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Wine press review for Monday August 24 -2026

with:

The main news from the world of wine, selected and summarized for quick and comprehensive reading.

Good morning,

The main news from the world of wine, selected and summarized for quick and comprehensive reading.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Contini Winery: After 50 Years, Paolo Contini Passes the Baton

A significant generational transition for the historic Contini Winery in Cabras , founded in 1895. After more than fifty years at the helm of the company, Paolo Contini is handing over the reins to his grandsons Alessandro, Mauro, and Marcello. This is an example of family continuity, combining tradition, corporate stability, and openness to international markets.

Monviert creates Italy’s best white wine

The 2020 Tricûr Bianco Riserva from Monviert , in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, has been recognized as Italy’s best white wine by DoctorWine’s 2027 Essential Guide to Italian Wines . This recognition reinforces Friuli Venezia Giulia’s position among Italy’s great white wine regions.

Cantina Bolzano invests in sustainability

Cantina Bolzano – Kellerei Bozen , the first CasaClima Wine certified winery, presents its second Sustainability Report for the period 2022–2025. Energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling, and innovation are at the heart of the South Tyrolean cooperative’s strategy.

Signorvino nears 50 stores

Signorvino continues to expand, with a turnover of approximately €90 million by 2025 and a target of 50 stores in Italy and abroad. The city’s eighth location has opened in Milan, within the CityLife Shopping District: 350 square meters and seating for 180. A strategy that focuses on wine as an experience, conviviality, and culture.

Fattoria dei Barbi: the 2020 Brunello Riserva takes center stage.

The historic Fattoria dei Barbi presents its 2020 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva, the expression of a family tradition rooted in the 17th century. The winery represents a historic example of the evolution of Brunello, integrating wine, agriculture, and hospitality.

Gini and the roots of Soave Classico

The Gini family, active in Monteforte d’Alpone since 1570, continues to represent one of the historic figures of Soave Classico. Centuries-old vineyards, fifteen generations, and a strong connection to the territory testify to the value of family continuity in Italian wine.

Feudo Montoni: From a mountain limit to a competitive advantage

The history of Feudo Montoni , in Sicily, illustrates how high-altitude viticulture has changed over time. Wines once considered less suited to international tastes are now receiving renewed attention: vineyards above 600 meters can represent an important response to rising temperatures and the search for fresher wines.

Lambrusco Francesca Mara awarded at Merano WineHunter

Lambrusco Reggiano DOP “Laurenti” , from the Francesca Mara brand, won the “Rosso Award” at Merano WineHunter 2026. Entrepreneur Francesca Marastoni’s project combines entrepreneurial growth and family history.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: Puglia Production Up 10%, But Inventories Are a Weight

Initial estimates from Confagricoltura Puglia indicate a growth in wine grape production of approximately 10% by 2025. High temperatures have accelerated ripening, and in several areas, harvesting has already begun.

However, the problem of inventories remains: 73.2% of Apulian wine in stock is DOP or IGP , and the region accounts for almost 30% of Italian must inventories.

Puglia: From managing surpluses to creating value

With approximately 5 million hectoliters of wine in the cellars , the debate shifts from mere inventory management to the need to rethink the production and commercial model. The central question becomes not just how much to produce, but what to produce, at what price, and for which markets .

The Italian vineyard must adapt to the new demand

According to Lorenzo Tersi of LT Wine & Food Advisory, the Italian sector is showing strong resilience, but must address the gap between declining demand and vineyard acreage. Among the issues identified are: rationalization of hectares, product innovation, and a greater ability to adapt to changing consumer trends.

Nighttime harvest: the weather changes vineyard work

From Sicily to Veneto, the use of night harvesting is growing. Harvesting during the coolest hours helps limit the effects of high temperatures and better preserve the aromas, flavors, and quality of the grapes.

Wine tourism: Italians increasingly seek out family-run wineries.

The new report on wine tourism experiences highlights an interesting shift: 27% of respondents cite a visit to a family-run winery as their most popular experience, even ahead of buying bottles at a bargain price.

Italian wine tourists are expected to number approximately 18 million in 2026 , compared to 13.4 million in 2024. Tastings, winery dining, and food pairings are also growing. Visitors increasingly seek out people, stories, and the region, in addition to wine.

Euganean Hills: New typologies under study

The Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Euganei is discussing a change to the regulations that would introduce the “Serprino sui lieviti” ( fermented on yeasts) label and the Colli Euganei DOC designation for Bordeaux-style red wines. The stated goal is to enhance the value of local wines.

Trentodoc protagonist of the summer

Freshness, acidity, and versatility keep Trentodoc highly sought after, especially in the Brut, Pas Dosé, and Extra Brut versions. The vineyards’ altitude and the traditional method contribute to its positioning as a particularly suitable wine for summer consumption.

Aglianico and Falanghina enhance the Sannio area

The Sannio Benevento area is consolidating its identity through two leading producers: Aglianico del Taburno DOCG and Falanghina del Sannio DOP . At the same time, the number of tours and tastings at local wineries is growing.

Innovation and tradition: “Wine is not an exact science”

From the Barolo region emerges a reflection on the relationship between new generations, innovation, and tradition. Contemporary winemaking continues to evolve, maintaining terroir as a central element of wine’s identity.

INTERNATIONAL

World wineries are increasingly focusing on steel

The demand for fresher, lighter, and cleaner wines is also changing wineries’ investments. In 2025, stainless steel accounted for 42.5% of wine tanks worldwide and, according to reported data, approximately 85% of new tank purchases by wineries. At the same time, interest in oak is declining.

Moldova holds the world record for vineyards per capita.

With just 2.3 million inhabitants, Moldova boasts approximately 375 square meters of vineyards per capita . The country is currently ranked as the world’s 19th largest wine producer and exports approximately 85% of its production to 70 countries. A small domestic market with a strong international vocation.

Alcohol consumption: the decline affects several generations

A US analysis based on 25 years of data highlights that the reduction in consumption cannot be attributed exclusively to Gen Z. Younger people drink less frequently and in smaller quantities, while older generations naturally reduce their consumption with age.

For the beverage sector, the challenge therefore becomes to rebuild opportunities for responsible consumption that are consistent with the lifestyles of different generations .

London experiments with vineyard above train station

In Denmark Hill, south London, Château Denmark Hill is born, a small urban winemaking project built on the elevated terraces of the station. This symbolic production is an interesting example of new forms of urban micro-agriculture.

Alcohol and differences between men and women

According to information from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, some effects of alcohol may be felt in women with smaller amounts than in men, partly due to average differences in body composition. However, individual factors such as weight, age, genetics, diet, and drinking habits remain key.

EVENTS, TASTINGS AND WINE CULTURE

OltreGusto 2026 – Voghera, September 7-8

Oltrepò Pavese brings together wine, gastronomy, and the region. The 2026 edition features a collaboration with the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese and the addition of “Oltrepò Terra di Pinot Nero,” dedicated to DOCG sparkling wines and Pinot Noir.

ViVa, Valtellina Wines – Sondrio from September 11th

Four days dedicated to Alpine Nebbiolo , the wineries, and the Valtellina landscape. The 2026 edition opens with a musical event in Piazza Garibaldi, bringing wine to a younger, more contemporary audience.

“The Cold Bardolino” – August 28-30

Bardolino and Lazise are back together for the third edition of the event dedicated to Bardolino Classico DOC served chilled . Three days of wineries, tastings, food, music, and promotion of the Garda area.

Friuli Venezia Giulia: The tourist grape harvest arrives

Between September and October, several wineries in Friuli Venezia Giulia will open their vineyards and facilities to visitors, allowing them to participate in the grape harvest and learn firsthand about the producers’ work. A concrete example of wine tourism’s evolution toward participatory experiences.

Sarzana: A new ITS dedicated to wine is born

At the Parentucelli-Arzelà Institute in Sarzana, the ITS Academy Agroalimentare Liguria is launching a free two-year course dedicated to the winemaking industry. The program includes 1,800 hours of training, including 630 hours of internships in companies , covering everything from vineyard management and winemaking to quality, marketing, and wine tourism.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

Today’s news shows a wine sector that is increasingly entering a phase of structural transformation .

On the one hand, production, inventory, and vineyard areas must find a new balance with less predictable demand. On the other, very interesting signs are emerging: growing wine tourism, increasingly attractive family wineries, sustainability, fresher wines, high-altitude viticulture, new consumption models, and a greater focus on the experience .

The message coming from the market is quite clear:

It’s no longer enough to produce good wine. We need to produce the wine the market wants, at the right time, for the right consumer, and with a distinctive identity.

The winery of the future will therefore have to be simultaneously a farm, a quality producer, a brand, a place of experience and a company capable of quickly interpreting market changes .

In this scenario, the real challenge will not simply be to sell more bottles, but to create more value for each bottle, for each hectare of vineyard and for each person who comes into contact with the territory and the winery .

See you tomorrow.

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

Wine press review for Friday August 21 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

QUIDQUID presents the main news from the world of wine, selected and organized to offer quick and comprehensive reading for producers, wineries, operators and professionals in the supply chain.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Giorgi Wineries: In the Oltrepò, wine tourism becomes tailor-made.

In Canneto Pavese, Cantine Giorgi focuses on a personalized hospitality model, free from rigid packages. Visits and experiences are tailored to each guest’s needs. Fabiano Giorgi is also working on the relaunch of Classese, a historic brand of Metodo Classico made from Pinot Noir from the Oltrepò Pavese region.

Wine clubs: Italian wineries are looking for customers, not just visitors.

More and more producers are introducing wine clubs, a model already well-established in the United States. Older vintages, exclusive tastings, private events, and exclusive benefits serve to transform buyers into members of a community. In a market with weakening domestic consumption, loyalty is becoming an increasingly important marketing lever.

Pietroso: The Family History of Brunello di Montalcino

In Montalcino, Pietroso represents a family winemaking history that began in 1970 with Domenico Berni. Since 1992, the company has been run by Gianni Pignattai and his family, continuing a journey that began with the first bottle of Brunello di Montalcino in 1978.

Monviert wins the award for best white wine in Italy

The 2020 Tricûr Bianco Riserva from Monviert, in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, has been recognized as Italy’s best white wine by DoctorWine’s 2027 Essential Guide to Italian Wines . This result further strengthens Friuli Venezia Giulia’s position in Italy’s premium white wine production.

Birgi Wineries: Wine, Territory, and Tourism in the Stagnone Reserve

In Marsala, Cantine Birgi, through its Feudo Stagnone brand, offers experiences that combine vineyards, winery, tastings, local products, the lagoon, and boat tours. This is an example of how wine tourism can transform the local area into an integral part of the winery’s offerings.

Ampeleia: Biodynamics and Cabernet Franc in the Maremma

In Roccatederighi, in the Colline Metallifere, Ampeleia has been pursuing a project based on local tradition, biodiversity, and a biodynamic approach since 2002. Its distinctive features include whole-bunch processing for the production of Cabernet Franc.

Cotarella family: wine tourism needs more excitement.

For Enrica Cotarella, image and communications manager for Famiglia Cotarella, today’s visitors aren’t just looking for technical explanations and tastings: they want to feel part of the winery’s history, family, and project. Wine tourism is therefore increasingly shifting from product to relationship.

Bottega expresses solidarity after the attack on its Ukrainian partner.

A Russian bombing raid on the night of August 20th hit a logistics facility of Fozzy Group, a Ukrainian group that, through Silpo, also imports and distributes wines and Prosecco from Veneto-based Bottega. The attack, according to the news report, killed 15 employees. Bottega expressed its sympathy to the victims and to its business partner.

Bottega and the Prosecco Superiore DOCG

Bottega produces a total of approximately 28 million bottles of wine, spirits, and liqueurs, of which just under 14.5 million are dedicated to wine. Alongside its large volumes of sparkling wines, the company also produces more selective wines such as the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG and the vintage labels dedicated to Stefano Bottega.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Wine Innovation: Europe and the New World Take Different Paths

A study published in 2026 in the Journal of Wine Economics , based on the analysis of 9,439 patents filed between 1970 and 2023 in 53 countries, highlights two patterns of innovation: Europe tends towards more shared technologies and standards, while the United States, Australia, New Zealand and other New World countries show greater technological diversification.

Low-alcohol: Orvieto looks to low-alcohol wines

The slowdown in traditional consumption is opening up new opportunities for low-alcohol products. Riccardo Cotarella suggests that the Orvieto area offers the potential for developing wines with low alcohol content, down to around 7% ABV, catering to new consumption styles.

Alto Adige: the earliest harvest ever

The exceptionally warm spring and summer of 2026 accelerated the ripening of the grapes. According to the Alto Adige Wine Consortium, this is the earliest harvest in the region’s history. The first grapes destined for the sparkling wine bases have already arrived at the cellar.

2026 Harvest: Precision is More Important Than the Calendar

High temperatures, early ripening, and shorter harvest windows make meticulous management of individual parcels increasingly important. Five wineries, from Alto Adige to Albania, via Chianti Classico, share different strategies for protecting the grapes, conserving water, and maintaining the balance between sugars and acidity.

Colli Bolognesi: Early harvest, but positive expectations

Even in Emilia-Romagna, the heat brought the harvest forward. However, in the Colli Bolognesi area, the initial indications are positive: according to Walter Iannini of the Caccianemici agricultural company, the sampling shows favorable prospects for both quantity and quality, with an estimated growth in company production of between 10% and 20%.

Wine tourism: families with children are still under-recognized

Many wineries continue to design their wine tourism offerings primarily for adult couples. Families with children, however, may represent an interesting segment that is still under-researched and underserved. However, sufficient statistical data is lacking to quantify this phenomenon.

Wine and Sustainability: The Debate on Packaging Reuse

Wine has been excluded from the mandatory reuse targets set by the new European Packaging Regulation for other beverage categories. This decision reopens the debate on the wine industry’s ability to address the environmental impact of packaging and the changes required by climate change.

Lollobrigida defends the cultural and social role of wine

Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida reiterated the importance of wine in Italian culture, challenging what he calls the “criminalization” of the beverage. His remarks focused on the value of conviviality and out-of-home consumption as components of the Italian lifestyle.

INTERNATIONAL

Ticino: potentially excellent harvest, but climate concerns

According to Davide Cadenazzi, president of Federviti, 2026 could be one of the best vintages of the last twenty years in terms of quality. However, the situation remains complex due to drought, hail, pests, rising costs, and market difficulties.

Seven new Masters of Wine

The Institute of Masters of Wine announces seven new professionals who have completed the program to earn the prestigious title. These additions bring the number of new Masters of Wine for 2026 to 11, the highest number since 2021. Portugal and Hungary also receive their first resident Master of Wine (MW).

Wine and knowledge: a study links expertise and cognitive abilities.

Research published in Intelligence & Cognitive Abilities finds a correlation between higher IQ and knowledge of wine. This topic reinforces the debate about wine not just as a consumer product, but as a cultural phenomenon tied to territory, history, and knowledge.

Restaurants: Growing space for non-drinkers

The restaurant industry often continues to offer few structured alternatives for non-alcoholics. According to Food & Beverage Consultant Domenico Carella, this very lack could be transformed into a business opportunity for restaurants and hotels capable of developing a quality alcohol-free offering.

EVENTS, WINE TOURISM AND WINE CULTURE

Football meets wine with “The Wines of the Champions”

Former champions such as Amauri, Marek Jankulovsky, Sebastian Frey, and Julio Cesar are participating in the entrepreneurial project “The Wines of The Champions,” created by Fabio Cordella. The project, which combines sports, international celebrities, and wine, is also set to become a television series.

Experience becomes the new competitive ground of wine tourism

From Oltrepò Pavese to Sicily, passing through Umbria, Lazio, and Tuscany, a common thread emerges: the traditional visit with tasting is no longer enough. Personalization, local culture, emotions, community, food, and complementary activities are becoming key elements in transforming visitors into customers and ambassadors for the winery.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

The August 21, 2026, review chronicles a winemaking sector that is changing simultaneously on multiple fronts.

The early harvest confirms how the climate is significantly changing production times and techniques. At the same time, technological innovation, low alcohol content, and sustainability are reshaping the product.

On the commercial front, however, an even more interesting indication emerges: wineries are seeking new forms of direct relationship with consumers.

Wine clubs, personalized wine tourism, family-focused experiences, local businesses, hospitality, and community initiatives demonstrate that value no longer stems solely from the bottle.

The winery of the future will therefore have to be simultaneously a producer, a brand, a place to live, and a community of customers.

And as the traditional market becomes more selective, this very ability to build relationships can become one of the most important levers for protecting the margins, reputation, and value of a winery.

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

Wine press review for Thursday August 20 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

Cantina Tollo grows by 133 hectares

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

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

Cantine Monfort: From the Cembra Valley to 26 Countries

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

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

Belisario Winery: Good prospects for Verdicchio di Matelica

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

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

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

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

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

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

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

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

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

The 2026 harvest: a difficult year to interpret

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

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

Friuli Venezia Giulia: Early harvest and priority given to water

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

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

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

The 2026 harvest started early in many northern areas.

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

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

Sicily: cellars still full before the new production

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

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

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

Ligurian wines resist market difficulties

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

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

Roero: one of the great souls of Piedmontese wine

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

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

Sardinia: Wine quality is growing

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

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

INTERNATIONAL AND NEW MARKETS

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

Climate change is profoundly altering the European viticultural calendar.

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

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

Ready to Drink is growing in the United States and Europe

Premixed cocktails continue to gain popularity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EVENTS, WINE TOURISM AND WINE CULTURE

Wine Tourism 2026: Wine increasingly meets the sea

Italian wine tourism is increasingly integrated with seaside holidays.

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

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

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

The Etna Wine Train

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

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

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

Tuscany: The growing phenomenon of vineyard dinners

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

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

WineHunter Award Collection 2026

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

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

Stintino Wine Festival: Wine and Territory Take Center Stage

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

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

Durazzano: Four days dedicated to Sannio wine

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

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

Unusual Marsala 2026: Wine, Hospitality, and Artificial Intelligence

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

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

PICTURE OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you tomorrow.

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

Wine press review for Wednesday August 19 -2026

with:

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

Good morning,

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

Alto Adige, 2026 harvest arrives record early

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

Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG: technical meetings before the harvest

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

Sicily: Wineries are increasingly focusing on wine tourism.

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

Bolgheri: An Abandoned Quarry Becomes a Meraviglia Winery

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

Lvnae: Vermentino and Albarola become Classic Method

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

Franciacorta: Harvesting at night to escape the heat

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

Six families tell the story of Italian wine

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

Piedmont, the harvest has never been so early

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

Shop: The heat is causing economic damage.

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

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: Good Quality, But Inventories Are a Concern

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

Harvest 2026: Between social media and vineyard reality

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

Legacoop Agroalimentare: Wine is part of Italian culture

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

Italian wine: the debate on managing production potential reopens.

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

Wine Tourism 2026: Italians increasingly seek wine and seafood

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

INTERNATIONAL

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

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

US market still negative, but June shows signs of stabilization

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

France: Crisis also for barrel makers

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

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

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

Switzerland: Casa del Vino partners with FC Lugano

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

EVENTS, TASTINGS AND WINE CULTURE

Wine Nights in Conegliano

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

Open Cellars during Harvest returns to Tuscany

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

Open Cellars also in the Arezzo area

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

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

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

The WineHunter Award 2026: 1,506 wines earn Gold

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

Bubbles of the World: Summer Toasts

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

Lower Lazio: Wine, Abbeys, and Territory

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

PICTURE OF THE DAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you tomorrow.

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

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