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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.

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

Wine press review for Thursday August 20 -2026

with:

Alongside the challenges, emerging territories, wineries, and initiatives capable of innovating and creating value.

Good morning,

Italian wine is facing a complex but transformative phase: early harvest, climate change, high inventories, new consumption models, growth in wine tourism and the search for new markets .

ITALIAN WINERIES

Cantina Tollo grows by 133 hectares

Cantina Tollo is expanding its production base with 133 new hectares of vineyards , increasing its total from 2,357 to 2,490 hectares . The new vineyards, distributed primarily across Abruzzo, Molise, and Puglia, include native varieties such as Montepulciano, Pecorino, Trebbiano, and Passerina.

The expansion is part of the Vigneto Avanzato project, which aims to guarantee greater economic stability for small winemakers through remuneration based on hectares worked rather than exclusively on quintals produced.

Cantine Monfort: From the Cembra Valley to 26 Countries

From Palù di Giovo, in Trentino, Cantine Monfort has built a commercial presence over eighty years that today reaches 26 countries .

International growth has occurred while maintaining strong ties to the Cembra Valley, local winemakers, and a family history passed down to new generations.

Belisario Winery: Good prospects for Verdicchio di Matelica

The harvest of grapes destined for the Belisario Winery , an important producer of Verdicchio di Matelica, has begun in the Camerte Sinclinale.

Initial indications point to a yield of around 90-95 quintals per hectare and an overall good harvest. The mountainous area’s temperature ranges helped mitigate the effects of the intense summer heat.

Feudo Antico: A winery becomes an open-air archaeological museum.

In Tollo, Abruzzo, Feudo Antico represents a unique blend of wine, land, and archaeology.

During the vineyard replanting works, the remains of a Roman-imperial-era rustic villa were discovered, likely connected to ancient winemaking activities. The archaeological site is now an integral part of the winery’s identity.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Italian wine under pressure from climate, markets, and new consumption patterns.

According to Legacoop Agroalimentare , the Italian wine sector is simultaneously facing climate change, uncertainty in international markets, and a transformation in consumption.

Against this backdrop, the planning of the institutional campaign dedicated to Italian wine is also underway, with the aim of strengthening its image as a quintessential Made in Italy product.

The 2026 harvest: a difficult year to interpret

The Italian grape harvest varies greatly from region to region. In some areas, the harvest is much earlier, while in others, the timing is more traditional or even later.

Oenologists and agronomists therefore emphasize the need to avoid generalized assessments: climate, water availability, altitude, exposure, and characteristics of individual vineyards are producing very different results.

Friuli Venezia Giulia: Early harvest and priority given to water

In the Colli Orientali del Friuli and Ramandolo, the harvest of white grape varieties is already in full swing.

Heat and drought have accelerated ripening, revealing significant differences between irrigated and non-irrigated vineyards. Water management therefore becomes a strategic element for preserving the quality, balance of the grapes, and the identity of the wines.

Pinot Noir already in the cellar: early harvest in the North

The 2026 harvest started early in many northern areas.

The first 200 quintals of Pinot Noir destined for the sparkling wine base have already arrived at the Vicobarone winery in the Piacenza area. Early arrivals are also reported in Franciacorta, Asti, Ferrara, and Canavese.

The positive data is represented, in several areas, by the presence of healthy grapes and abundant bunches .

Sicily: cellars still full before the new production

The harvest has begun, but many Sicilian wineries still have significant quantities of wine from the previous harvest.

As of 31 July 2026, approximately 2.69 million hectolitres of wine were stored on the island, of which over 1.4 million in the province of Trapani alone .

The priority becomes to reduce inventory levels while avoiding excessive pressure on prices while the new production enters the cellars.

Ligurian wines resist market difficulties

The small production scale seems to offer Ligurian wineries greater flexibility than other Italian areas.

Many wineries produce fewer than 100,000 bottles and can thus adapt more quickly to changing demand. Pigato, Vermentino, Rossese, Ormeasco, and Granaccia continue to represent the regional identity, while interest in rosé wines is growing.

Roero: one of the great souls of Piedmontese wine

Roero has gradually gained an independent and recognizable position in the Italian winemaking panorama.

Located on the left bank of the Tanaro River, facing the Langhe, it is characterized by sandy soils, marl, and the spectacular Rocche del Roero. Arneis is its signature white wine, alongside local interpretations of Nebbiolo and Barbera.

Sardinia: Wine quality is growing

Vinodabere’s Guide to the Best Wines of Sardinia 2027 has tasted over 600 samples .

331 wines were selected for review , and 118 received a Standing Ovation , representing 35.6% of the wines reviewed. This result highlights significant qualitative growth, from rosés to whites, with a particular focus on Vermentino.

INTERNATIONAL AND NEW MARKETS

The weather is bringing forward the grape harvest in France too.

Climate change is profoundly altering the European viticultural calendar.

In Italy, many areas have brought forward the harvest, while in France , Champagne and Burgundy are recording exceptionally early harvests.

In Burgundy, Domaine Leflaive began the harvest on August 13th , even anticipating the documented historical precedent of 1556, when the harvest began on August 15th.

Ready to Drink is growing in the United States and Europe

Premixed cocktails continue to gain popularity.

In the United States, Ready-to-Drink represents about 8% of the alcohol market , while in Europe sales could more than double in the next decade.

A change in consumer habits that could create new opportunities for Italian groups like Campari , especially through the world of spritzes.

Italian wine in the USA: delivered to consumers within 24 hours

The Tuscan company Fieramente has developed a logistics model designed to transform Americans’ wine tourism experience into direct sales.

Through a hub in the United States , wines purchased or discovered during a visit to Italy can be distributed directly to American consumers with rapid delivery.

An interesting model for connecting wine tourism, B2C sales and the internationalization of wineries .

Giacomo Bartolommei is the only Italian among the 2026 Rising Stars.

Giacomo Bartolommei , president of the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium, producer and winemaker from Caprili, is the only Italian included by Wine Enthusiast among the 12 international “Rising Stars” of 2026.

The award recognizes a new generation of professionals called upon to address changes in consumption, climate, regulation, and international markets.

EVENTS, WINE TOURISM AND WINE CULTURE

Wine Tourism 2026: Wine increasingly meets the sea

Italian wine tourism is increasingly integrated with seaside holidays.

Among the most desired wine destinations for Italians are Cinque Terre and Salento at 20%, Chianti at 19%, Amalfi Coast and Etna at 18% .

Food and wine tourism would now involve approximately 18 million Italians , 4.5 million more than in 2024.

When choosing a winery , the landscape, experience and value for money are of particular importance.

The Etna Wine Train

On the slopes of Etna, an itinerary combines railway, vineyards, cellars, tastings, and gastronomy.

The Etna Wine Train departs from Linguaglossa and uses the Circumetnea Railway along with a Wine Bus to take visitors to the wineries on the northern slope of the volcano.

A concrete example of how wine, territory, mobility, and experiential tourism can create an integrated offering.

Tuscany: The growing phenomenon of vineyard dinners

From Bolgheri to Montalcino, large tables abound among vineyards, cellars, and historic sites.

The phenomenon has also attracted the attention of the international press and demonstrates how the food and wine experience is becoming an increasingly important part of a winery’s perceived value.

WineHunter Award Collection 2026

The new The WineHunter Award Collection 2026 is online, bringing together the selected excellences in the Wine, Food, Spirits and Beer categories.

After the Rosso and Gold awards, over 300 candidates are aiming for the prestigious Platinum. The winners of The WineHunter Award Platinum will be announced on October 7th in Rome .

Stintino Wine Festival: Wine and Territory Take Center Stage

The Stintino Wine Festival returns on August 21st and 22nd , now in its third edition.

Twelve wineries will participate in the event, along with food producers and artisans. In 2025, the festival attracted approximately 3,000 attendees .

Durazzano: Four days dedicated to Sannio wine

From 20 to 23 August , Durazzano, in the province of Benevento, hosts the tenth edition of Gustarte .

Tastings, workshops, music, and meetings will accompany three “Narrated Tastings,” dedicated to the Sannio-Chianti Rufina comparison, rare grape varieties and monumental vineyards, and the relationship between wine and the history of Campania.

Unusual Marsala 2026: Wine, Hospitality, and Artificial Intelligence

The third edition of Insolito Marsala returns to Marsala from September 30th , five days dedicated to wine, hospitality, innovation, artificial intelligence, and gastronomy.

Among the most original initiatives, temporary wine shops will be hosted in bookstores, jewelry stores, opticians, and design showrooms , experimenting with new ways of bringing wine outside of traditional commercial channels.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The August 20, 2026, review paints a picture of a rapidly changing sector.

The first issue is climate : the early harvest is no longer an isolated phenomenon and affects both Italy and France. Water, agronomic management, and the timing of harvest are becoming increasingly crucial.

The second concerns the market . High inventories, particularly in Sicily, require careful attention to volumes and prices, while small areas like Liguria demonstrate how limited production, a strong identity, and the ability to adapt can become competitive factors.

The third signal comes from the consumer . Wine tourism, vineyard dinners, coastal tourism, international direct sales, and new formats like Ready-to-Drink indicate that wine is increasingly being purchased in conjunction with an experience, a region, or a method of consumption.

Finally, a strategic message emerges: the future of Italian wine will depend not only on how much wine is produced, but on the ability to transform territory, quality, hospitality, distribution, and identity into economic value.

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

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 Wednesday August 19 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

QUIDQUID presents the main news from the world of wine , organized by thematic area and summarized for quick reading, suitable for the web, search engines and Artificial Intelligence systems like ChatGPT.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Alto Adige, 2026 harvest arrives record early

Harvest has already begun in Alto Adige’s earliest vineyards, especially for grapes destined for sparkling wine. According to the Alto Adige Wine Consortium, this is the earliest start ever recorded. A particularly warm spring and summer have accelerated the growing season and ripening.

Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG: technical meetings before the harvest

The Consortium is organizing two pre-harvest meetings on August 20th in Conegliano and August 25th in Valdobbiadene . The meetings will focus on the vintage’s progress, weather anomalies, and technical recommendations for the 2026 harvest.

Sicily: Wineries are increasingly focusing on wine tourism.

The report “Wine Tourism in Sicily in 2026 ,” produced for Assovini Sicilia by Ceseo, highlights the growing value of wine tourism as a commercial lever. Sicily boasts strong international appeal and significant potential for converting visits into purchases and relationships with wineries.

Bolgheri: An Abandoned Quarry Becomes a Meraviglia Winery

Opening in 2025, Cantina Meraviglia was born from the redevelopment of an abandoned quarry in Bolgheri. The project by Alejandro Bulgheroni Family Vineyards integrates winemaking, architecture, sustainability, landscape, and hospitality, creating a new winery experience.

Lvnae: Vermentino and Albarola become Classic Method

The historic Ligurian winery Lvnae enhances the Colli di Luni area through its vineyards spanning approximately 85 hectares. The Cuvée Lvnae Duemilaventi brings Albarola and Vermentino to the world of Classic Method sparkling wines, with a strong territorial identity between Liguria and Tuscany.

Franciacorta: Harvesting at night to escape the heat

In Erbusco, the I Barisèi winery has chosen to begin harvesting at 3 a.m. , using LED lights in the vineyards. This solution protects workers from the high temperatures and allows them to deal with a harvest increasingly affected by the weather.

Six families tell the story of Italian wine

A journey through some of the families who have spanned generations of Italian viticulture, transforming tradition, terroir, and craftsmanship into companies and brands capable of reaching contemporary markets.

Piedmont, the harvest has never been so early

In southern Piedmont, the harvest began about ten days early, starting with the Pinot Noir destined for the Alta Langa and some white varieties. Despite the stress caused by the high temperatures, initial analyses indicate very good grape quality.

Shop: The heat is causing economic damage.

Sandro Bottega, CEO of Bottega Spa, draws attention to the economic effects of climate change and the need for structural interventions. The company emphasizes the investments already made in renewable energy, geothermal energy, and consumption reduction.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: Good Quality, But Inventories Are a Concern

Initial indications regarding the quality of the harvest are positive, but significant quantities of wine remain in cellars. As of July 31, over 23.5 million hectoliters of PDO wine and 10.9 million hectoliters of PGI wine were still in storage. Veneto, Tuscany, Piedmont, and Trentino-Alto Adige are among the regions with the largest PDO stocks.

Harvest 2026: Between social media and vineyard reality

On social media, the harvest often seems like a perfect moment, with bunches of grapes, sunsets, and tastings. The reality, however, is heat, hard work, late-night work, racing against the weather, and hasty decisions about ripening. In 2026, the significantly early harvest makes this gap even more evident.

Legacoop Agroalimentare: Wine is part of Italian culture

President Cristian Maretti emphasizes the cultural and economic value of Italian wine, but stresses the need for policies capable of addressing climate change, low yields in hilly areas, and the need for new irrigation infrastructure.

Italian wine: the debate on managing production potential reopens.

Discussions on the sector’s situation have returned to focusing on yields, stocks, and the potential reduction in vineyard acreage. The Italian debate is being compared to the French uprooting strategy, while the need to rebalance production and demand grows.

Wine Tourism 2026: Italians increasingly seek wine and seafood

Cinque Terre and Salento are among the most popular wine tourism destinations among Italians, both at 20%, ahead of Chianti at 19% and the Amalfi Coast and Etna at 18%. The report highlights a growing attraction towards areas capable of combining wine, landscape, and sea.

INTERNATIONAL

US: Wine imports down 25.2% in the first half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, the United States imported wine worth approximately €2.4 billion , a decrease of 25.2% in value and 16.8% in volume compared to the same period in 2025. Bottled wine remains the main category, while sparkling wines recorded a 19.8% drop in value.

US market still negative, but June shows signs of stabilization

SipSource data indicates the American market is still below 2025 levels, but the decline is gradually slowing. In June, wine recorded a 4.6% decline in value , while retail and restaurants suggest a gradual stabilization in the second half of the year.

France: Crisis also for barrel makers

The 67 member companies of the Fédération des Tonneliers de France reported an 11.7% drop in turnover, to €471 million, and a 14% decrease in volume. The slowdown in the wine market and a growing preference for styles less tied to oak aging are weighing heavily.

Portugal: The Alentejo forests are home to world-class cork.

Amorim Cork directly manages approximately 8,000 hectares of cork oak trees. Each tree requires long production cycles and can be debarked every nine years. The group, founded in 1870, now operates in over 100 countries with more than 25,000 customers.

Switzerland: Casa del Vino partners with FC Lugano

Casa del Vino SA has become a Classic Partner of FC Lugano for the 2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29 seasons. The partnership will include hospitality, commercial development, and initiatives for guests of the AIL Arena.

EVENTS, TASTINGS AND WINE CULTURE

Wine Nights in Conegliano

On August 21st and 22nd , Conegliano Castle will host 25 wineries featuring wines from Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, Piave DOCG, and other appellations. The program includes guided tastings, traditional products, street food, music, and a selection of Vulture wines.

Open Cellars during Harvest returns to Tuscany

From August 24th to October 25th, Movimento Turismo del Vino Toscana offers winery experiences during the harvest. The goal is to bring the public closer to the work in the vineyards and the grape transformation, highlighting culture, local area, and hospitality.

Open Cellars also in the Arezzo area

Wineries in the province of Arezzo are participating in Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia, offering visitors the opportunity to experience vineyards, producers, wineries, and one of the most important events of the winemaking year.

Cerveteri: Over 60 businesses at Piazza del Vino e dei Sapori (Wine and Flavors Square)

From August 27th to 30th, Cerveteri hosts four evenings dedicated to wine and food. Over 60 Italian producers and international representatives will be present, with a special focus on wineries from Lazio and the Ceriti Hills.

The WineHunter Award 2026: 1,506 wines earn Gold

Of over 7,000 wines tasted , 2,662 earned the WineHunter Award Red and 1,506 the Gold . There are also 213 wines nominated for Platinum. The winners of the highest recognition will be announced on October 7th in Rome .

Bubbles of the World: Summer Toasts

The August selection spans Italy, Croatia, and France with Metodo Classico, Metodo Martinotti, Champagne, Crémant, and ancestral wines, showcasing the international diversity of the world of sparkling wines.

Lower Lazio: Wine, Abbeys, and Territory

The 2026 edition of Vini d’Abbazia, held at Fossanova Abbey, brought together approximately 30 exhibitors, including consortia, producers, abbeys, and monasteries. The focus was on the quality of the products, the history, and the promotion of the area’s wine tourism.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The August 19, 2026, review highlights four themes that are becoming central to the future of wine:

Climate and early harvest – Alto Adige, Franciacorta, and Piedmont confirm that climate change is altering harvest times and methods.

Production and Inventory – The quality of the grapes appears promising, but the large quantities still in the cellars require greater attention to balancing production and demand.

International markets – The United States remains challenging, although the first signs of a slowdown in the negative phase are emerging.

Wine tourism and experience – Sea, landscape, architecture, harvest, and hospitality are becoming increasingly important components of a winery’s economic and commercial value.

Italian wine therefore enters the 2026 harvest with good qualitative prospects but with a market that requires production balance, commercial capacity, climate adaptation and greater valorization of the experience linked to the territories .

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

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 Tuesday August 18 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and today’s wine news.

Good morning,

A concise overview of Italian wineries, Italian wine, viticulture and oenology, international markets, and events , designed to offer a quick overview of the issues affecting the entire winemaking industry.

ITALIAN CELLARS

Cantine Ermes grows in Lazio with Gotto d’Oro

Cantine Ermes continues its multi-regional growth project through a multi-year partnership with Gotto d’Oro , a historic cooperative in the Castelli Romani area.

With Lazio, the number of regions involved in the development of the Sicilian cooperative rises to eight, which today brings together over 3,000 winemakers .

Gotto d’Oro will continue to manage production activities, from grape processing to bottling, while Cantine Ermes will support the cooperative in managing relationships with its members, acquiring the trademark license, and contributing to commercial development and market positioning.

Bersano and the 2019 Barolo Cannubi

Bersano presents the Barolo Cannubi 2019 , a wine characterized by small red fruits, violets, balsamic and smoky nuances, freshness and tannic structure.

The company has approximately 230 hectares of vineyards spread across 11 farms and produces almost 2 million bottles , with a portfolio that includes Barolo, Barbaresco, Nizza, Gavi, Roero Arneis, Metodo Classico and other Piedmontese denominations.

Gulfi tells the story of Etna through the Reseca 2022

Gulfi continues its journey based on organic farming, manual harvesting, bush vines, and a strong connection to the Sicilian territory.

From the vineyards of the Pino district, in the Randazzo area, comes Etna Rosso Reseca 2022 , an expression of Nerello Mascalese characterized by notes of black cherry, rose, undergrowth, spices and balsamic sensations.

Il Borro brings Sangiovese to the Classic Method

Tenuta Il Borro presents a new vintage of organic Chiaro di Bolle Metodo Classico Blanc de Noirs , produced exclusively from Sangiovese vinified as white.

The project offers an original interpretation of one of Tuscany’s iconic grape varieties, combining terroir, winemaking research, and innovation.

Puglia: not just Primitivo

Terre di Maria , a company founded in 2018 on the Pasquariello family’s land, offers a Puglia winemaking style that also looks to the Classic Method , combining regional tradition with new production methods.

The project combines viticulture, olive growing, innovation, and a strong family component.

Carlin de Paolo: Wine, Youth, and Socializing

In San Damiano d’Asti, in the Terre Alfieri area, Carlin de Paolo aims to engage younger generations with a winery model that combines the production of Barbera d’Asti, Nebbiolo, Arneis, Moscato, and Cisterna d’Asti with experiences featuring tastings, music, DJ sets, and mixology.

An example of how the cellar can also be transformed into a place for meeting, culture and socialising .

ITALIAN WINE

2026 harvest: good quality, but inventory issues remain

The 2026 Italian harvest has started early in several areas, especially for early varieties and sparkling wine bases.

The first qualitative indications are generally positive, despite some damage caused by hail and the difficulties caused by high temperatures.

The real issue, however, remains the wine already present in the cellars.

As of July 31, 2026, there were over 23.5 million hectoliters of PDO wines and over 10.9 million hectoliters of PGI wines in stock. The regions most affected include Veneto, Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily, Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy, and Abruzzo.

Considering all categories, the national figure reaches 42.6 million hectolitres of wine , with an increase of 6.9% compared to 31 July 2025 .

The question, therefore, is not only how much to produce in 2026, but above all how to realign production, demand, prices and companies’ commercial capacity .

Piedmont: Early harvest and pressure on inventories

In Piedmont, the heat brought forward the harvest, while stocks continue to represent a critical issue.

The collected material also highlights the Barolo and Barbaresco Consortium’s invitation to its members to reduce production by 10% , while the companies seek to defend their quality, value, and presence on domestic and foreign markets.

Moscato d’Asti: appeal to bring forward the harvest

High temperatures and drought are accelerating ripening in the Asti area.

The Association of Moscato Municipalities warns of the risk of grapes losing weight and quality while some winemaking facilities are not yet operational, thus calling for an early harvest.

Valpolicella Ripasso: the red wine that balances freshness and structure.

Valpolicella Ripasso continues to represent a particularly interesting typology for those seeking more body than traditional Valpolicella without reaching the structure of Amarone.

The contact of the base wine with the Amarone or Recioto pomace increases color, aromas, structure and roundness.

Red wines can also be served chilled

The way we consume red wine during the summer is also changing.

Reds characterized by good acidity, moderate tannins and moderate alcohol content can be served chilled, approximately between 10 and 15 °C , opening up new opportunities for consumption during the warm season.

Wine markups in restaurants: the debate returns

A bottle purchased from the restaurant for 15 euros can go up to 60 euros on the menu.

The debate over markups continues, but restaurants are reminded that behind the final price lie costs that are often invisible to consumers: specialized staff, sommeliers, training, financial immobilization of bottles, storage, and cellar space.

Wine and health: the scientific debate continues

An analysis presented in 2026 to the American College of Cardiology, based on over 340,000 adults from the UK Biobank , reports observational differences between types and patterns of alcoholic beverage consumption.

The review material reports an association with lower cardiovascular mortality among moderate wine consumers compared to abstainers or occasional consumers.

However, these are observational associations , which do not demonstrate that drinking wine produces a health benefit and should not be interpreted as an invitation to consume.

ITALIAN VITICULTURE AND ENOLOGY

Phytosanitary zoning: increasingly precise vineyard management

Dividing the vineyard into zones with different levels of susceptibility to pests can improve the organization of defense interventions.

Phytosanitary zoning allows for more precise intervention in vineyard management, optimizing logistics, timing, and treatments.

Climate change and early harvests

The heat is increasingly changing the Italian grape harvest calendar.

In 2026, many areas brought forward their harvests, especially for sparkling wine bases and early varieties, while maintaining generally positive quality prospects.

For producers and winemakers, it is therefore becoming increasingly important to identify the correct time for harvesting to preserve the acidity, aromatic balance and quality of the grapes .

INTERNATIONAL MARKET AND SCENARIO

The “invisible” market of large European vineyards

There is an international market for premium wineries and vineyards that rarely passes through normal real estate channels.

The most prestigious properties are often sold through private relationships and discreet transactions.

Value does not only depend on hectares, buildings and vineyards, but also on intangible elements such as denomination, reputation, history, terroir, brand and production possibilities .

A dynamic evident in Champagne and Burgundy, but increasingly present also in the most prestigious Italian territories, such as Langhe and Montalcino .

Burgundy: Terroir, Classifications, and the Role of Man

The cultural debate continues on the Burgundy model and its complex hierarchy of crus and climats.

The reflection mainly concerns the relationship between terroir, the history of the denominations, the value of individual parcels and the concrete role of the winemaker and the winemaker in determining the final identity of the wine.

Egypt: Opportunities for Italian Agriculture

Egyptian Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk has identified Egypt as a potential hub for Italian agricultural companies interested in the African market.

Topics discussed include investments, food security, new technologies, aquaculture, high-yield seeds, and logistics links between the Mediterranean and Europe.

Wine meets gaming

PairPlays , an online video game dedicated to wine and food pairing, is born in the United States.

The goal is to introduce new generations, especially those with younger generations, to the culture of wine through gaming, digital experiences, promotions, and interactive engagement.

A small sign of how wine communication is also seeking new languages to communicate with young people .

WINE TOURISM AND TERRITORIES

Cilento is growing as a wine destination

Cilento is consolidating its position among Campania’s emerging wine-growing areas.

Aglianico, Fiano, and Greco complement an offering that integrates wine, organic farming, landscape, and winery tours, contributing to the development of local wine tourism.

Monte Isola joins the Wine Cities

The Municipality of Monte Isola , on Lake Iseo, joins the network of the National Association of Wine Cities.

The membership aims to promote the territory, local produce, food and wine tourism, sustainability, and landscape protection.

The Al Bano Carrisi Estates: Wine and Hospitality in Salento

The Al Bano Carrisi Estates in Cellino San Marco represent an example of integration between winery, catering, hospitality, tastings, territory and awareness of the personal brand .

A formula that shows how wine can become part of a much broader tourist experience.

WINE EVENTS

The Nights of Wine are approaching their grand finale.

Positive results for Le Notti del Vino in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

After the sold out of Sgonico on August 18th, the program continues with:

August 28: San Dorligo della Valle;
August 29: Saint Quirinus;
September 4: Chiopris-Viscone.

The initiative, born in Friuli Venezia Giulia in 2024, subsequently assumed a national dimension.

Friuli Doc 2026

From 10 to 13 September Udine will host Friuli Doc.

Piazza Matteotti will be dedicated to tastings organized by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Friuli Colli Orientali e Ramandolo and the AIS.

Among the new features of the 32nd edition is the First Friulian Bitter Fair , further expanding the dialogue between wine, local products and gastronomic culture.

DiVino Etrusco 2026 in Tarquinia

From 20 to 23 August and from 27 to 29 August , Tarquinia hosts the twentieth edition of DiVino Etrusco .

Wineries and wines from cities linked to the ancient Etruscan Dodecapolis will be featured alongside guest wineries from Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia.

An event that unites wine, history, culture, and the Mediterranean.

Wine, cheeses and mountain territories

A tasting brings together four great mountain cheeses— Maccagno Biellese, Bettelmatt, Castelmagno DOP d’Alpeggio, and Gorgonzola DOP piccante Riserva —with Franciacorta wines from Corte Fusia.

A journey dedicated to the dialogue between territories, ageing techniques, and food and wine pairings.

Padova 2027: Wine, Language, Literature, and Territory

The University of Padua announces the VI International Conference on Language, Literature, Wine and Territory , scheduled for 9 to 11 June 2027 .

The conference will analyze wine not only as an agricultural product, but as

QUIDQUID – Wine Press Review

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

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