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Wine press review for Friday August 28 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine , reorganized in a concise and immediate format to offer a clear understanding of the dynamics affecting wineries, production, markets and consumers.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Harvest 2026: Alto Adige, Montello, and Valpolicella face an extreme year . Heat, drought, and early ripening are shaping the harvest. Alto Adige is experiencing the earliest start ever, while in Asolo Montello, the winemakers’ experience has resulted in healthy grapes with good acidity and sugar levels. The issue of water and the adaptation of hydraulic infrastructure is becoming increasingly strategic.

Cantina Contini brings forward the harvest in Sardinia. At the historic Cantina Contini estates in the Sinis and Lower Tirso Valleys, the harvest began on August 17th with Nieddera and Vernaccia grapes destined for sparkling wines. The goal is to precisely time the harvest to preserve freshness and acidity in the presence of high temperatures.

The “I Castelli” winery in Bolano nominated by Slow Wine. The Dante Alighieri Society of La Spezia nominated the “I Castelli – Viticoltori in Bolano” cooperative to Slow Wine, highlighting its role in protecting the local winemaking tradition and the region between Liguria and Tuscany, with a particular focus on Vermentino. Farewell to Vittorio Frescobaldi, a key figure in the international development of Tuscan and Italian wine , Vittorio Frescobaldi, a key figure in the international development of Tuscan and Italian wine, has passed away at the age of 97. Under his leadership, the family business strengthened its presence in foreign markets, leading to a joint venture with Robert Mondavi in 1995. Cantina Cav. Mennato Falluto remembers Antonio. The Torrecuso winery bids farewell to a man deeply tied to his family, his land, and his vineyard, remembering his work, sacrifice, and passion, passed down to new generations.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Inventories remain high: 42.5 million hectoliters in Italian wineries. As of July 31, 2026, Italian inventories amounted to 42.5 million hectoliters. Veneto leads the way with 10.28 million hectoliters, equal to 24.2% of the national total, followed by Tuscany with 5.38 million and Puglia with 4.29 million. Inventories remain one of the key economic issues in the supply chain.

Reducing supply isn’t enough: demand must be boosted. According to Luca Castagnetti, the crisis requires immediate action but, above all, medium-term strategies. Companies must rigorously monitor cash flows and simultaneously decide how they want to position themselves over the next five years, starting with the understanding that the market will not return to its former state. Full cellars and an approaching harvest: inventory problems are growing. The early harvest risks increasing pressure on wineries, especially in the red wine sector. The problem isn’t just about production volumes, but also the market’s ability to absorb previous vintages before the new production arrives. Sicily: 2026 production reduced by heat, but quality expected to be high. High temperatures could limit volumes, but they could create favorable conditions for the development of grape varieties such as Catarratto, Grillo, Frappato, and Perricone. The debate over green harvesting and production reduction policies remains heated. Climate change: wine is changing, but viticulture can adapt. Higher temperatures alter ripening, alcohol content, and organoleptic characteristics. The answer lies in new agronomic and oenological techniques and increasingly precise vineyard management: wine will therefore continue to evolve along with the climate. Is wine always vegan? No. Animal-based additives such as albumin, casein, gelatin, and isinglass can be used in clarification. For consumers interested in vegan products, alternative processes and specific certifications are therefore important. Pouring wines becomes strategic for wine shops and quality consumption . Selling by the glass can encourage the discovery of regions and producers, reduce the price barrier, and cater to consumers who drink less but seek higher quality. In Milan, Remedy takes the concept to the extreme, offering wines by the glass ranging from €15 to €300.

Eric Asimov chooses three Italian wines for the end of summer. The New York Times critic includes in his selection Ampeleia Toscana Unlitro Bianco 2025, Tiberio Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2025 and Istine Chianti Classico 2023. The criterion is not color, but lightness, freshness and moderate alcohol content.

INTERNATIONAL

China: European wine imports continue to decline. In the first six months of 2026, Chinese imports of bottled wine from EU countries decreased by 16.6% in volume and 7.9% in value , to $251 million. Italian shipments fell by 17.7%. China’s weakness could simultaneously create opportunities for European collectors of fine Bordeaux wines.

USA: Alcohol Consumption at an All-Time Low. Only 54% of American adults report consuming alcohol, a figure stable at the low recorded in 2025 and well below the 62% recorded in 2023. The perception of the health risks associated with daily alcohol consumption is also growing. Essex: Wine Growth Accompanied by the Risk of Counterfeiting . In the United Kingdom, an investigation concerns an alleged fraud of approximately £500,000 involving 55 counterfeit bottles sold for £10,000 each. The case highlights the importance of traceability and supplier verification in the fine wine market. Portugal: Three Cellar Restaurants Among the World’s Best Experiences. Mesa de Lemos in the Dão, Bomfim 1896 in the Douro, and Malhadinha Nova in the Alentejo have been included in Wine Enthusiast ‘s 2026 selection. This signals the growing international strength of the integration between wine, fine dining, and hospitality.

EVENTS, TASTINGS AND WINE CULTURE

Gustus 2026 in Vicenza. On September 19th and 20th, over 120 labels from the Colli Berici, Vicenza, and Gambellara DOCs will be featured at the “Arrigo Pedrollo” Conservatory. Tastings and a Wine Lab dedicated to new trends are scheduled, including an in-depth look at the evolution of Tai Rosso.

Terra Madre 2026 celebrates 40 years of Slow Food. From September 24th to 27th, Turin will host Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, a particularly symbolic edition celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the movement founded in 1986 by Carlin Petrini and its relationship with the qualitative evolution of Italian wine. The Wine Nights are nearing their grand finale in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The final events involve San Dorligo della Valle, San Quirino, and Chiopris-Viscone, featuring local wineries, food producers, and cultural events, alongside a University of Udine project focusing on participants’ relationship with wine. Cosenza returns to the Cities of Wine list. The Calabrian city returns to the national network, focusing on the Terre di Cosenza DOP, native grape varieties such as Magliocco Canino, and the development of wine tourism as a tool for the economic and cultural development of the region. Piedmont: The Novaresi Hills Trail is born. The project unites agriculture, wine, culture, tourism, and the local area through several itineraries spanning over 380 kilometers, strengthening the connection between local produce and the tourism experience. Best Mediterranean Rosé: Organic Calabria Wins. The second selection of the competition honors an organic Cabernet from the province of Cosenza; Aglianico del Cilento and Greco Nero del Lametino also performed well. The finals, dedicated to sparkling rosé wines, are scheduled for Rome by September. Experiential Harvest: “Ganzega” Recognized in Trentino. The Trento Chamber of Commerce has formally recognized the voluntary work during the grape and fruit harvest provided by friends, relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances, reviving a tradition of rural collaboration that can also have social and wine tourism value.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The review of August 28, 2026, shows a sector in which production, market and climate are changing simultaneously .

The first issue is production: the early harvest confirms how climate change is altering vineyard management times and methods. Grape quality may be good, but the technical ability to choose when to harvest and how to manage water, acidity, and ripeness becomes crucial.

The second issue is economic. The 42.5 million hectoliters still in cellars are a signal that cannot be ignored. Simply reducing production may help in the short term, but the real challenge remains rebuilding demand, protecting the value of the bottle, and improving the wineries’ marketing capabilities.

The third signal comes from consumers. People are drinking less, but there’s a growing interest in quality, experience, and discovery. Wine tasting, wine tourism, winery dining, and local events are therefore becoming increasingly important marketing tools.

Finally, international markets require greater diversification: China continues to contract, and alcohol consumption in the United States remains at an all-time low . For Italian wine, relying on traditional markets is no longer sufficient.

The challenge is not to produce more wine, but to produce what the market is willing to recognize, to better convey its value and create new reasons to choose it.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine Trends in Italy – Week of August 24–28-2026

with:

Italian wine is entering the harvest season facing a challenge that is no longer limited to production: supply, demand, and value must be rebalanced.

This week confirms even more clearly the structural change that Italian wine is undergoing.
The 2026 harvest started early in many areas, the quality of the grapes appears interesting overall, but the real problem is not how much wine we will be able to produce: it is how much wine the market is actually able to absorb and at what price .

High inventories, pressure on grape prices, more selective consumption, export difficulties, and production costs continue to squeeze profitability. At the same time, however, successful markets and models are emerging: sparkling wines, Metodo Classico, direct sales, wine tourism, premium experiences, and wineries’ ability to build direct relationships with consumers.

This week’s message is therefore quite clear: Italian wine must not simply produce less. It must produce, position, and sell better.

1. 2026 Harvest: The real problem is the stocks

The early harvest reflects the increasingly evident effects of climate change. Heat and drought have accelerated ripening in several Italian regions, and in some traditionally later-ripening areas, harvesting began as early as the first half of August.

But the supply chain’s attention is mainly focused on stocks.

The sources collected in the analyzed material report figures that are not entirely consistent: 42.6 million hectoliters of wine according to Cantine Italia-Icqrf, or 45.6 million hectoliters considering wine and must . Regardless of the different calculation bases, the signal is the same: Italy is approaching the new harvest with heavily loaded warehouses.
The consequence is increasing pressure on prices. In June, bulk DOC wines averaged 1.57 euros/liter, down 7% , while for common wines the drop reached 19% .

According to UIV, under current market conditions, a national production of around 35-38 million hectoliters would be more sustainable. The issue, therefore, no longer concerns only the 2026 harvest, but the need to plan supply for subsequent years.

2. Appellations begin to reduce yields

An initial response is coming from the Consortia.

Several important denominations have decided to intervene on yields: Brunello di Montalcino -12.5%, Chianti Classico -13.3%, Valpolicella -16.7%, Soave -10%, Pinot Grigio delle Venezie -11.1%, Asti DOCG -15%, up to Verdicchio di Jesi with a reduction of 21.4%.

This is an important signal because it shows that part of the system has understood that continuing to produce volumes not absorbed by the market inevitably means destroying value .

However, a problem remains: reducing the yield allocated to the DOC doesn’t necessarily mean reducing the entire vineyard production, because some of the grapes can be allocated to other categories. Hence the discussion about the need for more effective planning tools.

3. Grape prices: the alarm goes straight to the vineyards

The supply crisis is transferring its effects to the most exposed link in the supply chain: the winemaker.

In Valpolicella, very low prices are reported, with offers for grapes destined for Amarone even in the range of 1.20-1.30 euro/kg , while more economically correct levels between 1.50 and 1.80 euro are indicated.

The loss of profitability per hectare can exceed 35% . To limit supply, the Valpolicella Wine Consortium has decided to store 172,280 quintals, equal to 20% of production , effectively reducing availability from 100 to 80 quintals per hectare.

The problem isn’t limited to Veneto. Signs of tension are also coming from Piedmont and especially Puglia, where producers and organizations are calling for action on surpluses and greater control over supply.

Defending the value of grapes today means defending the entire supply chain.

4. Large-scale retail trade: less wine, but sparkling wines continue to grow

A very interesting signal is coming from the domestic market.

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

Value therefore falls much less than volume: further confirmation of the trend towards quantitatively lower but more quality-oriented consumption.

The bubbles, however, continue to move against the trend:

Sparkling wines 1% by volume and 1.2% by value; Prosecco 3.8% by volume; Italian Classic Method 7.6% by volume and 6.2% by value.

The decline in private labels is also particularly significant: -5.4% in volume and -5% in value . In a period in which consumers are choosing more carefully, the manufacturer’s brand appears to be regaining increasing importance.

5. As the consumer changes, the way of producing wine also changes

The transformation is not just about how much wine is consumed, but what wine is sought .

Freshness, drinkability, aromatic clarity, and lighter styles are also influencing winery investments. The material analyzed shows a growing international preference for stainless steel tanks over wood.

By 2025, steel would have accounted for 42.5% of global wine tanks and 85% of purchases by wineries. The winery tank market, valued at $1.8 billion in 2025, could reach $2.7 billion by 2034.

This is an industrial signal that shouldn’t be underestimated: changing consumption patterns are reaching the cellar, altering production and technological choices.

6. It’s not just Gen Z who are drinking less

Another cliché is being debunked: attributing the decline in consumption exclusively to young people.

The American analysis cited in the material shows a much more complex phenomenon. Among 21- to 29-year-olds, participation in consumption remains around 75%, but the intensity decreases: average weekly consumption drops from 6.5 to 4.5, about 30% less .

Even among adult generations, however, participation and attendance tend to progressively decrease.

The real challenge for wine, beer and spirits therefore becomes recreating consumption opportunities , in a market in which they compete not only with each other, but with functional drinks, non-alcoholic alternatives, entertainment and many other destinations of available spending.

For wine, this means returning to being contemporary without losing culture, territory, and identity.

7. Wine tourism: consumers are looking for people, not just bottles

One of the most positive signs of the week comes from wine tourism.

In 2026, Italian wine tourists are estimated to be around 18 million , compared to 13.4 million in 2024.

But the most interesting data is qualitative: the most popular experience is no longer simply tasting. 27% indicate a visit to a family-run winery .

Tourists want to know who produces the wine, hear their story, see the vineyard, understand the territory and have an authentic experience.

For 68% of those interviewed, the staff’s hospitality and professionalism are key factors in returning to a winery; 66% also consider the wines’ reputation and ease of booking.

However, a significant gap emerges here: 42% still encounter difficulties in booking online , while bookings made during the trip via digital platforms are rapidly growing.

Even more significant is the digital divide: wineries represent 1.3% of the points of interest surveyed in wine tourism destinations but generate just 0.4% of digital traces , despite a very high sentiment of 94.7/100 .

In other words: those who visit Italian wineries appreciate them greatly, but many wineries are still too little visible and talked about in the digital world and, increasingly, in AI-based search systems.

8. Wine tourism won’t save wine, but it can significantly improve margins

It would be wrong to think that wine tourism could absorb millions of hectoliters of surplus wine.

But direct sales, tastings, catering and hospitality allow companies to sell value rather than just bottles .

According to reported data, Italian wine tourism is worth over 3.1 billion euros , with a 9.2% growth rate. However, in Italian wineries, only one in ten bottles is sold to tourists, compared to one in five in France and two in three in the United States.

The margin for growth is therefore considerable.

The point isn’t to transform every farm into a resort. It’s to better utilize what many wineries already possess: the land, vineyards, history, family, architecture, landscape, cuisine, and direct customer relationships.

9. Premium and luxury: what grows most is what becomes an experience

The luxury market also offers interesting indications for high-end wine.

Global luxury is expected to see moderate growth of around 2% through 2026, while the experiences segment could grow by around 4% .

The premium consumer appears to be gradually shifting their focus from simple ownership to authentic, personalized, and culturally meaningful experiences. Bookings for immersive experiences have increased by 30% , while trips to lesser-known and more authentic destinations have increased by 20%.
For mid- to high-end wineries, this is a clear strategic recommendation: a premium bottle alone is no longer enough. It must be embedded in a universe of territory, culture, hospitality, and meaning.

Wine press review for Thursday August 27 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

The day highlights a sector undergoing rapid transformation: early harvest, high inventories, more selective consumption and pressure on prices , but also interesting signs from sparkling wines, consumption by the glass, sustainability and new technologies.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Farewell to Vittorio Frescobaldi, a leading figure in Tuscan wine worldwide.

Italian wine says goodbye to Vittorio Frescobaldi , a key figure in the international development of Tuscan winemaking. Together with his brothers Ferdinando and Leonardo, he contributed to the growth of the historic family business, focusing on foreign markets and the promotion of Tuscany’s great terroirs. This entrepreneurial and cultural legacy is now continued by his son Lamberto.

Contini begins its 128th harvest in Sardinia

The historic Sardinian winery’s 128th harvest has begun at the Contini estates in the Lower Tirso Valley and Sinis. The first grapes harvested were Nieddera and Vernaccia, destined for sparkling wines. In a year characterized by heat and accelerated ripening, precision in choosing the right harvest time is crucial to preserving freshness and acidity.

The grape harvest is becoming increasingly social

From Banfi to Terra Moretti, Settesoli, Masi Agricola, Tasca d’Almerita, Masciarelli, Tenuta San Guido, Umani Ronchi, Venica, Terlano, Mezzacorona, and Berlucchi , numerous wineries are sharing the start of the 2026 harvest on social media. The harvest thus also becomes a communication tool capable of bringing consumers and regions closer together.

Antica Bottega del Vino: a glass of wine accounts for 40% of the company’s turnover.

Verona’s historic Antica Bottega del Vino reported 6% revenue growth in the first half of 2026. The proportion of sales by the glass is particularly significant, accounting for approximately 40% of revenue , confirming the growing interest in more flexible consumption options than full-bottle sales.

Alto Adige: quality sparkling wines without chasing large volumes

Alto Adige sparkling wines have reached approximately 600,000 bottles per year , but producers intend to maintain a niche position. The objective set by the Alto Adige Wine Consortium is to favor high-quality Metodo Classico wines and particularly suitable vineyards, without making quantitative growth the primary objective.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Large-scale retail trade: wine sales are decreasing, but value is holding up. Sparkling wines are growing.

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

Sparkling wines, on the other hand, are bucking the trend: 1% in volume and 1.2% in value . Prosecco is doing well, but especially Italian Metodo Classico, which is growing by 7.6% in quantity and 6.2% in value .

2026 Harvest: The Real Problem Is Inventory

Drought is reducing grape yields, but the decline in production may not be enough to rebalance the market. As of July 31, 2026, Italian wineries produced 45.6 million hectoliters of wine and must , an 8.2% increase over the previous year.

The situation is weighing heavily on red wines in particular and fuels a paradox: in some areas, producers are looking to a less abundant harvest as a potential way to rebalance supply and demand.

Grape prices under pressure

High inventories and slowing demand are also impacting grape prices. In Valpolicella, offers for grapes destined for Amarone are reported at around €1.20/kg , below what is considered economically correct. Concerns are also emerging in other Italian regions.

Capaldo: “The problem is oversupply.”

According to Antonio Capaldo, president of Feudi di San Gregorio , the Italian sector must first address the quantitative imbalance between supply and demand. Pressure on consumption has been compounded by accumulated stocks along the supply chain and high production in recent years.

Early harvest: the importance of precision grows

Smaller grapes, accelerated sugar maturation, and increasingly narrow harvest windows characterize the 2026 harvest. The experience of several wineries confirms how daily monitoring of the vineyard has become essential to identifying the correct time for harvest.

Valpolicella already harvested and more careful management of volumes

The Corvina harvest began approximately two weeks earlier than the historical average . The Consortium estimates a harvest of just over 861,000 quintals, essentially in line with 2025, but introduces storage of 172,280 quintals, equal to 20% of production .

South Tyrol is increasingly sustainable

There are 2,897 SQNPI-certified wineries in South Tyrol , covering approximately 3,913 hectares . Integrated production now covers over two-thirds of the province’s vineyards, strengthening the path toward more sustainable viticulture.

Alcohol-dealers: Growing interest and technology investments

Alcohol-free and low-alcohol wines remain a niche market, but consumer interest, especially among international consumers, is growing. More and more wineries are therefore evaluating dealcohol removal technologies and systems, even those shared at the local level.

Trentino: “ganzega” recognized

The traditional “ganzega,” a form of occasional, unpaid assistance between farmers, also becomes operational during the grape harvest and harvest season. This measure is particularly useful for small businesses during periods of increased labor demand.

INTERNATIONAL AND NEW CONSUMPTION

Consumers drink fewer bottles and more glasses

An interesting finding comes from the restaurant market: wine consumption isn’t decreasing equally across all formats. According to the experience shared by a historic Roman wine bar, bottle sales have significantly decreased, while demand for wine by the glass has increased.

This phenomenon, confirmed by the Antica Bottega del Vino experience, suggests a shift in consumption patterns: less quantity, greater choice, and a focus on the experience.

New York Times: Three Italian wines among the late-summer offerings

Eric Asimov’s selection of 12 wines for late summer also includes three Italian labels . The main criteria aren’t the wine’s color, but rather its lightness, drinkability, and generally lower alcohol content (13.5%).

EVENTS, TASTINGS AND WINE CULTURE

Cinema in the Cellar 2026

From September 9th to 11th, “Cinema in Cantina,” promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of DOC Prosecco, returns to the province of Treviso. Three free evenings include guided tours, Prosecco DOC tastings, and open-air cinema in the vineyards, with sport as the theme for this ninth edition.

Vinestate 2026: Sannio takes center stage

From September 3rd to 6th, Torrecuso hosts the 51st edition of Vinestate , with 18 wineries showcasing the wines of Taburno. This year’s theme is “Sannio on the Road to the 2027 America’s Cup,” connecting wine, territory, tourism, and international visibility.

Franciacorta Festival in the Cellar

Starting September 18th, I Barisèi will be participating in the Franciacorta in Cantina Festival with sunset tastings, guided tours, and the opportunity to observe the disgorging line firsthand, sharing one of the most characteristic stages of Franciacorta production with the public.

AIS Veneto: sommelier courses resume

The AIS Veneto courses resume in September. They are divided into three levels and are aimed at both enthusiasts and professionals. The program covers tasting, grape varieties, terroirs, winemaking techniques, and wine and food pairing.

Wine as a place of community

In L’Aquila, the “Quarto in Cantina” initiative, hosted by Cantina del Boss, also highlights the social dimension of wine: not just an agricultural and commercial product, but an opportunity for encounters, culture, and connections between people and the region.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

August 27, 2026 returns the image of an Italian wine that must face above all a problem of balance between production, supplies and demand .

High inventories and price pressure indicate that simply producing well isn’t enough: it’s becoming increasingly important to produce what the market can truly absorb and protect the product’s value . Large-scale retail data, however, show that consumers aren’t simply abandoning wine: they’re changing the way they buy and consume it.

Sparkling wines and the Classic Method are growing , wine by the glass is gaining ground, sustainability and precision in the vineyard are becoming competitive elements, and even dealcoholized wines are starting to enter the strategies of some companies.

The message that emerges is therefore more complex than the simple “wine crisis”: the market is selecting products, territories, formats and consumption models .

For Italian wineries, the challenge will be to adapt production and positioning to real demand, avoiding simply chasing volumes and returning to focusing on value, territorial identity, quality, communication, and commercial capacity .

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Wednesday August 26 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

The day highlights several key issues for the sector: early harvests and climate change, the growth of some Italian appellations, the development of dealcoholized wines, new wine tourism and hospitality concepts, and a growing focus on the consumer experience.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Garda DOC turns 30 and looks abroad.

The Garda DOC appellation, established in 1996 as a single entity uniting several winemaking areas under the name of the lake, is celebrating thirty years of activity. Today, it encompasses approximately 250 producers in Verona, Brescia, and Mantua and is increasingly focused on the region’s international recognition. Some Trentino areas, initially excluded from the appellation, are reportedly considering joining, although no decisions have yet been made.

Collio: noble rot enhances white wines

On the border with Slovenia, the Palla family has developed a project dedicated exclusively to white wines. Key elements are the ponca , the characteristic marl and sandstone soil, and a humid microclimate particularly suited to Friulano. An example of how terroir, climate, and expertise can become distinctive production factors.

Allegrini Wines: Sustainability as a Business Strategy

With the Allegreen project, Allegrini Wines expands the concept of sustainability beyond agronomic practices. Biodiversity, involvement of suppliers, education of new generations, and a connection with the local area become part of a vision that integrates environmental, economic, and social aspects.

Cantina Settesoli pioneers dealcoholized wines in Sicily.

The Customs and Monopolies Agency has issued the Settesoli Winery in Menfi a tax license to produce dealcoholized wines. This is the first approval of its kind for a Sicilian winery. Dealcoholization is carried out directly in the cellar through a reduced-pressure process, made possible by the new regulatory framework introduced in 2025.

Etna DOC: certifications have grown 711% in thirteen years.

The Etna appellation continues its rapid expansion. According to data from the IRVO Observatory, certifications, growers, acreage, production, and bottling are increasing, while the share of white and sparkling wines is growing. These data will be explored in greater depth during “Radici Vulcaniche,” scheduled for August 29th and 30th in Randazzo.

Forlì: Wine remains an important economic driver

Winemaking continues to play a significant role in the Forlì area’s economy, where large cooperatives, quality producers, and businesses committed to adapting to new consumer habits coexist.

Early harvest in the Bolognese hills

At the Manaresi winery, in the hills of Zola, the harvest began on August 10th , but weather conditions would have allowed it to begin even earlier. Pignoletto, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon are among the first varieties picked. This further confirms how the harvest calendar is changing.

Cantina San Zenone: harvest more than 15 days earlier

In Molise, too, the harvest is more than two weeks early. The San Zenone Winery highlights the tangible effects of climate change: water stress, early vegetative growth, extreme events, and the resulting need to reorganize work in the vineyard and cellar.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Wine by the glass conquers the restaurant industry

At Trattoria del Cimino in Caprarola, which offers around 900 labels , 22 wines are available by the glass. This choice aims to offer greater freedom to consumers, allowing them to taste even important wines without purchasing the entire bottle. This model could represent an interesting response to new consumption patterns.

Sell less directly to sell better

An analysis compares wineries and distilleries: the latter have transformed the visit, storytelling, tasting, and shop into a single commercial experience. The reflection for Italian wine is significant: wine tourism works best when the purchase becomes the natural conclusion of the experience , rather than being perceived as a commercial pressure.

Discovering Italian volcanic wines

Etna is just one of the Italian regions characterized by volcanic soils. From the Biella area to the Cembra Valley, from the Euganean Hills to Tuscia, all the way to the Phlegraean Fields and Monte Arci in Sardinia, a winemaking geography emerges that reveals the relationship between soil, climate, grape variety, and geological history .

2026 Harvest: Scenarios and Prospects

Assoenologi Veneto Occidentale is organizing a roundtable discussion on the 2026 harvest in Verona on September 1st. The discussion will focus on Garganega, Valpolicella drying grapes, Garda, European regulations, the wine market, and farm sustainability.

Wine archaeology and territorial marketing

According to archaeologist Andrea Zifferero, new discoveries related to vine cultivation and wine production in antiquity can generate significant territorial marketing value, strengthening the identity, history, and perception of contemporary wine production.

INTERNATIONAL

Germany: The “Wine Taxi” is coming

In September, Uber will launch a service connecting Frankfurt to the Rheingau for four weekends. The shuttles will take visitors from the city to the wineries for tours and Riesling tastings, then return them to Frankfurt. An interesting way to overcome one of the obstacles of wine tourism: getting around after the tasting.

Global luxury: moderate growth expected in 2026

According to the Altagamma-Bain Monitor, the global luxury market could grow by around 2% in 2026, while personal goods are estimated at between 2% and 4%. Hotels, restaurants, and experiences continue to play an important role: an interesting indication also for premium wines, fine dining, and high-end wine tourism.

Istria: Wine and Gastronomy as a Destination

The Istrian autumn focuses on the integration of wine, white truffles, olive oil, prosciutto, and artisanal products. Events and tastings in vineyards, villages, and rural areas confirm the ability of food and wine to become a tool for promoting local tourism.

Bellinzona brings wine to the streets

PerBacco returns on September 3rd, featuring 38 Ticino producers and 114 labels. Alongside traditional reds, there’s growing interest in sparkling wines, which wineries see as a potential opportunity during a period of declining consumption.

A book against the elitism of wine

Sunny Hodge’s “The Cynic’s Guide to Wine” offers a pragmatic approach to wine, grounded in science, chemistry, physics, and neuroscience. The goal is to make the industry more understandable, moving beyond some of the elitist jargon and rituals that can alienate consumers.

EVENTS, WINE TOURISM AND WINE CULTURE

Vinova: sleep directly among the vineyards

The Vinova project develops a model of “experiential hotel” dedicated to wine, with wine suites nestled directly in the vineyards. The stated goal is to reach 300 suites by 2030 at premium winemaking partners. The debut took place in Piedmont, at the Broglia winery in the Gavi DOCG area.

Open Cellars during Harvest

From August 24th to October 25th, 2026 , the Wine Tourism Movement is offering Open Cellars during Harvest. Two months during which wine lovers, families, young people, and tourists can visit wineries and experience firsthand one of the most important moments of the winemaking year.

Touristic grape harvest in Friuli Venezia Giulia

Between late August and September, several wineries in the Collio, Colli Orientali, and Friuli plains offer visitors the opportunity to participate in the grape harvest. The experiences include harvesting, cellar tours, tastings, and winemaking insights, with options ranging from €18 to €60 per person .

City of Wine chooses its 2027 Manifesto

Student Sara Riccioni’s work has been chosen as the official image of the Cities of Wine for 2027. Vineyards, hills, a village, a bottle, a bunch of grapes, and glasses become the graphic elements of a story that unites wine, territory, and landscape.

Valtidone Wine Fest

The first of the four stages of the Valtidone Wine Fest 2026 kicks off in Borgonovo in September, with Ortrugo&Chisöla , an event dedicated to Piacenza’s native wine and local gastronomic tradition.

FAI Summer Evenings in Agrigento

At the Kolymbethra Garden in the Valley of the Temples, the final summer events combine landscape, local produce, native wines, archaeology, and culture. The final “Fuori cantina” tasting is scheduled for August 28th.

Grignolino under the Stars

The 2026 edition of “Grignolino sotto le Stelle” in Rosignano showcased four 2024 Grignolino DOC wines from the area, pairing them with Monferrato cuisine and confirming the effectiveness of events that connect wine, gastronomy, and local identity.

Baccanalia closes with record numbers

The San Gregorio Magno event attracted thousands of visitors each evening, peaking at 10,000 on the final weekend . The village’s caves became a popular destination for wine, cuisine, culture, and conviviality.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The August 26 review paints a picture of a rapidly changing sector.

The first sign comes from the vineyards: the early harvest in several Italian regions confirms that climate change is no longer a future prospect, but a production variable that companies must address every year.

The second concerns the market: dealcoholized wines, wine by the glass, and the growth of sparkling wines demonstrate a progressive diversification of consumption. Producers can no longer think solely in terms of traditional bottles, but must consider consumption occasions, formats, and evolving lifestyles.

The third is about experience. Wine taxis, tourist harvests, wine suites, immersive visits, and local events demonstrate that wine is increasingly becoming part of an ecosystem of tourism, hospitality, gastronomy, and culture.

Finally, some territories continue to demonstrate a strong capacity to create value: the growth of Etna DOC, the thirty years of Garda DOC and the attention towards volcanic wines confirm how territory, denomination and identity are still fundamental assets of Italian wine .

The direction therefore seems quite clear: simply producing good wine is no longer enough. We need to build an experience, a history, a terroir, and, above all, a concrete reason for choosing it around the wine.

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

See you tomorrow.