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Wine press review for Thursday September 3-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

Winery dining: growing investment in wine tourism

Catering has become one of the main areas of investment for Italian wineries. The goal is to expand the offering, increase guest stays, and integrate wine, cuisine, local produce, and hospitality.

Numerous companies have developed high-end restaurants, some of which Michelin-starred, transforming winery visits into a complete experience. Examples include those in the Langhe, Franciacorta, Maremma, Trentino, Chianti Classico, and Sicily.

The phenomenon confirms an important transformation: the winery no longer sells just wine, but territory, hospitality and experience .

Cantine Settesoli enters the dealcoholized wine market

Cantine Settesoli, a Menfi-based cooperative with approximately 2,000 members, 6,000 hectares of vineyards, and an annual production of approximately 20 million bottles , has obtained a license from the Customs Agency for the dealcoholization of wines.

It is the first Sicilian winery to be authorized to operate in this new segment. The company already has the necessary equipment and will use vacuum evaporation technology.

The operation confirms the growing attention of Italian wine towards the no-low alcohol market.

Feudi di San Gregorio: wine, art, and hospitality in Irpinia

Borgo San Gregorio represents the evolution of Feudi di San Gregorio’s hospitality model: wine, contemporary art, architecture, and landscape are integrated into an immersive hospitality project.

The old farmhouses have been restored and transformed into accommodations nestled among the vineyards, strengthening the link between wine production and local experience.

Bio Cantina Orsogna rediscovers the Maiella grape varieties

Five years of experimentation and micro-vinification have led Bio Cantina Orsogna to develop the “Irripetibili,” wines made from rare varieties of eastern Maiella.

The project aims to preserve viticultural biodiversity and promote native grape varieties, balancing territorial identity and winemaking research with the growing international standardization of wine.

Le Colture combines Prosecco and contemporary art

The Le Colture winery in Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene supports the exhibition “On the Future of the Body” , scheduled at the Galleria Civica Cavour in Padua from 5 September to 4 October 2026.

This initiative confirms wineries’ growing focus on art and culture as tools for brand engagement and positioning.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

Italian wine: 42.6 million hectoliters still in the cellar

The main problem in the sector remains the balance between production and demand.

As of July 31, 2026, Italian wine stocks amounted to 42.6 million hectoliters, 6.9% higher than in July 2025. If musts are also included, availability reaches 45.6 million hectoliters.

The 2026 harvest is estimated at around 40 million hectolitres , a quantity that should keep Italy at the top of the world production.

But the abundance of product, combined with weak demand, is compressing prices: in June, the prices of DOC wines were down an average of 7%, while those of common wines recorded a 19% drop.

Valpolicella: grapes even at 40-50 cents per kilo

The harvest opens with strong price tensions.

Initial prices for fresh grapes were around 50 cents per kilogram , compared to a considered fair range of 60 to 80 cents. Transactions as low as 40 cents were also reported.

Christian Marchesini, president of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium, speaks of the risk of speculation. The backdrop is heavy inventory levels, a slowing market, and a harvest that began about two weeks earlier than the historical average due to heat and drought.

Prosecco DOCG: A comparison of vineyards with slopes greater than 30%

In the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area, there is a discussion about the possibility of distinguishing, during future destocking, the production coming from vineyards with a slope equal to or greater than 30% .

The hypothesis foresees that these productions could maintain the DOCG classification, while some of the productions coming from less steep terrains could be reclassified as DOC.

The Region has authorized separate storage and tracking, but has not yet approved separate treatment .

Brunello di Montalcino: early harvest and controlled yields

In Montalcino, the 2026 harvest should begin, for most companies, around September 7 , about a week earlier than in 2025.

The Consortium confirmed the yield reduction from 80 to 70 quintals per hectare . Volumes are expected to be in line with or slightly lower than the previous year, while the phytosanitary condition of the vineyards is judged to be very positive.

Asti: excellent grapes, but drought and lower yields

The harvest in the Asti area began about ten days early.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay destined for sparkling wines were harvested as early as the first days of August, followed by Sauvignon, other whites and Moscato.

The quality of the grapes is considered high, but drought and high temperatures are reducing yields and increasing the use of mechanization.

Trentino-Alto Adige: Heat and hail also hit vineyards.

High temperatures and extreme weather events are causing damage to regional agriculture.

In addition to apples, which were particularly affected by the high temperatures, hail also affected several wine-growing areas, confirming the growing exposure of Alpine agriculture to extreme weather events.

The future of wine also depends on sales by the glass

In a period of declining consumption, pouring wine can become an important marketing tool for restaurants and wine shops.

Selling wine by the glass allows consumers to experience more labels and regions, reducing the economic barrier posed by purchasing a full bottle.

For producers and Ho.Re.Ca. operators, however, this means working more effectively on conservation, bottle rotation, and margins.

Classic Method: OI presents a 795 gram bottle

OI has developed a 75cl, 795g bottle intended for the Classic Method.

The goal is to lighten the container while maintaining the necessary resistance to high internal pressures and compatibility with existing production and packaging lines.

A solution that combines sustainability, glass reduction, and industrial efficiency.

Gender equality: certified wineries on the rise

The Italian wine sector is showing signs of progress in terms of gender equality, although the number of certified companies remains limited.

Among the companies mentioned are Carpineto, Donatella Cinelli Colombini, Famiglia Cotarella, Ruffino, Venica & Venica and Cantine del Notaio.

According to DNV, other wineries are starting certification processes that could materialize between the end of 2026 and 2027.

Campania: Selling wine increasingly means building relationships.

The experience of the Zotti Agency, active in Caserta since 1967, captures the evolution of wine distribution.

The representative is no longer just a bottle seller, but increasingly a consultant capable of interpreting the needs of producers and customers, moving between Ho.Re.Ca., distribution, native grape varieties and new low-alcohol consumption.

INTERNATIONAL

Champagne and Formula 1: Major Brands Invest in Sports

Moët & Chandon returns as the Official Champagne of Formula 1.

During the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, from 4 to 6 September , Champagne will accompany the celebrations on the podium and will also be at the centre of initiatives dedicated to cuisine, bubbles and mixology in Milan.

The strategy confirms how major wine and beverage brands are increasingly seeking visibility through sports, luxury, and international events.

Champagne: the heat favors the production of still wines

High temperatures are also changing production strategies in Champagne.

The 2026 harvest started exceptionally early and some houses are considering allocating a greater share of grapes to the production of Coteaux Champenois still wines, rather than Champagne.

Climate change therefore not only alters the harvest calendar, but can directly impact the type of wine produced.

Table grapes: demand expected to recover

The table grape campaign started early with generally good quality, but initially weak demand due to competition from peaches, apricots, and nectarines.

As summer fruit gradually disappears from shelves, producers expect increased demand for grapes in the coming weeks.

WINE EVENTS

Campania.Wine – Naples, September 6 and 7

Over 100 wineries will participate in the third edition of Campania.Wine.

Tastings, masterclasses, wine tourism, gastronomy, and hospitality will showcase the region’s entire winemaking heritage, from Vesuvius to the Phlegraean Fields, from Sannio to Irpinia, from Caserta to Cilento and the Amalfi Coast.

The event is a collaboration between the Campania Protection Consortia, the Campania Region, and the Municipality of Naples.

The Great Wine Festival – September 26th and 27th

Villa Farsetti, in Santa Maria di Sala in the province of Venice, will host the 19th edition of the Great Wine Festival .

The announced numbers: 149 exhibitors, 29 countries, 5 continents, 420 labels and over 8,000 bottles .

The event is aimed at wine lovers, sommeliers, Ho.Re.Ca. operators, buyers, distributors, and industry professionals.

Trentino Wine Consortium: 3rd Sustainability Report

On September 30th in Trento, the Trentino Wine Consortium will present its third Sustainability Report.

The meeting focused on the relationship between environmental protection, economic and social sustainability, business competitiveness, and the region’s ability to adapt to market changes.

Pitigliano celebrates 60 years of Bianco di Pitigliano DOC

The book The vine, the winemakers and the wine in the Bianco di Pitigliano area will be presented on September 4th .

The initiative is part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the DOC and aims to highlight the winemaking history of Pitigliano, the Città del Tufo, Bianco di Pitigliano, and Rosso di Sovana.

Valtidone Wine Fest: Ortrugo protagonist

Ortrugo&Chisöla , the first event of the Valtidone Wine Fest, kicks off in Corano on September 3rd.

Colli Piacentini DOC wine, food, music, vineyard tours, and local culture are featured in a program that will continue over the weekend in Borgonovo.

Sa Innenna meets the Nights of Wine

In Sorgono, in the heart of Mandrolisai, the tradition of the grape harvest, tastings, music, ancient crafts, and gastronomy become an experiential journey.

The event combines rural culture and the promotion of local wine production, part of the Autunno in Barbagia program.

September in Oltrepò, Valtellina, Soave, and other major wine regions

The Italian wine calendar is getting into full swing with numerous events: OltreGusto – Oltrepò Terra di Pinot Nero , ViVa – Vini Valtellina , Appuntamento Soave , Vinitaly Opera Ouverture, Cinema in the Cellar, Collisioni Festival, Chianti Classico Fest and Vinòforum.

A network of events that confirms the growing link between wine, gastronomy, tourism, culture, music and territory .

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Wednesday September 2-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

Compagnia del Gusto acquires Winelivery. The Cosulich family’s holding company is strengthening its presence in the wine sector with the acquisition of the Winelivery platform, which generated approximately €4.5 million in revenue in 2025. The acquisition brings the group not only a new direct-to-consumer channel, but also data, technology, and digital expertise. Winelivery will become part of the sub-holding company Compagnia delle Vigne, which has already made significant acquisitions in the sector.

The Crops: From 8 hectares to 40 hectares and approximately 800,000 bottles The history of the Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene winery recounts the evolution of a family business that began in 1983 with eight hectares and wine sold in demijohns. Today, it owns 40 hectares of land between Rive di Valdobbiadene, Cartizze, and Montello, with production almost entirely dedicated to sparkling wines. Gianni Tessari focuses on the identity of the Lessini Mountains . The project dedicated to Durella and the Classic Method aims to strengthen the bond between wine and territory, connecting the winery, landscape, gastronomy, refuges, hiking, and hospitality. The goal is to transform the Lessini Mountains from a simple geographical indication to a true wine tourism destination. Torre Santo Stefano: a new winemaking project in Salento. In Otranto, in the Baia dei Turchi area, Michela Negro and Marco Pellegrino are developing a project that integrates viticulture, agricultural tradition, research, and hospitality. A company rooted in the agricultural business started by the Negro family in 1947. Sicily: four wineries to showcase the new wine regions. From the Corleone area to Etna and the Val di Noto, a new generation of wineries is growing, showcasing grape varieties, terroirs, and local identities. Sicily thus continues to strengthen its position as a wine tourism destination.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

Italian wine exports: -6.9% in the first five months of 2026. Exports fell to €2.98 billion , while turnover in May fell 7.1%. Bottled wines were particularly hard hit. Sparkling wines, on the other hand, held essentially stable in overall value at €876 million, but Prosecco DOP declined by 2.2%. Asti (35%), other DOP sparkling wines, varietals, and common wines, grew.

Sparkling Wines: Continental Europe’s Importance Grows. In the first quarter of 2026, Italian sparkling wine exports lost 12.5% in value , with average prices falling to €2.61/liter. While the United States and Germany remain key markets, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia are increasing in importance. Brunello di Montalcino: Early Harvest, High Quality Expected. The 2026 harvest will begin for most wineries on September 7 , at least a week earlier than in 2025. The Consortium reports vineyards in good phytosanitary condition and expected volumes in line with or slightly lower than the previous year. Prosecco Hills: Water and Hydrogeological Instability Become Strategic. President Marina Montedoro calls for a structured program that simultaneously addresses water availability, storage capacity, and slope stability. Climate change and land management are therefore becoming increasingly central issues for the future of viticulture in Conegliano Valdobbiadene. Valtellina: Wine Tourism Enters the Age of Artificial Intelligence. For wineries, being listed on search engines is no longer enough: more and more tourists are using artificial intelligence systems to choose regions, companies, and activities to visit. Being correctly indexed and recognizable by AI is therefore becoming a new competitive lever for wine tourism. Sardinia 2027: Average Wine Quality Rises . Vinodabere’s new Sardinian Wine Guide has tasted over 600 wines , awarding 118 Standing Ovations and seven 100/100 scores. Despite a slight decline in the number of wines, an overall improvement in the quality of regional production is evident.

INTERNATIONAL

EU agri-food exports reach €117.2 billion, wine declines. In the first six months of 2026, European Union agri-food exports reached €117.2 billion , a decrease of 2%. Wine fell to approximately €7.8 billion, a decrease of 4% . The United Kingdom remains the main non-EU market, while the United States recorded an 11% decline.

Fortified Wines: Global Market Approaching $22.46 Billion Port, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala, and Vermouth are experiencing a new phase, thanks in part to mixology. The global market, valued at $15.78 billion in 2025 , is expected to grow to $22.46 billion in 2035. Europe represents 53% of global revenue. Napa Valley: $1.1 Billion Green Plan California is considering an ambitious program aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045. The project includes progressively more stringent sustainability requirements for wineries, but is facing resistance from the industry. A final decision is expected on November 3. Canada: Historic Barrier to Direct Wine Sales Removed Nine provinces have reached an agreement to facilitate the direct sale of wine, beer, and spirits across provincial borders. This opens up the opportunity for producers to more easily reach Canadian consumers, overcoming some of the market’s historic regulatory fragmentation.

WINE EVENTS

DiVin October – Trentino The 21st edition will accompany all five weekends of October with tastings, local products, autumn products and experiences dedicated to wine tourism.

AIS Introduction to Wine Course – Trieste From September 17th , four lectures and a winery tour dedicated to sensory analysis, viticulture, oenology, Italian and international wines, and food and wine pairing. Harvest Social-e – Treviso On September 6th and 12th , the charity initiative returns to the vineyards of the Antonio Facchin and Tenuta Amadio wineries. Proceeds will be donated to LILT Treviso. Sprigno di Ruoti – Basilicata On September 4th, a panel test will be dedicated to the 2025 vintage of Sprigno di Ruoti, a native grape variety recovered through a historical and scientific research project. Douja d’Or – Asti From September 11th to 20th , the event returns to the historic center of Asti, with a model spread across squares and buildings and the involvement of the main wine consortia of the area. Dolo-Vini-Miti – Val di Fiemme and Valle di Cembra The festival celebrates the “vertical wines” of the Cembra Valley, areas characterized by vineyards with slopes up to 40%, 700 kilometers of dry stone walls, and predominantly porphyry soils. Franciacorta in Cantina Festival Starting September 18th , wineries and the surrounding area will take center stage with tastings, tours, and experiences dedicated to Franciacorta. Among the initiatives, I Barisèi offers Wine & Sunset and production tours with the disgorging line in operation. Monfrà Jazz Fest – Monferrato UNESCO From September 11th to 13th , four free concerts and tastings among the vineyards, wineries, and distilleries of Monferrato, combining music, wine, spirits, and the surrounding area. Truffle and Tintilia – Castropignano The Molise event dedicated to the encounter between Tintilia, truffles, gastronomy, and the cultural heritage of the area kicks off on September 5th.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The September 2nd review highlights three particularly important signs for Italian wine : exports continue to show weakness, with a 6.9% contraction in the first five months; the importance of digitalization and artificial intelligence is growing in wine tourism as well ; at the same time, the process of aggregation and consolidation of companies continues, as demonstrated by the acquisition of Winelivery by Compagnia del Gusto.

On the production front, climate, water availability, and land conservation are now becoming structural variables. Brunello harvests early, while in the Prosecco Hills, a long-term strategy for water and slope stability is required.

In short: there’s less certainty about volumes and exports, but new opportunities are emerging from technology, tourism, mergers, direct sales, and the ability to transform wine and terroir into a single experience.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Tuesday September 1-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

Bortolomiol: Climate, Rive, and Identity of Prosecco di Valdobbiadene

Elvira Bortolomiol discusses the relationship between climate change, increasingly early harvests, and vineyard management in the Valdobbiadene hills. She also focuses on Giuliano Bortolomiol’s family legacy and a vision in which territory, people, and history remain fundamental elements of the company’s identity.

Terre d’Aenòr: Organic, Art, and a New Identity in Franciacorta

Founded in 2018 by the Bianchi family and led by Eleonora Bianchi, Terre d’Aenòr is one of the emerging wineries in Franciacorta. The 100% organic winery has 46 hectares spread across seven municipalities and 33 plots , producing Franciacorta and Curtefranca DOC wines.

Cavit: the 2026 harvest is managed hectare by hectare

In Trentino, the grape harvest began about a week early. Cavit uses the PICA digital platform to integrate data, agronomic expertise, and knowledge of the various viticultural micro-areas. The system allows for the monitoring of over 6,350 hectares of vineyards , more than 60% of the province’s vineyard area.

Agros Romani: Young Entrepreneurs Invest in the Castelli Romani Region

Grazia Versace and Michele Colao have chosen Lanuvio to develop a young, sustainability-focused winery. The project aims to combine agricultural tradition, viticulture, and a contemporary approach to enhancing the Castelli Romani region.

Masi Monteleone21 gains international visibility

Locanda Costasera, a restaurant owned by Masi Monteleone21, has been named to Wine Enthusiast’s international “Best Winery Restaurants 2026” list: 57 restaurants worldwide, including six Italian ones. Monteleone21 will also be featured on Sky Arte with an episode dedicated to the new home of Amarone and the Boscaini family.

Tenuta Stella: Biodiversity, Territory, and the Classic Method

In Dolegna del Collio, Tenuta Stella awarded the winners of its biodiversity photography contest. The event took place during “Vini e Vinili – Bubbles Adventures,” an event dedicated to Metodo Classico sparkling wines, featuring wineries from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Slovenia, and other Italian regions.

Wine Faces: Small Piedmontese Producers Network

The project brings together independent Piedmontese wineries with the aim of presenting themselves to the market with a coordinated offering. The Langhe, Alta Langa, Colli Tortonesi, and other regions are showcased through complementary producers, creating a single point of contact for restaurants, wine shops, and industry professionals.

Tommasone Vini experiments with underwater aging

Ischia’s historic winery is pursuing an underwater aging project, strengthening a strategy based on innovation, research, and the valorization of the island’s identity. The company is now run by the fourth generation of the family.

Elio Perrone brings art into the cellar.

In Castiglione Tinella, the Elio Perrone winery is hosting the project “CONVERSATIONS” by Austrian artist Wolfgang Herbst until November 2026. Six photographic works are integrated into the production and tasting rooms, creating a dialogue between art, wine, and daily life at the winery.

ITALIAN WINE

Early harvest, weak market and pressure on exports

Extreme heat and drought have accelerated grape ripening in many Italian regions, prompting several companies to bring forward the harvest. Adding to the climate problem are the difficulties in 2026 exports, high inventories, and pressure on prices . It is therefore increasingly important to find new commercial outlets and strengthen our position on international markets.

Wine tourism: the economic value of the winery experience is growing.

The grape harvest is increasingly becoming an experience to be sold alongside the wine. In Tuscany, activities such as grape harvesting, pressing, tours, and tastings attract families and enthusiasts. The case of the Marini winery in Pistoia confirms the potential of wine tourism as a tool for economic diversification and generational transition.

Agricultural enterprise: no longer just production

The modern farm can integrate the cultivation, processing, and sale of products with agritourism, direct sales, land management, and experiential tourism. This transformation expands income opportunities and progressively changes the economic model of rural businesses.

Rural territories as a strategic Italian heritage

According to Maria Elena Cortese, professor of Medieval History at the University of Bologna, wine has played a central economic and social role for centuries. Promoting rural areas therefore also becomes a tool for preserving Italy’s identity, traditions, and economic heritage.

ITALIAN OENOLOGY AND VITICULTURE

Extreme heat: adapting vineyards also becomes an economic choice

Shade nets, varieties more resistant to high temperatures and, in extreme cases, relocating production to cooler areas are some of the strategies being analyzed to address climate change.

A study published in the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, however, highlights a crucial point: adaptation is not only agronomic, but also financial. Decisions made today can impact vineyard productivity and profitability for decades to come.

Heavy metals in soil: growing concern for agriculture and safety

Soil contamination poses a growing risk to the environment, agricultural yields, and the food supply chain. According to reported data, 14-17% of cultivated land worldwide exceeds agricultural thresholds for at least one toxic metal.

INTERNATIONAL

Fine wine: Europe gains ground after US slowdown

According to Liv-ex, the international fine wine market is changing geography. The reduction in US purchases has favored operators from Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic , which are increasing their market presence.

The drop in prices has created new opportunities for European buyers, changing the international balance of the segment.

USA: Wineries can no longer rely solely on tourists

The traditional Napa-Sonoma model, based on tasting rooms and wine clubs, is showing signs of difficulty. Silicon Valley Bank’s Direct-to-Consumer Wine Report 2026 , however, highlights how the direct channel remains crucial: tasting rooms and wine clubs together account for 72% of the wineries’ direct-to-consumer revenue .

California: Martha Stoumen Removes Information from Label

With “Mystery Date,” Californian producer Martha Stoumen offers a wine deliberately free of traditional identifying features. The goal is to encourage consumers to taste without being influenced by grape variety, region, or vintage, transforming the bottle into a blind tasting experiment.

WINE EVENTS

DiVin October 2026 – Trentino

The event reaches its 21st edition and will run for all five weekends in October with tastings, food events, and experiences dedicated to the region and Trentino’s autumnal products.

Moët & Chandon and Formula 1 – Milan

From August 31st to September 6th , Park Hyatt Milan celebrates the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix with a gastronomic and mixology proposal dedicated to Moët & Chandon, the official Champagne of Formula 1.

Diesel Farm – Harvest 2026

The estate founded by Renzo Rosso, on the hills between Marostica and Breganze, opens September with two events: Open Cellars on September 12th and 13th and Harvest Festival on September 27th , integrating wine, agriculture, catering and hospitality.

Douja d’Or and Festival of Fairs – Asti

The Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato Consortium will participate in the Douja d’Or from September 11th to 20th and in the Festival delle Sagre on September 12th and 13th . This edition coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Consortium’s founding.

Greek Tufo Festival – Irpinia

From September 4th to 6th, the Tufo Greco Festival celebrates its 40th edition . The “L’Oro d’Irpinia” project focuses on Greco di Tufo DOCG as an expression of Irpinia’s history, landscape, and production identity.

Grape and Wine Festival – Terricciola

On September 5th and 6th, Terricciola celebrates the 60th edition of the event with tastings, wineries, music, art, street food, and initiatives dedicated to the Tuscan winemaking tradition.

ViniMilo: Etna and Salina compared

On September 8th in Milo, “Bianco su Nero – Vini di Vulcani” will take place, a tasting dedicated to the comparison between Carricante dell’Etna and Malvasia delle Lipari , with wines from the Maugeri and Eolia wineries.

Franciacorta Festival in the Cellar

The Franciacorta in Cantina Festival returns from September 18 to 20, 2026. This edition strengthens its educational focus, focusing on the Franciacorta method, the evolution of the appellation, and the relationship between wine, wineries, and the region.

THE DAY’S LETTERING THREAD

The September 1, 2026, review highlights three transformations that are becoming structural in the world of wine: the climate is altering harvests and vineyard investments; the market is forcing wineries to seek new outlets and business models; and the cellar experience is becoming an increasingly integral part of the economic value of wine .

Alongside production, wine tourism, direct sales, hospitality, art, events, and local development are emerging. Internationally, too, the balance is shifting, with Europe becoming more active in fine wine and an American direct-to-consumer model called upon to evolve.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Monday August 31-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, and viticulture in Italy and internationally.

ITALIAN WINERIES

SETTESOLI, FIRST SICILIAN LICENSE FOR DEALCOHOLICATED WINE

Cantine Settesoli, a cooperative in Menfi, is the first Sicilian winery to obtain a tax license to produce dealcoholized and low-alcohol wines.

The company already has a vacuum evaporation system that allows for alcohol reduction by operating at low temperatures, limiting the alteration of the wine’s aromatic characteristics. The first orders for foreign markets have reportedly already been received.

A concrete sign of Italian wineries’ interest in the no-low-alcohol segment and new consumer markets.

RICCI CURBASTRO: FRANCIACORTA, AGRICULTURE AND HOSPITALITY

The Ricci Curbastro family continues a long agricultural tradition between Romagna and Franciacorta. The Franciacorta estate cultivates 33.5 hectares of vineyards and produces approximately 200,000 bottles annually.

Alongside the wine production, there is an agritourism and an Agricultural and Wine Museum, opened in 1986. Among the representative labels is the Franciacorta DOCG Dosaggio Zero Gualberto 2016.

AEOLIAN ISLANDS: PRODUCING WINE IN SALINA, WHERE THE TERRITORY DICTATES THE RULES

Natascia Santandrea and Luca Caruso have transformed their experience in fine dining and hospitality into a winemaking project on the island of Salina.

EOLIA was founded in 2020 with the acquisition of the first plots in Valdichiesa, on the slopes of Monte Fossa delle Felci. A project that explores the challenges, but also the distinctive value, of viticulture in the Aeolian Islands.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 HARVEST: COLLIO DI CONEGLIANO DOCG EARLY, FIRST POSITIVE INDICATORS

On the hills of Conegliano, the harvest began early, aided by the mild, dry weather of recent weeks.

According to the Consorzio Vini Colli di Conegliano DOCG, initial indications show good ripening of the grapes, particularly those destined for still wines, leading to expectations of wines with good expressiveness.

OLTREPÒ PAVESE: HAIL ON VINEYARDS DURING THE HARVEST

A violent hailstorm hit several areas of eastern and central Oltrepò Pavese on August 28, right during the grape harvest.

Areas affected include Stradella, Broni, Canneto Pavese, Zenevredo, Arena Po, and Bosnasco. Engineers are assessing the extent of the damage to vineyards and agricultural structures.

ABRUZZO: GRAPE PRODUCTION DECLINES UP TO 40% IN THE CHIETI AREA

Prolonged drought and high temperatures are having a severe impact on the Abruzzo grape harvest.

In the province of Chieti, where approximately 75% of the regional vineyards are concentrated, the first harvests show production reductions of between 25% and 40% compared to the average .

Drier bunches, lighter berries, and lower yields add to a picture already characterized by rising costs and high inventories.

Umbria: Wine Enrichment Authorized for the 2026 Harvest

The Umbria Region has authorized the enrichment of musts and wines to address the effects of heat and drought.

Between May and July, significant water deficits and temperatures above historical averages were recorded. In June, in particular, the average temperature was 3.8 degrees higher, while precipitation decreased by 39%.

Grape prices: winemakers’ concerns grow

A new sign of the economic difficulties facing viticulture comes from Puglia.

Some producers report that grape prices are insufficient to cover the costs incurred throughout the year. The reasons cited include high wine inventories, weak demand, higher production costs, and the effects of climate change.

The central theme of the 2026 harvest is therefore increasingly the relationship between quantity produced, available wine, grape prices, and the profitability of the supply chain.

Large-scale retail trade: wine prices are falling, but prosecco and classic method prices are growing.

In the 12 months ending in July 2026, Italian large-scale retail trade sold approximately 414 million litres of wine , down 3.4%, for a value of approximately 1.8 billion euros , down 1.2%.

Sparkling wines buck the trend: 1% in volume and 1.2% in value.

Prosecco reaches around 40 million litres, 3.8%, while the Italian Classic Method records particularly significant growth: 7.6% in quantity and 6.2% in value .

SPARKLING WINES: THE “MIDDLE WINE” SEEKS A NEW IDENTITY

Italian sparkling wine is going through a repositioning phase.

Consumption in large-scale retail trade is decreasing and sparkling wines produced using the Martinotti-Charmat method have conquered consumption opportunities traditionally occupied by semi-sparkling wines.

The challenge for producers will be to redefine the category’s identity, positioning, and consumption opportunities.

ITALIAN WHITES: GROWING, BUT STILL STRUGGLING WITH INTERNATIONAL POSITIONING

For over ten years, Italian white wines have overtaken reds, but their value and diversity still don’t seem to be fully understood in the international premium segment.

The problem mainly concerns the positioning of native grape varieties and the ability to communicate abroad the complexity and distinctive characteristics of great Italian white wines.

A phenomenon also confirmed by some Italian wine shops: in certain situations, it can be easier to sell a €70 Burgundy than a €40 Italian white.

SOUTH TYROL: 67% OF VINEYARD AREA TOWARDS CERTIFIED SUSTAINABILITY

The Alto Adige Wine Consortium continues its journey towards Agenda 2030.

The SQNPI certification project, which started in 2022 with around 100 companies, today involves a very significant part of regional viticulture, reaching approximately 3,913 hectares, equal to 67% of the vineyard area in Alto Adige .

MARRIED VINE: REVIVAL OF INTEREST IN AN ANCIENT FORM OF VITICULTURE

The married vine, or alberata, is one of the oldest training systems in Italian viticulture.

The vine grows by leaning on living trees and can reach considerable heights. Widespread for centuries in various Italian regions and linked to agricultural traditions of Etruscan origin, today it survives in only a few areas.

Some companies are recovering this system as an element of biodiversity and historical and cultural heritage.

SARDINIA: SEVEN WINES REACH 100/100

Vinodabere’s 2027 Sardinia Wine Guide evaluated over 600 wines.

331 wines were reviewed, 118 of which received a Standing Ovation and seven labels were awarded 100/100 .

The 2025 vintage is judged to be particularly positive for white wines, especially Vermentino.

INTERNATIONAL MARKET

Bulk Wine 2026: Global Trade Sharply Contracted

The international bulk wine market continues to slow down.

In the first quarter of 2026, according to data reported by the Interprofesional del Vino de España on the main world markets, approximately 720.4 million litres were marketed, a contraction of 15.5% , for a value of 581.2 million euros, -15.3%.

Bulk wine is one of the categories most affected, while global wine trade as a whole has seen a 7.9% drop in volume.

MALLORCA: A WINE-GROWING IDENTITY BASED ON NATIVE VARIETIES

Mallorca strengthens its identity in the Mediterranean wine scene through varieties such as Manto Negro, Callet, Fogoneu and Gorgollassa for the reds and Prensal Blanc, Giró Ros and Malvasia for the whites.

Predominantly calcareous soils, marine influence, altitude, and the protection of the Serra de Tramuntana contribute to creating different territorial expressions in the island’s denominations.

WINE EVENTS

FRANCIACORTA IN CANTINA FESTIVAL 2026 – SEPTEMBER 18-20

The Franciacorta in Cantina Festival returns from September 18th to 20th 2026 .

For three days, producers and wineries will open their doors to visitors with tastings, tours, meetings, and insights into the Franciacorta Method, its terroirs, and production techniques.

Restaurants, accommodation facilities and hospitality operators will complete the offering, strengthening the relationship between wine, the territory and wine tourism .

VINESTATE 2026 – TORRECUSO, SEPTEMBER 3-6

From September 3rd to 6th, Torrecuso, in the province of Benevento, hosts the 51st edition of VinEstate.

The theme of the 2026 edition is “Sannio en route to the America’s Cup Naples 2027” , with the aim of creating a connection between wine, territory, sea and tourism in view of the major international event.

FRANCIACORTA INTERNATIONAL AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO PIA BERLUCCHI

The Franciacorta International Award will dedicate three events in September to the memory of Pia Donata Berlucchi, a key figure in the growth of Brescian viticulture and the success of Franciacorta.

This is a recognition of his long career in the wine world and his contribution to promoting the denomination.

CHAMPAGNE EXPERIENCE 2026 IN BOLOGNA – OCTOBER 4-5

On October 4th and 5th, BolognaFiere will host the ninth edition of Champagne Experience.

125 Maisons are expected, together with importers, distributors, catering professionals and enthusiasts.

The event, dedicated entirely to Champagne, returns to Bologna after the 2025 edition, which attracted over 7,000 attendees, a 20% increase compared to the last edition held in Modena.

WINE CONCERT: MUSIC AND WINE AT THE VIGNAMATO CELLAR

The Pergolesi Spontini Festival brought the Wine Concert project to the Vignamato Winery in San Paolo di Jesi.

A visit to the winery, tastings, and music have created an experience that unites winemaking, culture, and the local area, confirming the growing role of wineries as places of experience as well as production.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The August 31, 2026, review presents an Italian wine sector characterized by strong contrasts.

On the one hand, drought, hail, and declining yields are impacting the harvest in several regions. On the other, inventory levels remain high and pressure on grape prices is increasing, further threatening the economic balance of the supply chain.

On the domestic market, still wine is slowing, while Prosecco and Metodo Classico continue to grow . At the same time, new opportunities are emerging: dealcoholized wines, certified sustainability, the promotion of Italian white wines, wine tourism, and experiences integrating wine, hospitality, and the local area.

On the international front, the sharp contraction in bulk wine confirms that future competition will increasingly be based solely on volume.

The message that emerges is clear: for Italian wine, the challenge is not simply to produce more, but to produce what the market is willing to recognize, differentiate, and reward.

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

See you tomorrow.