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Wine press review for Monday March 9 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and wine news.

Italian Wineries

Lambrusco rosé: the history of the Santa Croce winery

Founded in 1907 in Carpi (Modena), the Santa Croce winery represents one of the historic models of Emilian winemaking cooperation. Today, it boasts over 250 contributing families and approximately 750 hectares of vineyards , continuing to enhance the territory with distinctive products such as Lambrusco Spumante rosé .

Ruffino debuts with the Bolgheri Superiore Garzaia 2023

The historic Ruffino winery begins a new chapter with Garzaia Bolgheri Superiore DOC 2023 , the first Bolgheri produced exclusively from estate-owned vineyards. The wine was presented on the Tuscan coast with a tasting lunch at La Pineta restaurant in Marina di Bibbona , a symbol of the local gastronomic tradition.

Le Manzane relaunches native vines

The Treviso-based winery Le Manzane will present three new wines at Vinitaly 2026 :

  • Pure Bianchetta
  • Merlot in two interpretations

A project that combines territorial identity and sustainability, keeping the Conegliano Valdobbiadene sparkling wine tradition at its core.

Agraria Riva del Garda invests 7.5 million

The Trentino cooperative is continuing a major development plan through 2028. Among the projects:

  • expansion of the cellar
  • emotional tunnel for wine tourism
  • new storage spaces

The goal is to support the growth of Trento DOC and strengthen the winery tourism experience.

New winery for the Cellatica-Gussago cooperative

The historic Brescia cooperative, founded in 1952, has begun construction of a new production facility focusing on Franciacorta sparkling wines , maintaining the cooperative model based on small winemakers.

Oltrepò lands: registrations below expectations

The relaunch project of the Terre d’Oltrepò winery with Collis Veneto Wine Group has so far collected 70-80 thousand quintals of grapes , with the goal of reaching 100 thousand to support the industrial plan.

Italian Wine and Italian Oenology

Italian wine exports: USA slows

The US market closed 2025 with a 12% contraction in value , stopping at around 5.5 billion euros . For Italian PDO wines:

  • -2.6% in volume
  • -6.2% in value

Some segments remain:

  • Tuscan whites (39%)
  • Sicilian whites (12%)
  • Prosecco (1.3% volume)

Wine Consortia: New Communication Strategy

Italian appellations are rethinking their communication methods. Consortia such as Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Prosecco DOC, Soave, and Lugana are developing new targets, digital channels, and local marketing strategies.

Collio and Colli Orientali united for the promotion

Historic agreement between the Consortia of Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli , which have formed a temporary business association (ATI) to jointly promote one of the most important areas in the world for white wines.

Wine tourism: up to 60% of profits for some wineries

According to Roberta Garibaldi’s report:

  • For 20% of wineries, wine tourism generates up to 60% of profits
  • for about half the contribution reaches 30%

The global wine tourism market is worth $46.5 billion , with an expected growth of 12.9% annually .

Barolo: vineyards over $2 million per hectare

Barolo MGAs continue to achieve record values: recently, one hectare of vineyard was sold for around $2 million , among the highest prices in the world for vineyard land.

New generations and female leadership

25.8% of Italian agricultural companies are led by women , while 44.6% have women in decision-making roles. This is a significant sign of cultural transformation for the sector.

From the Toga to the Vineyard: The Story of Teresa Mincione

A new generation of winemakers is emerging. Former lawyer Teresa Mincione left her legal career to found a winery in Campania, producing Casavecchia , a native grape variety that’s a symbol of the region.

Ready-to-drink and dealcoholized wines are growing

According to Circana, the beverage market is evolving towards:

  • ready-to-drink
  • no/low alcohol products
  • premiumization

Traditional wine remains strong, but will need to update its language and marketing.

Sustainable agriculture as a territorial response

In areas like Brindisi , sustainable and organic agriculture is emerging as a possible alternative to the industrial crisis in the energy and petrochemical sectors.

International

Yoichi, the “Burgundy of Japan”

On the island of Hokkaido, the Yoichi region is emerging as one of the world’s new hubs for Pinot Noir. Thanks to its cool climate and the international vision of local institutions, the area is now being dubbed the “Burgundy of the East.”

Vernaccia di San Gimignano wins lawsuit in Argentina

The Consortium has obtained the cancellation of the “San Gimignano” trademark registered by an Argentine winery, strengthening the international protection of the PDO Vernaccia di San Gimignano .

Wine Events

ProWein Düsseldorf 2026

One of the world’s most important wine fairs returns from March 15th to 17th . Key numbers:

  • 561 Italian exhibitors
  • 645 Germans
  • over 3,000 total exhibitors

Germany remains the second largest market for Italian wine , with exports close to 1 billion euros .

Side events:

  • Tre Bicchieri World Tour – March 14
  • Falstaff Big Bottle Party

The Night of the Châteaux – Rome

On March 30th, one of the most important Italian events dedicated to the great wines of Bordeaux will be held in the capital, with around 30 iconic châteaux including:

  • Lafite Rothschild
  • Latour
  • Mouton Rothschild
  • Cos d’Estournel

Vineyard Visionaries – Caserta

Event dedicated to the role of women in Campania wine with the producers of Asprinio di Aversa, Falerno del Massico and wines from Caserta , promoted by the Le Donne del Vino association.

Presentation of the book “Stories of Wine”

On March 14th, the Treccani book on Italian viticultural biodiversity will be presented at Bersi Serlini Franciacorta .

Agricultural Policies and Financing

Piedmont: Grants up to €400,000

The Piedmont Region provides non-repayable grants of up to €400,000 to businesses investing in:

  • processing of agricultural products
  • technological innovation
  • energy and water saving

Deadline: March 16, 2026 .

Lombardy: €2 million CMO tender

New regional call for investments in the wine sector 2026-2027 aimed at the modernization of Lombardy wineries .

Digital wine tourism

Ascovilo launches a digital platform to promote Lombardy territories and wineries by integrating them into the national DOP economy .

The overall picture that emerges is interesting: Italian wine is in a strategic transition phase. Global consumption is slowing, the United States is showing signs of weakness, but at the same time , wine tourism, premiumization, and new European markets are growing.

In the language of corporate strategy – what entrepreneurs understand immediately – this means something very concrete: value is no longer generated only in the vineyard or in the bottle, but in the ecosystem that a winery builds around the wine .

Territory, hospitality, storytelling, visitor data, international brand.

Wine remains liquid, but the business around it is increasingly… multidimensional.

Wine press review for Saturday March 7 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and wine news.

Italian Wineries

Caiarossa among Forbes’ “100 Iconic Wineries” for the second consecutive year

For the second consecutive year, the Tuscan winery Caiarossa has been included in Forbes Italia’s “100 Iconic Wineries,” a recognition that recognizes companies that are iconic in Italian winemaking for their quality, sustainability, and international reputation. The award was presented in Milan at the Hotel Principe di Savoia to Technical Director Francesco Villa, who emphasized the importance of vineyard work and the winery’s biodynamic philosophy.

Cantina Campana: Four brothers revive the Cirò tradition

In Cirò Marina, a family story of a new winemaking entrepreneurship is taking shape. Four brothers—two engineers and two lawyers—are continuing the family project founded by their father Ferdinando, developing a winery dedicated to the area’s iconic grape, Gaglioppo , with a total of nine hectares of estate-owned vineyards and local suppliers.

Fontanavecchia and the Falanghina Experiment

The Rillo family, in Torrecuso nel Sannio, continues its experimentation with Falanghina, using late-harvest grapes from three distinct areas of Taburno. The winemaking project, led by winemaker Emiliano Falsini, aims to enhance the unique characteristics of the area and explore new expressions of the grape variety.

Fontanafredda and the Barolo of “Tenacity”

Fontanafredda, founded in 1858 in Serralunga d’Alba and now a leading Barolo producer with over 120 hectares of vineyards, continues its journey of sustainable innovation. The presentation of the 2022 vintage reaffirmed the company’s strategy, based on organic viticulture, the promotion of crus, and a strong territorial identity.

Andreola and the enhancement of the Valdobbiadene “Rive”

The Andreola winery promotes the culture of Valdobbiadene DOCG through a tasting dedicated to the “Rive,” the crus of the UNESCO World Heritage hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene. The goal is to strengthen the quality positioning of the appellation, distinguishing it from the more generic concept of Prosecco.

Italian Wine and Oenology

Drought and agriculture in Trentino: over 60% of farms affected

According to ISTAT data, more than half of Trentino’s farms have suffered damage related to the climate crisis. Despite the challenges, the region is among the most advanced in Italy in adopting smart irrigation systems, developed in part thanks to collaboration with research institutes such as the Mach Foundation.

Monferrato: Wine as an Economic Infrastructure

The Vini d’Acqui, Barbera d’Asti, and Asti Spumante consortia have presented a three-year plan to revitalize the Monferrato winemaking ecosystem. The goal is to overcome the fragmentation of appellations and develop an integrated territorial strategy to strengthen wine’s role as an economic and cultural driver.

Roero DOCG: stable sales in an uncertain global context

Massimo Damonte, president of the Roero Consortium, emphasizes that 2026 opens with substantially stable sales despite international economic tensions. This stable data represents a positive sign in a global market characterized by caution and volatility.

Wine and female credibility in the sector

The testimonies of Viviana Malafarina (Basilisco) and Giulia Monteleone (Etna) bring the issue of equality in the wine world back to the forefront. Both highlight how women are still often forced to demonstrate greater competence and authority than their male colleagues.

The wine crisis according to Farinetti

Oscar Farinetti identifies three factors underlying the consumer crisis: excessive prices, difficulty in opening new markets, and loss of contact with consumers. His proposed solution is pragmatic: more accessible prices and strong exploration of new international markets.

La Guardiense: The Future of Wine Relies on New Models

The La Guardiense cooperative analyzes the transformations in the wine market: declining consumption, increased consumer selectivity, and the need for simpler and more inclusive communication. The future lies in market diversification, direct consumer relationships, and the integration of wine, hospitality, and restaurants.

Collio and Eastern Hills: Strategic Pact for UNESCO Candidacy

The alliance between the Collio Consortium and the Friuli Colli Orientali and Ramandolo Consortium aims to relaunch the UNESCO candidacy of the Collio/Brda/Cuei cross-border area by strengthening promotion and joint strategies.

Wine Communication: Consortia Change Strategy

From South Tyrol to Sicily, Italian consortia are rethinking communications and marketing. New targets, digital channels, international events, and local storytelling are becoming key tools for competing in global markets.

Wine fraud: 2.5 million liters of counterfeit wine seized

The “Vinum Mentitum” operation by the Guardia di Finanza and the ICQRF led to the seizure of 2.5 million litres of wine falsely labelled as DOP and IGP , confirming the importance of controls in protecting the Italian wine supply chain.

Scientific research: the DNA of the Pinot Noir grape

Studies on biomimicry and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) show how plants develop sophisticated strategies to adapt to environmental stress. Research on the Pinot Noir berry offers new insights into improving grape resistance and quality.

Circular economy: how to reuse leftover wine

In the context of domestic and culinary sustainability, various solutions for reusing leftover wine are emerging: from cooking to preservation, to creative applications related to the circular economy.

International

The United Kingdom remains a key market for Italian wine

Despite the decline in imports in 2025 (-4.2% in value and -2.4% in volume), the United Kingdom remains the third most important foreign market for Italian wine , with approximately 770 million euros in purchases in the first eleven months of the year.

Wine Events

“Wines Experience” debuts in London

On April 26 and 27, over 200 Italian wineries will be present at ExCeL London for the first edition of “Wines Experience,” organized by Fiere Italiane Sea with BolognaFiere. The format will continue in 2026 with stops in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Mexico City , confirming the initiative’s international scope.

Etna Districts 2026

The major event dedicated to Etna wines will return to Randazzo on April 19 and 20, 2026 , with over 70 wineries already registered. The event represents one of the main opportunities for producers, operators, and the international press to meet and discuss the volcano’s winemaking phenomenon.

Wine Paestum Fest Business: Wine Tourism as a Strategic Lever

During the Wine Paestum Fest Business, the growing role of wine tourism as a competitive factor for wine regions clearly emerged. It’s not enough to produce quality wine: it’s necessary to transform a winery visit into a complete cultural and regional experience.

Opportunities and Innovation in the Sector

Winery with industrial cellar – Calabria

In the heart of Calabria’s wine-growing region, between the Lamezia DOC and Calabria IGT appellations, a 60-hectare agricultural estate is available, with 25 hectares of vineyards and an industrial cellar of over 6,500 square meters with a capacity of up to 2 million bottles annually . The property is already present on several international markets.

Organic Winery – Colli Orientali del Friuli

Prestigious 80-hectare organic and biodynamic estate, with 18 hectares of terraced vineyards , a 1,200-hl winery, and accommodations with strong wine tourism potential. Situated on Eocene Ponca soils, among the most suitable in Europe for high-quality white wines.

Advanced vending machine for wine and drinks

The REVOLUTION 20 2.0 Special system introduces a new 24-hour direct sales model: a technological container with an automatic warehouse that allows for flow control, stock management and digital collections for wineries, mineral water sources and tourist hubs.

FORBUS – Business Generator for Wineries

FORBUS is the network of professionals created by QUIDQUID Srls to support wineries in strategic transactions: acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures, industrial investments, and market repositioning. The goal is not to offer theoretical advice but to guide the company through to operational results.

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

See you tomorrow with new news from the world of wine.

Wine press review for Friday March 6 -2026

with:

Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and wine news.

Italian Wineries

Bottega grows despite tariffs and market uncertainty

The Veneto-based winery and distillery Bottega SpA closed 2025 with a turnover of 98 million euros (3%) , confirming the solidity of the brand despite international turbulence. With over 80% of production destined for export and a presence in 165 countries , the company strengthens its global positioning, with key markets such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Scandinavia.

The Milan presentation also saw the launch of Alexander Whisky , the company’s first 100% Italian whisky, aged in Amarone, Brunello, and Chianti barrels. Among the new releases is Bottega Stardust Gold 2021 , a collectible Prosecco DOC Extra Brut worth €250 a bottle .

Vinicola Cherchi: Identity and Native Grape Varieties for Sardinia’s Future

In the Sardinian wine scene, the role of wineries that focus on terroir, authenticity, and native grape varieties is growing. The historic Vinicola Cherchi in Usini (Sassari) represents one of the most consistent examples of this strategy, with a project that values biodiversity and sustainability.

The new communication approach also aims to simplify the language of wine , bringing new generations and less expert consumers closer together.

Aglianico lands: Sannio, a land of quality and territorial identity

The Terre d’Aglianico winery, led by Libero Rillo at the foot of Mount Taburno, strengthens its international reputation thanks to the gold medal obtained at the Città del Vino International Wine Competition with the EBE 2024 Falanghina del Sannio Taburno DOC wine.

The recognition confirms the growing role of Sannio as a wine tourism and cultural destination .

Astroni Winery awarded for inclusive wine tourism

Hospitality manager Cristina Varchetta of Cantine Astroni (Campi Flegrei) received the award in the “Inclusive” category at the national Best Wine Hospitality Manager 2026 competition.

The award recognizes a wine tourism model capable of engaging diverse audiences: wine lovers, families, children, and even non-wine drinkers.

Ancient Migliaccio Cellars: History and Wine Between Naples and Ponza

The history of the Migliaccio winery dates back to 1734 , when Charles of Bourbon encouraged the repopulation of the Pontine Islands. Since then, the Migliaccio family has been linked to viticulture on the island of Ponza , producing wines such as Fieno Bianco Lazio IGT 2024 , an expression of a unique Mediterranean terroir.

Italian Wine and Oenology

Slow Wine 2026: Sardinia between tradition and new energy

The Slow Wine guide confirms the vitality of Sardinian viticulture. Fifty-one wineries are included , five of which have been awarded the Chiocciola , a recognition given to the companies that best interpret Slow Food values.

Among the most dynamic areas, the following stand out:

  • Mamoiada
  • Mandrolisai
  • Carignano
  • Winemakers of North West Sardinia

At the same time, the rediscovery of historic vines such as Arvisionadu, Nuragus and Malvasia is growing.

Chianti Classico: Growth Led by Riserva and Gran Selezione

Chianti Classico continues to strengthen its qualitative positioning thanks to the Riserva and Gran Selezione categories, which represent the premium range of the denomination.

The area is also considering becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site , which could further strengthen the international value of the denomination.

Chianti and Morellino di Scansano: more elegant and drinkable wines

From the previews of Chianti Lovers & Rosso Morellino a new stylistic direction emerges:

  • less concentration
  • greater drinkability
  • reduction of wood influence

Chianti production in 2025 stood at 620,000 hectolitres , below the initial forecast of 750,000.

Major anti-fraud operation in Italian wine

The “Vinum Mentitum” operation, conducted by the Guardia di Finanza and Icqrf, led to the seizure of 2.5 million litres of falsely certified DOP and IGP wine , for a value of more than 4 million euros .

The investigations involved wineries in various Italian regions including:

  • Piedmont
  • Lombardy
  • Abruzzo
  • Lazio
  • Campania
  • Puglia

An important signal in the defense of denominations.

International

Russia: Italy still the world’s leading wine exporter

In 2025, Italy will confirm its position as Russia’s leading wine supplier , with exports worth 234.5 million dollars , despite a 16% drop compared to 2024 .

The following are:

  • Georgia: $170.7 million
  • Latvia: $120.7 million

The decline reflects the general decline in Russian imports (-11%).

China declines for Italian wine

According to Nomisma Wine Monitor , exports to China have fallen by around 15% in a year , confirming the difficulty of the Asian market.

At the same time, Italian companies are looking for new alternative markets , especially in:

  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • United Kingdom
  • Swiss
  • Brazil

France: National plan to reduce wine production

The French government has announced a strategic plan that will lead to a reduction in production of 5–6 million hectoliters by 2035 , with the elimination of around 100,000 hectares of vineyards .

The measure stems from the decline in domestic consumption and difficulties in exports.

This reflection also concerns Italy, where stocks have exceeded 61 million hectoliters according to Cantina Italia data.

Wine Events

Valdobbiadene: The Ancient Fair of San Gregorio returns

From 7 to 9 March 2026, Valdobbiadene will host one of the most historic agricultural events in the area.

The event will involve:

  • over 300 exhibitors
  • tens of thousands of visitors
  • events dedicated to young farmers and rural crafts

Oltrepò Pavese: “Pinot Noir, Women, and Flavors” tasting

On March 7th , a tasting dedicated to Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir will be held at the Táia Winery in Montecalvo Versiggia .

The sensory journey includes four interpretations of the grape variety:

  • Classic Method vintage
  • Pinot Noir Rosé
  • Blend Barbera–Pinot Noir
  • Pinot Noir Reserve

X-Bacco: Natural Wine in Community Centers

The X-Bacco vol.3 – Natural and Artisanal Wine Festival event brought attention back to the culture of “grassroots” wine, linked to the tradition of Critical Wine and the figure of Luigi Veronelli.

A cultural phenomenon that unites agricultural production, social activism, and new wine communities.

Wine Tourism

Winedering and the new tourism among vineyards

Wine tourism continues to grow thanks to platforms like Winedering , which allow you to book online:

  • cellar visits
  • tastings
  • wine tour
  • gastronomic experiences

Wine is increasingly becoming a reason for travel , not just a product to be consumed.

Strategic Insight of the Day

Looking at all this news together, a very interesting dynamic emerges.

Wine today moves on three simultaneous axes :

  1. more unstable global market (tariffs, falling consumption, China in decline)
  2. increasingly central territory (native vines, wine tourism, local identity)
  3. new business models (experiences, hospitality, digital booking)

In other words: the value is no longer just in the bottle. It’s in the system that surrounds it .

Those who govern territory, hospitality, branding, and distribution will continue to grow even in challenging market times.

This is exactly the kind of dynamic that makes structured wine estates and iconic territories increasingly sought-after strategic assets.

Today’s wine press review was provided by WINEIDEA.IT

See you tomorrow for the latest news from the world of wine.

Wine: With tariffs, war, and logistics in decline, is Italian wine at risk of default?

with:

“The recently published Nomisma Wine Monitor analysis shows how, understandably, given everything that has happened and is happening in the world, the global wine market in 2025 has shown strong signs of slowing, with a drop of almost 12% in value and a market that has stabilized around 5.5 billion euros,” comments Diego Cusumano, one of the most recognized winemakers in Italy and abroad, and owner of the eponymous company with his brother Alberto.

Producers: “If exports don’t go well, there’s a risk of huge production surpluses.”

According to the report, the United States is at the center of this decline due to tariffs, with a 2.6% decrease in volume and 6.2% in value compared to the previous year. But even looking east, the situation isn’t improving, with China seeing a decline in value of Italian wine by over 15%, and Japan reducing purchases by 2.2% in volume and 1.7% in value. In Europe, the United Kingdom, Italy’s second-largest market, saw total imports decline by approximately 6% in both volume and value, and Switzerland also saw Italian exports decline by approximately 6% in value. Brazil, on the other hand, saw exports grow by 3.5% in volume and 1.9% in value, as did South Korea, where imports grew by 5.3%.

“This new war, which is spreading throughout the Middle East and beyond, represents a further aggravating factor not only for wine exports but for Made in Italy in general ,” explains winemaker Cusumano . ” If tariffs and price increases have caused a significant slowdown, now the threat is the interruption of supply chains, specifically in terms of logistics and transportation. International corridors, due to the war, are significantly narrowing, with the availability of operating carriers dramatically reduced to the real, even minimal, need, which will translate into transportation costs, where possible, much more expensive and therefore uneconomical. On the other hand, let’s also ask ourselves what we should do, already in 2026, with the harvest effectively upon us (end of August), with the probable surpluses due to the sharp slowdown not so much in foreign demand, which remains, but in the possibility of satisfying it logistically. And if we winemakers, for certain types of wine, are slightly lucky since It will age, I wonder what the impact will be on the entire Italian food and wine sector.”

Matteo Lunelli , CEO of the Lunelli group and CEO and president of Ferrari Trento, also agrees with Diego Cusumano . “The war,” the producer claims, ” will certainly have repercussions on the economy as well: it will cause problems in transportation because it compromises strategic routes, it undermines consumer confidence, it will raise energy costs and it will also affect the Middle East and the Emirates, which is a rapidly growing market and also important in general for Italian wine and Made in Italy products.”

Confirmation of the surplus also comes from Lamberto Frescobaldi , president of the Italian Wine Union, who already raised the alarm last July : “We have over 40 million hectoliters of wine in storage, and if the next harvest—or rather, the upcoming one, the UIV president explained—is average with around 50 million hectoliters, we will have approximately 90 million hectoliters of product available by the end of the year. A monstrous supply that risks depressing prices. There’s really nothing to celebrate.”

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