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Wine press review for Wednesday May 27 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

The Angelo Gaja family is relaunching “Butterfly Day” at the Ca’ Marcanda estate in Bolgheri: a symbolic release of butterflies among the vineyards to celebrate biodiversity, sustainability, and the health of the viticultural ecosystem.
Varvaglione 1921 acquires Casino Nitti in Marina di Lizzano: 70 hectares and a project that combines native grape varieties from Puglia and Campania, strengthening the territorial strategy of the historic Southern Italian company.
Biancavigna inaugurates “Elogio alla Vigna Eroica,” two days of tastings, historical remembrance, and the promotion of heroic viticulture in the UNESCO hills.
Masi Agricola presents in Venice the catalog “L’Anima dell’Amarone” by Fabrizio Plessi and the limited edition Amarone Masi Costasera Contemporary Art 2006, strengthening the connection between wine, art, and territory.
Vigna Traverso continues its journey to promote the red wines of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, focusing on their territorial identity and historic grape varieties.
Montalbera is investing €550,000 in Monferrato wine tourism with the new “Dolce Vita” panoramic terrace amidst vineyards, a gazebo suite, and a panoramic pool.
Cantine Catabbo relaunches Tintilia with more elegant, fresh, and modern interpretations, maintaining a strong connection with the iconic grape variety of Molise.
After more than 50 years, Mario Pojer and Fiorentino Sandri are separating, ending one of the most iconic partnerships in Italian wine.
Cantine Pellegrino presents “Bianco di Venere,” a new dry white wine from Pantelleria dedicated to showcasing the island’s terroir and biodiversity.
Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella confirms Christian Marchesini as president until 2028, focusing on international promotion and balanced production.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Remembering Carlo Petrini brings to the forefront the revolutionary role of Slow Food in global gastronomic culture and the relationship between wine, territory, and sustainability.
The Piedmontese Consortia pay homage to Carlo Petrini, a key figure in the cultural promotion of wine and Italian agricultural traditions.
According to Knight Frank’s “Wealth Report 2026,” one hectare of Barolo reaches 2.3 million euros, surpassing even Champagne among the most expensive vineyards in the world.
Unioncamere and BMTI report a general decline in wine grape prices for the 2025 harvest, with sharp drops for Nebbiolo for Barolo and Barbaresco.
The influence of digital wine tourism is growing: according to DNA Tasting, 55.3% of wine tourists in Italy are Italian, and over 70% are under 50. Online bookings and artificial intelligence are transforming winery hospitality.
Brussels is accelerating progress toward a European one-stop shop for managing excise duties on online wine sales: a possible operational reform by 2027 to benefit independent wineries and winemakers.
The debate over the future of natural wine continues: new “post-natural” models are emerging, more mature and less ideological than the first generation of the movement.

International

In France, there is growing debate about the “wine crisis”: according to Le Figaro, restaurateurs are focusing on simple, accessible, and less technical wine lists to win back younger consumers.
Wine consumption in French restaurants continues to decline: -9% in 2024 and -7% in 2025, although wine remains the French’s favorite alcoholic beverage.
On the Costa Smeralda, wine increasingly becomes a symbol of luxury and international lifestyle during the Porto Cervo Wine & Food Festival, an event that kicks off the high-spending tourism season.
Ticinowine is focusing on experiential wine tourism and its strategic focus for 2026-2029, with over 30,000 visitors expected at Cantine Aperte events in Ticino.

Wine events

Berebianco 2026 honors four great Italian whites: 55 wineries and 160 wines featured in tastings and masterclasses dedicated to the evolution of great white wines.
Taobuk – Taormina International Book Festival sees Cusumano as its Official Wine Partner with events dedicated to wine, culture, and business.
Cantine Aperte 2026 returns with an increasingly experiential format: trekking, vineyard picnics, art, music, cooking classes, and immersive experiences throughout Italy.
A weekend of tastings in the Berici Hills with guided tours, vineyard tours, and food pairings during Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars).
In Montalcino, the “Cantine Aperte del Brunello” (Open Brunello Cellars) offer blind tastings, picnics among the vineyards, and immersive tours into the heart of Brunello.
Cantina Goretti is organizing three days of wine experiences, music, Umbrian cuisine, and art workshops in Perugia.
Antico Castello is promoting a “wine for all” philosophy during Cantine Aperte 2026 with free tours and accessible tastings.
In Moasca, a tasting dedicated to pairings between Tenuta Il Nespolo wines and local artisanal cheeses.
“Il Bello del Vino” inaugurates a new exhibition dedicated to organic, biodynamic, and family-run wineries, with fortnightly tastings and a focus on the local area.
Controversy in Velletri over “Tutti giù in Cantina 2026”: ARSIAL clarifies that there was no prejudicial denial but rather a request for a more structured project.

Press review provided by WINEIDEA.IT .

Wine press review for Tuesday May 26 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Cantina Valpolicella Negrar takes center stage at Cannes 2026. Domini Veneti and Cantina di Negrar are appearing at the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, bringing Venetian excellence to one of the most exclusive venues for international networking between film, business, and lifestyle.

Varvaglione 1921 acquires Casino Nitti. The historic Apulian winery expands its assets with a new 70-hectare estate on the Ionian Sea, focusing on biodiversity and the valorization of the native grape varieties of Puglia and Campania.

Cantine Pellegrino launches “Bianco di Venere” in Pantelleria. A new Pantelleria DOC white wine dedicated to Lake Venus. The project strengthens the promotion of the island’s dry wines and Pantelleria’s heroic viticulture.

Zidarich invests in the Karst region. The Trieste-based winery is creating a new vineyard dedicated to Vitovska, Malvasia, and Franconia, while maintaining an artisanal and distinctive production philosophy.

New management for Cantine Turrini Valdo & Figlio. The Enoagrimm group integrates the historic Romagna-based company to ensure employment continuity and strengthen a winemaking hub between Emilia-Romagna and Puglia.

Cecchetto opens the winery to the local community. Starting in June 2026, the Vazzola site will host cultural events, workshops, and social activities to strengthen the connection between business, community, and sustainability.

Ca’ di Rajo celebrates “Cantina in Festa” On May 31st, tastings, guided tours, sunset aperitifs, and music among the historic Bellussere of San Polo di Piave.

Cantina Augusta is participating in Cantine Aperte 2026, a weekend dedicated to guided tours, tastings, and local products at its Pramaggiore location.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Italian sparkling wine exports to the US slowed. In the first quarter of 2026, Italian sparkling wine exports to the US dropped 27% in value. Slowing consumption and lower American imports are weighing heavily.

Mediobanca: Italian wine under pressure in the US. In 2025, Italian wine sales in the United States fell by 6.3%. One in three producers reduced prices to defend market share.

Wine tourism increasingly strategic for Italian wine According to Nomisma, by 2025, wine tourism will account for an average of 21% of Italian wineries’ turnover, with strong growth in visits and direct sales.

New US study on moderate alcohol consumption A research published in the “Journal of General Internal Medicine” highlights an increased cancer risk in heavy consumers but a reduced risk in moderate consumers.

Artimino relaunches the Mediterranean model of conscious consumption. In Carmignano, researchers, doctors, and experts discuss the cultural role of wine and the Mediterranean diet.

Piacenza wines: high quality but weak communication. The presentation of the Piacenza Expo Wine Fair highlighted the issue of insufficient marketing to promote local excellence.

Vermentino is increasingly international. Record participation at the 2026 International Vermentino Competition, with 382 wines competing and over 100 foreign labels.

Carpineto Obtains Gender Equality Certification. The historic Tuscan company receives UNI/PdR 125:2022, confirming the central role of women in the wine sector.

New beverage trends: Italian hop water arrives. A new hop-flavored non-alcoholic drink is born from Tuscany, inspired by US no-alcohol trends.

World Aperitivo Day: premium and alcohol-free consumption is on the rise. According to NielsenIQ, out-of-home aperitif consumption is increasing, driven by premium cocktails and low/no alcohol options.

Etiquette and new trends in dinner gift giving are increasingly choosing quality extra virgin olive oil instead of wine as a dinner gift.

International

Italian wine looks to the future from Cortina VinoVip Cortina 2026 will bring together industry icons such as Piero Antinori, Sandro Boscaini, and Fausto Maculan to discuss the global challenges facing wine.

Amaro Don Carlo wins awards abroad. The artisanal liqueur from Eboli wins medals at the Concours International de Lyon and the London Tasting Awards 2026.

Wine events

Open Cellars 2026 focuses on regenerative tourism. The Wine Tourism Movement transforms Italian wineries into places of immersive experiences combining wellness, nature, music, culture, and local gastronomy.

Cantine Aperte Toscana 2026 focuses on outdoor wellness, vineyard immersion, and new experiential experiences at participating Tuscan wineries.

Open Cellars in Paternopoli The Fonzone estate hosts a day dedicated to wine, conviviality, music, and the local area in the heart of Irpinia.

Open Cellars between Valpolicella and Lake Garda. Picnics among the vines, boat tours, jazz in the vineyards, and experiential tastings are on the program.

Feel Venice 2026 grows by 43% The Consorzio Vini Venezia event is a huge success, with over 1,000 attendees and sold-out workshops.

Radici del Sud returns to Gioia del Colle on June 8th. Over 80 Southern Italian companies are expected, with international juries dedicated to Southern Italian wines and oils.

Calici d’Estate 2026 in Ferrara From May 29th to June 2nd, the Darsena di San Paolo will host tastings, music, and entertainment dedicated to Italian wineries.

Vista Vino – Oinoe Vini A Traversetolo hosts a weekly event featuring tastings, buffets, and live music in the cellar.

VinoVip Cortina 2026 The Civiltà del Bere summit returns to the Dolomites with talk shows, tastings, and Grand Tastings from leading Italian wineries. Wine Idea Network continues to monitor trends, markets, exports, wine tourism, and strategies for Italian and international wine.

WINEIDEA.IT .

Wine press review for Monday May 25 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Slow Food and the memory of Carlin Petrini

The world of wine and food mourns Carlo Petrini, who passed away at the age of 76. Numerous memories from the wine industry, including those of Bruno Ceretto and the Rector of Pollenzo, Nicola Perullo, who emphasized his cultural, agricultural, and social vision of food.

Sardinia protagonist at the Grenaches du Monde 2026

Sardinian wines achieved a remarkable result at the 2026 Grenaches du Monde international competition: 37 out of 47 Italian wines selected won awards. Cannonau, reserves, and fortified wines stood out, confirming Sardinia’s strong identity on the international scene.

New Cabreo winery in Chianti Classico

The Giovanni Folonari family inaugurates the new Cabreo winery in Greve in Chianti, focusing on aesthetics, production efficiency, and quality wine tourism. The project enhances the family’s historic property with a contemporary vision of wine hospitality.

Veneto accelerates on dealcoholized wines

Treviso-based Ceviv has launched Italy’s first large-scale plant for the production of dealcoholized and partially dealcoholized wines. The Susegana plant will be able to produce up to 7 million bottles annually, marking a strategic milestone for the industry.

Farewell to Michelino Rovero

The Piedmontese wine world remembers Michelino Rovero, founder of Asti’s first agriturismo, “Il Milin.” He symbolizes the family’s ability to innovate in wine, hospitality, and the land.

Etna Experience: Wine, Design, and Haute Cuisine

The Maugeri Winery consolidates its contemporary wine tourism model together with the Michelin-starred Zash relais, enhancing the dialogue between the volcano, the sea, hospitality, and Etna wines with a strong territorial identity.

Le Colture focuses on convivial consumption

Le Colture promotes Valdobbiadene DOCG Prosecco Superiore Dry “Cruner” as the ideal wine for contemporary brunches, confirming the trend towards more informal, versatile consumption and conviviality.

Mier Vini promotes contemporary Aglianico

The Mier Vini winery presents “XIV 2024”, a fresh Aglianico vinified only in steel, oriented towards a new, more immediate and gastronomic territorial interpretation.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Sheep wool against roe deer in vineyards

Natural agricultural innovation in the Conegliano vineyards: some companies are using sheep’s wool in the rows to keep roe deer away and protect the vines without invasive interventions.

Alcohol-dealing: growing regulatory attention

On May 27, Unione Italiana Vini is organizing an online course dedicated to dealcoholized wine products, exploring regulatory aspects, labeling, and operational management for companies.

EU excise duties and online wine: towards a European one-stop shop

The European Commission is evaluating a “One-Stop-Shop” system to simplify excise duties on cross-border online wine sales. This could be a potential breakthrough, especially for small producers and independent winemakers.

Investment wines are getting stronger and stronger

The luxury and investment wine market continues to grow, even in a complex geopolitical landscape. Sparkling wines and premium labels remain highly sought-after alternative assets.

Is Italian wine still competitive?

The Envisioning2035 – Wine [R]evolution summit on June 4 will analyze the strategic challenges of Italian wine: margins, distribution, human capital, exports, and new consumption patterns.

Science relaunches the Mediterranean model

In Artimino, scholars and researchers discussed the cultural and nutritional role of wine within the Mediterranean diet and conscious consumption.

National Wine Day: Between Culture and New Consumption

May 25th marks National Wine Day, an opportunity to reflect on the historical and social role of wine in a time of changing consumption habits.

Natural wine and new strategies in the restaurant industry

In La Maddalena, the “Vite e Vite” exhibition focused on natural wines, sustainability, and the new consumer needs of the Horeca sector.

“Without Makeup” returns online after 15 years

The documentary “Without Makeup. The Women of Natural Wine” is back, focusing on natural wine and the role of women in the sector, a topic still relevant in the cultural debate surrounding the industry today.

International

Hendrick’s and contemporary gin

Scottish brand Hendrick’s is celebrated as one of the symbols of the modern gin revolution thanks to its innovative use of cucumber and Damask rose in the recipe.

Wine events

Teroldego Rotaliano Exhibition in Mezzocorona

A weekend dedicated to Teroldego in the Piana Rotaliana with tastings, meetings, and a celebration of the Trentino region surrounding this historic native DOC grape.

Colombo: Pinot Noir and wood

On June 12th, the Colombo winery is organizing an educational dinner dedicated to the refinement of Pinot Noir, including a visit to the barrel cellar, tastings, and a cooking show.

Dialogues at Col Brià

The La Farra winery combines wine, poetry, and the landscape of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene hills with the fourth edition of “Dialoghi a Col Brià.”

Biodiversity and Youth at Cal Monda

The Cal Monda farm is promoting an educational project dedicated to sustainability and agricultural landscapes together with the Bruno Munari Art School.

Author’s Sorsi 2026

From June 12th to July 5th, Sorsi d’Autore 2026 returns, a festival that brings together Veneto wines, culture, literature, and Venetian Villas, featuring leading figures from the Italian cultural scene.

Borgo diVino in San Marino

Borgo diVino in Tour returns to the historic center of San Marino, featuring tastings and a showcase of Italian villages and products.

Bagnanti Wines 2026

Vini Bagnanti 2026 returns to San Vincenzo on June 20th: over 50 wineries and a journey dedicated to sustainability, artisanal wine, and food culture.

Open Cellars 2026

Great anticipation is building for Cantine Aperte 2026 on May 30th and 31st, with a growing focus on regenerative tourism, hospitality, and new wine tourism experiences in Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Sicily.

Southern Roots brings 80 companies to Gioia del Colle

Radici del Sud 2026 returns on June 8th with over 80 Southern Italian companies and international juries dedicated to the region’s native grape varieties.

Thanks for listening. Today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

Wine press review for Sunday May 24 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Cerletti Institute: 150 Years of Italian Winemaking History. A large turnout in Conegliano marked the 150th anniversary of the Cerletti Institute, a symbol of Italian winemaking education. Celebrations were also held for the Enological Foundation, the Alumni Union, Enocoro, and Mini Expo.

Novacella Abbey: 900 Years of Wine, Between Faith and Territory In Alto Adige, Novacella Abbey continues to represent one of the most fascinating models of historic European viticulture: 800,000 bottles produced and exported to over 40 countries.

Radici d’Uva: Biodiversity and Historic Veneto Grape Varieties. The “Radici d’Uva” project, supported by the Alta Marca Local Government Association (GAL), has been presented to restore ancient grape varieties and promote more resilient and sustainable viticulture.

Poderi Luigi Einaudi: Piedmontese elegance in the 2023 Barbaresco The 2023 Barbaresco Bric Micca DOCG wins you over with its balance, freshness, and aromatic complexity of red fruits, balsamic notes, and elegant tannins.

Statella Family: the soul of Etna in the 2024 Rosato DOC The Etna winery led by Calogero Statella continues to enhance the volcanic territory through artisanal productions oriented towards the highest quality.

Tenuta Neri di Cesena wins awards in Europe. The historic Romagna winery continues to collect international recognition thanks to its Merlot, Albana, and Sangiovese.

Cantina del Cabreo: the new temple of Super Tuscans. Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari are inaugurating a new winery in the Chianti Classico area, costing over €7 million, where wine, architecture, and wine tourism merge.

Cataldi Madonna: A New Vision for Abruzzo Wine Giulia Cataldi Madonna leads the relaunch of the historic Ofena winery, focusing on quality, organic farming, Pecorino cheese, and technological innovation.

Bio Cantina Sociale Orsogna and heroic viticulture Abruzzo officially joins Cervim to support and enhance mountain vineyards and extreme territories.

Alto Adige, a global wine superstar, has received 283 top scores from international guides for South Tyrolean wines. Cantina Terlano is a star with two wines awarded 100 points.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

How to Really Read a Wine Label: An in-depth look at the key information on labels: origin, names, allergens, and useful information for consumers.

Alcohol-free wine: the Italian market is growing. Following regulatory approval, alcohol-free wine continues to spark discussion. Fewer calories and new consumption targets, but attention must be paid to product preservation.

First Italian dealcoholization plant in Veneto The first large-scale Italian plant authorized for dealcoholized and partially dealcoholized wines, with a capacity of over 7 million bottles per year, comes into operation in Susegana.

Italian wine exports still under pressure. ISTAT data for the first quarter of 2026 confirm the slowdown in wine exports, penalized above all by US tariffs: -13.3% in the first two months.

Wine between artificial intelligence and territorial identity. More and more companies are investing in AI, sensors, and predictive platforms. But there’s also a growing debate about the risk of losing the authentic connection between wine, territory, and people.

Wines from the smaller islands are back in the spotlight. From Pantelleria to Salina to Giglio, there’s growing interest in the heroic viticulture of the Mediterranean and the distinctive wines linked to these extreme territories.

Bees and Biodiversity: New European Decree Legislative Decree 80/2026, which strengthens the protection of pollinators and agricultural biodiversity, will come into force on May 31.

International

Among the vines of Bulgarian Thrace. A journey through rural Bulgaria to discover the Miroglio winery, an example of modern development in a region with ancient traditions.

Edi Rama relaunches Albanian wine. The Albanian Prime Minister aims to transform wine into a symbol of the new Made in Albania brand, drawing inspiration from the Italian model and involving Riccardo Cotarella.

Grenaches du Monde 2026: Sardinia takes center stage. The international competition dedicated to Grenache concludes in France with 37 medals won by Sardinian wines.

Open Cellars in Ticino: Between Quality and Market Problems. In Switzerland, the debate over the high prices of Ticino wine and the need to better promote local production is growing.

Wine events

Sicilia En Primeur 2026: A Restarting Vintage Assovini Sicilia presents a more balanced 2025 harvest after the climatic difficulties of recent years. Great attention is paid to local areas and wine tourism.

Sicilia En Primeur focuses on experience. Over 1,000 labels tasted and a strong focus on wine tourism, local storytelling, and immersive hospitality.

Cantine Aperte Sardegna 2026 From May 23rd to 31st, tastings, masterclasses, art, and itineraries among vineyards and archaeology throughout the region.

Wein Tour Cattolica celebrates 10 years. The event dedicated to the wines of Emilia-Romagna celebrates its tenth edition with tastings and masterclasses.

Varchi in Vigna transforms Montevarchi into an open-air winery. The first edition of the event brings together local producers, food, and the historic center.

Historic trains and Italian food and wine FS Treni Turistici Italiani launches new slow itineraries dedicated to the regions of Italian wine and cuisine.

World Aperitivo Day 2026 Vermouth Carlo Alberto celebrates the Piedmontese aperitivo tradition with new mixology proposals linked to the territory.

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

See you tomorrow.