and enthusiasts through tastings, culture, and meetings.

Insolito Marsala 2026, wine and international tourism. The event, held from September 30th to October 4th, offered tastings of great historic wines, including Barolo from 1937 to 1967 and a Marsala Florio from 1840.

Slow Wine 2027 honors the new generations. The guide was presented in Milan on October 17, with awards dedicated to quality, sustainability, territory, and new interpretations of viticulture.

The sector picture as of October 19, 2026

Four main themes emerge from today’s news: increasing inventories, the expected contraction in Italian production, the growth of wine tourism, and the valorization of local identities.

For Italian wineries, the challenge isn’t just about producing quality wines, but also about improving sales, controlling inventory, protecting margins, and developing new direct sales and hospitality opportunities.

The forecasts for the 2026 harvest and the data on stocks confirm the importance of increasingly careful economic and commercial management.

This review has been compiled and summarized from content provided as of October 19, 2026. Data and statements taken from the original news reports, without independent external verification.

WINE IDEA NEWS – Italian and international wine information

Press review of October 19, 2026, brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.

See you at the next wine press review.