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Wine press review for Friday May 22 -2026

with:

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

Cantine Aperte 2026 focuses on wellness and experiences

The Wine Tourism Movement is relaunching the Cantine Aperte format, transforming wineries into places dedicated to wellness, nature, and immersive experiences: yoga among the vines, trekking, e-biking, cooking classes, and tastings are becoming central to contemporary wine tourism.

La Scolca celebrates Mario Soldati

The celebrations for Mario Soldati’s 120th birthday, promoted by Chiara Soldati of La Scolca, kicked off in Rome. The focus is on the connection between wine, culture, territory, and the authenticity of the Italian wine story.

The rural luxury of the Langhe

The Ceretto family is developing the “Le Brunate” project, a new hospitality model that integrates wine, cuisine, art, and landscape, transforming the vineyard into a complete cultural experience.

Roberto Giacobbo, wine producer in Puglia

Journalist and TV writer Roberto Giacobbo enters the world of wine with the “Torreclava” project together with the Faretra family in Puglia, focusing on organic production and territorial valorization.

Brunello di Montalcino: 2026 Yield Reduction Confirmed

The Brunello di Montalcino Wine Consortium confirms the reduction in yields from 80 to 70 quintals per hectare for the 2026 harvest, a measure designed to protect the quality, production balance, and value of the denomination.

Planeta combines wine and contemporary art

Planeta Winery is organizing a tour of vineyards, contemporary art, and tastings at Buonivini during Cantine Aperte 2026.

Cantina Produttori Fregona relaunches its Torchiato DOCG.

The Fregona cooperative promotes Torchiato DOCG Piera Dolza, a historic local passito wine produced with native grape varieties such as Glera, Boschera, and Verdiso.

Marchesini reconfirmed as head of the Valpolicella Consortium

Christian Marchesini will remain president of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium until 2028. His goals include international promotion and the UNESCO nomination for the grape drying ritual.

The historic Porta Romana winery closes.

After 25 years, one of Teramo’s iconic restaurants is closing its doors, reflecting on the city’s changing landscape and the loss of its local gastronomic identity.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

2026 Assoenologi Congress in Conegliano

The 79th Assoenologi Congress will address key issues in the sector: young consumers, health, climate, sustainability, low-alcohol wines, varietal innovation, and the future of international markets.

Mediobanca: Italian wine revenues down 2.8% in 2025

According to the Mediobanca report, the main Italian wine groups saw a 2.8% decline in turnover, with exports slowing, especially to the United States and Europe. Horeca, wine bars, and online sales also declined.

Italian white wines remain undervalued abroad

Analysis of the international positioning of Italian white wines: recognized quality but still penalized by languages and cultural perceptions that favor international grape varieties like Chardonnay.

Growing interest in low-alcohol wines at origin

More and more Italian wineries are experimenting with low-alcohol wines, developed directly in the vineyard and cellar, rather than simply through subsequent dealcoholization.

New EU limits on copper in vineyards

New European limits on copper residues will come into force in 2026. Precision viticulture, digital records, and proper system calibration are becoming increasingly important.

CMO Wine Promotion Third Countries 2026/2027

Applications for CMO Wine grants dedicated to promotion on non-EU markets are open from May 21 to June 26, 2026.

The best Sardinian wines according to a comparative test

Of the more than 100 labels analyzed, Cannonau, Vermentino, and Torbato from companies such as Argiolas and Sella & Mosca stand out for their quality and pleasantness.

Librandi takes center stage with its 2021 Cirò Riserva

Librandi’s Cirò Classico Superiore Riserva Duca Sanfelice 2021 received excellent reviews, describing it as elegant, persistent, and offering excellent value for money.

Hugo Spritz continues its summer boom

The Hugo Spritz confirms its success as a light and aromatic cocktail born in Alto Adige, increasingly present in European summer aperitifs.

International

United Kingdom: wine production boom

The United Kingdom is expected to record its second-largest harvest in history in 2025, with a 55% production rate and over 16.5 million bottles, thanks to favorable weather conditions and the growth of English sparkling wine.

Dom Pérignon and Tilda Swinton at the Guggenheim in Bilbao

Dom Pérignon presents an artistic performance at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao with Tilda Swinton dedicated to the relationship between Champagne, art, and contemporary creativity.

Wine events

Vini Vaganti brings natural wines to Lecce

The event dedicated to artisanal wines returns to Lecce, featuring traveling tastings and producers from all over Italy.

Cori Civitas Vini celebrates biodiversity and territory

Two days of tastings, guided tours, masterclasses, and promotion of Bellone and Nero Buono wines in Lazio.

Open Cellars 2026: Sicily Heads for a Record

Over 30 Sicilian wineries will participate in the 2026 edition of Cantine Aperte, marking the growth of regional wine tourism.

Preview of the Open Cellars for Meyer

At the Valdichiana Designer Village, over 20 wineries will be hosting charity tastings in support of Meyer Hospital.

Umbria Wine Tourism Movement

More than 40 Umbrian wineries will be involved in tastings, vineyard picnics, e-bikes, and hospitality throughout the Montefalco, Orvieto, and Lake Trasimeno areas.

Wine Street Tasting brings life to Asti

Forty-one venues are part of the city’s largest food and wine district, dedicated to wine, Piedmontese cuisine, and international street food.

Mandrarossa Literary Award

Mandrarossa is reviving the dialogue between wine and culture with the “La Sicilia che non ti aspetti” Literary Prize, scheduled for Selinunte on July 25, 2026.

AIS Agrigento visits Masseria del Feudo

The AIS Agrigento course concluded with an educational visit to Masseria del Feudo, an example of organic farming and territorial innovation.

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 May 21 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Marsala DOC on the way to the Additional Geographical Units (UGA). The Marsala DOC Consortium begins the process of obtaining recognition for the Additional Geographical Units: Stagnone, Altopiano dei Bagli, Triglia, and San Nicola. The goal: to enhance territorial differences and strengthen Marsala’s global identity.

Kurtatsch Winery presents its new Alto Adige Uga wines. The Alto Adige cooperative is launching nine wines from eight different Uga wines, focusing on the zoning and climate adaptation of Gewürztraminer thanks to vineyards distributed between 220 and 900 meters above sea level.

Tenuta del Paguro and underwater aging Off the coast of Ravenna, Tenuta del Paguro continues its aging project in the Adriatic Sea: bottles are immersed 30 meters deep for twelve months at constant temperature and pressure.

Principe di Corleone opens its doors for Cantine Aperte. On May 31st, the Sicilian winery will host vineyard tours, tastings, and live music as part of the national initiative of the Movimento Turismo del Vino.

Piedmontese Ruchè in the spotlight after the brawl at the wine festival. The Ruchè Festival ended amid controversy and tension after a clash between two historic local producers. The industry fears damage to the Piedmontese grape’s reputation.

Emilia-Romagna focuses on contemporary, naturally low-alcohol wines. Davide Frascari, president of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Wine Shop, relaunches the region’s versatility: fresh, accessible wines with naturally lower alcohol content, in line with new consumption trends.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Wine Exports: Focus on New Emerging Markets Wine Monitor-Nomisma identifies 13 emerging markets for Italian wine, including India, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, and Colombia. Wine imports to these countries are expected to grow by an average of 7.1% annually from 2019 to 2025.

Mediobanca Report: Italian wine slows. Sales of Italy’s leading producers are projected to decline 2.8% in 2025, with exports down 3.4% and margins sharply compressed. Sparkling wines and premium wines are holding up better, while smaller producers are struggling.

Frescobaldi: A more managerial sector is needed. The UIV president calls for greater production rationalization and reduced yields to avoid oversupply and further depreciation of Italian wines.

US slows for Italian wine According to Mediobanca, the American market will decline 6.3% for Italian wine in 2025. Problems related to declining global consumption and international uncertainty remain central.

Piwi-resistant grape varieties are increasingly central to the winemaking debate. Piwi-resistant grape varieties are gaining in interest thanks to their sustainability and climate resilience. Discussions remain open regarding their possible inclusion in DOC and DOCG designations.

Italian white wines undervalued abroad According to several international observers, Italy’s great white wines still suffer from ineffective communication, both linguistically and perceptually, compared to their international competitors.

Vintage Labeling: Regulatory Clarifications UIV delves into the rules governing vintage labeling for DOC, DOCG, IGP, and generic wines, highlighting the differences between European and national regulations.

US-EU Tariff Agreement: Bottega Cautiously Optimistic. Sandro Bottega considers the trade agreement between Washington and Brussels a positive development, but warns that energy, inflation, and geopolitical tensions remain the main challenges for wine SMEs.

ISWC 2026: Italy leads the way with 459 awards. Excellent performances by Amarone, Prosecco, Valpolicella Ripasso, Barolo, Franciacorta, and Etna DOC at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Horeca 2026: beverages recovering but consumption still fragile In the first quarter of 2026, Horeca sell-out grew by 6% in value compared to 2025, but remained below 2024 levels. Spirits, aperitifs and energy drinks performed well.

Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI exports exceed 93%: Exports exceed €380 million, with distribution in over 130 countries. Asia and non-European markets are growing despite international logistics tensions.

International

Wine-Searcher Acquires Billionaire Olivier Goudet. The international wine data platform has joined the ranks of French investor Olivier Goudet. Investments in AI and a strengthening of the US market are planned.

Champagne remains strong in Italy. The Italian Sommelier Foundation’s “Champagne Oscars” confirm the strong connection between the Italian market and French Champagne. Italy is the world’s fifth largest market for Champagne consumption.

Alternative crops to address a changing climate. The European symposium in Vienna highlights the need to diversify agricultural crops: quinoa, hemp, dry rice, and legumes become strategic tools for resilience.

EU Fertilizer Action Plan: Farmers Critical The European Commission presents the new Fertilizer Action Plan, but the agricultural sector complains about a lack of concrete measures and insufficient financial resources.

Wine events

VitignoItalia closes with over 10,000 visitors. The 20th edition of the Neapolitan event confirms a strong presence of international buyers, press, and professionals, thanks also to the support of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE).

OST – Temporary Starred Osteria continues in Casentino. A new event on May 28th at the Lanificio di Stia will feature starred chefs and local restaurants to promote food and wine and tourism in Casentino.

World Biodiversity Day: Focus on Organic Farming FederBio relaunches the role of biodiversity and biodistricts as key tools for agricultural sustainability and territorial resilience.

Hospitality Award – Notes on Inclusivity and Hospitality The award promoted by Hospitality and WMF dedicated to the use of music in the hotel and restaurant industry as a tool for inclusion and well-being is underway.

Oristano joins the Wine Cities. The Sardinian city is banking on Vernaccia di Oristano as a lever for identity for tourism, culture, and territorial development.

CantinArte returns to Nurachi. The Caddeo Winery hosts a new cultural evening featuring literature, wine, and local produce as part of the CantinArte festival.

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

Wine press review for Wednesday May 20 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Resistant vines take centre stage in Tarzo

The second edition of the event dedicated to resistant grape varieties, organized by the Corbanese Pro Loco, has concluded. Twenty-five producers from Treviso, Belluno, and Pordenone participated, with tastings and masterclasses dedicated to Piwi wines.

FIVI and SDA Bocconi analyze the sustainability of independent winemakers

The research developed by SDA Bocconi with Fivi and Crédit Agricole Italia explores the financial management, growth, and economic sustainability of Italian vertical wineries.

Ciliegiolo revitalizes the Tuscan Maremma

The Consortium for the Protection of Maremma Toscana Wines is committed to promoting Ciliegiolo as a grape variety that represents the identity of an increasingly attractive area for investment and new projects.

Donnafugata: Ben Ryé Beyond Dessert Wine

In Pantelleria, Donnafugata’s Ben Ryé is reinterpreted in a gastronomic key, paired with Mediterranean and Pantellerian cuisine during Sicilia en Primeur 2026.

Angelo Gaja invests in high-altitude white wines

The Gaja family inaugurates a new winery in the Langhe dedicated exclusively to white wines. The project looks to the future climate of Piedmontese viticulture, with vineyards up to 750 meters above sea level.

Folonari inaugurates the new Cabreo Winery

A new facility dedicated to the Super Tuscans of Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari Tenute opens in Greve in Chianti. A €7 million investment in technology, optical sorting, and wine tourism.

Ventiventi Winery and the New Face of Lambrusco

The Razzaboni brothers’ Emilian company continues to promote a contemporary, sustainable, and quality-oriented Lambrusco, overcoming old commercial stereotypes.

Roberto Giacobbo enters the world of wine

The well-known television host is starting a wine production in Puglia together with the Faretra family, focusing on native grape varieties and a limited-edition organic Primitivo.

Marsala Doc towards the UGA

The Marsala DOC Consortium approves the process for the recognition of the Additional Geographic Units: Stagnone, Altopiano dei Bagli, Triglia and San Nicola.

Ghemme DOCG, controversy over the Wine Exhibition

Some producers are challenging the management of Ghemme’s historic event, accusing Pro Loco of distorting the festival’s original purpose.

Mediobanca: 2025 will be difficult for major wine groups

The Mediobanca report highlights a general decline in revenues and margins in the Italian wine sector. Terre Cevico, Mack & Schuhle, and Mezzacorona are holding up better.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Heroic viticulture and climate change

The topic of mountain viticulture returns to the forefront of the “R-Evolution Green” meetings in Pordenone, with reflections on biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate adaptation.

Agricultural students learn in the vineyard

Students from the IIS Asiago institute participated in a practical lesson on pruning at the Anna Costa farm in Rotzo, combining theory and field experience.

UNESCO Italian cuisine and wine

Paolo Marchi of Identità Golose calls on the sector to further enhance the connection between wine, cuisine, and territory to reconnect with consumers.

The first Italian whisky made from ancient spelt is born

The Ligurian distillery Il Signor Camillo presents a craft whisky made from ancient Italian spelt, valorizing the agricultural supply chain and the territory.

Organic growing in Italian retail

In 2025, organic sales in Italian retail are expected to grow by 9.2%, while organic wines and sparkling wines remain substantially stable (-0.1%).

New routes for the export of Italian wine

According to Nomisma Wine Monitor, the 13 emerging markets for Italian wine are expected to exceed €400 million in 2025 (4.3%). Poland, the Czech Republic, and Mexico are among the most promising.

Emerging markets become strategic

Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America represent new areas of development for Italian wine in response to the slowdowns in the USA and Western Europe.

International

Abel Buezo defends the value of artisanal wine

The Spanish producer of Arlanza claims that 50 euro wines represent the right price for non-industrial, locally-sourced products.

Paulaner brings “Spezi” out of Germany

The historic cola-orange drink debuts in Switzerland and is also eyeing Italy as a strategic next European market.

Clessidra acquires control of “Sapore di Mare”

Structured finance transaction to relaunch the historic Italian retail chain specializing in frozen fish products.

Wine events

“Mountain Wines” at the Rauscedo Cooperative Nurseries

On May 21, the VCR Research Center hosts a conference dedicated to heroic viticulture and mountain wines.

Borgo Teresiano Wine Fest in Trieste

From May 28th to June 2nd, tastings, art, music, and wine bars will enliven Trieste’s historic center.

Olio e Dintorni returns to Friuli Venezia Giulia

From May 22nd to 24th, Villa Maseri hosts an event dedicated to regional extra virgin olive oil, featuring tastings and training.

“Table Games” in the Marche

The Marche wine tourism project combines tastings and sensory games to promote local wineries.

Open Cellars 2026 in Campania

Fonzone is preparing a day of wine, street food, music, and immersive audio tours in Irpinia.

Record-breaking Open Cellars 2026 in Sicily

Thirty companies will participate in the new edition of the Sicilian Wine Tourism Movement.

“A Quarter of Cellars” on Giglio Island

From May 22nd to 24th, Ansonaco tastings, music, and food will liven up Giglio Castello.

Tenute Tomasella opens its doors to wine tourists

May 31st is a day spent exploring vineyards, wineries, and family activities in Veneto and Friuli.

Sicilia en Primeur confirms the island’s central role

Five days dedicated to wine, culture, and wine tourism, focusing on Sicilian territorial identity.

Slow June opens in La Maddalena

From May 23rd to June 7th, the Slow Food festival brings over 150 natural and sustainable wines to Sardinia.

Sorsi d’Autore combines wine and culture in the Venetian Villas

From June 12th to July 5th, AIS Veneto will host tastings and cultural events in the historic villas of the Veneto region.

Southern Roots returns to Puglia

On June 8th, Gioia del Colle will host international tastings and reviews of Southern Italian wines and oils.

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 Tuesday May 19 -2026

with:

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

Italian wineries

Val delle Corti confirms the value of artisanal Chianti Classico with the 2023 DOCG by Roberto Bianchi: organic, limited production, and a strong territorial identity of Radda in Chianti.
Conte Collalto strengthens its viticulture, hospitality, and events model in the UNESCO Prosecco Hills, focusing on energy sustainability and territorial development.
Cantine Bertani opens its “Amarone Library” at its historic Grezzana location, offering tastings of historic vintages paired with dishes by chef Giancarlo Perbellini.
Tenute Tomasella announces Open Cellars 2026, featuring tastings, vineyard tours, and family-friendly activities in Veneto and Friuli.
Cantine Pellegrino is transforming Cantine Aperte 2026 into a “Flower Power” event dedicated to wine, music, and culture in the historic cellars of Marsala.
Cantina Ventiventi continues its project to relaunch Lambrusco, investing in sustainability, quality, and direct control of the production chain.
Eredi dei Papi is growing in the Castelli Romani area with organic production and wine tourism, following the return of its young founders from the world of management.
Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari Tenute inaugurates the new Cabreo Winery in Greve in Chianti with a €7 million investment dedicated to Super Tuscans.
The Parpinello family continues the journey that has transformed the project born from the Conegliano winemaking school into one of the excellences of Sardinian wine.
Over 700 Glera vines were stolen from a vineyard in Crocetta del Montello, prompting growing concern over thefts in the Prosecco sector.
Managerial turnover is increasing in Italian wineries: a challenging market, under pressure from margins, and strategic shifts are pushing many companies to rethink their governance and sales strategies.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

US tariffs continue to weigh on Italian wine: in the 12 months between April 2025 and March 2026, the sector lost approximately 340 million euros in exports to the United States, with volumes at their lowest in ten years.
According to ISTAT data analyzed by WineNews, Italian wine exports in the first two months of 2026 fell by 13.3% compared to 2025, although February showed a slight recovery compared to January.
Federvini estimates the direct cost of US duties paid by Italian wine in a year at around 180 million euros.
Unione Italiana Vini confirms the sharp slowdown in the US market, but reports small signs of recovery in volumes shipped in March 2026.
Growing attention is being paid to new emerging markets: according to Wine Monitor Nomisma, in 2025 Italian wine exports to the 13 emerging markets monitored will exceed 400 million euros (4.3%).
Positive sentiment for Italian wine in China and Brazil during international events organized by Vinitaly and Veronafiere.
Neuroscience and neuromarketing are entering the wine debate: according to Professor Vincenzo Russo, GenZ chooses cocktails and mixology for different identity and sensory dynamics than previous generations.
The Rosazzo roundtable relaunched the concept of moderate wine consumption as an element of Mediterranean culture, distinguishing it from abuse.
Tenuta Cavalier Pepe launches a “changing” label that indicates the ideal serving temperature to introduce new consumers to red wine.
Sustainability is an increasingly central theme: the Agricoltura100 report shows that the most sustainable farms also grow more in terms of turnover.
Italian agri-food is increasingly being considered a tool for international diplomacy and geopolitical positioning.
New opportunities for the Basilicata region’s wine sector thanks to the 2026/2027 CMO Wine call for proposals dedicated to promotion in non-EU markets.
The ISMEA “Generazione Terra” call aims to encourage generational turnover by financing up to 100% of the purchase of agricultural land for young entrepreneurs.
AgriBiogas 2026 confirms the strategic role of agricultural biomethane for the energy sustainability of Italian agricultural businesses.
An in-depth look at typical Italian liqueurs, region by region: a journey through bitters, spirits, and local traditions.

International

The global debate continues over the wines of the French Jura, which have become cult objects due to their rarity, speculation, and the search for authenticity.
The international wine market remains affected by declining consumption, geopolitical instability, and new trade dynamics, pushing Italian producers to increasingly diversify their target marketsWine events

Cantine Aperte 2026 returns on May 30th and 31st with immersive experiences dedicated to wine, local produce, sustainability, and wine tourism throughout Italy.
The “Aperitivi con le Donne del Vino” (Aperitifs with Women in Wine) series continues in Verona, featuring tastings, culture, and a dialogue between wine and cinema.
AIS Agrigento concludes the first-level course with an educational visit to Masseria del Feudo.
Sicily is preparing for a record-breaking edition of Cantine Aperte 2026, with 30 participating wineries and a strong push for experiential wine tourism.

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

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See you tomorrow.

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