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Wine press review for Tuesday March 31 -2026

with:

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

Below is a wine press review for the web, organized by thematic area, with a clear, readable approach and focused on the issues that truly matter to the sector today: positioning, territories, markets, wine culture, innovation, and promotion.

Italian wineries

Valpantena repositions itself among super reds, whites and advanced hospitality

Valpantena, north of Verona, is experiencing a significant resurgence in winemaking and entrepreneurship. A region that for years had been overlooked by the big names in Valpolicella is now attracting investment and attention thanks to businesses like Bertani, Costa Arènte, and La Collina dei Ciliegi. The latter represents the valley’s new direction: from a family-run farming project to an integrated system combining a winery, a relais, a wine resort, and gourmet restaurants. The message is clear: here, wine becomes a driver of regional development, not just a product.

Cantine Olivella inaugurates its new headquarters at the foot of Mount Somma.

After years of renovations, Cantine Olivella opens its new facility in Sant’Anastasia, in the Vesuvius National Park. The project stems from the renovation of an old farmhouse from the early 20th century and preserves its strong connection to the volcanic Vesuvius landscape. The architectural project enhances the site’s historical identity, integrating agricultural heritage with contemporary functionality. With approximately 20 hectares of property, 15 of which are vineyards, Olivella strengthens its image as a deeply territorial winery, yet capable of presenting itself with a new and coherent identity.

Tenuta Olianas expands its hospitality offering with Sa Frorèa in the Sarcidano area.

Tenuta Olianas inaugurates Sa Frorèa, a new space for weddings and special events, part of a broader project to develop the winery’s hospitality. The project focuses on architectural harmony, respect for the landscape, and continuity with the winery’s Sardinian identity. Alongside this, the Amphitheater amidst the Semidano vineyards is taking shape, designed to host cultural events and concerts. Wine, in this case, is confirmed as the center of a broader experiential offering, capable of combining production, local territory, and cutting-edge tourism.

Tenuta Le Forconate debuts on the market and relaunches the Colli dell’Etruria Centrale DOC.

The Barbanera family launches Tenuta Le Forconate, a new winemaking project in San Casciano dei Bagni, to enhance a border area between Tuscany and Umbria that is still largely undiscovered but rich in potential. The winery currently boasts 26.5 hectares of vineyards and aims to represent a highly biodiverse area, enhanced by a valuable cultural and landscape context. The project has a specific strategic purpose: to give new prominence to a lesser-known appellation, building its narrative, identity, and recognizability.

Brilùs bets on Oltrepò Pavese and Pinot Noir

In the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, Brilùs interprets Pinot Noir as the cornerstone of a production model inspired by the great Champagne Houses. Born from a shared vision among four partners with deep ties to the region, the company is located in an area with tremendous potential, yet often under-exploited. The decision to focus on Pinot Noir signals a clear commitment: not to succumb to the crisis, but to respond with specialization, quality, and a distinctive positioning.

Castello del Terriccio brings wine, art, and design to Verona.

On the eve of Vinitaly, Castello del Terriccio has chosen Verona for a private event that brings together wine, contemporary art, and design. The Tuscan estate’s iconic labels will be presented at the Seletti Store and Galleria Peter Frey, in a setting that transforms wine into a cultural language and a high-profile connection with customers, partners, and stakeholders. This initiative confirms how today, the value of a winery depends on its ability to build imagery, exclusivity, and cross-cutting connections.

Cantina San Marino renews its brand and enhances the local identity.

On the fortieth anniversary of the law on the Identification of Origin of San Marino Wines, Cantina San Marino presents a rebranding project that strengthens the association between the bottle, the territory, and its institutional recognition. The new label, featuring the words “Repubblica di San Marino,” aims to strengthen the product’s presence in foreign markets. The project marks a significant transition: wine as a symbol of national, cultural, and identity, with a view to even stronger future protection, including at the European level.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Wine in the European Union: rules, labels, markets, and crisis management

The European wine sector is embedded in the Common Agricultural Policy (CPO) through the CMO for Wine. The fundamental rules are therefore decided at the EU level and concern four pillars: production and classification, labeling and traceability, market stability and support, and crisis management. This framework confirms that wine is not simply an agricultural product, but a highly regulated, strategic sector, increasingly exposed to challenges such as climate change and geopolitical volatility.

The future of wine lies in smaller volumes and greater value

From the discussion promoted by the ICE Agency at the Masseria Forum, a clear strategic direction emerges: produce less, better position, invest in conscious drinking, and strengthen the connection with Italian cuisine. In a challenging time for the wine industry, the sector is called upon to defend its strengths but also to change pace, lucidly interpreting new markets and new consumption patterns. The message is very clear: the future is not built on quantity, but on the quality of positioning and the ability to tap into new outlets.

Health and alcohol: quantity and type of consumption are increasingly at the centre of the debate

A study presented at the American College of Cardiology brings renewed attention to the relationship between alcohol and health. Excessive consumption remains harmful in all cases, while for low or moderate levels, differences emerge depending on the type of drink, despite growing awareness. At the same time, the cancer issue continues to maintain a very rigorous stance: zero risk equals zero alcohol. This is a debate the sector cannot ignore and makes the cultural promotion of responsible consumption even more important.

Great Barolos for tasting: Einaudi, Bruno Giacosa, and Pio Cesare

Three Piedmontese labels confirm the expressive power of Barolo in its diverse crus and stylistic interpretations. Poderi Luigi Einaudi, Barolo Terlo Vigna Costa Grimaldi 2015, represents a less celebrated denomination capable of producing complex, fresh, and profound wines. Bruno Giacosa, Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche Riserva 2020 presents a refined, complex, and taut profile, in the vein of one of the most iconic signatures of the Langhe. Pio Cesare, Barolo Mosconi 2022 combines power and elegance in a version with a strong personality, born from a prestigious parcel in Monforte d’Alba. Three wines that, together, confirm Barolo as the absolute benchmark for territorial identity, longevity, and value.

Sustainable weed control: new solutions for more sustainable viticulture

The progressive reduction in available active substances is requiring a technical review of under-row and weed management. Pelargonic acid-based formulations fit into this scenario, indicated as tools more consistent with new sustainability requirements and increasingly stringent production standards. While starting with examples from other crops, the issue also closely concerns viticulture, where regulatory and commercial pressure regarding residues and sustainability is expected to grow further.

International

Chiara Pepe, from Abruzzo to the Rhone: an Italian signature for Domaine de La Chapelle

Chiara Pepe has been appointed head of viticulture and winemaking at Domaine de La Chapelle, in Tain-l’Hermitage. This news carries strong symbolic and professional significance: while many French experts have established careers in Italy, it is much rarer to see an Italian assume a leading role at a historic domaine in the Rhône. This appointment confirms the international credibility of Italian winemaking when it expresses itself with vision, expertise, and a strong identity.

Cantina Tollo Brings Le Mesnil Champagne to Vinitaly

Cantina Tollo Group consolidates its international profile through the exclusive distribution in Italy of Champagne Le Mesnil, a historic Grand Cru cooperative from the Côte des Blancs. Its presence at Vinitaly with three iconic labels reinforces a clear message: building bridges between regions of excellence, expanding its offering and engaging with the HoReCa channel in high-end segments. This commercial initiative combines territorial prestige, distribution vision, and positioning.

Italian wine talents establish themselves abroad

Two stories clearly illustrate the growing importance of Italian human capital in the international wine scene. Tuscan Rudimante Belardi Galeone, Wine Director of the three-starred Maaemo in Oslo, has been named “Sommelier of the Year” in Norway. Umbrian Andrea Martinisi, long active in Auckland, will represent New Zealand in the 2026 Best Sommelier of the World competition. These are important signs: Italian wine culture continues to generate professionals recognized far beyond national borders.

Designer wineries abroad become wine tourism destinations

The phenomenon of “wine cathedrals”—wine cellars where the tasting experience intertwines with architecture, design, and hospitality—is growing internationally. It’s no longer just about production or aesthetics, but rather a specific value strategy: transforming the wine location into a destination, increasing brand appeal, and integrating wine into a richer experiential ecosystem. This trend reinforces the idea of wine as a cultural and touristic asset, as well as an agricultural one.

Wine events

Valtènesi at Vinitaly 2026: Rosé, Territory, and Identity

The Valtènesi Consortium will be at Vinitaly 2026 with a renovated and larger stand, reflecting an increasingly structured promotion. The goal is to strengthen the narrative of the Garda Riviera and the region’s iconic rosé, especially in the year of the 130th anniversary of the Molmenti Method. This represents an important step for a denomination aiming to grow in authority, visibility, and relationships with industry professionals and the international press.

Umbria Top brings the “Vine Styles” concept to Vinitaly

From April 12th to 15th in Verona, Umbria Top will present “Stili di Vite,” a project that transforms its trade fair presence into a collaborative narrative of Umbria’s wine region. The concept focuses on identity, collaboration, belonging, and contemporaneity, presenting wine not just as a product but as a cultural expression of the region. This approach enhances the regional system and strengthens its narrative and commercial positioning.

Esselunga at Vinitaly and the City with its Wine Truck

Esselunga will be present at Vinitaly and the City, from April 10th to 12th in Verona, with an experiential tasting format featuring six exclusive labels served by professional sommeliers. This initiative demonstrates how modern retail is increasingly focusing on direct consumer experiences, in a context where wine must communicate in an accessible yet expert manner.

The Vernaccia di San Gimignano Consortium prepares for Vinitaly 2026.

The Vernaccia di San Gimignano Consortium’s presence at Vinitaly is part of a broader effort to promote Italian wine and its professionals worldwide. At the same time, stories of Italian excellence are emerging abroad, strengthening the overall prestige of the supply chain. For Vernaccia, a historic Tuscan white wine appellation, Vinitaly represents a strategic opportunity for visibility and networking.

Masseria Forum: Strategies for Italian Food and Wine Beyond Borders

The meeting “Beyond the Borders of Wine. Strategies for the Promotion of Made in Italy Food and Wine” brought together leading figures from the industry and institutions in Manduria. The discussions touched on key topics: international markets, new consumption patterns, the role of wine in the Mediterranean diet, integrated promotion with Italian cuisine, and a medium-term vision. This event confirms how Italian wine today requires increasingly strategic and coordinated direction.

Cross-cutting focuses to watch today

The overall reading of today’s news highlights some very interesting underlying signals for the sector:

1. Wine is increasingly being described as a complete territorial system. Not just bottles, but hospitality, architecture, events, design, culture, and tourism.

2. Trade fair promotion evolves into experience and positioning. Vinitaly 2026 emerges not only as a trade fair, but as a narrative, relational, and identity-building platform.

3. Competition will increasingly be based on identity and market dominance. Less indiscriminate quantity, more specialization, brands, and an understanding of new consumer trends.

4. Italian wine’s human capital continues to be recognized worldwide. Italian winemakers, sommeliers, and professionals are strengthening the sector’s reputation abroad.

Thanks for listening. We remind you that today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Monday March 30 -2026

with:

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

The wine sector enters spring 2026 amidst new international challenges, evolving consumption, and a flurry of events and initiatives preparing the market for the upcoming Vinitaly . With export strategies, new wineries, commercial alliances, and the promotion of local areas, Italian wine continues to demonstrate resilience and capacity for innovation.

Italian wineries

Frescobaldi: New markets are needed for Italian wine.

During the first Italian Cuisine Forum at Masseria Li Reni (Manduria), Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of the Italian Wine Union, emphasized how the sector is going through a complex phase marked by slowing exports, geopolitical tensions, and logistical challenges. According to Frescobaldi, the future of Italian wine depends on the ability to identify new markets and strengthen the international positioning of Made in Italy agri-food products.

Tenuta Le Forconate: A new voice from Tuscany’s borderlands makes its debut.

Tenuta Le Forconate is born, a winemaking project by the Barbanera family in the San Casciano dei Bagni area, between Tuscany and Umbria. The winery has 26.5 hectares of vineyards and aims to promote the Colli dell’Etruria Centrale DOC , an area still little-known but rich in biodiversity and viticultural potential.

Val d’Oca distributes Champagne Encry in Italy

Val d’Oca and the Champagne House Encry have formed a new commercial partnership. The Valdobbiadene-based company becomes the exclusive distributor for the Italian market, strengthening its position in the premium HoReCa segment.

Cielo e Terra presents “The History of Gio” at Vinitaly

At Vinitaly, the Vicenza-based company Cielo e Terra will launch a new line of wines dedicated to its founder Giovanni Cielo . The project celebrates the company’s history through three labels that combine family tradition and contemporary style.

Tenuta Olianas expands its hospitality offering with Sa Frorèa.

In Sardinia, Tenuta Olianas inaugurates Sa Frorèa , a new space for weddings and events. The architectural design, integrated with the landscape, reinforces the winery’s strategy of wine tourism and experiential hospitality.

Sartori Winery Takes Center Stage at CiokoWine Fest

The historic Veronese company Sartori participated in the fourth edition of the CiokoWine Fest in Alcamo with a gesture of solidarity: all proceeds from the tastings were donated to students at local hotel schools.

Carpenè Malvolti among the excellences of Made in Italy

The historic sparkling wine house from Conegliano took part in the fourth edition of “Italiano Vero – Eccellenze nel Mondo” , an institutional event at the Chamber of Deputies dedicated to the symbolic companies of Made in Italy.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Amarone 2021: The style of the great Venetian red changes.

According to Gambero Rosso’s preview tastings, Amarone is undergoing a profound stylistic evolution. There’s a growing trend toward more elegant and less opulent wines, with lower residual sugar and a better balance between structure and freshness.

Monfortino Riserva 2019: an icon of Barolo

Giacomo Conterno’s 2019 Barolo Monfortino Riserva confirms its position as an absolute benchmark on the global scene. The wine expresses notes of blackberry, undergrowth, spice, and licorice, with a dynamic structure and a long, complex finish.

Italian wine to the rescue

On the eve of Vinitaly 2026, the sentiment among operators is one of cautious optimism. After record exports of € 8.1 billion in 2024 , 2025 closed with €7.7 billion , a modest decline compared to international competitors. The Italian wine sector currently represents 1.1% of the national GDP , with:

  • 670,000 hectares of vineyards
  • 530,000 businesses
  • 870,000 direct employees

Consumption in large-scale retail trade: lower volumes but rising average prices

In 2025, 737 million liters of wine and sparkling wine were sold in Italian large-scale retail trade, 20 million fewer than in 2024. The average price per liter is rising, a sign of a progressive premiumization of consumption . Among the best-selling wines:

  • Prosecco: over 53 million liters
  • Trebbiano: over 23 million liters
  • Sangiovese: over 18 million liters

Agricultural bonus of up to 400 euros per hectare

The Lazio Region is introducing an incentive of up to €400 per hectare for hazelnut and table grape cultivation under the SRA01 Integrated Production measure of the 2023-2027 CAP program.

Bolgheri defends its wine-growing landscape

The Bolgheri DOC and Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC Consortium has written to the Minister of the Environment to report potential landscape issues related to the offshore wind farm project in the Ligurian Sea and the infrastructure for connecting it to the electricity grid.

Talking about wine to win over young people

According to several industry professionals, wine promotion will need to change its language. Home consumption is evolving, and traditional conviviality around the table is diminishing: it’s therefore essential to share the region and the wine experience to engage the new generations.

International

War in Iran and the fertilizer crisis

Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are putting European farms in difficulty, with blockages affecting approximately a third of the global fertilizer trade . Regenerative farms are less exposed to the crisis due to their reduced dependence on chemical inputs.

Italian wine talents conquer the world

Two Italian sommeliers have received important recognition abroad:

  • Rudimante Belardi Galeone , Wine Director of the Maaemo restaurant in Oslo, named Sommelier of the Year in Norway.
  • Andrea Martinisi , an Umbrian sommelier in Auckland, will represent New Zealand at the “Best Sommelier of the World 2026” global competition.

Designer wineries: wine tourism is growing worldwide

In many European regions, from Rioja to Ribera del Duero, iconic wineries are emerging where architecture and wine merge into new tourist destinations. Among these is the new Bodegas Faustino in Rioja Alavesa, designed to offer immersive experiences amidst vineyards and design.

Wine events

Vinitaly 2026: Over 4,000 wineries will be present

Veronafiere President Federico Bricolo confirms impressive numbers for the next edition of Vinitaly:

  • over 4,000 participating wineries
  • 100,000 m2 of exhibition space
  • operators from 130 countries
  • over 2,200 accredited journalists

Calabria takes center stage at Vinitaly

The region will present over 100 wineries in a dedicated pavilion, under the Calabria Straordinaria brand, with a focus on native grape varieties and local biodiversity.

Civiltà del Bere awards the most awarded wineries

The Simply the Best event, a walk-around tasting that brings together 65 Italian wineries awarded by the main wine guides, is taking place in Milan.

Suber Wine Festival in Suvereto

From May 1st to 3rd, the Tuscan village will host the Suber Wine Festival, an event that combines wine, culture, art, and experiential tourism in the Alta Maremma.

Open Vineyards in Friuli

In the Collio and Colli Orientali regions, wine tourism events continue, allowing visitors to discover the wine-growing landscape through tastings and local stories.

Clavesana Wine Festival

The traditional event in the Langhe region, which celebrated the new vintage of local wines with tastings, culture, and food, drew a large turnout.

Tastings and vertical tastings at the Wine Bank

The vertical tasting of the Marenca cru from the Luigi Pira winery, dedicated to Barolo di Serralunga, hosted at the Banca del Vino in Pollenzo, was a great success.

Montemercurio presents itself in Rome

The Montepulciano company made its debut in the capital during the Due Passi in Vigna event, with tastings dedicated to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Sunday March 29 -2026

with:

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

A structured look at the key news from the world of wine: from the stories of Italian wineries to market dynamics, and the international events and scenarios reshaping the sector. A useful read for understanding where the wine supply chain is truly headed.

Italian wineries

Tolaini is the only Italian winery to make the Wine.com social media finals.

The Tolaini winery, in the Chianti Classico region, is the only Italian winery to reach the semifinals of the Bracket Challenge 2026 , the social media competition organized by Wine.com, the world’s largest wine e-commerce site. The competition involves 64 international wineries voted directly by followers on social media platforms. Tolaini faces the prestigious Spanish winery La Rioja Alta in the Reserva category, while other finalists include leading names such as Laurent-Perrier, Ridge, Purple Hands, and Susana Balbo. This is a sign of the growing digital visibility of Italian wineries in global markets.

Tenuta del Paguro: Wine that matures on the ocean floor

One of the most original projects in contemporary winemaking comes from Romagna. Tenuta del Paguro , based in Ravenna and growing grapes from Riolo Terme, ages some of its wines for twelve months at a depth of 30 meters in the wreck of the Paguro platform. This underwater aging technique has received international recognition at the “World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection” event, demonstrating how innovation and local tradition can coexist in projects of high symbolic value.

Your Rita: From Country Home to Maremma Icon

The story of Tua Rita , in the Val di Cornia, recounts one of the most emblematic transformations in contemporary Italian wine. Founded in 1984 by Rita Tua and Virgilio Bisti as a simple country retreat, the winery is now an internationally recognized enterprise. Starting with just one hectare of vineyards, it now boasts over 70 hectares and a production that has successfully combined Tuscan tradition with a modern vision, thanks in part to the work of winemaker Luca D’Attoma and the commitment of the second family generation.

La Velarda: high-altitude viticulture in the Taburno area

In Campoli del Monte Taburno, Campania, Antonietta Caporaso carries on a family winemaking tradition rooted in the Aglianico del Taburno DOCG denomination. The area, characterized by the highest altitudes in the denomination, is experiencing a revival thanks to the promotion of local viticulture and cultural and tourism initiatives that are bringing attention to an area historically dedicated to the production of Aglianico.

The Pearl of Garda: the evolution of Lugana over time

In Rome, at chef Francesco Apreda’s Michelin-starred restaurant Idylio, the Brescia-based Perla del Garda winery presented a vertical tasting of its Lugana DOP wines with owner Giovanna Prandini. The meeting highlighted how Lake Garda white wines can evolve positively over the years, developing aromatic complexity without losing freshness and acidity.

Sandrone and the 2020 Barolo Vite Talin

The 2020 Barolo Vite Talin from Sandrone winery represents one of the most distinctive expressions of Nebbiolo di Langa. Vinified in wood, it ages for three years in tonneaux and large barrels, followed by a further three years in bottle. The result is a powerful and structured wine, with aromas of dark fruit, dried roses, spices, tobacco, and citrus, supported by a complex tannic structure and remarkable persistence.

Caravaglio and Château Palmer: a Malvasia di Salina born from friendship

A conversation between Nino Caravaglio , a producer from Salina, and Thomas Duroux , director of Château Palmer in Bordeaux, has given birth to a unique winemaking project. Two labels of dry Malvasia di Salina— Piano della Croce and Punta Capo —2024 vintage, presented in Milan by Sarzi Amadè. A meeting of the Mediterranean and Bordeaux that demonstrates how wine is often the fruit of shared relationships and visions.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Women in Wine: Leadership and Gaps Yet to Be Filled

At Sicilia Wine 2026 in Chiusa Sclafani (Palermo), female wine and olive oil entrepreneurs spoke about a sector increasingly driven by female leadership. Women today manage businesses, dominate markets, and invest in the supply chain, yet still face structural inequalities. The change, however, now appears irreversible.

Wine dominates Italian online auctions

In 2025, wine was the best-selling category on Catawiki , with over 54,000 lots and 300,000 bottles traded . Among the most significant sales: a vertical tasting of Sassicaia from 1982 to 2018 sold for €16,100 and a bottle of Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2004 sold for €10,500. Italy also confirms its position as one of the main European markets for trading collectible wines.

Franciacorta: research, sustainability, and innovation

The Franciacorta Consortium has presented its 2026 Research & Development Activity Report , a document analyzing the 2025 vintage and the main lines of research on the region’s viticulture. Key themes include vineyard protection, climate adaptation, sustainability, and experimental microvinification, essential tools for addressing new agronomic challenges.

The Italian AgriFoodTech market is growing

According to the Eatable Adventure report, investments in Italian AgriFoodTech will reach €121.6 million in 2025, an 18% increase. Active startups have risen to 501 (23%), while employment has grown by 47%. These are signs of a maturing ecosystem that could increasingly impact the winemaking industry as well.

Signorvino continues to grow

The chain of wine bars and restaurants founded by Sandro Veronesi closed 2025 with a turnover of 90 million euros (5%) . The restaurant sector drove growth, seating over 2.2 million people and an average bill of nearly 50 euros. Sparkling wines account for 32% of retail sales, with Prosecco being the best-selling denomination.

The Oltrepò Crisis and the Birth of the “107 Committee”

Approximately one hundred members of the Terre d’Oltrepò cooperative winery have formed Committee 107 to seek clarity on the cooperative’s future and its business plan. The discussions also focused on the winery’s potential liquidation and the challenges posed by production losses in 2024.

Wine and Communication: Mistakes and Rules for Press Presentations

After over thirty years of tastings and press lunches, an industry expert has summarized some fundamental rules for properly presenting wines to journalists and influencers. Among the key criteria: balance between the wine’s structure and the cuisine offered, narrative clarity, and respect for the taster’s sensory experience.

International

Liv-ex: Signs of recovery for fine wines

According to Liv-ex analysis, the secondary market for fine wines could grow by 2.1% by the end of 2026. The Fine Wine 100 index has recorded four consecutive months of gains, while the value of European purchases has increased by 48% year-on-year.

Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger

French giant Pernod Ricard and American multinational Brown-Forman have confirmed talks regarding a potential merger. The deal would create one of the world’s largest spirits groups, capable of directly competing with Diageo.

US tariffs and consumption: imported wines hold up

According to a NielsenIQ analysis, the tariffs introduced in the United States in 2025 have had a limited impact: the prices of imported European wines have increased by just 1%, a sign that the market has absorbed the effect of the tariffs.

Brazil, a growing market

Brazil continues to emerge as a promising market for wine. In 2025, imports reached 165 million liters, worth $558 million (6.8%) . Italian exports reached €42.8 million , driven primarily by the growth of sparkling wines and the premiumization of consumption.

Wine events

Prosecco Spring: Final Weekend on Boxing Day

The Cartizze and Valdobbiadene DOCG Wine Show continues in Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene as part of the Prosecco Spring Festival. The weekend’s events include tastings, traditional cuisine, Venetian cicchetti, and a “Walk among the Rive” (Strolling along the Shores) through the vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage hills.

The new talents of Italian winemaking

Vinoway has launched the “New Talents in Italian Winemaking” format, dedicated to the new generation of winemakers who are driving the qualitative evolution of wineries. Among the protagonists are Alessandro Leoni, Andrea Pala, Jacopo Vagaggini, Nicola Biasi, and Giulia Harri.

Pinot Grigio delle Venezie is a partner of the 2026 Giro d’Italia.

Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie will be the official wine of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, an event with an estimated global audience of over 650 million viewers. The initiative represents a powerful international promotion platform for Italian wine.

Vinitaly 2026: the world’s largest wine hub

From April 12 to 15, Veronafiere will host the 58th edition of Vinitaly , with approximately 4,000 exhibiting companies and over 1,000 buyers from 140 countries. The event aims to strengthen Italy’s role as a global wine hub and tap into new markets, from Asia to South America.

San Casciano dei Bagni launches “Fonti di Vino” (Sources of Wine)

The Tuscan spa town hosts Fonti di Vino – Between Glasses and Thermal Waters , an event that combines wine tourism and wellness. Nine local wineries will showcase their wines in a context that blends culture, tourism, and local development.

Signature wine tour in the cellars of Adro

Adro, in Franciacorta, offers a spring itinerary through historic wineries like Ferghettina and Contadi Castaldi. The route combines tastings, underground architecture, and views of the vineyard-covered hills between Lake Iseo and the Po Valley.

DomeniCantina: Wine becomes a gastronomic experience

Colle Uncinano launches DomeniCantina , a format that combines seasonal cuisine and vineyard stories. Meetings take place in the winery’s rural spaces, creating an experience that directly connects agricultural production and hospitality.

New guide for the Piacenza Hills Road

Stefano Pizzamiglio, owner of the La Tosa company, has been appointed president of the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori dei Colli Piacentini , with the aim of strengthening territorial promotion and collaboration between producers, tourism and institutions.

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 Saturday March 28 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Antinori, the No. 1 European brand and No. 2 overall in the world. In Drinks International ‘s 2026 ranking of “The World’s Most Admired Wine Brands,” Antinori takes second place overall globally, confirming its position as the leading European wine brand. Italy features prominently, with seven wineries in the Top 50, including Gaja and Ornellaia, confirming the strong reputation of Italian wine on international markets.

Roco Winery, controlled by the Marzotto family, continues to grow in Oregon. Heritage USA continues its expansion in the Willamette Valley with the acquisition of the Domaine Lumineux vineyards. This acquisition strengthens the Marzotto family’s position in one of the most prestigious areas for American Pinot Noir and confirms an increasingly focused and structured international investment strategy.

Bonarda Distretto launches the #lamossaperfetta project website. The digital platform dedicated to promoting sparkling Bonarda from Oltrepò Pavese has launched online. Video interviews, editorial content, and insights reinforce a project that focuses on identity, a complete supply chain, production quality, and local recognition.

Col Vetoraz brings the full strength of Valdobbiadene DOCG to Vinitaly. The Treviso-based winery is presenting its full range of sparkling wines at Vinitaly 2026, reaffirming its connection to one of the most iconic regions of Italian sparkling wine. The message is clear: elegance, stylistic consistency, and a strong sense of territorial identity remain the brand’s distinctive assets.

Inserrata, the contemporary winery in San Miniato, Tuscany. Inserrata’s profile is growing, combining organic farming, aesthetic research, and cultural vision. A model of independent winemaking, it interprets wine as an agricultural, environmental, and identity-building project.

La Baia del Sole, an affordable Vermentino between Liguria and Tuscany. The Federici family continues to promote the Luni area with a product line centered on native grape varieties and a viticulture rooted in local history. An example of how quality, recognizability, and a balanced price can effectively coexist.

Podere Sapaio, Bolgheri, and Bibbona as seen by Massimo Piccin. The company confirms its high-end profile with a production philosophy based on precision, elegance, and expressive simplicity. The entrepreneurial story highlights a consistent trajectory of value creation in one of the strongest Tuscan wine regions.

Sesti and the 2021 Brunello di Montalcino. Giuseppe Maria Sesti’s winery, now led by his daughter Elisa, continues to be a benchmark for those seeking wines with a strong territorial identity and a sensitive approach to farming. The 2021 Brunello stands out for its vivacity, aromatic finesse, and depth of flavor.

Cantina San Bernardo, 800 years of history and a solid production vocation. In Poncarale, the Botti family recounts a business that combines historical heritage, agricultural work, respect for the environment, and a range of products capable of covering diverse consumer segments. It’s an example of a winery deeply rooted in the local area and in a direct relationship with its customers.

Talosa at Vinitaly 2026 with a memorable vertical tasting. The historic Montepulciano winery has chosen to highlight its quality journey through a vertical tasting of Pieve Le Grazie. This initiative strengthens Talosa’s position in the contemporary narrative of Vino Nobile.

Carpi and Sorbara Winery, Focus on Business Continuity : A delicate phase is dawning on the cooperative front in Emilia: institutional demands are emerging to safeguard the historic winery’s operations, its members, and the value built around iconic appellations such as Lambrusco di Sorbara, Salamino, and Pignoletto.

Cantine La Contea takes center stage with the “Il Viaggio del Salmone” event . On Mount Etna, the winery becomes the stage for a project that combines fine dining, regional storytelling, and wine experiences. This formula demonstrates how advanced wine tourism can generate value even through unconventional collaborations.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Italian wine remains optimistic despite the challenges. Amid geopolitical difficulties, pressure on consumption, and climate challenges, the sector continues to demonstrate its ability to adapt. The emerging message is one of confidence: Italian wine has already demonstrated its ability to transform crises into opportunities for recovery and innovation.

Italians are drinking less wine, but better. Data from the UIV-Vinitaly Observatory indicates that Italian consumers number approximately 30 million, equal to 55% of the population. Daily consumption is declining, especially among older age groups, while occasional consumption is increasing. The picture confirms a structural transformation: less quantity, more attention to quality and the consumption context.

The wine market, between stable value and declining volumes. The UIV-Vinitaly 2025 Observatory depicts a €14 billion sector, with an overall impact on the economy of €45 billion. Large-scale retail trade is holding steady in value but still losing volume; sparkling wines are growing, reds are declining, and whites are stable. The system remains highly important economically, but with evident tensions on the demand side.

Wine risks becoming a luxury good. The UCI is raising the alarm about the gap between producer prices and final prices, especially when consumed outside the home. The risk is that wine will gradually lose its role as an accessible, everyday product, sliding toward increasingly occasional consumption, perceived as elitist.

Increasingly expensive away from home: the perceived gap is growing. Despite having seen lower price increases than other food products, wine is perceived by consumers as more expensive, especially in restaurants. This signal raises questions throughout the supply chain regarding value, margin distribution, and commercial sustainability.

The decline in exports is a strategic signal that should not be underestimated. The slowdown in exports is not seen as a full-blown crisis, but as an important indicator of change. Historical markets appear more mature and selective, while emerging ones require new, more focused, and less opportunistic strategies.

Tuscan wine, tradition and the need for reinvention. Tuscany’s wine scene is described as a system called upon to combine history and adaptation. Tariffs, climate, and the slowdown of the American market are pushing toward a “creative resistance,” where territorial identity must be defended, but also reinterpreted with strategic clarity.

Capital in a Bottle: The Value of Wine as an Economic and Political Construction. A broader reflection emphasizes how the value of Italian wine depends not only on the myth of its origins, but also on processes of economic, regulatory, and symbolic construction. Territory, therefore, is not just a legacy: it is also the result of market choices and dynamics.

No more incomprehensible pairings: a new interpretation of the wine-food relationship. The debate on pairings is shifting from rigid frameworks to more intuitive and comprehensible criteria. The focus is shifting toward a cultural simplification that makes wine more accessible to a contemporary audience, less inclined to accept overly specialized codes.

The Valpolicella appassimento technique nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. The Ministry of Culture has also included the Valpolicella appassimento grape practice among the new UNESCO nominations. This is a significant step, as it highlights not just a wine, but agricultural and cultural knowledge that can further leverage its international recognition.

The dispute over Piedmont cooperatives sparks debate. Matteo Ascheri’s comments on the Piedmont wine crisis provoke a harsh response from Vite Colte president Piero Quadrumolo. The debate brings to the forefront the role of cooperatives, supplier remuneration, and the tensions currently affecting some highly renowned production areas.

170 years of the Meregalli Group: distribution, market, and future vision. The historic Italian distribution group reaffirms its approach: innovate, understand trends, and keep wine at the center of a culture of conscious drinking. This important testimony to the growing role of distribution in building value.

Osteria senz’Oste, rural charm transformed into a local story. In the heart of Cartizze, nestled in the hills of Valdobbiadene, a unique format continues to generate buzz: no innkeeper, no traditional service, but an experience built on trust, landscape, and simplicity. A case study that demonstrates the power of wine when it meets authenticity and storytelling.

International

Dutch market: good wine isn’t enough: style and storytelling are needed. A very clear message emerges from Amsterdam for Italian wineries: product alone is no longer enough. According to importer Michele Conte, sustainability, identity, and brand consistency can grow in the Netherlands, but generic and poorly targeted offerings must be avoided.

Australian and Brazilian Prosecco: An Open Challenge in the Field of Geographical Indications. Australia and Brazil continue to use the Prosecco name for local production, confirming that international protection of denominations remains a crucial issue for Italian wine. The case highlights an increasingly strong tension between global recognition of the name and legal protection of origin.

Strasbourg honors Italian wines in international competitions. At “The World White Wines Contest” and related competitions, Italian labels once again take center stage. Beyond the awards, the cultural value of themes such as ungrafted vines, capable of uniting historical memory and contemporaneity, stands out.

Wine events

Vinitaly 2026 approaches with key data and signals for the sector. The Roman presentation of the next edition of Vinitaly highlighted the evolution of Italian consumption and the changing consumer profile. The fair confirms its position not only as a commercial event, but also as a strategic market analysis platform.

Epoca di Vino in Viserba: vintage cars, tastings, and entertainment. The Viserba Tourist Committee is organizing two days dedicated to wine and vintage cars, with tastings, food and wine stands, music, and a parade along the seafront. A popular event that combines conviviality, local culture, and local attractions.

Gambero Rosso returns to Amsterdam. The Dutch leg of the tour reconnected Italian wineries, importers, sommeliers, and restaurateurs. This event was a valuable opportunity to consolidate business relationships and test the sentiment of an increasingly attractive Northern European market.

Talosa and Col Vetoraz focus on Vinitaly as a positioning showcase. The initiatives of the two wineries clearly demonstrate how today’s presence at the fair is not just about display, but also about storytelling: verticality, range, brand identity and valorization of the terroir become tools for differentiation.

“The Salmon’s Journey” on Etna The event organized with Upstream at Cantine La Contea confirms the growth of experiential formats in which wine, excellent cuisine, and landscape become part of a single proposal with high perceived value.

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