Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine: Italian wineries, the market, the harvest, oenology, international scenarios, and events.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Filippo Gallino: The €10 Roero Arneis scores 93 points.
Roero Arneis from Filippo Gallino , a historic Canale winery founded in 1961, has been included in the Gambero Rosso BereBene 2026 Guide with 93 points and a price of around 10 euros . The winery has 12 hectares of vineyards and was a pioneer in promoting Arneis, a native Piedmontese grape variety that was at risk of extinction in the 1970s.
Nicola Bergaglio: Gavi Minaia 2025, high quality for under €12
Nicola Bergaglio’s Gavi di Rovereto Minaia 2025 is noted as one of the Italian whites with a particularly attractive quality-price ratio. Produced in the Gavi area, it features floral aromas, notes of medicinal herbs, savory flavors, structure, and a capacity for aging. Approximate price: approximately €9.50 online and €7 at the winery .
Grosjean celebrates 40 years of Petite Arvine
The Grosjean family, a key player in Aosta Valley viticulture since the late 1960s, is celebrating 40 years of its Petite Arvine . Today, the company is led by the new generation and continues to promote mountain viticulture and the native grape varieties of the Aosta Valley.
Cantine Gulino focuses on ancient Sicilian Albanello
In Syracuse, Cantine Gulino , a family of winemakers established in 1793, continues to promote Albanello , an ancient Sicilian grape variety with little-known origins. The Pretiosa label is produced purely as a varietal and represents one of the company’s defining characteristics.
La Vite Maritata: Eleonora Bacci relaunches the family business
Eleonora Bacci has brought her grandparents’ farm back into operation, developing a project that integrates vineyards, olive groves, agritourism, and hospitality . Since 2020, the agritourism business has been complemented by new vineyards, offering guests tastings of the estate’s wines.
Cantina Futurista: An urban winery opens in Treviso
Cantina Futurista , a project by brothers Enrico and Alberto Fagotto, was born in Treviso. Covering approximately 750 m² , wine production and catering coexist in the same space: through large windows, customers can directly observe the winemaker during the process. A model that unites production, experience, catering, and wine communication.
Typical Arezzo Winery: 2026 harvest down 15%
The harvest also began early in the Arezzo vineyards. According to director and winemaker Luca Martelli, the health of the grapes is good and the quality outlook is encouraging, while production could be approximately 15% lower than in 2025 .
ITALIAN WINE AND MARKET
2026 Harvest: Heat and Drought Change the Balance
The summer of 2026, characterized by high temperatures, drought, and irregular rainfall, brought the harvest forward in many Italian regions. The main oenological challenge concerns the balance between technological and phenolic ripeness , especially in grapes exposed to temperatures above 30-35°C.
Veneto: early harvest, good quality but strong territorial differences
In Veneto, the harvest began 8-10 days earlier than average , arriving about two weeks earlier in Valpolicella. Overall production is expected to be essentially in line with 2025, with quality expected to be good to excellent. Padua and Rovigo are showing better results, thanks in part to irrigation, while Treviso, Vicenza, and Verona are experiencing average declines of between 5% and 10% .
Conegliano Valdobbiadene: Nearly 50 nights above 23 degrees Celsius
In the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, 2026 was characterized by approximately 60 days above 30°C and nearly 50 nights with temperatures above 23°C . According to Diego Tomasi, director of the Consortium, the high nighttime temperatures represent one of the most anomalous elements of the vintage.
Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato: a good harvest, but beware of profitability.
Initial estimates indicate an overall positive harvest in terms of both quality and quantity. However, the Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato Consortium draws attention to the economic challenges: declining consumption, pressure on prices, and the need to ensure sustainable remuneration for winemakers.
Alto Adige: 5,000 winemakers and over 270 wineries
The Alto Adige winemaking model is based on a highly dispersed structure: approximately 5,000 winemakers, over 270 wineries, and more than 20 grape varieties , cultivated from the valley floor up to approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. Small acreage, specialization, and a strong territorial identity are the distinctive elements of the system.
Pelaverga: 30 years of growth in surface area and production
Pelaverga di Verduno confirms the growing interest in niche wines. In thirty years, cultivated hectares have quintupled and production has increased from approximately 150,000 to 274,000 bottles , with a significant focus on foreign markets.
Selling wine is becoming more difficult even for well-known brands
Commercial promotions featuring free bottles and increased agent commissions highlight the growing pressure on sales networks. Even established brands must increase bottle rotation, a sign of a market in which awareness and positioning do not automatically guarantee sales.
Restaurant wine: price returns to the forefront of the debate
The decline in out-of-home consumption has reopened the debate on markups in restaurants. Among the proposals is a shift from the traditional multiplier on the price of the bottle to a fixed margin , with the goal of making wine more accessible and encouraging consumption.
Harvest and wine tourism: wine becomes an experience
More and more wineries are turning the grape harvest season into an opportunity to engage with the public through grape picking, tours, tastings, lunches, and vineyard walks . Production thus becomes part of the tourist experience and a direct tool for communicating the region.
South Tyrol: Over 200 wineries open to wine tourism
Autumn becomes a strategic season for South Tyrolean wine tourism. The Alto Adige Wine Consortium brings together over 200 wineries , including family-run businesses, independent winemakers, historic estates, and cooperatives, offering tastings and tours dedicated to exploring the region.
Chianti: a large estate worth €11 million is on the market.
A wine estate is being offered between Siena and Florence with a guide price of €11 million . The property comprises 133 hectares , including vineyards producing Chianti Classico DOCG and Chianti IGT wines, olive groves, organic farmland, woodland, and six buildings totaling approximately 5,500 m².
Pre-emption rights in agriculture: be careful when buying and selling land
When selling agricultural land, it is necessary to verify in advance whether any legally required parties have a right of pre-emption . Proper management of notifications and conditions of sale is essential to reduce the risk of subsequent disputes or redemption actions.
ITALIAN OENOLOGY
Hot Harvest: New Strategies for Acidity and Tannins
The high temperatures of 2026 may cause a loss of acidity in red grapes and a less than perfectly aligned phenolic ripening. Among the techniques that can be used is bioacidification using Lachancea thermotolerans yeasts , which are capable of producing lactic acid in the early stages of fermentation.
The climate requires new choices in the vineyard
The 2026 vintage confirms the growing importance of irrigation, altitude, training systems, rootstocks, and canopy management . In several areas, older vineyards, those at higher altitudes, and areas with adequate water availability have shown greater resilience.
INTERNATIONAL
Sekt: Germany and Austria focus on quality
In Germany and Austria, the term Sekt generically identifies sparkling wines, but new regulations are strengthening the quality category. In Germany, the VDP.SEKT.STATUT system identifies three levels for Classic Method sparkling wines: VDP.SEKT, VDP.SEKT.PRESTIGE, and VDP.SEKT.GROSSE LAGE.
Serving wine by the glass becomes an international trend
After California, London, Sydney, and the Netherlands, The Coravin Guide expands its presence in Italy. The guide highlights restaurants, wine bars, and wine shops with a significant selection of wines by the glass, encouraging a consumption model based on tasting multiple labels without purchasing a full bottle.
WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM
“The Wines of Love” in the Cinque Terre
On October 3, 2026 , a tasting dedicated to the viticulture of the Cinque Terre will debut on the Via dell’Amore, between Riomaggiore and Manarola. Twenty-three wineries from the Cinque Terre Winemakers Association will be present, along with the Cantina Sociale. Tastings run from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with tickets costing €30 plus a €5 deposit for the glass.
60 Years of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Wine Route
Founded on September 10, 1966 , the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Wine Route celebrates its sixtieth anniversary with exhibitions, documentary films, and a trail dedicated to the region. The association currently has approximately 250 members and represents one of the first Italian examples of regional wine marketing.
Passi & Calici: walks and tastings in the Romagna hills
The Passi & Calici series offers four walks of approximately 5-7 kilometers in the Romagna hills. Each route ends with an aperitif and a tasting at a winery, combining exercise, local culture, socializing, and the discovery of local products.
The Roads of Taste in Vasanello
From September 18th to 20th, 2026, the historic center of Vasanello will host a food and wine trail dedicated to traditional recipes. The program includes seven dining options and the option to pair the menu with four wine tastings from four local wineries .
Friuli Doc closes with wine, territory and entertainment
The 32nd edition of Friuli Doc concludes its program in Udine’s historic center with tastings, masterclasses, food, and music. Among the wine-related events is a masterclass on Refosco and native Friulian grape varieties .
Riva degli Etruschi becomes the Casa Slow Food Costa degli Etruschi
The Riva degli Etruschi resort, on the San Vincenzo coast, is strengthening its project dedicated to hospitality, agriculture, wine production, catering and biodiversity , becoming the permanent headquarters of the Slow Food Costa degli Etruschi community.
SIGNAL OF THE DAY
The September 14 review paints a fairly clear picture of the sector: the 2026 harvest may offer good qualitative results, but the central problem for Italian wine is shifting from production to the ability to create value and sell with adequate margins .
The climate is forcing companies to rethink their vineyards and winemaking techniques; the market is putting pressure on prices and sales networks; at the same time , wine tourism, sales by the glass, the promotion of native grape varieties, and new models that integrate wine, territory, catering, and hospitality are all growing.
The message for wineries is clear: today, simply producing good wine isn’t enough. It’s necessary to build value around wine and find new reasons for consumers to choose a winery, a label, and a region.
Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, and Italian and international oenology.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Nunzia De Girolamo invests in wine in Irpinia
Former Agriculture Minister Nunzia De Girolamo enters the world of wine with Passo delle Tortore , a winemaking project dedicated to the production of Greco and Taurasi . The company, led by four women along with the young winemaker Francesco De Pierro, focuses on quality, terroir, and a return to its roots.
Pio Cesare invests 10 million in the historic Alba winery.
After four years of work, Pio Cesare has completed the renovation of its Alba winery, investing approximately €10 million . The space now exceeds 9,000 square meters. The historic core remains dedicated to red wines, while the new spaces house white wines, now accounting for approximately 30% of production , as well as bottling, warehouses, and a new underground logistics facility.
Cusumano: From bulk wine to a group founded on vineyards and territory
The Cusumano family represents an interesting example of corporate transformation: from a production primarily focused on bulk wine to a portfolio of bottled wines built through estate-owned vineyards, production control, and territorial valorization. The Alta Mora project on Mount Etna is one of the most significant examples of this strategy today.
Terradesa: winery, hospitality, and Piwi vineyards near Malpensa
A new winery-hotel dedicated to Piwi grape varieties, resistant to major fungal diseases, is being built in Cassano Magnago. The Terradesa project integrates wine production and hospitality among the vines. The first harvest, 2026, is still experimental, with a potential production of around 800 bottles, but it proposes a model that combines innovation, sustainability, and wine tourism.
Solopaca Winery celebrates 60 years
The Solopaca Winery celebrates sixty years of activity, focusing on the role of its winemaking members and the cooperative model. The anniversary also provides an opportunity to relaunch a strategy based on local area, cooperation, and innovation.
Grosjean: 40 years of Petite Arvine in the Aosta Valley
The Grosjean family celebrates forty years of producing Petite Arvine, one of the iconic varietals of Aosta Valley viticulture. Three generations have supported the company’s evolution, focusing on mountain viticulture, innovation, and the promotion of native varieties.
ITALIAN WINE AND MARKETS
Italian wine exports: first half of 2026 down 6.2%.
Italian wine closed the first half of the year with exports exceeding €3.6 billion , but down 6.2% in value and 4% in volume . According to the UIV Observatory based on Istat data, nine of the top ten markets saw a decline in orders; the only exception was Russia, with a 15.7% decline. Lower consumption, lower purchasing power, and geopolitical tensions are also contributing to the decline.
Veneto: general exports up 3.2%, but wine down 8.4%
In the second quarter of 2026, Veneto’s exports reached €20.9 billion , up 3.2% from the previous year. In the first half of 2026, they reached €41.7 billion, down 4.1%. The wine sector bucked the trend, recording an 8.4% decline , confirming the sector’s difficulties compared to the stronger regional exports.
Italian Wine 2026: Starting Over from Product, Identity, and Communication
Maurizio Zanella, Andrea Farinetti, Beppe Pagano, and Mario Piccini analyze a complex 2026, but see the possibility of stabilization by the end of the year and better prospects for 2027. Future growth depends not only on the bottle, but also on positioning, communication, and entrepreneurial ability .
Orvieto: a return to quality
After decades in which Orvieto’s image had progressively weakened, producers are revitalizing the denomination through quality agronomy and winemaking and the restoration of its territorial identity. Several labels now achieve significant valuations while maintaining prices below €20.
South Tyrol: 86 UGAs arrive
After years of historical, climatic, geological, and agronomic studies, the first bottles of the 2024 vintage are now available, featuring the new 86 Additional Geographical Units of Alto Adige . This system is designed to strengthen the quality pyramid and make the different territorial identities more recognizable.
OENOLOGY, VITICULTURE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
2026 Harvest: Heat and Drought Change Vineyard Work
The 2026 harvest confirms the impact of climate change. In the Imola area, harvest began 7-15 days early , and for some early grapes, a decline in yields of nearly 30% is estimated. Despite the challenges, the health of the bunches is judged to be excellent, and initial quality parameters are positive.
In Franciacorta the grapes must reach the press quickly
High temperatures and early ripening are requiring a new harvest organization. At Ricci Curbastro, the goal is to bring the grapes to pressing in a very short time, adjusting logistics, working hours, containers, gravity-fed vinification, and research into late-ripening varieties.
Vivo Cantine: Drought contained thanks to monitoring and management
According to Franco Passador, president and CEO of Vivo Cantine , the drought hasn’t been defeated, but it has been prevented from becoming a widespread crisis. Continuous monitoring of the vineyards, technical assistance to members, and differentiated management of the plots have been crucial. The cooperative has approximately 2,000 members and 6,000 hectares of vineyards under transfer .
Hailstorms in Tuscany: Grapes hit during harvest
Severe thunderstorms, wind, and hail have hit several Tuscan wine-growing regions, including Chianti, the Florentine plain, and the Maremma . The damage comes after months of record heat and drought, affecting bunches of grapes that were already close to or fully ripe.
Viticulture moves up the mountains
Climate change is favoring the development of vineyards at altitudes once considered difficult. In Carnia , Roberto Baldovin has been pursuing an experimental mountain viticulture project since 2015, which could also become a tool for economic development and to combat the depopulation of Alpine areas.
How long can Alto Adige white wines age?
A masterclass organized by Fisar Palermo explored the evolutionary potential of Alto Adige white wines. The region boasts approximately 5,860 hectares of vineyards , with vineyards ranging from 200 to 1,000 meters above sea level, and production comprises approximately 65% white wines .
INTERNATIONAL AND AWARDS
Trentodoc still a world leader in sparkling wines
For the second consecutive year, Trentodoc is the most awarded classic method at the 2026 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships . It won a total of 79 medals: 35 gold and 44 silver . This result strengthens the international standing of Trentino sparkling wines.
International Wine Challenge: 2 Champions and 25 golds for Italy
Italy won two Champion titles and 25 gold medals at the International Wine Challenge 2026. Among the stars were the Vinsanto Capezzana Riserva 2018 and the Franciacorta Pas Dosé Épique 2016 from Derbusco Cives, along with numerous labels from Italy’s main appellations.
Global spirits: consumption down and major groups under pressure
Spirits sales declined by 2.8% , while several large groups in the sector suffered significant downgrades in their stock market valuations. This phenomenon prompts a reflection on the strategies of large beverage entrepreneurial families and the need to diversify products, markets, and categories.
EVENTS, TERRITORY AND WINE TOURISM
60 Years of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Road
Italy’s first road dedicated to the integrated promotion of wine and its territory turns 60. Established in 1966 between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, it pioneered what we now call wine tourism, bringing together wine, food, hospitality, and regional promotion in the current UNESCO region.
Valdo focuses on hospitality among the UNESCO hills
With Casa Valdo , located on the Pradase Estate, Valdo Spumanti integrates production, Prosecco Superiore culture, and hospitality. This project confirms how the experience in the cellar and the local area is becoming an increasingly important part of wineries’ positioning.
Tenute Rubino: sports, nature, archaeology, and wine
The Crossing Giancòla project transforms the Apulian estate into a place to experience through running, walking, cycling, yoga, and other activities. The experience integrates wine, landscape, archaeology, and conviviality, offering a winery experience that goes beyond traditional tastings.
Euganean Hills: Wine and Signature Cicchetti
On September 18th and 25th, Montegrotto Terme will host two “Sensi in Degustazione” evenings, dedicated to discovering wine through color, aromas, and flavors, with guided tastings and signature cicchetti.
September among the Moscato di Scanzo cellars
Following the Scanzo Moscato Festival, local wineries continue to open their doors to visitors with tastings, aperitifs, picnics, panoramic terraces, and vineyard events. A concrete example of widespread wine tourism built around producers and the local area.
Langhe: Autumn in the Cellar
La Fusina offers tours and tastings directly with the producer, focusing on a family-friendly and informal experience between the cellar and the Langhe landscape, featuring Alta Langa DOCG, Dogliani Superiore, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Sauvignon.
Bevagna and Montefalco: wine, grape harvest, and cycling
Between Bevagna and Montefalco, September is an opportunity to discover Sagrantino and the Umbrian region through cycling itineraries, secondary roads, villages, and cellars open during the harvest.
SIGNAL OF THE DAY
Today’s news shows an industry that is changing on multiple fronts simultaneously.
Exports are slowing down and international consumption is becoming more difficult, while wineries are increasing their investments in quality, territory, hospitality, sustainability and identity.
Furthermore, the climate is altering harvests, logistics, and production geography. At the same time, international awards like those won by Trentodoc and Italian wines at the International Wine Challenge confirm that the problem for Italian wine isn’t product quality, but increasingly its ability to transform quality and terroir into recognizable value on the market .
The emerging direction is therefore quite clear: less competition based exclusively on volumes and greater attention to brand, positioning, experience, territory and the ability to directly reach the consumer.
Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, and Italian and international oenology.
ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY
Italian wine exports: first half of 2026 down 6.2%.
Italian wine closed the first six months of 2026 with exports exceeding €3.6 billion , down 6.2% in value and 4% in volume . The average export price fell by 2.3%. The United States, the largest market, dropped by 14.1% , while Germany and the United Kingdom recorded -6.8% and -6.6%, respectively. Bucking the trend were China (19.8%), Brazil (8.2%), Mercosur (18.4%), and Russia (15.7%). Between July and August, the first signs of recovery emerged on the American market.
Veneto leads exports, Piedmont grows
Veneto remains the leading Italian region for wine exports, with approximately €1.3 billion , despite an 8.4% decline. Piedmont rose to €566.9 million (up 2.4%), surpassing Tuscany, which recorded €543.6 million (-7.4%). Veneto, Piedmont, and Tuscany together account for nearly 67% of Italian wine exports .
2026 Market: Wait-and-See Prevails
The sector is facing a period characterized by weak demand, economic uncertainty, and international tensions. Producers and wine groups are maintaining a cautious stance as they await developments in the final part of the year and the outlook for 2027.
Puglia: Alarm over production and “ghost” vineyards
Apulian producers are calling for increased controls against illegal vineyards, untraceable production, and improper processing of table grapes. Quality enhancement is also a key issue: at the end of the season, approximately 75% of regional production falls under the category of “common” wines , compared to 22% of PGI and just 3% of PDO.
2026 Harvest: Heat and Logistics Become Decisive
High temperatures and early ripening are changing harvest organization. In Franciacorta, some wineries are focusing on very rapid turnaround times between vineyard and pressing, new working hours, and more efficient logistics systems to safeguard grape quality.
Timorasso: positive expectations on quality
The Consorzio Vini Colli Tortonesi is reporting favorable harvest results: the Timorasso grapes are healthy and well-balanced, and recent rainfall has contributed positively to production conditions.
Orvieto, the return of a historic denomination
After a long period of losing its identity, Orvieto is experiencing a new era thanks to producers’ investments in viticultural and winemaking quality. The appellation is now aiming to regain its value and recognition while maintaining an attractive quality-price ratio.
Food consumption: Italians are going back to eating at home
According to the Coop Report, household food consumption continues to trend positive: since 2019, sales volumes have increased by 5.6% . Private label brands have reached 32% of the market value. This shift in consumer behavior should also be observed for its impact on wine.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Trentodoc: 79 medals at the World Sparkling Wine Championships
For the second consecutive year, Trentodoc has confirmed its position as a top contender at the 2026 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships , winning 79 medals: 35 gold and 44 silver . This result strengthens the international standing of the Trentino classic method.
Cantina Futurista: An open-view urban winery opens in Treviso
Enrico and Alberto Fagotto have transformed 750 square meters of Cantina Futurista into a project that integrates production, dining, and a cocktail bar. The winemaking process takes place behind large windows, allowing guests to observe the winemaker at work: an intriguing example of the fusion of production, experience, and hospitality.
The Solopaca Social Winery turns 60.
The historic Campania cooperative celebrates sixty years of activity. Founded by 25 members, it has become one of Campania’s leading wine cooperatives, overcoming difficult times such as the 2015 Sannio flood and the pandemic.
Pellegrino Winery awarded for heroic viticulture on Pantelleria
Cantine Pellegrino won the CERVIM 2026 Special Prize and two Grand Gold Medals at the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes with ISesi 2024 and NES 2024. This recognition recognizes its work on heroic viticulture and the winemaking identity of Pantelleria.
Italy takes center stage at the 2026 Wine Star Awards
Several Italian companies have been nominated for international awards by Wine Enthusiast: Avignonesi as European Winery of the Year, Paolo Saracco among the Winemaker of the Year, Ethica Wines among the Importer of the Year, and Varvaglione 1921 in the Environmental Advocate of the Year category.
Vermentino Maremma Toscana: 90 Falstaff points
The Vigna Fiorini Vermentino Maremma Toscana DOC 2025 from Cantina Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano obtains 90 Falstaff points , confirming the qualitative interest in Maremma whites.
Rosamora 2025: Paololeo’s Salento rosé
The Salento IGP Rosato Malvasia Nera Rosamora 2025 represents one of the expressions of the production of Paololeo, a family-run winery in Puglia with around 70 hectares of organic vineyards and a total production of around 6 million bottles.
Enrico Rivetto’s Barolo Riserva 2017
The 2017 Barolo Riserva expresses the tradition of the Rivetto family of Serralunga d’Alba, now in its fourth generation, with a focus on enhancing the territory.
INTERNATIONAL
Champagne 2026: High Expectations for the Harvest
Despite a climatically challenging year, Champagne is showing very positive signs of grape quality. Production expertise, vineyard management, and technical expertise could transform a difficult year into a high-quality harvest.
The United States remains strategic for Italian wine
Despite the sharp slowdown in exports in the first half of the year, the US remains the world’s leading market for Italian wine . The signs of recovery observed during the summer confirm the importance of continuing to monitor the market, even in a context characterized by shifts in consumption, price pressure, and trade uncertainty.
WINE, TERRITORY AND INNOVATION
The first therapeutic vineyard is born in a public hospital in Piedmont.
“Rivìtere,” a 900-square-meter therapeutic vineyard with 390 Piwi vines , has been created in the grounds of San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital in Orbassano. The project integrates viticulture, exercise, independence, and relationships into the rehabilitation programs of patients with various pathologies.
Agritourism: €770,000 call for proposals in Romagna
The L’Altra Romagna LAG is providing €770,000 to support agricultural investments in the creation and improvement of agritourism facilities and services, promoting diversification, hospitality, and development in rural areas.
Experiential harvest in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
The grape harvest becomes a wine tourism product: between August and September, several wineries open their vineyards to visitors for grape harvesting, cellar tours, tastings, and food tours. The experiences offered on the regional tourism portal range approximately from €18 to €60 per person .
Barolo 2026: A Symbolic Harvest in the UNESCO Hills
Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida attended the grape harvest in Cannubi, in the Langhe region, emphasizing the economic and identity value of Italian wine and the need to support the sector with targeted interventions.
WINE EVENTS
Vinitaly.USA 2026: Heading to its Third Edition
The countdown has begun for the third edition of Vinitaly.USA , featuring approximately 2,500 wines . The event takes on particular importance at a time when the US market remains strategic but more complex for Italian wine.
Franciacorta Winery Festival – September 18-20
The Franciacorta in Cantina Festival returns from September 18 to 20, 2026. This edition focuses on understanding the Metodo Classico, through tours, tastings, meetings with producers, and initiatives dedicated to the region.
FIVI Wine Market – Bologna, November 21-23
The 15th edition of the Independent Winegrowers’ Wine Market will be held at BolognaFiere from 21 to 23 November 2026. Around 1,000 Italian winemakers are expected, along with delegations from the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Switzerland.
“The Wines of Love” in the Cinque Terre
On October 3, 2026 , the Via dell’Amore will host a group tasting with over 20 Cinque Terre producers. This event brings together wine, landscape, and terraced viticulture in one of Liguria’s iconic locations.
BEVI returns to Sansepolcro
On 24 and 25 October 2026, Sansepolcro will host the second edition of BEVI – Borgo Eccellenze Vinicole Italiane , with a selection of 100 Italian wineries entrusted to Luca Gardini.
Valdobbiadene: Aperitrekking through the vineyards and surrounding area
A 6.5 km evening hike through the hills of Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene, including a stop at a winery, aperitif, local wines, and stargazing: a format that integrates wine, the outdoors, and a tourist experience.
Valtènesi: Wine and New Audiences at the Casa del Vino
The Casa del Vino della Valtènesi is offering an event dedicated to local wines with a more contemporary and informal format, also designed to engage younger consumers through tastings and experiences.
Langhe and wine regions take center stage during the grape harvest
“Io Barolo”, “Serralunga Day”, the events in Valtellina, Maremma and Alta Campania confirm the growing integration between wine, gastronomy, tourism, culture and territory .
Harvest for Dummies
In Romagna, the initiative returns, offering adults and children a chance to experience firsthand the grape harvest and pressing process, transforming the grape harvest into a moment of participation and rural culture.
SIGNAL OF THE DAY
The picture that emerges from the news of September 12, 2026 is very clear: Italian wine is going through a phase of strong selection .
Exports in the first half of the year fell 6.2% , the United States declined significantly, and nine of the top ten markets were struggling. But at the same time, interesting signs emerged: Piedmont grew, China returned to positive territory, Mercosur accelerated, and in the US, the summer showed the first signs of recovery.
Above all, it is changing the way wineries try to create value.
It’s no longer enough to produce wine. We need to build value around wine.
Wine tourism, hospitality, harvest experiences, local area, sustainability, quality, Metodo Classico, heroic viticulture, and direct relationships with consumers are becoming increasingly important components of companies’ economic models.
For wineries, entrepreneurs, and investors, the message is therefore twofold: be cautious in the market, but pay attention to the opportunities generated by the transformation of the sector.
Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, and Italian and international oenology.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Follador wins two golds at CSWWC 2026
Follador dal 1769, a historic winery in Col San Martino in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region, has won two gold medals at the 2026 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships and been included in Doctor Wine’s 2027 Essential Guide to Italian Wines . These two awards strengthen the winery’s qualitative and international positioning.
Pio Cesare expands the Alba cellar
After four years of construction, Pio Cesare inaugurates a major expansion in Alba, dedicated primarily to white wines. The total cellar space now exceeds 9,000 square meters , with new spaces connected to the historic structure dedicated to fine red wines.
Terre d’Aenòr: Franciacorta’s 2026 harvest anticipated
The 2026 Terre d’Aenòr harvest began earlier than expected due to the weather. The organic winery harvested approximately 3,500 quintals of grapes . Initial evaluations indicate wines with structure, aromatic richness, and elegance.
Boroli chooses greater freedom with “Bianco” and “Rosso”
The Boroli Winery in Castiglione Falletto is launching “Bianco” and “Rosso,” two wines outside the constraints of the Appellation. Chardonnay and Nebbiolo from the Villero hill give rise to a project that allows for greater freedom in selecting grapes, plots, and aging.
Vivo Cantine: Drought Effects Minimized
Drought has put pressure on the vineyards of the Marca Trevigiana. Vivo Cantine , a cooperative with approximately 2,000 members and over 6,000 hectares of vineyards, emphasizes how agronomic management has helped mitigate the effects of water scarcity and high temperatures.
Podere La Pace awarded by Falstaff
Podere La Pace’s Prima Viola Toscana IGT 2025 , produced from Viognier and Chardonnay, obtained 92 Falstaff points , confirming the qualitative interest in Tuscan white productions.
ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY
Trentodoc, a global leader in sparkling wines
Trentodoc confirms its position as one of the absolute protagonists of the international Classic Method, winning 35 gold medals at the 2026 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships. Ferrari Trento, Rotari, Altemasi, Cesarini Sforza, Marchesi Guerrieri Gonzaga and Maso Martis are among the leading wineries.
Large-scale retail trade: less wine, but Champagne and sparkling wines are growing
The Coop 2026 Report highlights a transformation in consumption. Between 2019 and 2026, wine sales in large-scale retail trade recorded a 9.7% decline in volume , while Champagne and sparkling wines recorded a 20.9% decline. Furthermore, 42% of Italians say they intend to reduce their alcohol consumption in the next 12-18 months.
Export: diversifying markets, customers, and channels
For Italian wineries, it’s becoming increasingly important to reduce their dependence on individual markets, customers, and distribution channels . The United States, tariffs, logistics costs, geopolitics, and changing consumer behavior require a more comprehensive international strategy.
Etna DOC: growth, yes, but controlled
The Etna DOC continues to show strong dynamism: between 2019 and 2025, bottling grew by 200% . However, the Consortium maintains a restrictive policy on new plantings to protect the denomination’s identity, production balance, and positioning.
Etna: quality and market must go hand in hand
Winemaker Calogero Statella emphasizes the commercial sustainability of Etna’s growth. Quality remains high, but slowing consumption and increased market caution make the wineries’ ability to sell and position themselves correctly crucial.
2026 Harvest: Extreme Heat and Early Harvest
High temperatures have significantly brought forward the 2026 harvest in many Italian regions. In several areas, lower quantities are expected, but accompanied by positive quality expectations.
Sicily: few grapes in the vineyards, plenty of wine in the cellars
Sicily faces a significant imbalance between production and inventory. As of July 31, approximately 2.69 million hectoliters of wine were held in regional cellars, while in some areas the harvest saw production declines of 30-40% .
Puglia: Over 4.2 million hectoliters in cellars
According to Alpaa Puglia, over 4.2 million hectoliters of wine are sitting in regional wineries. This situation brings to the forefront the issue of balancing production, demand, business liquidity, and the ability to promote the product.
Campania: Full cellars and slowing consumption
The third edition of Campania Wine brought together 101 wineries in Naples. Alongside the wealth of native grape varieties, the need for greater collaboration among producers emerges in a period characterized by weaker consumption and high inventories.
New European rules for packaging and waste
EU Regulation 2025/40 (PPWR) also directly affects the wine sector. Among the relevant aspects are new instructions for identifying the manufacturer on packaging, including through digital tools such as QR codes.
Wine resort: wine becomes an experience
Winery-related hospitality continues to grow. From Franciacorta to Sicily, from Piedmont to Friuli, vineyards, historic cellars, and rural residences are becoming wine resorts and wine tourism destinations , expanding the economic value of the company beyond the mere sale of a bottle.
INTERNATIONAL
Japan: Paper wine bottle tested
The Institute of Enology and Viticulture at Yamanashi University is experimenting with the “efbottle,” a container made primarily of waterproof paper with an internal bag. A full bottle weighs about 780 grams, compared to 1.14 kg for a traditional bottle, a weight reduction of more than 30%.
Champagne 2026: Early Harvest and High Quality Expectations
The Champagne harvest concluded almost two weeks earlier than expected in 2025. The grapes are described as healthy, ripe, and balanced, despite low yields. According to initial assessments, some parameters are reminiscent of great historic vintages of the 20th century, although the evolution of the wines will determine the vintage’s true value.
Vinitaly.USA: Over 400 buyers already registered
The third edition of Vinitaly.USA , scheduled for New York on October 26 and 27, 2026 , has already attracted over 400 buyers , including importers, distributors, and HORECA operators. Space for approximately 300 exhibitors at Pier 36 is sold out, confirming the centrality of the United States for Italian wine.
WINE EVENTS
OltreGusto – Oltrepò Land of Pinot Noir
The event on September 7 and 8 in Voghera featured 32 wineries, 18 restaurants, 18 Michelin-starred chefs, over 100 labels, and approximately 1,400 guests . A new Oltrepò Pavese wine map created by Alessandro Masnaghetti was also presented.
Vinòforum 2026 towards the grand finale
In Rome, Vinòforum continues until Sunday, September 13th in Piazza di Siena, featuring chefs, pizza makers, producers, and industry professionals. Among the highlights is the national final of La Città della Pizza 2026 .
ViVa – Valtellina Wines 2026
Sondrio hosts the second edition of ViVa – Vini Valtellina , an event dedicated to local wine production with wineries, producers, tastings, meetings and events spread throughout the area.
Taste Lazio
From September 11th to 27th, Santa Severa Castle hosts three weekends dedicated to regional food and wine excellence. Wine, olive oil, traditional products, and cuisine showcase the five provinces of Lazio.
Grape and Wine Show in Bastia Mondovì
The event dedicated to the grape harvest and winemaking culture of the Monregalese and Langhe regions returns on September 12th and 13th , with the aim of promoting the connection between vineyards, land, and community.
Technology and wine in the Langhe
On September 13th, at Cantina Clavesana , the “AGROTECH – Technology meets agriculture” initiative explores the relationship between innovation, viticulture, and winemaking processes.
Cristofori Wine Collection
The Colli Euganei Wine Consortium renews its collaboration with the Padua International Piano Festival. On September 17th, a magnum from the Cristofori Wine Collection containing the Colli Euganei Riserva 2021 “Notte di Galileo” will be delivered.
Villa di Maser: learning to taste
Three evening sessions in October with “Alcoholic Conversations: The Art of Tasting!” , a journey dedicated to understanding wine through color, aromas, taste, and the ability to convey sensations in the glass.
THE SIGNAL OF THE DAY
The news of September 11th tells of an industry that is moving on two speeds .
On the one hand, there are high inventories, more cautious consumption, early harvests due to the weather, and growing pressure on wineries’ sales capacity . On the other, areas capable of creating value continue to grow: Classic Method, strongly identifiable denominations, wine tourism, innovation, internationalization, and market diversification.
The key point is becoming increasingly clear: simply producing quality wine is no longer enough. It’s important to know how to position it, sell it, and transform it into value.
For wineries, the challenge of the coming years will be to find a new balance between production, market, territorial identity, profitability and investment capacity .
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