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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.

Wine press review for Tuesday August 25 – 2026

with:

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

Good morning,

The day highlights a rapidly changing sector: increasingly early harvests, high inventories in cellars, the need to rebalance the Italian vineyard, the development of wine tourism, technological innovation, and new products such as No-Lo wines and Asti Rosé .

ITALIAN WINERIES

Tre Terre Winery Wins European Gold for Nettare di Circe Passito

Nettare di Circe , a passito produced by Cantina Tre Terre di Sabaudia, won the gold medal at the 2026 Berliner Wein Trophy . This award recognizes the wine’s quality, balance, and aromatic complexity and promotes the Pontine region on international markets.

Von Blumen: The Fugatti family’s project grows in South Tyrol.

From the experience of the Fugatti family, formerly at the helm of Cantina Roeno , Von Blumen was born and consolidated in Pochi di Salorno. The project promotes high-altitude vineyards and a distinct identity, with the Numbers and Flowers lines.

Cembra Cantina di Montagna presents Oro Rosso Blanc de Noirs Riserva

A new Trentodoc label for the Val di Cembra winery. Oro Rosso Blanc de Noirs Riserva , made from Pinot Noir, focuses on verticality, elegance, flavor, and a strong connection to the valley’s porphyry soils.

Merenda Sinoira: Nebbiolo and Piedmontese Identity

Founded in 2015 by four friends with complementary skills, Merenda Sinoira boasts approximately 10 hectares of vineyards in Novello. Their flagship wines include Langhe Nebbiolo Sapèl, Langhe Nascetta Döit, and three Barolos.

Cantina Clavesana: Dolcetto harvested very early

On August 24th, Cantina Clavesana opened Dolcetto deliveries, at least a couple of weeks earlier than even the earliest vintages. This is a further sign of the effects of heat and drought on the viticultural calendar.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

The Italian vineyard must be rebalanced

According to Lorenzo Tersi of Lt Wine & Food Advisory, the problem isn’t just a decline in demand: Italian vineyard acreage must also adapt to new market demands. Reducing yields may not be enough, and he points to the need for a more thorough rationalization of vineyard hectares.

The 2026 harvest is getting earlier and the cellars are still full.

Climate change is significantly bringing forward the harvest. In some areas of Tuscany, the harvest also began in the first half of August.

Making the situation more delicate are the stocks: as of July 31, there were 42.6 million hectolitres of wine in Italian cellars, 6.9% more than the previous year .

Puglia: 2026 production estimated to grow by 10%

Confagricoltura Puglia expects a harvest increase of approximately 10% compared to 2025 , thanks to favorable vineyard health conditions. However, the problem of supplies remains: the region retains approximately 4.29 million hectoliters , equal to 10.1% of the national stocks.

Inzolia Nera is back in the bottle

In Agrigento, an ancient Sicilian grape variety that had almost disappeared has been recovered: Inzolia Nera . From the 2025 harvest, just 478 bottles were produced, breathing new life into a variety considered an authentic legacy of Sicilian viticultural biodiversity.

Innovation: Europe and the New World are following different paths

A study published in the Journal of Wine Economics , based on 9,439 patents filed between 1970 and 2023 in 53 countries , highlights a growing technological convergence in Europe and, conversely, a greater differentiation of innovations in New World countries.

No-Lo Wines: One of Italy’s First Plants in Puglia

Mack & Schühle Italia has launched one of the first Italian wine dealcoholization plants in the province of Taranto, using Omnia Technologies’ Libero Wine technology. The investment is aimed at the international growth of alcohol-free and low-alcohol wines.

Asti Rosé is born

After a five-year process, the European Union has approved the modification to the regulations introducing Asti Rosé , including a classic method sparkling wine. The blend includes 70% to 90% Moscato Bianco and 10% to 30% Brachetto, with an initial expected production of 5 million bottles .

Wine tourism: it doesn’t solve the crisis, but it can increase profitability.

Wine tourism emerges as one of the most interesting channels for increasing margins through direct sales, tastings, experiences, catering and hospitality .

According to the reported data, wine tourism is growing by 13% worldwide and by 9.2% in Italy, exceeding 3.1 billion euros in value .

Wine markups: the restaurant price debate returns

Fausto Albanesi, a producer from Torre dei Beati, reopens the discussion on markups applied to wine, including that served by the glass. At the heart of the debate is the need to restore a more balanced relationship between the price paid to the producer and the final price paid to the consumer .

INTERNATIONAL

Bordeaux struggling with declining consumption

One of the world’s most iconic wine regions is experiencing a complex period: consumption of Bordeaux has declined significantly, and paradoxically, even in the French city itself, it can be difficult to find a wide selection outside of the tourist circuits. This situation reflects the broader challenges facing European wine.

Luxury 2026: experiences are the main growth drivers

The Altagamma-Bain Monitor estimates global luxury growth of around 2% for 2026, while the experience sector could advance by around 4%.

Hospitality, fine dining, and tourism are showing greater dynamism, while wines and spirits are suffering from reduced consumption frequency and the growth of non-alcoholic alternatives.

Georgia: Wine, Territory, and Tourism in the Caucasus

Georgia continues to establish itself as a wine tourism destination capable of combining wine, tradition, landscapes, sea and mountains, promoting one of the oldest winemaking cultures in the world.

EVENTS, WINE TOURISM AND WINE CULTURE

Open Cellars during Harvest 2026

From August 24th to October 25th, the Movimento Turismo del Vino initiative returns. Wine lovers, families, young people, and tourists will be able to experience firsthand the harvest, pressing, fermentation, and creation of the new wine.

The 2026 edition started a week early to accommodate the early harvests caused by increasingly hotter summers.

Friuli Venezia Giulia: A Harvest to Experience

Picnics among the vineyards and educational grape harvests strengthen the connection between wine, the region, and tourism. Friuli Venezia Giulia focuses on firsthand experiences to bring visitors and producers closer together.

Toblino Winery: Educational Harvest on August 29th

In the Valle dei Laghi, Cantina Toblino offers a day dedicated to discovering viticulture and participating directly in the grape harvest, followed by an aperitif with local wines and products.

The National Wine Tourism Observatory’s Report spans Italy

The regional presentations of the 21st Report of the National Wine Tourism Observatory continue, with particular attention to the use of artificial intelligence in the supply chain and tourism development. The next meeting will be in Giovo, Trentino.

Slow Wine 2027 in Milan

The national presentation of Slow Wine 2027 is scheduled for October 17th in Milan . Reduced ticket prices are available until August 31st. Nearly 500 wineries and over 900 wines have participated in previous editions.

Irpinia: wine, Fiano, cuisine, and jazz among the vines

Contrada Vini offers summer evenings that combine tastings, cuisine, and music right in the cellar and among the vineyards, transforming wine into a regional and convivial experience.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The review of August 25, 2026 returns the image of an Italian wine that must simultaneously face a production, commercial and consumption transformation problem .

The most significant figure remains the 42.6 million hectolitres still present in Italian cellars as of July 31 , while a very early harvest is already bringing new production onto the market.

The response, therefore, cannot be limited to emergency management. The sector appears to be called upon to work on multiple fronts: rebalancing vineyard acreage, greater innovation, production control, protecting the value of the bottle, developing wine tourism and direct sales, new products, and a greater ability to understand consumer demand.

No-Lo, Asti Rosé, the revival of native grape varieties, Trentodoc, hospitality, and experiential harvests also tell a different story: Italian wine continues to innovate and still possesses an extraordinary capacity for adaptation.

The challenge isn’t simply to produce less wine. It’s to produce what the market wants, sell it better, and transform wineries and regions into experiences capable of generating value.

QUIDQUID – Wine Press Review Italian and international wine news, summarized for clear, quick reading and also suitable for search engines and Artificial Intelligence systems.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Monday August 24 -2026

with:

The main news from the world of wine, selected and summarized for quick and comprehensive reading.

Good morning,

The main news from the world of wine, selected and summarized for quick and comprehensive reading.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Contini Winery: After 50 Years, Paolo Contini Passes the Baton

A significant generational transition for the historic Contini Winery in Cabras , founded in 1895. After more than fifty years at the helm of the company, Paolo Contini is handing over the reins to his grandsons Alessandro, Mauro, and Marcello. This is an example of family continuity, combining tradition, corporate stability, and openness to international markets.

Monviert creates Italy’s best white wine

The 2020 Tricûr Bianco Riserva from Monviert , in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, has been recognized as Italy’s best white wine by DoctorWine’s 2027 Essential Guide to Italian Wines . This recognition reinforces Friuli Venezia Giulia’s position among Italy’s great white wine regions.

Cantina Bolzano invests in sustainability

Cantina Bolzano – Kellerei Bozen , the first CasaClima Wine certified winery, presents its second Sustainability Report for the period 2022–2025. Energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling, and innovation are at the heart of the South Tyrolean cooperative’s strategy.

Signorvino nears 50 stores

Signorvino continues to expand, with a turnover of approximately €90 million by 2025 and a target of 50 stores in Italy and abroad. The city’s eighth location has opened in Milan, within the CityLife Shopping District: 350 square meters and seating for 180. A strategy that focuses on wine as an experience, conviviality, and culture.

Fattoria dei Barbi: the 2020 Brunello Riserva takes center stage.

The historic Fattoria dei Barbi presents its 2020 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva, the expression of a family tradition rooted in the 17th century. The winery represents a historic example of the evolution of Brunello, integrating wine, agriculture, and hospitality.

Gini and the roots of Soave Classico

The Gini family, active in Monteforte d’Alpone since 1570, continues to represent one of the historic figures of Soave Classico. Centuries-old vineyards, fifteen generations, and a strong connection to the territory testify to the value of family continuity in Italian wine.

Feudo Montoni: From a mountain limit to a competitive advantage

The history of Feudo Montoni , in Sicily, illustrates how high-altitude viticulture has changed over time. Wines once considered less suited to international tastes are now receiving renewed attention: vineyards above 600 meters can represent an important response to rising temperatures and the search for fresher wines.

Lambrusco Francesca Mara awarded at Merano WineHunter

Lambrusco Reggiano DOP “Laurenti” , from the Francesca Mara brand, won the “Rosso Award” at Merano WineHunter 2026. Entrepreneur Francesca Marastoni’s project combines entrepreneurial growth and family history.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: Puglia Production Up 10%, But Inventories Are a Weight

Initial estimates from Confagricoltura Puglia indicate a growth in wine grape production of approximately 10% by 2025. High temperatures have accelerated ripening, and in several areas, harvesting has already begun.

However, the problem of inventories remains: 73.2% of Apulian wine in stock is DOP or IGP , and the region accounts for almost 30% of Italian must inventories.

Puglia: From managing surpluses to creating value

With approximately 5 million hectoliters of wine in the cellars , the debate shifts from mere inventory management to the need to rethink the production and commercial model. The central question becomes not just how much to produce, but what to produce, at what price, and for which markets .

The Italian vineyard must adapt to the new demand

According to Lorenzo Tersi of LT Wine & Food Advisory, the Italian sector is showing strong resilience, but must address the gap between declining demand and vineyard acreage. Among the issues identified are: rationalization of hectares, product innovation, and a greater ability to adapt to changing consumer trends.

Nighttime harvest: the weather changes vineyard work

From Sicily to Veneto, the use of night harvesting is growing. Harvesting during the coolest hours helps limit the effects of high temperatures and better preserve the aromas, flavors, and quality of the grapes.

Wine tourism: Italians increasingly seek out family-run wineries.

The new report on wine tourism experiences highlights an interesting shift: 27% of respondents cite a visit to a family-run winery as their most popular experience, even ahead of buying bottles at a bargain price.

Italian wine tourists are expected to number approximately 18 million in 2026 , compared to 13.4 million in 2024. Tastings, winery dining, and food pairings are also growing. Visitors increasingly seek out people, stories, and the region, in addition to wine.

Euganean Hills: New typologies under study

The Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Euganei is discussing a change to the regulations that would introduce the “Serprino sui lieviti” ( fermented on yeasts) label and the Colli Euganei DOC designation for Bordeaux-style red wines. The stated goal is to enhance the value of local wines.

Trentodoc protagonist of the summer

Freshness, acidity, and versatility keep Trentodoc highly sought after, especially in the Brut, Pas Dosé, and Extra Brut versions. The vineyards’ altitude and the traditional method contribute to its positioning as a particularly suitable wine for summer consumption.

Aglianico and Falanghina enhance the Sannio area

The Sannio Benevento area is consolidating its identity through two leading producers: Aglianico del Taburno DOCG and Falanghina del Sannio DOP . At the same time, the number of tours and tastings at local wineries is growing.

Innovation and tradition: “Wine is not an exact science”

From the Barolo region emerges a reflection on the relationship between new generations, innovation, and tradition. Contemporary winemaking continues to evolve, maintaining terroir as a central element of wine’s identity.

INTERNATIONAL

World wineries are increasingly focusing on steel

The demand for fresher, lighter, and cleaner wines is also changing wineries’ investments. In 2025, stainless steel accounted for 42.5% of wine tanks worldwide and, according to reported data, approximately 85% of new tank purchases by wineries. At the same time, interest in oak is declining.

Moldova holds the world record for vineyards per capita.

With just 2.3 million inhabitants, Moldova boasts approximately 375 square meters of vineyards per capita . The country is currently ranked as the world’s 19th largest wine producer and exports approximately 85% of its production to 70 countries. A small domestic market with a strong international vocation.

Alcohol consumption: the decline affects several generations

A US analysis based on 25 years of data highlights that the reduction in consumption cannot be attributed exclusively to Gen Z. Younger people drink less frequently and in smaller quantities, while older generations naturally reduce their consumption with age.

For the beverage sector, the challenge therefore becomes to rebuild opportunities for responsible consumption that are consistent with the lifestyles of different generations .

London experiments with vineyard above train station

In Denmark Hill, south London, Château Denmark Hill is born, a small urban winemaking project built on the elevated terraces of the station. This symbolic production is an interesting example of new forms of urban micro-agriculture.

Alcohol and differences between men and women

According to information from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, some effects of alcohol may be felt in women with smaller amounts than in men, partly due to average differences in body composition. However, individual factors such as weight, age, genetics, diet, and drinking habits remain key.

EVENTS, TASTINGS AND WINE CULTURE

OltreGusto 2026 – Voghera, September 7-8

Oltrepò Pavese brings together wine, gastronomy, and the region. The 2026 edition features a collaboration with the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese and the addition of “Oltrepò Terra di Pinot Nero,” dedicated to DOCG sparkling wines and Pinot Noir.

ViVa, Valtellina Wines – Sondrio from September 11th

Four days dedicated to Alpine Nebbiolo , the wineries, and the Valtellina landscape. The 2026 edition opens with a musical event in Piazza Garibaldi, bringing wine to a younger, more contemporary audience.

“The Cold Bardolino” – August 28-30

Bardolino and Lazise are back together for the third edition of the event dedicated to Bardolino Classico DOC served chilled . Three days of wineries, tastings, food, music, and promotion of the Garda area.

Friuli Venezia Giulia: The tourist grape harvest arrives

Between September and October, several wineries in Friuli Venezia Giulia will open their vineyards and facilities to visitors, allowing them to participate in the grape harvest and learn firsthand about the producers’ work. A concrete example of wine tourism’s evolution toward participatory experiences.

Sarzana: A new ITS dedicated to wine is born

At the Parentucelli-Arzelà Institute in Sarzana, the ITS Academy Agroalimentare Liguria is launching a free two-year course dedicated to the winemaking industry. The program includes 1,800 hours of training, including 630 hours of internships in companies , covering everything from vineyard management and winemaking to quality, marketing, and wine tourism.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Today’s news shows a wine sector that is increasingly entering a phase of structural transformation .

On the one hand, production, inventory, and vineyard areas must find a new balance with less predictable demand. On the other, very interesting signs are emerging: growing wine tourism, increasingly attractive family wineries, sustainability, fresher wines, high-altitude viticulture, new consumption models, and a greater focus on the experience .

The message coming from the market is quite clear:

It’s no longer enough to produce good wine. We need to produce the wine the market wants, at the right time, for the right consumer, and with a distinctive identity.

The winery of the future will therefore have to be simultaneously a farm, a quality producer, a brand, a place of experience and a company capable of quickly interpreting market changes .

In this scenario, the real challenge will not simply be to sell more bottles, but to create more value for each bottle, for each hectare of vineyard and for each person who comes into contact with the territory and the winery .

See you tomorrow.

The main Italian and international news dedicated to wine, cellars, viticulture, oenology, the market, investments, harvests and wine tourism .

Wine press review for Friday August 21 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

QUIDQUID presents the main news from the world of wine, selected and organized to offer quick and comprehensive reading for producers, wineries, operators and professionals in the supply chain.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Giorgi Wineries: In the Oltrepò, wine tourism becomes tailor-made.

In Canneto Pavese, Cantine Giorgi focuses on a personalized hospitality model, free from rigid packages. Visits and experiences are tailored to each guest’s needs. Fabiano Giorgi is also working on the relaunch of Classese, a historic brand of Metodo Classico made from Pinot Noir from the Oltrepò Pavese region.

Wine clubs: Italian wineries are looking for customers, not just visitors.

More and more producers are introducing wine clubs, a model already well-established in the United States. Older vintages, exclusive tastings, private events, and exclusive benefits serve to transform buyers into members of a community. In a market with weakening domestic consumption, loyalty is becoming an increasingly important marketing lever.

Pietroso: The Family History of Brunello di Montalcino

In Montalcino, Pietroso represents a family winemaking history that began in 1970 with Domenico Berni. Since 1992, the company has been run by Gianni Pignattai and his family, continuing a journey that began with the first bottle of Brunello di Montalcino in 1978.

Monviert wins the award for best white wine in Italy

The 2020 Tricûr Bianco Riserva from Monviert, in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, has been recognized as Italy’s best white wine by DoctorWine’s 2027 Essential Guide to Italian Wines . This result further strengthens Friuli Venezia Giulia’s position in Italy’s premium white wine production.

Birgi Wineries: Wine, Territory, and Tourism in the Stagnone Reserve

In Marsala, Cantine Birgi, through its Feudo Stagnone brand, offers experiences that combine vineyards, winery, tastings, local products, the lagoon, and boat tours. This is an example of how wine tourism can transform the local area into an integral part of the winery’s offerings.

Ampeleia: Biodynamics and Cabernet Franc in the Maremma

In Roccatederighi, in the Colline Metallifere, Ampeleia has been pursuing a project based on local tradition, biodiversity, and a biodynamic approach since 2002. Its distinctive features include whole-bunch processing for the production of Cabernet Franc.

Cotarella family: wine tourism needs more excitement.

For Enrica Cotarella, image and communications manager for Famiglia Cotarella, today’s visitors aren’t just looking for technical explanations and tastings: they want to feel part of the winery’s history, family, and project. Wine tourism is therefore increasingly shifting from product to relationship.

Bottega expresses solidarity after the attack on its Ukrainian partner.

A Russian bombing raid on the night of August 20th hit a logistics facility of Fozzy Group, a Ukrainian group that, through Silpo, also imports and distributes wines and Prosecco from Veneto-based Bottega. The attack, according to the news report, killed 15 employees. Bottega expressed its sympathy to the victims and to its business partner.

Bottega and the Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Bottega produces a total of approximately 28 million bottles of wine, spirits, and liqueurs, of which just under 14.5 million are dedicated to wine. Alongside its large volumes of sparkling wines, the company also produces more selective wines such as the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG and the vintage labels dedicated to Stefano Bottega.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Wine Innovation: Europe and the New World Take Different Paths

A study published in 2026 in the Journal of Wine Economics , based on the analysis of 9,439 patents filed between 1970 and 2023 in 53 countries, highlights two patterns of innovation: Europe tends towards more shared technologies and standards, while the United States, Australia, New Zealand and other New World countries show greater technological diversification.

Low-alcohol: Orvieto looks to low-alcohol wines

The slowdown in traditional consumption is opening up new opportunities for low-alcohol products. Riccardo Cotarella suggests that the Orvieto area offers the potential for developing wines with low alcohol content, down to around 7% ABV, catering to new consumption styles.

Alto Adige: the earliest harvest ever

The exceptionally warm spring and summer of 2026 accelerated the ripening of the grapes. According to the Alto Adige Wine Consortium, this is the earliest harvest in the region’s history. The first grapes destined for the sparkling wine bases have already arrived at the cellar.

2026 Harvest: Precision is More Important Than the Calendar

High temperatures, early ripening, and shorter harvest windows make meticulous management of individual parcels increasingly important. Five wineries, from Alto Adige to Albania, via Chianti Classico, share different strategies for protecting the grapes, conserving water, and maintaining the balance between sugars and acidity.

Colli Bolognesi: Early harvest, but positive expectations

Even in Emilia-Romagna, the heat brought the harvest forward. However, in the Colli Bolognesi area, the initial indications are positive: according to Walter Iannini of the Caccianemici agricultural company, the sampling shows favorable prospects for both quantity and quality, with an estimated growth in company production of between 10% and 20%.

Wine tourism: families with children are still under-recognized

Many wineries continue to design their wine tourism offerings primarily for adult couples. Families with children, however, may represent an interesting segment that is still under-researched and underserved. However, sufficient statistical data is lacking to quantify this phenomenon.

Wine and Sustainability: The Debate on Packaging Reuse

Wine has been excluded from the mandatory reuse targets set by the new European Packaging Regulation for other beverage categories. This decision reopens the debate on the wine industry’s ability to address the environmental impact of packaging and the changes required by climate change.

Lollobrigida defends the cultural and social role of wine

Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida reiterated the importance of wine in Italian culture, challenging what he calls the “criminalization” of the beverage. His remarks focused on the value of conviviality and out-of-home consumption as components of the Italian lifestyle.

INTERNATIONAL

Ticino: potentially excellent harvest, but climate concerns

According to Davide Cadenazzi, president of Federviti, 2026 could be one of the best vintages of the last twenty years in terms of quality. However, the situation remains complex due to drought, hail, pests, rising costs, and market difficulties.

Seven new Masters of Wine

The Institute of Masters of Wine announces seven new professionals who have completed the program to earn the prestigious title. These additions bring the number of new Masters of Wine for 2026 to 11, the highest number since 2021. Portugal and Hungary also receive their first resident Master of Wine (MW).

Wine and knowledge: a study links expertise and cognitive abilities.

Research published in Intelligence & Cognitive Abilities finds a correlation between higher IQ and knowledge of wine. This topic reinforces the debate about wine not just as a consumer product, but as a cultural phenomenon tied to territory, history, and knowledge.

Restaurants: Growing space for non-drinkers

The restaurant industry often continues to offer few structured alternatives for non-alcoholics. According to Food & Beverage Consultant Domenico Carella, this very lack could be transformed into a business opportunity for restaurants and hotels capable of developing a quality alcohol-free offering.

EVENTS, WINE TOURISM AND WINE CULTURE

Football meets wine with “The Wines of the Champions”

Former champions such as Amauri, Marek Jankulovsky, Sebastian Frey, and Julio Cesar are participating in the entrepreneurial project “The Wines of The Champions,” created by Fabio Cordella. The project, which combines sports, international celebrities, and wine, is also set to become a television series.

Experience becomes the new competitive ground of wine tourism

From Oltrepò Pavese to Sicily, passing through Umbria, Lazio, and Tuscany, a common thread emerges: the traditional visit with tasting is no longer enough. Personalization, local culture, emotions, community, food, and complementary activities are becoming key elements in transforming visitors into customers and ambassadors for the winery.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The August 21, 2026, review chronicles a winemaking sector that is changing simultaneously on multiple fronts.

The early harvest confirms how the climate is significantly changing production times and techniques. At the same time, technological innovation, low alcohol content, and sustainability are reshaping the product.

On the commercial front, however, an even more interesting indication emerges: wineries are seeking new forms of direct relationship with consumers.

Wine clubs, personalized wine tourism, family-focused experiences, local businesses, hospitality, and community initiatives demonstrate that value no longer stems solely from the bottle.

The winery of the future will therefore have to be simultaneously a producer, a brand, a place to live, and a community of customers.

And as the traditional market becomes more selective, this very ability to build relationships can become one of the most important levers for protecting the margins, reputation, and value of a winery.

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