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Wine press review for Saturday April 18 -2026

with:

Italian wineries and Italian wine producers.

Italian wineries

Colle Santa Mustiola, the “off-the-map” Sangiovese that wins over Vinitaly. Among the most interesting wineries to emerge at the fair is Colle Santa Mustiola, a small Tuscan winery near Chiusi that has built its identity around Sangiovese, with a radical approach and long aging times. It’s an example of a niche winery that focuses on stylistic consistency and distinctive positioning.

Fratelli Alessandria, Barolo Monvigliero 2022: elegance and precision. From Verduno comes one of the most refined interpretations of Barolo Monvigliero 2022: a refined aromatic profile, gentle tannins, and a strong connection to one of the appellation’s most celebrated crus. A wine that confirms the value of historic terroirs and the wineries capable of expressing them with precision.

Lungarotti, Umbria’s wine as a complete experience. Located between Torgiano and Montefalco, Lungarotti is presented as a model of integration between wine, hospitality, landscape, and culture. A concrete example of how a winery can extend its value beyond the bottle, transforming the land into an experience.

Cantine di Venosa, the return of the Dry Muscat Terre di Orazio 2004. An old tasting brings attention to a wine that stands out from the crowd: the Dry Muscat Terre di Orazio, a dry white wine from Lucania, still produced today by the historic Cantina di Venosa. A testament to its production identity and ability to endure over time.

Cav. Mennato Falluto awarded by the Prosit Guide. The Torrecuso winery stands out at Vinitaly thanks to the recognition it received in the Prosit Guide, with awards for its Aglianico del Taburno Riserva, Coda di Volpe, Falanghina, and other labels. This is a positive sign for Taburno and for wineries that promote native grape varieties.

The Sardinian wineries of the Sant’Isidoro District are presenting at Vinitaly. Mulleri, Cantine Fraponti, and Cantina di Quartu, together with the rural district of the Cagliari metropolitan area, have brought to Verona a model of territorial development based on networking, rural identity, and local culture. The centenary of Cantina di Quartu stands out.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Vinitaly 2026 closes with positive results, but the sector remains under pressure. The 58th edition closed with approximately 90,000 attendees, 4,000 exhibitors, and professionals from 135 countries. However, the climate remains complex: some foreign attendance is declining, geopolitical tensions are weighing on the sector, and the slowdown in some strategic markets is weighing on it. For the sector, the message is clear: it’s holding up, yes, but it’s undergoing a reorganization phase.

CMO Promotion: €98 million for non-EU markets. The Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (MASAF) is bringing forward the new CMO Wine Promotion call for proposals for the 2026/27 marketing year and is making €98 million available to support internationalization. This is an important measure to help companies plan ahead for entry or consolidation in third-party markets.

New EU rules for no- and low-alcohol wines. The new EU Regulation 2026/471 introduces harmonized criteria for the labeling of dealcoholized and low-alcohol products. This is an important step because the no- and low-alcohol segment is increasingly becoming part of the strategic scope of European wine.

Organic wine: Italy confirms its global leadership. A quarter of the world’s organic vineyards are located in Italy, with over 132,000 hectares of organic vineyards and approximately 3 million hectoliters produced. This data reinforces the country’s position on sustainability, an increasingly central theme, including in commercial terms.

Organic Wine Labeling: Growing Attention to Regulatory Requirements The European regulatory framework is increasingly complex regarding organic wine labeling requirements: the inspection body, EU logo, origin of raw materials, and consistency of the ingredient list are becoming increasingly strategic elements for transparency and compliance.

Le Marche, a laboratory of Italian organic wine . Nearly 40% of the Marche region’s vineyards are certified organic. Le Marche remains one of the most advanced regions in terms of agriculture, although the issue of converting organic value from the vineyard to the bottle and, therefore, to the market remains unresolved.

Producing less and better: the strategic direction emerging from Vinitaly. From discussions among operators, observers, and institutions, an increasingly clear direction emerges: less volume, more quality, a focus on niches, consumer focus, and new market models. This synthesis accurately describes the future trajectory of Italian wine.

Circana: Prosecco to be the top-selling wine in Trentino-Alto Adige in 2025. According to data presented at Vinitaly, the best-selling wines in Trentino-Alto Adige are Prosecco, Merlot, and Teroldego. Lagrein is also growing. This data confirms the importance of sparkling wines and the market’s ability to reward both major national drivers and certain local labels.

Piedmont, Prosecco continues to dominate supermarkets. Prosecco is also the best-selling wine in Piedmont’s large-scale retail trade, ahead of Barbera and Lambrusco. Nebbiolo is growing strongly. Modern retail continues to offer valuable insights into the true tastes of Italian consumers.

Puglia’s rosés confirm quality and dynamism. According to Gambero Rosso, Puglia’s best rosés signal a region undergoing rapid evolution, with a turnover of award-winning wineries and a qualitative growth that consolidates Puglia’s role as an important laboratory for this type of wine.

Science, health, and wine: the International Academy of Healthy Drinking is born. A new front for reflection on the relationship between wine, health, and longevity has opened at Vinitaly. The goal is to bring the debate back to a scientific basis, avoiding simplifications and placing wine within a broader vision of lifestyle and food culture.

The energy cost of wine is becoming a strategic issue. Italian wineries are increasingly sensitive to energy issues, both due to the impact on margins and industrial sustainability. Technical and operational guidelines, also in light of the ENEA guidelines, are pushing for greater efficiency and cost reduction.

International

Vinitaly exceeds expectations, despite the international storm. The Verona show held up well, despite a challenging global context: geopolitical tensions, fears over tariffs, logistical blockades, and trade uncertainty accompanied the entire event. The sector is holding up, but feels the need for alternative markets and greater strategic protection.

Foreign markets and new routes: Italian wine looks beyond the US. The new CMO tender and the debate that emerged at the fair confirm that Italian wine must expand its reach into non-EU markets and diversify its risks. Mercosur, Australia, India, and other markets are becoming increasingly important in a period of high instability.

The Mediterranean in a glass: 11 wines that express a broad identity. A tasting dedicated to Mediterranean wines highlighted how sea, wind, light, and culture can become international keys and powerful narratives, capable of uniting diverse territories under a common winemaking sensibility.

Wine events

Vinitaly 2026 closed with 90,000 attendees and buyers from over 70 countries . The event confirmed its central role and international appeal. Beyond the numbers, the true value lies in the quality of demand, with selected top buyers and a significant international presence despite the challenging global environment.

“Excellence of Italy,” a super tasting of great vintages. From Terlano to Bellavista, Quintarelli to Vietti, San Guido to Antinori, and Donnafugata: Vinitaly hosted a tasting event dedicated to Italy’s great historic wineries and the iconic vintages that have shaped the country’s wine.

90 bottles to tell the story of Italy’s wine. A long journey from North to South through 90 labels offered a broad interpretation of the country’s winemaking heritage, including territories, styles, innovation, packaging, and new consumer sensibilities.

The 10 unmissable wines tasted at Vinitaly 2026 From South Tyrolean Schiaves to the great Barolos, from the Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore to a 1988 Verdicchio Riserva and a historic Marsala: the most memorable tastings of the fair confirm the depth and breadth of the Italian and international offering present in Verona.

Wine tourism: visitors buy, but accessibility remains a key issue. Data presented at Vinitaly Tourism shows that over 77% of winery visitors purchase wine, with an average purchase price of around $100. However, transportation and the ease of access to wine regions, especially for foreign visitors, remain an issue.

Digital wine tourism: the connected winery becomes a necessity. Among the event’s emerging themes is the digital transformation of winery hospitality: reservations, data management, experience personalization, and continuity of the visitor relationship become true competitive assets.

Parma takes center stage at Vinitaly. With stands, meetings, and a widespread presence of industry professionals, the Parma region carved out a prominent position at the fair, confirming the increasingly close connection between wine, gastronomy, and regional identity.

Final strategic summary: The day confirmed three key pillars. First, Vinitaly 2026 reaffirmed the solidity of Italian wine , but within a much more fragile and unstable international landscape. Second, sustainability, organic, energy, no/low alcohol, and labeling are no longer peripheral issues, but structural levers of competitiveness. Third, wine tourism, digitalization, and high-value niches remain crucial areas for building margins, direct relationships, and positioning.

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 Friday April 17 – 2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Masciarelli and the strategy of wine by the glass: Marina Cvetic relaunches the theme of restaurants as a commercial lever: according to the Abruzzo-based producer, even high-end labels must be offered by the glass to capture new consumption and respond to the slowdown in the sector.

Valdo Spumanti honored for 100 years of excellence. At Vinitaly 2026, Treviso-based Valdo Spumanti received the special “Vinitaly – 100 Years of Excellence” award, a recognition that recognizes a century of history, international growth, and entrepreneurial vision in the world of Prosecco Superiore.

Classese, the Oltrepò Pavese region presents its 40 pioneers. The Oltrepò Pavese Consortium is launching the first bottles of Classese at Vinitaly, the new Pinot Noir-based classic method intended to strengthen the region’s identity and visibility. Forty wineries are already participating in the project.

Herita Marzotto expands in the United States. The Veneto-based group is accelerating its presence in America with the acquisition of Domaine Lumineux in Oregon, formerly owned by Francis Ford Coppola. This transaction confirms its commitment to consolidating its position in one of the most renowned areas for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Alto Adige wines on tour with Italian cuisine The Alto Adige Wine Consortium launches “The Alto Adige You Don’t Expect,” a calendar of traveling dinners showcasing the versatility of Alto Adige wines paired with iconic dishes from Italy’s regions.

Sicilian wineries take center stage in Verona. Sicily presents itself at Vinitaly with 164 wineries and a rich program of masterclasses, panels, and initiatives dedicated to the sector’s new challenges, including wine tourism, organic farming, and local development.

Lento Winery on the Papal Flight Two Calabrian labels from the Lento winery in Lamezia Terme, the Rosà di Lento and the pure Magliocco, were selected for the onboard service of the papal flight to Africa, strengthening the winery’s international profile.

Crifo launches Rosso di Seta. The historic Ruvo di Puglia winery presents a new label at Vinitaly designed to appeal to a younger, more female audience, without sacrificing its connection to local tradition.

Fasoli Gino is among Forbes’ 21 must-visit wineries in the world. This Verona-based winery has received international recognition, not only for the quality of its wines but also for the hospitality experience built around the Magari Estates Hotel, in the heart of the Illasi Valley.

Terredora Di Paolo looks to a female future. Daniela Mastroberardino confirms the winery’s positioning as an example of a company capable of innovating while maintaining a strong connection with tradition.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Double pruning and two harvests per year. Climate change is prompting new technical considerations in the vineyard. Double pruning is proposed as a possible response to the early growth cycle, to limit the effects of high temperatures on grape quality.

Wine is changing tone, style, and strength. At Vinitaly 2026, a sector emerges that remains central but speaks new languages: greater attention to experience, storytelling, and low- and no-alcohol categories, while interest in spirits and mixology is growing.

Female leadership leads to stronger, more forward-thinking companies. Research presented at Vinitaly by Mib Trieste and Le Donne del Vino highlights that the growth of female leadership leads to more advanced governance models, greater attention to human capital, and a more long-term vision.

The Leonardo Awards celebrate Italian wine and food. Among the protagonists of the 2026 edition are Marchesi Frescobaldi, awarded as a historic company, and companies that combine wine, catering and lifestyle such as Oniverse and Da Vittorio.

The 40 Under 40 of Taste The generational turnover in wine continues to show positive signs: young producers, often under 30 and with a strong female presence, are demonstrating an increasingly competent, courageous, and distinctive approach.

Energy Efficiency in the Winery: At Vinitaly, ENEA presents a practical guide to help Italian wineries reduce energy consumption and costs, improving competitiveness and sustainability with already applicable solutions.

Erbaluce di Caluso, the strength of the late harvest Cantina 366’s “Scelte di Vite d’Ottobre 2021” label offers an advanced interpretation of Erbaluce: neither a passito nor a sparkling wine, but a late-harvest wine, complex and capable of expressing great aromatic depth.

Great white wines that defy time. The vertical tasting of Terlano’s Vorberg presented at Vinitaly relaunches the theme of long-aging Italian whites, demonstrating that some labels can evolve for over twenty years while maintaining their identity and tension.

Leonardo Marras and Graziana Grassini also appear among the 100 most influential names in Italian wine, confirming the growing importance of Maremma in the national wine system.

Native Calabrian Grape Varieties: A Heritage to Be Rediscovered Vinitaly once again focuses on the value of Calabria’s native grape varieties, considered by international observers to be an important key to understanding the deepest roots of Italian wine.

The wine system under pressure. According to the UCI, the main risks for the sector currently stem from the climate, production model, and market tensions. The sector requires structural interventions to avoid a progressive weakening in the long term.

International

Vinitaly closes with 90,000 attendees. The 2026 edition closed with 90,000 visitors overall, 26% of whom came from 135 countries. Strong participation from international buyers, confirming the fair’s role as a platform for the internationalization of Italian wine.

America is strategic for Italian groups The acquisition of Herita Marzotto in Oregon confirms that the United States remains a decisive axis for the growth of large Italian wine companies, despite the complex international context and fears linked to tariffs.

Italian wine between geopolitics and the global economy The 2026 Wine Power List crowns American importer Victor Owen Schwartz in first place, highlighting how the wine supply chain is increasingly influenced by international trade dynamics.

Wine events

Vinitaly 2026, a positive final outcome. The 58th edition closes with solid results and a strong international profile. For Veneto Governor Alberto Stefani, the event must increasingly become a “Veneto Agora,” a place for discussion, business, and regional identity.

The Political and Symbolic Side of Vinitaly On the final day, Stefani reiterated Vinitaly’s value as a showcase for the region and also shared his more personal side, citing Valpolicella Ripasso and Amarone among his favorite wines.

The “cringe” of Vinitaly 2026 Between questionable slogans, over-the-top communication campaigns, and questionable statements, the more ironic and controversial side of the Verona fair is not missing this year either.

Grand Tasting of Great Italian Vintages Among Vinitaly’s flagship tastings, “Eccellenze d’Italia” brought together historic wineries and iconic wines from Alto Adige, Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily, and other major Italian wine regions.

Only Wine 2026 looks to young producers From April 25th to 27th, the market exhibition dedicated to young winemakers and small emerging wineries returns to Città di Castello, increasingly a point of reference for authenticity and new energy in the sector.

Sicilia DOC at Milan Design Week The Sicilia DOC Consortium participates in the Fuorisalone in the Brera Design District with events that intertwine wine, design, music, and contemporary lifestyle, strengthening the presence of wine in urban and creative contexts.

Women of Wine from the Marche region at Vinitaly: Leadership, territory, and wine tourism are the focus of the meeting promoted by the association’s Marche delegation, focusing on the role of women as interpreters of biodiversity, culture, and new entrepreneurial visions.

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 Thursday April 16 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Gavi DOCG returns to Vinitaly after three years. The Gavi Consortium relaunches its presence in Verona with a wine talk dedicated to the different interpretations of the appellation: classic, sparkling, reserve, and older vintages. This return strengthens the Piedmontese white’s positioning among tourism, culture, and regional storytelling.

Derthona Due.Zero confirms the success of Timorasso. The Colli Tortonesi are consolidating their position as a contemporary and dynamic area, capable of attracting growing interest thanks to the quality of their white wines, the stylistic openness of their producers, and the valorization of Timorasso as a distinctive wine.

Cantine Lento to Star on the Papal Flight Cantine Lento’s Rosà and Magliocco labels will accompany Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Africa, offering a symbolic and prestigious showcase for Calabrian wine and the region’s native grape varieties.

Cantina Futurista, an urban winery opens in Treviso. A new model of integrated winery with catering and artisanal distillation debuts: open-view winemaking, a strong urban identity, and a fusion of wine, hospitality, and reclaimed industrial design.

Cantine del Notaio shines at Vinitaly 2026. Five wines selected by an international jury in the 5StarWines guide confirm the Lucanian company’s qualitative strength and the growing importance of Vulture in the national wine scene.

Agricola BES, wine as a family life project From Monferrato comes the story of a small winery born from a radical life choice: leaving the city, rediscovering nature and building a farming business tied to family values and the well-being of their children.

1701 presents new vintages in Franciacorta The winery launches Dosaggi Zero Riserva 2019 and Ellessedì 2022, confirming a production line oriented towards expressive purity, technical precision and small, high-quality runs.

Tenuta Venissa among the best wine travel destinations The Venetian winery has been nominated for the 2026 Wine Travel Awards, strengthening its position in the high-end segment of international wine tourism and collectible wines.

Abruzzo wineries enjoyed a positive outcome at Vinitaly. Abruzzo closed the event with encouraging results: 97 wineries exhibited, over 300 labels showcased, and a strong tribute to Luigi Cataldi Madonna, a historic figure in the region’s wine industry.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Wine must be understood before it is consumed. The April issue of Il Gusto puts wine back at the center as a cultural and not just commercial phenomenon, underlining the need to better communicate it in a complex phase for the entire sector.

Businesses and institutions join forces. A clear consensus emerges from the Wine Table at Vinitaly: more effective international promotion, less bureaucracy in the CMO Wine, and shared actions between businesses, the Ministry, and ICE to address the current economic situation.

Dealcoholized wines could grow by 90% Italy sees strong potential in dealcoholized wines, but production expansion remains hampered by regulatory uncertainties and procedures that are still too complex.

Resistant Glera opens a new phase. Vivai Rauscedo and the University of Udine present new clones resistant to the main grapevine diseases, capable of maintaining the grape variety’s identity and supporting more sustainable viticulture.

Langhe, the debate over glyphosate returns. The issue of chemical weed control reignites debate in an area where wine, landscape, tourism, and international image are closely intertwined.

US exports decline, India sees strong growth for Prosecco. Federvini reports a decline in exports to the United States (-3.6%), while Prosecco in India has seen a 165% increase in five years, a sign of new growth regions.

The grape moth threatens Tortona vineyards. Municipalities in the Tortona area are launching a shared monitoring project using pheromone traps to limit damage to Barbera and Timorasso vineyards.

Female Leadership, 5% Higher Incomes CREA and Donne del Vino research confirms that women-led companies are among the most solid and innovative in the sector today, with better overall economic performance.

Agea digitizes the story of Italy’s vineyards. An immersive app has been presented that integrates cartography, audio-video content, and company data to tell the story of the country’s winemaking heritage in a more accessible way for buyers, tourists, and enthusiasts.

Ten years after Tachis, his legacy remains central. A celebratory masterclass at Vinitaly recalled Giacomo Tachis’s decisive role in the renewal of Italian wine, through some of the labels that have marked the recent history of national winemaking.

Large-scale retail trade: lower volumes, but value holds thanks to premium In 2025, wine on the shelves will decrease by 2.7% in volume, while the value remains almost stable thanks to the shift in consumption towards medium-high price ranges.

Producing less and better: the new direction for wine. From discussions between operators and analysts, a shared vision emerges: focusing on niches, quality, sustainability, and greater awareness of new consumer behaviors.

Wine bars are changing the way we drink wine. New, more dynamic and cultural formats are transforming the wine bar into a space for discovery, storytelling, and selection, closer to contemporary consumers.

Valcalepio invests in young people and wine culture. The Bergamo Consortium strengthens its ties with the local area and looks to new generations through projects with schools.

Wine and Health in the Mediterranean Model Vinitaly returns to discuss the relationship between wine, moderation, and well-being: the Mediterranean model is proposed as a cultural and nutritional key, distinct from abuse.

In Lazio, a €1.2 million call for proposals for wine. The Region supports innovation, competitiveness, and efficiency of winemaking businesses with grants of up to 40% of investments.

International

Canada remains a winning model for exports The CETA agreement confirms its success story: since 2017, European wines in Canada have been growing at a significantly higher rate than those of non-EU competitors.

Italian wine seeks new global routes. Amid US tariffs, slowing consumption, and market restructuring, the sector is increasingly looking to new areas of development, from India to other emerging markets.

Coldiretti Trentino Alto Adige calls for an extraordinary European plan. The new CMO rules are considered useful but insufficient: a European structural intervention is needed to support exports and business profitability.

Wine events

The Prosecco Hills: Photography, Art, and an International Vision At Vinitaly, the UNESCO landscape of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene is showcased through an editorial and photographic project that aims to strengthen its global visibility.

Città del Vino promotes the territory and regional identity. From Friuli Venezia Giulia comes the call for increasingly coordinated promotion between institutions, municipalities, and producers to strengthen the link between wine, landscape, and local culture.

Vinitaly: Trentino’s revitalization and a strong political presence The event confirms its central role as a platform for the sector, but also continues to be the scene of a very strong political presence.

Roberto Giacobbo talks about his wine project. The well-known television personality brings to Vinitaly a narrative that combines family memories, passion, and innovation, transforming wine into a personal and entrepreneurial story.

Lario wines are growing, driven by tourism. The Lario area sees tourism and the international reach of Vinitaly as a concrete lever to consolidate its winemaking development.

In short, April 16th represents a sector still under pressure, but not stagnant: Italian wine is seeking new avenues for growth through exports, varietal innovation, premiumization, new consumption models, and an increasingly strong integration between territory, culture, and international promotion.

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

See you tomorrow.

Wine press review for Wednesday April 15 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Zenato brings art to Vinitaly with the exhibition “Maya.” The Veneto winery transforms the glass of its bottles into a narrative and cultural tool, recounting the work in the vineyard and cellar through contemporary photography. A project that strengthens the connection between wine, territory, and Italian cultural identity.

Ferrari revitalizes the value of time with “Archivio di Famiglia” Trentodoc Giulio Ferrari and Ferrari Riserva Lunelli become the protagonists of a project that focuses on the prolonged refinement and longevity of mountain sparkling wines, offering a unique proposition for consumers and high-end restaurants.

Vicentini experiments with rare grape varieties and new cellar innovations. At Vinitaly, the company presents new wines and the “field catalogue” work carried out with Graspo, dedicated to the recovery of varieties at risk of extinction, resistant to climate change and pathogens.

Crisis at the Cantina di Carpi e Sorbara: Regional intervention requested. The situation of the historic Emilian cooperative, struggling with serious financial distress, is a hot topic. The Regional Council has called for urgent measures to protect its members and ensure business continuity.

The “Cantina Futurista” opens in Treviso. One of Italy’s first urban wineries debuts: a new project that combines open-view winemaking, dining, and a cocktail bar in a context of urban regeneration.

Palmento Costanzo expands its vineyard hospitality offerings on Etna. The Etna winery expands the concept of the winemaking experience by offering hospitality and stays immersed in the vineyards, confirming the Sicilian volcano’s strong territorial potential.

Velenosi in the spotlight at Vinitaly Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Salvini’s visit to the Marche winery’s stand highlights a company that is a symbol of Ascoli wine and its international reach.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Wine tourism increasingly strategic for wineries. At Vinitaly, the role of wine tourism as a growth driver for the sector is clearly evident. The sector is now worth over €3 billion and remains one of the most dynamic, although improving hospitality and services remains a key focus.

The Sardinia Wine Tourism Network is born. Sardinia presents a pilot project in Verona that unites the island’s wineries to develop a seasonally adjusted wine tourism, integrated with local culture, territories, and identities.

Sangiovese TEA: research opens a new phase. From Tuscany comes the first Sangiovese plant grown with Assisted Evolution Technologies. This represents an important step toward addressing drought and disease with targeted genetic innovation tools without the need for external DNA.

Northern Pact for Wine Research: Lombardy and Veneto are leading a new alliance between research centers and agricultural institutions in Northern Italy to strengthen the innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness of the national winemaking system.

EU Labeling Case: Industry Rejects Alarmist Health Warnings . At Vinitaly, debate over European proposals regarding health warnings on labels has reignited. The wine industry fears further damage to its reputation and regulations.

Alcohol-free wines: bureaucracy slows down dealcoholization in Italy. Despite the regulatory framework being established, producers are still waiting for full operational approval to produce partially or totally dealcoholized wines in Italy.

Wine Reacts with the International Academy of Healthy Drinking Signorvino launches a new scientific and cultural organization to bring the wine debate back to a foundation of scientific evidence, countering simplifications and penalizing narratives.

From Defensive to Offensive: The New Approach for Italian Wine Minister Lollobrigida advocates for a more proactive strategy for the sector, focusing on promotion, communication, and production improvements rather than structural reduction measures.

Large-scale retail trade: lower volumes, stable values, rising premiums. Circana data confirms a decline in volumes in large-scale retail trade for 2025, but with substantially stable values thanks to growth in the medium-high price ranges. Sparkling wines continue to buck the positive trend.

Foodservice and wine: a crucial channel, but one that needs strengthening. The FIPE-UIV Observatory highlights the strategic importance of the HoReCa sector, worth €12 billion. However, structural limitations emerge in managing the wine list and promoting the product on-site.

Anti-greenwashing directive: communicating sustainability will be more rigorous. Starting in 2026, the use of terms like “natural,” “green,” or “eco-friendly” will require certified proof. This change will impact wine labels, websites, and marketing communications.

Heroic Viticulture: Veneto Regional Register Launched Veneto announces the establishment of the Register of Heroic and Historic Viticulturists, an important step toward recognizing and protecting a viticulture that is both traditional, distinctive, and highly challenging.

International

Italian wine exports are struggling, but new markets are picking up pace. Federvini reports a decline in exports to the US, penalized by tariffs, with a very difficult first two months of 2026. At the same time, however, alternative markets such as Mercosur and India are growing strongly, becoming increasingly strategic.

India under special observation for Italian wine India emerges as one of the most promising markets: growing consumption, a broadening consumer base, and the perception of wine as a symbol of style, success, and modernity.

Wine Travel Awards: Growing Interest in New Wine Tourism Destinations Among the 2026 destinations, some less obvious areas emerge compared to the classic European wine tourism hubs, a sign of a more curious and diverse international demand.

Château d’Yquem: Between Legend and the Luxury Market The celebrated Sauternes returns to the spotlight with a presentation-auction that confirms the symbolic and commercial power of these iconic wines on the global scene.

Wine events

Vinitaly confirms the central role of wine tourism. Through tastings, meetings, and debates, Verona confirms its position as a platform for discussion on the future of wine, with a focus on hospitality, business models, and territorial development.

Vinitaly: Flavor, Color, and Business Relations The photo story from the stands conveys a vibrant image of a vibrant event, brimming with aesthetics, B2B meetings, tastings, and a widespread presence of industry professionals and institutions.

Meloni at Vinitaly: full support for the sector. The Prime Minister calls Vinitaly a “unique showcase of Made in Italy” and reiterates the Government’s commitment to supporting the sector in a complex international context.

The 70th Valdobbiadene DOCG Exhibition is in full swing. The calendar of events continues at Col San Martino, including awards ceremonies, food, a photography exhibition, tourist itineraries, and sports initiatives related to the Valdobbiadene region.

Sangiovese Festival in San Giovanni Valdarno On April 18th and 19th, the city hosts a major event dedicated to Sangiovese with 80 wineries, over 400 labels, masterclasses, music, and cultural events.

Supertrebbiano Returns to Spoleto The second edition of the event dedicated to Trebbiano Spoletino brings together over 15 Umbrian wineries and local producers, confirming the growing interest in these distinctive grape varieties.

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

See you tomorrow.

 

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