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Wine press review for Wednesday September 23-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents international markets, exports, harvests, technological innovation, Italian wineries, wine tourism, and events. Today’s topics include: the recovery of Italian wine in the United States, CMO funds for international promotion, the results of Italian Wine Brands, Canevel’s tenth anniversary within the Masi Group, artificial intelligence applied to the vineyard, and the growing importance of wine tourism.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Masi and Canevel: Ten Years Together, Business Doubled

September 26th marks ten years since Canevel Spumanti joined the Masi Agricola Group . Since 2016, Canevel’s business has doubled; the brand is now present in 40 countries , and exports represent approximately 40% of sales . The operation has allowed Masi to strengthen its presence in premium sparkling wines and Canevel to develop its international distribution and positioning.

Italian Wine Brands: Revenues of €184.4 million in the first half of 2026

Italian Wine Brands closed the first half of 2026 with revenues of 184.4 million euros , down 5.9% compared to 195.88 million euros in the same period of 2025. Net profit was 7.87 million euros , down 23.9%, while net financial debt at the end of June was 81.79 million euros.

Vicobarone Winery: Record Harvest, 23% Grapes

The Cantina di Vicobarone received 32,600 quintals of grapes , 23% more than in 2025. The cooperative, which comprises 125 members, also reports a particularly high level of quality. The goal is to maintain at least the €43 per quintal average paid for grapes from the 2025 harvest.

Chitarra Winery: 600 hectares to tell the story of Sicilian wine.

The Sicilian Cantina Chitarra cooperative, founded in 1907 and extensively renovated since 2012, has approximately 600 hectares of vineyards , 75% dedicated to white grapes and 25% to red varieties. Alongside international varieties, it cultivates numerous native varieties, including Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia, Zibibbo, Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Perricone, and Nerello Mascalese.

Argiolas: 2026 could be the year of Vermentino

For Argiolas , a historic Sardinian winery, the market is showing greater interest in white wines and products with lower alcohol content. The company points to Vermentino as one of the season’s stars. Climate change remains a major challenge: in some areas, it leads to lower yields, but it can also lead to healthier grapes.

Tenute Tomasella focuses on wine tourism

In Mansué, between Friuli DOC and Prosecco DOC Treviso , Tenute Tomasella offers three tasting itineraries for autumn. The goal is to transform a visit to the winery into an experience that explores the wine, the region, the company’s history, and the culture of hospitality.

Over 3,000 bottles of Barolo were stolen from the cellar.

A major theft has hit the Conterno e Fantino winery in Monforte d’Alba . Over 3,000 bottles of Barolo were stolen, including magnums and jeroboams from the 2021 and 2022 vintages, with an estimated value of several hundred thousand euros. Law enforcement is analyzing video surveillance footage.

A Barolo from the Langhe aged for a year in the Arctic

The Rivetto winery in Serralunga d’Alba , together with the Norwegian company Hurtigruten, has created the Arctic Barolo project. 1,002 bottles of 2021 Barolo were left for twelve months at a depth of 34 meters in Norwegian Arctic waters , at a constant temperature of approximately 5-6°C and under a pressure of approximately 4 bar. The experiment studies the evolution of the wine in conditions very different from those of a traditional cellar.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Italian wine exports to the US: July returns to positive territory

After several difficult months, in July Italian wine exports to the United States recorded year-on-year growth of nearly 10% in value and 1.3% in volume, with an average price up 8%. This recovery reduces the cumulative decline for the first seven months of 2026 to 11%. However, the long-term picture remains complex: the marketing year from August 2025 to July 2026 is one of the weakest in recent history.

International Promotion: 15 CMO Projects Admitted by Masaf

The Masaf (Italian Agricultural Fund for Agricultural Products) has published the provisional ranking for CMO Wine funds for the 2026/27 wine year . Fifteen projects have been admitted, with total government funding of €28.5 million and promotional programs worth nearly €65 million . Those involved include Zonin, Nosio-Gruppo Mezzacorona, Herita Marzotto, the Institute of Quality Italian Wine, Fantini Group, Gruppo Italiano Vini, the Prosecco DOC Consortium, and Marchesi Frescobaldi.

2026 Harvest: Weather Divides Italian Wine Region

The hot and dry summer produced very different results across Italy’s wine-growing regions. Twelve wineries, from North to South, highlight how the ability to adapt increasingly depends on vineyard management, canopy, rootstock choice, water availability, and staff skills . Climate change is transforming agronomic decisions into an increasingly strategic component of production.

AI-GRAPE: Artificial intelligence and data to protect vineyards

The European AI-GRAPE project, developed in the Italy-Slovenia cross-border area, is creating a decision support system for winemakers and technicians. The platform integrates weather stations, traps, vineyard surveys, satellite and drone imagery, forecasting models, and data collected via apps to improve monitoring of grapevine moths, grapevine leafhoppers, and Scaphoideus titanus, the vector of Flavescence dorée.

More resilient bubbles in the wine market

In a challenging period for consumption, sparkling wines continue to demonstrate greater resilience than other categories. This phenomenon is pushing new regions toward sparkling wine production. Franciacorta remains one of Italy’s benchmarks for the Metodo Classico, and the sector is reflecting on the need to defend its identity, quality, and positioning.

Malvasia delle Lipari: Towards a New Dry White DOC

The producers’ assembly approved a proposal to amend the Malvasia delle Lipari DOC production regulations to introduce a dry white version. If the process is approved by the Sicilian Region and the National Wine Committee, the Malvasia delle Lipari Bianco version will be created, alongside the Passito and Vendemmia Tardiva versions.

Calabria: From ancient passito grapes, new dry wines are born.

In Saracena, at the foot of the Pollino, some producers are reinterpreting the grapes traditionally used for Moscato di Saracena. Moscatello, Malvasia, and Guarnaccia are now also used to make dry white wines , while also reviving ancient local winemaking techniques.

Slow Wine 2027: 173 wines receive the “Bottle” award

The 2027 Slow Wine guide awards the “Bottle” symbol, reserved for wines deemed to be of excellent quality, to 173 labels . Forty-four wineries have earned the recognition in the guide’s seventeenth edition.

Tre Bicchieri 2027: 49 Veneto wines awarded

Forty-nine Veneto wines have been awarded Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri 2027. This recognition captures the diversity of the region’s winemaking system, from Prosecco to Soave, from Valpolicella to the Euganean Hills, from Garda to Montello.

Organic: consumption up 9.2%, but conversion areas are decreasing

According to the Bio in Cifre 2026 report, edited by ISMEA for Masaf, organic product consumption grew by 9.2% in both value and volume in 2025. In the first six months of 2026, sales increased by a further 4%. On the production front, however, organic acreage decreased by 5.4%, primarily due to the sharp reduction in areas under conversion.

Grape seeds: fiber, oil, and polyphenols as a grape resource

Grape seeds also represent an interesting raw material. Grape seeds contain fiber, oils, proteins, and phenolic compounds such as catechin, epicatechin, and proanthocyanidins. This composition reinforces the interest in recovering and valorizing by-products of the winemaking industry.

Wine in the Ravenna area: an economic sector worth analyzing

The province of Ravenna stands out in Emilia-Romagna for its vineyard area and number of wineries. A new in-depth study on the region analyzes the economic impact of the supply chain and the future challenges for producers and businesses.

Agricultural work: inspections during grape harvest and harvesting in Friuli

Between late August and mid-September, the Udine-Pordenone Territorial Labor Inspectorate inspected 16 workers , finding seven of them unemployed. Three agricultural businesses were ordered to suspend operations. Deficiencies in safety, training, and health surveillance were also reported.

INTERNATIONAL

Napa Valley: Wine tourism generates $2.8 billion

In 2025, Napa Valley welcomed approximately 3.8 million visitors , who spent $2.2 billion in the county. The overall economic impact of tourism was estimated at $2.8 billion , up 2.9% from 2024. Retail and wineries generated $647 million, while food and beverage reached $505 million.

The data confirms the role of wine tourism as an increasingly important economic component for international wine destinations.

WINE TOURISM, CULTURE AND WINE-RELATED EVENTS

Contemporary art among the vineyards: 14 Italian wineries open to the public

From 23 to 25 October, fourteen wineries across eight Italian regions will open their contemporary art collections and installations free of charge as part of the second edition of MetodoContemporaneo .

The companies involved include Ca’ del Bosco, Fontanafredda, Castello di Perno, Bosca, La Raia, Livio Felluga, Bonotto delle Tezze, Castello di Ama, Frescobaldi-CastelGiocondo, Rocca di Frassinello, Lungarotti, Feudi di San Gregorio, Agricola Bellaria, and Planeta.

Diesel Farm takes center stage at Homo Faber Venice

Diesel Farm , an agricultural and winemaking project initiated by Renzo Rosso in the Vicenza area, is participating in the Homo Faber events in Venice with the Del Local restaurant. Following the September 16th meeting, further tastings are planned for September 23rd and 29th.

Mario Soldati: Wine and food to tell the story of Italy

On October 6th in Milan , La Scolca will dedicate the talk show “Mario Soldati – The Taste of Telling Italy” to Mario Soldati, marking the 120th anniversary of his birth. The initiative celebrates the writer, director, and journalist’s role in narrating Italy’s story through its regions, culture, food, and wine.

Alta Langa and the Alba White Truffle Fair: ten years of collaboration

2026 marks the tenth anniversary of the partnership between the Alta Langa Consortium and the Alba International White Truffle Fair . This collaboration unites two Piedmontese excellences through tastings, masterclasses, events, and initiatives dedicated to promoting the region.

Prosecco Cycling: Valdobbiadene Meets International Cycle Tourism

The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Cycling returns on Sunday, September 27th . Since its debut in 2004, the event has brought over 58,000 participants from 35 countries to the Prosecco Hills. Sport, the UNESCO landscape, wine, and gastronomy thus become integrated tools for promoting the region.

Cartizze Loop: Trekking and Wine Tourism Among the Vineyards

Autumn highlights the Anello del Cartizze , a trail through the hills of Valdobbiadene and the 107 hectares of the famous Cartizze area. The trek passes through vineyards, villages, and landscapes characterized by heroic, manual viticulture, integrating outdoor activities and winemaking experience.

Valpolicella: Wine, Villages, and Territory for Autumn

Between September and November, Valpolicella becomes a prime destination for wine tourism. Vineyards, villages, wineries, churches, trails, and the traditional drying of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes create a unique experience that connects Amarone, Recioto, landscape, and culture.

Palio of Wine and Flavors in Negrar

On Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th, Negrar di Valpolicella hosts the Palio del Vino e dei Sapori (Wine and Flavors Palio). Twenty-four wineries and 14 associations will participate, offering tastings, food, music, markets, and charitable initiatives.

Capraia: A Vineyard as a Return to the Land Project

On the island of Capraia, a young winemaking venture illustrates the return to agriculture in an island region plagued by depopulation. The vineyard thus becomes not only a productive activity, but a tool for protecting and revitalizing the region.

Students at the Harvest: Training from the Vineyard to the Cellar

Sixth-year students in the Raineri Marcora Institute’s Winemaking program participated in the grape harvest at the Monferrina winery in Vicobarone. The experience covered the entire production cycle: assessing ripeness, harvesting, grape transportation, and the initial stages of winemaking in the teaching cellar of the Piacenza Agri-Food Campus.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The September 23 review shows a rapidly changing Italian wine sector. Exports, profitability, and consumption remain under pressure , but at the same time, signs of recovery are emerging from the United States and the bubbly sector is holding up well.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Tuesday September 22-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

Wine Idea presents a summary of the main news from the world of wine: companies, markets, innovation, regions, international trends, and events.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Pio Cesare: Mosconi and the new generation of the historic Barolo winery

Federica Boffa, Pio and Cesare Benvenuto recount the Pio Cesare family’s journey at the Mosconi MGA in Monforte d’Alba. Approximately ten hectares were purchased in 2014 and subsequently restored, including two parcels of Nebbiolo from 1947. The first Mosconi Barolo harvest was in 2015. On the market, the winery is experiencing difficulties related to tariffs and declining consumption, but is also seeing some signs of recovery.

Tenuta San Giorgio: 85 hectares and 1.5 million bottles

Tenuta San Giorgio, a family-run winery founded in 1971 by Sergio Tombacco in Maserada sul Piave, is now in its fourth generation. It manages 85 hectares of vineyards between Maserada sul Piave and Arquà Petrarca, all under the SQNPI (Single-Protected Geographical Indication) regime, and produces approximately 1.5 million bottles. Its wines include Insula 2022, a Manzoni Bianco Veneto IGT from the Grave di Papadopoli area.

Cocchi focuses on the Alta Langa

Cocchi expands its Alta Langa offering with Espressione Bianc Pas Dosé 2019, a sparkling wine made from white grapes and aged on the lees for five years. The house’s total production of Alta Langa labels now totals approximately 150,000 bottles, joining its Piedmontese sparkling wines, Vermouth, and Barolo Chinato.

Tasca d’Almerita pays tribute to Lucio Tasca

The historic Sicilian winery presents “Lucio Pensiero,” a wine dedicated to Lucio Tasca and the vision that, since the late 1980s, contributed to the internationalization of Sicilian wine. At a time when native grape varieties were less recognized internationally, the introduction of Chardonnay and Cabernet represented a strategic choice to compete in global markets.

Murgo: Over 160 Years of Viticulture on Mount Etna

Murgo’s origins date back to 1860. Today, the estate encompasses approximately 60 hectares of vineyards within a 120-hectare agricultural complex. The company was among the pioneers of sparkling wine production using pure Nerello Mascalese, a process begun in the 1990s and now one of the company’s signature products.

Rivetto brings Barolo to the Arctic waters

After twelve months at a depth of 34 meters in Norwegian waters, 1,002 bottles of Barolo Rivetto 2021 resurfaced. The “Arctic Barolo” project, carried out together with Hurtigruten, experienced refinement in conditions characterized by a constant temperature of around 5-6 °C, complete darkness and a pressure of around 4 bar.

Cantina Pizzolato celebrates 45 years

Cantina Pizzolato celebrates its 45th anniversary in 2026. On September 26th, the winery opens its doors to the public and presents “Together for Nature,” a social project dedicated to the community. New developments include the sustainable redesign of the Family Collection and the new Prosecco DOC Extra Brut.

Calabria: New dry wines are born from passito grapes.

In Saracena, some producers are reinterpreting the grapes traditionally used to make the historic Moscato al Governo di Saracena. Cantine Diana offers Mileo Bianco from Moscatello, Malvasia, and Guarnaccia, while Cantine Viola is reviving the ancient “raspato” technique. Tradition and experimentation thus become tools for showcasing local grape varieties.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Marche: New promotional strategies needed after the 2026 harvest

The challenging 2026 harvest is forcing the Marche winemaking system to rethink its organization and promotion. Michele Bernetti, president of the Marche Wine Protection Institute, emphasizes the need to move beyond a single promotional model: different appellations have different markets, priorities, and targets. Greater planning and marketing positioning are therefore crucial.

Monferrato: Work in the vineyard continues after the harvest

Harvesting doesn’t complete the vine’s cycle. As long as the leaves remain active, photosynthesis allows the plant to accumulate the reserves needed to weather the winter and sustain growth the following spring in the shoots, trunk, and especially in the roots.

PIWI: Resistant grape varieties to reduce treatments

Fungal-resistant varieties represent one possible response to the need to reduce pesticide use. So-called PIWI varieties are derived from crosses between Vitis vinifera and resistant species and may require fewer treatments. Research is paying particular attention to their oenological quality and adaptation to hot, dry Mediterranean environments.

Sicilia DOC invests in training

The Consortium for the Protection of DOC Sicilia Wines launches the “DOC Sicilia Academy,” a program aimed at industry professionals. The main themes are wine tourism, innovation in winemaking, and energy efficiency, with the aim of strengthening businesses’ skills and supporting them in market developments.

Tre Bicchieri 2027: The map of Italian excellence continues.

Gambero Rosso is presenting the wines awarded Tre Bicchieri in the 2027 Italian Wines Guide, region by region. Sicily, Umbria, and Basilicata are among the regions already announced.

In Sicily, 31 labels received awards, a new regional record, with a significant presence of Marsala, Grillo, and Etna wines. In Umbria, 17 bottles received the highest recognition. In Basilicata, Vulture and Aglianico continue to represent the region’s main production.

Slow Wine 2027: 247 wineries awarded the Snail

The Slow Wine 2027 guide has awarded 247 Snails, five more than in the previous edition. The recognition takes into account how wineries interpret wine quality, terroir, environmental sustainability, and value for money.

Spergola: an ancient Emilian grape variety returns to prominence

In the Reggio Emilia hills between Scandiano and Canossa, interest is growing in Spergola, a variety with a long local tradition. Genetic research by the University of Bologna has clarified its identity, after it was long confused with Sauvignon Blanc.

Wine tourism and hospitality: 19 wine-related establishments in the Michelin Keys

The new Italian selection of Michelin Keys includes 224 award-winning hotels. Of these, 19 are directly connected to the world of wine: two with Three Keys, five with Two Keys, and 12 with One Key. This confirms the growing importance of quality hospitality in wineries’ diversification strategies.

Milan: Noloteca opens, a space dedicated to alcohol-free beverages.

Noloteca, a shop specializing exclusively in zero-alcohol products, from fermented beverages to non-alcoholic spirits, has opened in Milan’s Isola neighborhood. The initiative taps into the growing interest in new ways to consume and alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages.

Winery Safety: Tragedy in Partinico

In Partinico, in the province of Palermo, a mother and son were found dead in a room also used for fermentation containers. Initial investigations suggest fumes and a severe lack of oxygen. Authorities are currently investigating. The incident raises awareness of the risks of closed environments during fermentation.

Langhe: Around 3,000 bottles of Barolo stolen

A high-value theft has affected a winery in the Langhe region. According to reports, at least four people stole approximately 3,000 bottles of Barolo, selecting the most valuable batches. Law enforcement is analyzing video surveillance footage.

Ombrone: A documentary rediscovers Etruscan wine

The documentary “Ombrone, Etruscan Wine” recounts the work of winemaker Francesco Mondini and the revival of practices inspired by Etruscan viticulture and winemaking. Archaeology, amphorae, permaculture, and ancestral techniques become tools to explore the relationship between wine, land, and memory.

INTERNATIONAL

France: Wine exports to reach €5.4 billion in the first half of 2026

French wine is also slowing on international markets. In the first half of 2026, exports reached €5.4 billion , down 2.2% , while volumes fell 1.5% to 618.9 million liters.

The average price decreased by 0.7%, settling at 8.74 euros/litre.

Sparkling wines bucked the trend: 1.9 billion euros (2.6%) and 99.4 million litres (6%), even if the average price fell by 3.2%.

The United States remains the leading market in terms of value, with approximately 1 billion euros, but has seen a 9.8% decline. Growth is, however, seen in the United Kingdom (3.8%), Singapore (8.4%), and above all Hong Kong (17.8%).

The French data fits into an international context in which Italy also closed the first half of 2026 with declining wine exports.

WINE EVENTS

Autumnus brings Burgundy to Trento

From October 1st to 11th, “Autumnus – Fruits of the Earth” returns to Trento. This sixth edition focuses on Burgundy, bringing the Trentino region into dialogue with some of Europe’s leading winemakers through tastings, meetings, and in-depth discussions.

Morbegno in the Cellar 2026

Three weekends dedicated to Valtellina: September 25-27, October 2-4, and October 9-11 . Morbegno in Cantina offers over 60 labels, including reds, Sforzatos, sparkling wines, whites, rosés, and organic wines, with guided tours led by producers, AIS sommeliers, and ONAV tasters.

Contemporary Method: Wine, Art, and Landscape in 14 Wineries

From October 23rd to 25th , 14 wineries across eight Italian regions will participate in the second edition of “MetodoContemporaneo – Itineraries through Arts, Wine, and Landscape.” The initiative, promoted by the University of Verona with Iter Vitis and Nemo Monti Comunicazione, offers visits, meetings, and experiences dedicated to the relationship between wine, art, architecture, and the landscape.

The MonteNapoleone Harvest

On October 8th in Milan , the Fashion District will once again bring together major wineries and luxury brands. Boutiques, hotels, and prestigious spaces will host tastings and meetings as part of the 17th edition of “La Vendemmia di MonteNapoleone.”

Pizzolato Winery opens its doors for its 45th anniversary.

On September 26th, Cantina Pizzolato will celebrate its 45th anniversary with an event open to the public. The day will also feature the presentation of the “Together for Nature” project, the redesign of the Family Collection, and the new Prosecco DOC Extra Brut.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The news of September 22, 2026, shows a wine sector undergoing a transformation on several fronts.

On the commercial front, the slowdown in exports also affects France and confirms that the pressure on consumption and the main international markets does not only concern Italian wine.

At the same time, there is growing attention towards diversification and added value : hospitality and wine tourism, training, sustainability, wine experimentation, the valorization of historic grape varieties and even new non-alcoholic categories.

For wineries, it is therefore increasingly important not to limit themselves to production, but to build a model capable of integrating wine, territory, brand, distribution, experience and direct relationship with the consumer .

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Monday September 21-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

Luigi Einaudi Estates: Dogliani and its Langhe roots

Dolcetto di Dogliani represents one of the deepest ties between Poderi Luigi Einaudi and the Langhe region. It was in Dogliani that Luigi Einaudi purchased his first lands, laying the foundations for the winery. A name that continues to represent history, family identity, and a connection to the land.

Ongaresca takes Pinot Noir to 120 months on the lees

The Ongaresca winery, located in Costabissara in the Lessinia area near Vicenza, presents Centoventi 2014 , a Metodo Classico Pas Dosé made from 100% Pinot Noir, aged for 120 months on the lees. Production is limited to 2,900 bottles and 96 numbered magnums. This project was born to study the evolutionary potential of the company’s sparkling wines.

Marchesi di Barolo featured on Sky Arte

The historic Marchesi di Barolo winery will be featured in the docu-series BEVI – The Art of Winemaking on Sky Arte on September 26th. The episode, “Guardians of a Legend,” recounts six generations of the Abbona family, including historic wineries, Langhe vineyards, Barolo Castle, and hospitality.

The “Futurist Winery” is born in Treviso

A new 750-square-meter food and wine business, conceived by brothers Enrico and Alberto Fagotto, has opened on Via Fonderia in Treviso. The facility integrates wine production, an open cellar, and a restaurant, offering a model that unites wine, architecture, nature, and the consumer experience.

Cirò Bianco: Promoting Native Calabrian Grape Varieties

Caparra & Siciliani’s 2024 Cirò Bianco Curiale , produced from Greco Bianco and Pecorello and vinified in steel, draws attention to the potential of Calabrian whites and the growing appreciation of the region’s native grape varieties.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: Barolo’s Earliest Harvest Ever

In the Langhe, Nebbiolo for Barolo began to be harvested in early September. According to producers, 2026 will be an exceptionally early harvest. The main challenge remains preserving elegance, freshness, and balance despite high temperatures and accelerated ripening.

The climate changes, the style of Italian wine changes.

Higher temperatures, drought, and early ripening are changing strategies in the vineyard and cellar. At the same time, market tastes are changing: a growing portion of Italian production now focuses on freshness, tension, fragrance, lower extraction, and greater drinkability , scaling back the model of highly concentrated, oak-driven wines.

365 winemakers share their experiences addressing climate change

The Almanac of Wine Artisans – The Climate Challenge collects the experiences of 365 Italian winemakers , from the Aosta Valley to Sicily. The volume offers a concrete overview of the practices adopted by organic, biodynamic, and natural producers to cope with early harvests, rising temperatures, and climate change.

Heroic Vineyards: Harvest, Landscape, and Land Protection

Harvesting in mountain vineyards highlights the value of so-called heroic viticulture , characterized by steep slopes, difficult mechanization, and predominantly manual harvesting. Beyond wine production, these vineyards play an important role in landscape conservation and the protection of fragile territories.

Edmund Mach Foundation creates the first grape metabolomic atlas.

The Edmund Mach Foundation has created the first global metabolomic atlas of grape varieties. The study analyzed 126 international varieties , classifying them based on the grape’s molecular composition. The goal is to provide researchers and winemakers with new tools to understand the relationship between genetic heritage and the characteristics expressed by grape varieties.

Barolo and Brunello: two great appellations compared

At Serralunga Day , 14 Barolos from the Serralunga d’Alba crus and 14 Brunello di Montalcino wines were compared across various vintages, dating back to the 1990s. The initiative consolidates the collaboration between the two Consortia and offers a comparison of the two appellations’ capacity for evolution, territorial identity, and longevity.

CMO Promotion: €28.5 million for non-EU markets

The provisional national ranking for the 2026/2027 CMO Wine Promotion program provides €28.5 million in funding for 15 eligible projects, out of a total expenditure of approximately €64.9 million . The resources are earmarked for the promotion of Italian wine in third-party countries and are in addition to the funds managed at the regional level.

Safety in the cellar: tragedy during must fermentation

In Partinico, near Palermo, a mother and her 22-year-old son were found dead in an underground cellar. According to initial reports, the death was related to fumes produced by the fermentation of must. The incident highlights the risks of enclosed spaces during winemaking and the need for adequate ventilation and safety procedures.

Ozone for sanitizing cellars

Among the technologies proposed for sanitizing winemaking environments, the use of ozone is growing, used for surfaces, environments, and wooden containers. Dedicated systems aim to reduce the use of chemicals, water consumption, and sanitization times.

WINE MARKET, TERRITORIES AND TRENDS

Brunello di Montalcino is featured in James Suckling’s Top 100

Eredi Fuligni’s 2021 Brunello di Montalcino takes first place in James Suckling’s 2026 Top 100 Wines of Italy . The selection includes a total of twelve Brunellos, all from the 2021 vintage, highlighting the appellation’s strong presence in the American critic’s ranking.

Franciacorta present with two Classic Method wines in the Top 100

The same international selection includes Barone Pizzini’s Riserva Bagnadore 2017 and Guido Berlucchi’s Cuvée Franco Ziliani Riserva 2011. These are the two Metodo Classico wines included in the Top 100 listed by the source.

Umbria: regional wine becomes more diverse

The 2027 Tre Bicchieri snapshot shows an increasingly diverse Umbrian winemaking landscape. Alongside traditional, structured reds, wines geared towards greater freshness and drinkability, characterful whites, and revitalized native varietals are emerging. Sagrantino is also experiencing a stylistic evolution toward more precise tannin management.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene: Territory, People, and the Future of the DOCG

A new column dedicated to Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG explores the Consortium’s work, viticulture, the UNESCO landscape, sustainability, research, and international promotion strategies. The goal is to showcase wine as an expression of a territorial and production system.

World Winery Map photographs the world’s terroir

The new World Winery Map platform lists over 4.3 million vineyards and more than 104,000 wineries in 90 countries , integrating information on altitude, exposure, slope, climate, and soil characteristics. Among the data reported, Calabrian vineyards are on average warmer during the growing season than those in Champagne.

BolognaFiere strengthens its presence in the wine and food sector

With its 49.9% stake in Gambero Rosso Holding , BolognaFiere strengthens its position in the wine and agri-food sector. This acquisition is part of a process that includes collaborations with Slow Wine, Slow Food, and FIVI, as well as events such as the Slow Wine Fair, the Independent Winemakers’ Market, and the Champagne Experience.

WINE TOURISM, CULTURE AND WINE-RELATED EVENTS

Franciacorta in Cantina Festival: estimated attendance of approximately 60,000

The 2026 edition of Franciacorta in Cantina involved 72 wineries with tastings, tours, and food events. According to initial estimates from the Consortium, attendance is expected to reach around 60,000 , confirming the growing importance of wine tourism for the region.

Turin’s Salone del Gusto: Great Italian Wines Take Center Stage

To celebrate Slow Food’s 40th anniversary , Turin hosts tastings, Taste Workshops, and meetings with leading Italian producers, including historic names like Gaja and Ceretto. The program focuses on wine, producers, local area, and food culture.

Slow Wine 2027: Presentation of the Snails

On October 17, 2026 , at SuperstudioMaxi in Milan, a tasting dedicated to the producers awarded by the Slow Wine 2027 guide will be held. The “Snails” identify wineries considered by the guide to be particularly representative of the organoleptic, territorial and environmental values promoted by Slow Food.

Cinque Terre: Conference on Vines, Landscape, and Biodiversity

On October 20th , the conference “Vine, Landscape, and Functional Biodiversity” will be held at the Cinque Terre Winery in Groppo di Riomaggiore. The meeting will focus on the historical and cultural value of heroic viticulture, ecological dynamics, and strategies for managing and conserving winegrowing territories.

Unusual Marsala 2026

From September 30th to October 4th, Insolito Marsala returns, with five days dedicated to wine, hospitality, culture, and the local area between Marsala, Trapani, Favignana, Paceco, and Erice. The program includes tastings, training sessions, tours, exhibitions, pop-up wine shops, and local experiences.

Grape and Cellar Festival on Giglio Island

From September 24th to 27th, 2026 , Giglio Castello will host the traditional Grape and Cellar Festival. Four days dedicated to local wines, food, music, and exploring the medieval village.

Vo’ Grape Festival

At the Grape Festival in Vo’, the Ragazzi della Porta Accanto group won first prize with their Peter Pan-inspired float “Growing Without Stopping Flying.” The event confirms the connection between popular culture, the grape harvest, and the local area.

Val di Fiemme and Cembra: wine, food, and wine to deseasonalise tourism

The Trentino valleys are focusing on an autumn calendar that combines food and wine, heroic viticulture, trekking, culture, and wellness . The goal is to extend the tourist season beyond the traditional summer and winter periods, showcasing local products and identities.

INTERNATIONAL, INNOVATION AND WINE EXPERIENCE

Coravin: the innovation created to help you drink a glass of wine without opening the bottle.

At Vinòforum 2026, Greg Lambrecht , founder of Coravin, recounted the birth of the system he designed in 1999 for dispensing wine without removing the cork. Born out of a personal need, the project has evolved into a technology used internationally by restaurants, sommeliers, and enthusiasts.

Technology, data, and climate are reshaping the future of wine.

From the Edmund Mach Foundation’s metabolomic atlas to geospatial vineyard maps, viticulture research is increasingly using climate, territorial, and scientific data . Climate change makes this information strategic for guiding varietal choices, vineyard management, and winemaking techniques.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The review of 21 September 2026 highlights four directions that are characterising the wine sector: adaptation to climate change, evolution of consumption styles, growth of wine tourism and greater use of research and technology .

The early Barolo harvest and the experiences of Italian winemakers demonstrate how the climate is significantly impacting production. At the same time, the search for fresher, more balanced, and territorial wines is growing.

On the economic front, the €28.5 million in investments from the OCM Promotion confirms the centrality of international markets, while BolognaFiere’s strengthening of its wine & food presence signals a growing integration between wine, communications, trade fairs, and promotion.

Finally, the attendance recorded at local events and the success of events such as Franciacorta in Cantina confirm that the value of Italian wine is increasingly built through an integrated system of product, territory, hospitality, culture and experience .

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Sunday September 20-2026

with:

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

Good morning,

The main news from the world of wine selected and summarized by QUIDQUID : Italian wineries, the 2026 harvest, viticulture and oenology, international markets, investments and events.

ITALIAN WINERIES

San Donaci: Relaunching the Historic Candido Winery

In San Donaci, in the heart of Salento, the project to recover and relaunch the historic Cantina Candido , founded in 1929 and acquired by the Leo family, owners of Cantine Paolo Leo, is taking shape.

The project includes the recovery of native vines, the restoration of the historic site, the valorization of Negroamaro, Aleatico and Malvasia Nera, the promotion of the territory and the creation of a Wine Museum .

Colli di Luni: A new generation at Giacomelli

In Castelnuovo Magra, in the Colli di Luni area, Tommaso Petacchi continues the journey he began at a young age in the Giacomelli family business. At just 14, he asked his father Roberto for a small plot of land to cultivate on his own.

From that vineyard was born Tàoma , a personal project dedicated to Vermentino and a symbol of a generational change gradually built within the family business.

Suvereto: Ten Years for La Batistina

The La Batistina estate in Suvereto celebrates ten years of activity. Irene Batistini and Margherita Brogi have developed the family farm by renovating the land, the cellar, and the vineyards, and also initiating the conversion to organic farming.

Valtellina: La Trama is founded to reclaim family vineyards.

Three hectares of vineyards between Tresivio and Piateda become the starting point of La Trama , a new business founded by Mauro Beltrama, Laura Arena and Paolo Beltrama.

The project was born with the aim of preventing the abandonment of family vineyards. The first label, Trio – Rosso di Valtellina DOC , was produced in approximately 1,200 bottles.

Wildbacher: the historic grape variety of the Treviso Hills

At the Conte Collalto Winery in Susegana, the long Italian history of Wildbacher continues, a grape variety originally from Styria but present on the Treviso hills since the 18th century.

A centuries-old presence that has favored its adaptation to the soil and climate of the area, transforming it into one of the most unique varieties of the local viticultural heritage.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: Early Harvest in Calabria Due to Heat and Drought

In the Vibo Valentia area, the heat of summer 2026 significantly accelerated grape ripening. At Cantine Lacquaniti, Zibibbo was harvested as early as August , while some red grapes were harvested up to a month earlier than normal.

Added to the climatic difficulties is the pressure from wild fauna, particularly wild boars.

Langhe: harvest brought forward by about ten days

Even in the Langhe, the heat has altered the harvest calendar. According to the Consortium for the Protection of Barolo, Barbaresco, Alba, Langhe and Dogliani, the 2026 harvest will be about ten days earlier than in 2025.

Technical monitoring indicates good ripening of the grapes in terms of sugar, phenolic and acidity.

Viticulture increasingly at higher altitudes

Climate change is pushing part of Italian viticulture toward higher altitudes in search of cooler temperatures, temperature ranges, and more favorable conditions for ripening.

Altitude, however, is not a solution by itself: exposure, water availability, ventilation, soil characteristics and processing costs remain determining factors.

The Italian DOC turns 60

The Controlled Designation of Origin (DOP ), one of the fundamental tools for the protection and territorial identification of Italian wine, celebrates sixty years since its establishment. In Alba, the anniversary is also being commemorated with dedicated tastings.

Cellar Safety: Three People Rescued During a Decanting

In Cinquefrondi, Calabria, three people were rescued after falling ill inside a cellar where must had been decanted.

The episode draws attention to the risks associated with gases produced by fermentation and the need for ventilation, environmental monitoring, and safety procedures during cellar work.

Agriculture: Controls against illegal work

As part of the “Alt caporalato” project, the Territorial Labor Inspectorate of Grosseto and Siena carried out checks on agricultural companies, identifying 13 undeclared workers out of 17 verified positions .

Four companies were suspended and fines totaling approximately €60,000 were imposed for violations of labor, health, and safety regulations.

Bologna: Growing selection of natural wines

Bologna’s wine scene continues to diversify, with wine shops, wine bars, and boutiques dedicating greater space to artisanal wines and niche products.

The phenomenon highlights the evolution of urban consumption and the interest of a portion of the public in less conventional productions.

Tasting: technical quality and personal taste are not the same thing

A technically well-crafted wine doesn’t necessarily have to please everyone. Tasting distinguishes between technical evaluation and personal preference.

A simple but important principle: knowing wine also means developing your own taste without feeling obliged to share the opinion of experts.

Olive growing: over 800 olive trees from 32 countries in Gubbio

The scientific project Domus Olear∑ , promoted by the CNR-IBBR together with the Di Murro Agricultural Company, brings together over 800 olive trees from 32 countries in Gubbio.

The goal is to create an international living collection to study and conserve the genetic heritage of the olive tree.

INTERNATIONAL, MARKETS AND INVESTMENTS

Crédit Agricole acquires stake in Miraval Provence

Crédit Agricole has announced that it is taking a minority stake in Miraval Provence , a company linked to the winemaking and commercial activities of Château Miraval, the Provençal estate associated with Brad Pitt and the Famille Perrin.

According to Vitisphere, the investment would amount to 15 million euros . Brad Pitt would retain a 50% stake in the company.

This transaction represents a further example of institutional investors’ interest in wineries with strong real estate, territorial, and brand value.

China: How the wine market is changing

The Chinese wine market is undergoing a profound transformation in terms of consumption, size, and buyer profile.

An analysis promoted by Unione Italiana Vini , based on IWSR data, aims to identify the opportunities for Italian wine in the so-called “New China.” Despite the decline compared to past expectations, the market continues to be considered strategic from a medium- to long-term perspective.

Champagne: the climate modifies maturation and alcohol content

Higher temperatures are also affecting Champagne. The increased sugar accumulation in the grapes can result in wines with a potentially higher alcohol content.

A temporary exemption from the established limits has been authorized in France for the 2026 harvest, confirming how climate change is impacting even denominations characterized by particularly rigorous specifications.

Campari: Focus on Spritz, Ready-to-Drink, and International Expansion

According to the aforementioned UBS analysis, Campari is focusing on the growth of the Spritz category, the development of ready-to-drink products and geographical expansion.

Management has reportedly indicated organic sales growth of around 3% for 2026, in a still complex international spirits environment.

WINE TOURISM AND WINE-RELATED EVENTS

Prosecco Wine Route: Wine, Territory, and Experiential Tourism

The hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene continue to offer a popular destination for three- or four-day stays centered around wineries, tastings, villages, gastronomy, walks, and scenic heritage.

A model that confirms how wine is increasingly the starting point of a broader tourist experience.

Morbegno in the Cellar 2026

From 25 to 27 September, from 2 to 4 October and from 9 to 11 October , Morbegno hosts a new edition of Morbegno in Cantina .

The program features over 60 labels , tastings, and meetings with producers, AIS sommeliers, and ONAV tasters dedicated to the various expressions of Valtellina viticulture.

Unusual Marsala: five days of wine, food, and hospitality.

Starting September 30 , Marsala, Trapani, and the Egadi Islands will host five days of events dedicated to wine, catering, hospitality, and wine tourism.

The program includes over 40 events , including tastings, masterclasses, exhibitions, temporary wine shops, and gastronomic experiences.

Vino al Vino 2026 in Panzano in Chianti

From 18 to 20 September , Panzano in Chianti hosts the 31st edition of Vino al Vino , organised by the Panzano Winegrowers’ Union.

Over 80 labels from 22 wineries are available for tasting, including Chianti Classico and IGT. The area also has a strong environmental commitment: 95% of the vineyards are certified organic.

San Eusebio Grape Festival

The San Eusebio Grape Festival returns to Villa Angarano, Bassano del Grappa, from September 18 to 20, 2026 .

Three days dedicated to rural culture and the grape harvest, with tastings, traditional cuisine, music, children’s activities, grape pressing, and reenactments.

SELECTED WINE-GROWING OPPORTUNITIES – ETNA

A complete winery in the heart of Etna DOC

On the northern slope of Etna , between Solicchiata and Passopisciaro, an already operational winery of approximately 11 hectares is available for sale, including approximately 3 hectares of vineyards, 3 hectares of olive groves, cellar, buildings, equipment, registered trademark, stocks, authorisations and planting rights .

The vineyard includes approximately 2 hectares of Nerello Mascalese and 1 hectare of Carricante , as well as approximately one hectare of replanting/new planting rights.

Current production is around 14,000 bottles per year , with an indicative capacity of 20,000 bottles and a range of six labels.

A particularly interesting asset for producers, wine groups and investors who wish to enter Etna through an already operational company , with the possibility of further production, commercial and wine tourism development.

Wine-growing countryside with historic wine press from 1890

Also in the Etna area, an agricultural property of approximately 4 hectares is available, of which approximately 3.5 hectares could potentially be used as a vineyard , subject to technical-administrative verification.

A distinctive element is a Sicilian palmento from 1890 of approximately 600 m2 on three levels , to be renovated.

The asset could represent the basis for a new project that integrates viticulture, architectural restoration, a cellar, tastings, and possible rural hospitality , subject to the necessary authorizations.

THE WEEK’S SYNOPSIS

Today’s news shows a wine sector in transformation: the climate is bringing forward harvests and changing the areas best suited to wine production; companies are investing in the recovery of territorial identities; new generations are entering the cellar; wine tourism and hospitality are gaining importance; institutional investors are eyeing winemaking assets, and international markets are demanding increasingly selective strategies .

Wine therefore remains an agricultural product, but increasingly also a territory, a business, a heritage, tourism, a brand and an investment .

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

See you tomorrow.

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