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Morning Wine Report for August 28, 2025

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Key updates in the world of wine.

  • The Wine Institute of California is preparing for a change: after 22 years as CEO, Bobby Koch is stepping down from the helm of the leading association 1 .
  • The Pickett Fire in Napa Valley has caused an estimated $65 million in damage to crops, with approximately 1,500 acres (3% of the vineyard area) affected, with high risks of smoke contamination of the ongoing harvest.
  • The Rioja DOCA is entering a new phase: ahead of the centennial harvest, it is introducing yield limits and a renewed leadership to ensure evolution and quality.
  • In Great Britain , an early harvest is underway after a hot, dry summer: a promising year is expected, with good grape ripening and high quality still wines.
  • The Portuguese region of Tejo updates its PGI specifications: low- and no-alcohol versions have been accepted, to anticipate emerging trends in consumption.
  • The impact of climate change is increasingly evident: Greg Sherwood’s analysis describes who “wins” and who “loses” in this critical context for global viticulture.

M&A Radar

No significant M&A transactions have emerged in the sector globally to date.

Mini-box “Prices & Harvest”

VoiceMain details
Prices (grape/bulk/bottle)Currently, no updated data on price trends is available .
StocksNo specific updates have emerged on wine or grape stocks.
Harvest 2025In the United Kingdom, the harvest is early and of good quality; fires in California are putting the crop at risk; in Rioja, yield restrictions are being implemented to ensure sustainability.

WINE PRESS REVIEW for Wednesday, August 27, 2025

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News on Italian wine and oenology.

Italian wineries

  • Marco Donati, the legend of Teroldego – A family story spanning six generations and over 150 harvests, set in the Piana Rotaliana.
  • The Siddùra winery gives new impetus to its great reds – Dalla Gallura, a project that brings Cannonau and other varieties to international levels, winning top-level awards.
  • Bianco 6 Gemme 2024 – Cantina del Tufaio – The new Loreti generation renews the style with long fermentations and natural refermented wines.
  • Garda Passito Brolo dei Giusti 2020 – Cantine di Verona – An elegant passito that showcases the potential of the Garda vineyards.
  • Vernaccia di Oristano 2002 – Silvio Carta – Among the 100 nominees for the Platinum Award The WineHunter: a masterpiece for meditation.
  • “Wine tourism can grow” – Tenuta Bonzara – Serene production and hopes for a market revitalization, focusing on tourism and new sales channels.
  • Iceland in the Cellar – Pegoraro (Colli Berici) – An event that combines Venetian grape varieties and Nordic influences.

Italian wine

  • The 2025 harvest is early in Veneto and Alto Adige – Pinot and Chardonnay have already been picked; Glera begins on September 5th, followed by Merlot, Corvina, and Garganega. Healthy grapes and excellent prospects.
  • Asti DOCG and Alto Adige, a harvest with tariffs in the balance – An excellent quality year, but the US risks slowing exports.
  • Between harvest and market, strategies for red wines – Full cellars and a structural decline in consumption: production needs to be rethought.
  • Sicilian Wine: ARCA, the Catarratto Association, is born – Six wineries join forces to promote this historic native grape variety.
  • US tariffs, a “bloodbath” on Sicilian wine – Assovini warns: the North American market is irreplaceable for 82% of its member companies.
  • Zibibbo d’Oro in Calabria – The Terre della Costa Viola Cooperative’s work promoting the grape variety has been recognized.

Italian enology

  • Aleatico Battani wins a gold medal at the 2025 Berliner Wine Trophy – A success for the Marciana Marina (Elba) winery.

International enology

  • Wine Taxes: A Comparison of the EU, UK, and US – Data from the American Association of Wine Economists: Highest excise duties in Ireland, Finland, and the UK; 15% tariffs on European wines in the US.
  • France: Disappointed by US tariffs – Paris calls for new negotiations, complaining of an “unbalanced” agreement.
  • US exports to Canada plummet – Up to -97% in the spring months of 2025.
  • Wines under the bombs in Ukraine – The resistance of winemakers who continue to produce despite the war.
  • Meghan Markle debuts her organic rosé – The former duchess launches the “As Ever” brand in California.

Wine events

  • “Le Notti del Vino” in Fregona – Tastings, music, and guided tours of the bell tower on Saturday, August 30th.
  • Susumaniello and Negroamaro Wine Festival: a back-and-forth – The wineries respond to Mayor Marchionna: “There’s no division among producers.”
  • “In the Sign of Bacchus” – Exhibition and tasting at Verginese (FE) – Guided tour on September 4th, including ceramics and wines.

Ideas and reflections

  • Full cellars and empty beaches – An analysis of changing consumer habits and the illusion of eternal success.

Today’s press review was brought to you by QUIDQUID . See you tomorrow with new news from the world of wine!

Morning Wine Report for August 27, 2025

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Key updates in the world of wine.

  • Some rare bottles of Château Margaux (1948–2004) are being offered by SoDivin, with prices reaching up to €2,187.50 for the ’48, rewarding historic quality and scarcity.
  • The global bulk wine market is experiencing a sharp slowdown: high inventories and weak demand are making the period between July and early August unusually quiet.
  • In Italy , the 2025 harvest is upon us, but with worrying overproduction. Inventories exceed 46 million hl and could double to 90 million hl. Urgent measures such as green harvesting, distillation, and yield rationalization are being discussed.
  • Franciacorta has started the harvest with promising quality and exports growing by 7%.
  • The 15% US tariffs threaten Italian wines, with a potential loss of €317 million estimated over the next 12 months. Chianti producers are already exploring alternative markets—Asia, South America, Africa—to mitigate the risk.
  • A new study on Artificial Intelligence in viticulture shows how AI optimizes vineyard monitoring, irrigation, production, and personalized wine tourism, contributing to sustainability and operational efficiency.

M&A Radar

To date, there have been no recent, significant M&A transactions in the Italian or global wine sector.

Mini-box “Prices & Harvest”

VoiceMain details
Prices (grapes/wine)No recent prices available. The context suggests downward pressure due to surplus production and high inventories.
Stocks46 million hl of wine already in the cellar before the 2025 harvest; a potential peak of 90 million hl if nothing is done.
Harvest 2025Current: Franciacorta gets off to a strong start (7% exports); general inventories and surpluses in Italy are a cause for concern; AI as a potential lever for efficiency and innovation.

Morning Wine Report for August 26, 2025

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Key updates on the world of wine.

Morning Wine Report for August 26, 2025

  • Climate crisis in the Mediterranean : winemakers in Greece, Spain, France, and Italy are facing drought, flooding, and extreme temperatures. Strategies adopted: advanced irrigation, new resistant varieties, and changes in altitude.
  • Italian exports slightly down : through May 2025, value -0.8% (€3.2 billion), volume -3.8% (852.3 million liters). Markets holding steady: USA (5.7% in value) and Canada; UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Russia are declining.
  • Growing inventories : as of July 30, Italian inventories stood at 39.8 million hl, stable on an annual basis (0.5%) but down compared to June (-8.8%).
  • Global bulk market slows : weak demand pushes innovation (canned wine, low-ABV, spritz). In Italy, harvest is slow, but the bulk market remains sluggish; Prosecco DOC 5.4% in July; 2024 Pinot Grigio almost sold out.
  • US tariff tensions : 15% tariffs penalize Valpolicella and Ripasso, while Amarone has a lesser impact; potential losses of up to €317 million over 12 months.
  • Chianti looks to Asia, South America and Africa : in the face of US tensions, export strategies are being pushed towards emerging markets (Brazil, China, Japan, Africa and the Middle East).
  • AI and sustainability in viticulture : new studies show how Artificial Intelligence optimizes irrigation, vineyard management, and personalized wine tourism itineraries.

M&A Radar

Currently, no recent M&A transactions in the Italian or global wine sector emerge from the available results.

Mini-box “Prices & Harvest”

VoiceMain details
Grape/wine pricesNo updated data available. Implied trend: declines due to surpluses and uncertain export environment.
Stocks39.8 million hl (30 July 2025): 0.5% vs. previous year; -8.8% vs. June 2025.
Harvest 2025In progress. Varied conditions: mild July in many areas, drought in Puglia and Sicily; harvest expected in late August. Prosecco is strong, bulk is weak, and the 2024 Pinot Grigio is almost sold out.