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 CELLARS
Gen Z: Less wine, but growing interest in vineyards and cellar experiences
Generation Z appears to be reducing their regular wine consumption, but they aren’t showing the same detachment from wine tourism. According to a Wine Suite report published in 2025 and based on 2024 data from over 400 wineries, nearly a third of visitors were between 18 and 28 years old. This is an important sign: to introduce young people to wine, it may be more effective to start with the region, vineyard, people, and experience , rather than focusing solely on the product.
Paltrinieri turns 100: four generations dedicated to Lambrusco di Sorbara.
The Paltrinieri family winery in the Modena area is celebrating its centenary. Founded in 1926, it now boasts 17 hectares and is already run by the fourth generation. Its history is closely tied to the promotion of pure Lambrusco di Sorbara , contributing to the creation of this wine’s contemporary identity.
Feudi di San Gregorio combines wine and contemporary art.
For its 40th anniversary, Feudi di San Gregorio is launching an ongoing collaboration with the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation . A selection of contemporary artworks will be hosted at the Sorbo Serpico site, creating a journey that integrates wine, architecture, landscape, and culture, enriching the winery visit experience.
Siddùra presents Èros, the red wine to be served chilled
The Sardinian winery Siddùra offers Èros , a Colli del Limbara IGT with 12% ABV, designed to be served between 10 and 12°C. It is a red that also uses techniques normally associated with white winemaking, with the aim of preserving freshness and fruitiness and targeting more informal and flexible drinking occasions.
De Fortuna wins two gold medals
The 2026 Città del Vino International Wine Competition awarded two Gold Medals to the De Fortuna Agricultural Company for 4 Moggi Falanghina del Sannio 2025 and Cava Rupem Sannio Aglianico 2022 , rewarding the work of the Frasso Telesino company in promoting the Sannio Beneventano area.
Two gold medals also for the Sandre Agricultural Society
On the centenary of its foundation, the Salgareda winery won two Gold Medals at the 24th Città del Vino International Wine Competition with Raboso and Cuor di Vigna IGT Veneto 2022. This is a particularly significant recognition for the promotion of Raboso and the area’s historic grape varieties.
Vigna Traverso focuses on Schioppettino di Prepotto
Schioppettino di Prepotto is one of Vigna Traverso’s flagship wines in the Colli Orientali del Friuli. The grapes come from the estate’s vineyards, cultivated on the traditional ponca method. Manual harvesting, immediate chilling, and berry-by-berry selection are the hallmarks of a process aimed at maximizing the expression of the terroir and the vintage.
Follador Strengthens Wine Tourism in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Region
Since 1769, Follador Prosecco has offered three wine tours dedicated to Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG at the Col San Martino estate. The cellar, techniques, tastings, and vineyards become part of an experience built within the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019.
ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY
United States: Italian exports suffer, but high-end wines and Prosecco show positive signs.
In the first half of 2026, Italian wine exports to the US reached €849 million, a 14.1% decline in value , while volumes fell by 6.8%. However, according to SipSource, some premium segments are showing greater resilience: in the last three months, Champagne revenues grew by 14.7%, Prosecco by 10.2% , and Sauvignon Blanc by 3.2%.
Large-scale retail trade: white, low-alcohol and sparkling wines are growing
The 2026 Coop Report highlights a more selective and less frequent wine consumption. In modern retail outlets , white wines, lower-alcohol products, and sparkling wines intended for home consumption are on the rise, while overall alcohol consumption is decreasing, especially among younger generations.
Verdicchio at €60? The debate over restaurant wine prices has reopened.
Marche-based restaurateur Massimo Biagiali takes issue with the €60 price tag on some Verdicchio wines, sparking a broader discussion about the relationship between price, perceived quality, restaurant markups, and wine affordability . This is a particularly timely issue during a period of declining consumption.
Puglian table grapes: exports are growing, but price pressure remains.
Puglia accounts for over 53% of Italy’s table grape production , with approximately 25,000 hectares of the country’s 47,000. As new international trade routes open, Coldiretti Puglia reports pressure on prices at source and calls for greater transparency, reciprocity in imports, and supply chain contracts.
2026/2027 Harvest: The new ICQRF Handbook has been published.
The Ministry of Agriculture has published the 2026/2027 Harvest Guide , prepared by the ICQRF. The document updates operators on harvest management, processing, cellaring, labeling, and oenological processes. For wines without Geographical Indication or Designation of Origin, the maximum limit of 30 tons of grapes per hectare is recalled.
ISMEA: €10 million fund for agricultural tractors extended until December 15th
Agricultural, agro-industrial, agro-mechanical, and agri-food SMEs have until 12:00 p.m. on December 15, 2026 , to submit applications for interventions aimed at modernizing and improving the safety of agricultural and forestry tractors. The total funding provided by INAIL is €10 million .
Emilia-Romagna: €60 million for agricultural processing, marketing, and competitiveness.
The Region is allocating €60 million , of which €55 million has already been allocated to 51 projects and another €5 million to be allocated at a later date. The investments cover nine sectors, including wine , with the aim of fostering innovation, sustainability, profitability, and the ability to compete on the market.
Food and wine are at the forefront of Italian identity
According to the Observatory on Cultural Experiences in Italy, organized by Impresa Cultura Italia-Confcommercio and SWG, 65% of respondents cite cuisine and food and wine as key elements of national identity, ahead of landscape and nature (50%) and archaeological heritage (49%). This figure confirms the cultural value of wine beyond its economic dimension.
Prosecco Hills: Marina Montedoro confirmed
The new Board of Directors of the Association for the Heritage of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene has been appointed. Marina Montedoro has been confirmed as president for a new three-year term, and Vincenzo Sacchet as vice president.
Barolo: Harvest and New Vintages at Serralunga Day
While the grape harvest has begun in the Langhe, Serralunga Day 2026 presented the first Menzione Comunale of Barolo di Serralunga d’Alba 2023 , bringing together producers, critics, operators and enthusiasts around the identity and prospects of one of the symbolic territories of Italian wine.
INTERNATIONAL
Moselle: Dr. Hermann’s Rieslings Arrive in Italy
The historic Dr. Hermann winery joins the catalog of the Italian importer Sagna. The Hermann family has been involved in viticulture on the Moselle for over 400 years and today cultivates more than 17 hectares, including old ungrafted vines on slopes that can reach inclinations of 60-70% . Production is strongly oriented towards Riesling and manual work in the vineyard.
New paths to alcohol-free living: from grapes to wine
Tuscan winemaker Emanuele Graetz has developed Berstin , a non-alcoholic beverage made directly from grapes by processing the skins, without fermentation or subsequent dealcoholization. The project thus offers an alternative approach to the growing international market for non-alcoholic beverages related to the wine world.
WINE EVENTS
Evenings at the De Toma Winery – September 18, 19, and 20
The De Toma Winery is offering three events as part of the Moscato di Scanzo September , with tastings of wines, spirits, local food products, and sweet creations.
Gustus – Wines and Flavors of Vicenza – September 19th and 20th
The “Arrigo Pedrollo” Conservatory in Vicenza hosts the sixteenth edition of Gustus. Over 30 wineries and more than 120 labels will represent the Colli Berici, Vicenza, and Gambellara DOCs, with tastings, a WineLab, music, and local cuisine.
The Nights of Wine – Cavaglio d’Agogna, September 19
On Saturday 19 September, the historic centre hosts Le Notti del Vino , an initiative promoted as part of Città del Vino, with tastings from local wineries and typical local products.
Morbegno in Cantina – from September 25th to October 11th
Three weekends dedicated to the heroic viticulture of Valtellina , with tastings spread across wineries, palaces, courtyards, and historic sites. The highlights include Nebbiolo-Chiavennasca, Sforzato della Valtellina DOCG, and Valtellina sparkling wines, through various themed itineraries.
Classese is the star of Milan’s autumn
After OltreGusto Oltrepò Terra di Pinot Nero, which brought together 32 wineries and 1,400 participants , a series of events dedicated to Classese , a classic method Pinot Nero from Oltrepò Pavese, will begin in Milan on September 28th, including blind tastings and masterclasses for operators and sommeliers.
DoctorWine 2027: Previews of the new guide begin
In view of the presentation of the Essential Guide to Italian Wines 2027 , scheduled in Milan on October 3, DoctorWine has begun publishing the award-winning wines, starting with those from Puglia, Basilicata and Calabria.
Hospitality 2027 looks to the future of HoReCa
The 51st edition of Hospitality – The Hospitality Exhibition is scheduled for Riva del Garda from February 1 to 4, 2027. The new concept focuses on the integration of hospitality, catering, food, beverage, technology, design, and wellness. In 2025, the Italian HoReCa market is expected to exceed €100 billion in revenue , according to the data reported in the material.
SIGNAL OF THE DAY
Today’s review highlights a change that is affecting several segments of the sector: wine is increasingly being valued together with its surroundings .
Wine tourism, landscape, culture, art, gastronomy, and experiences are becoming important tools for building relationships with consumers, while the market is increasingly focused on freshness, lower alcohol content, new consumption opportunities, and premium segments that better protect value .
For wineries, therefore, the challenge is not just how much wine to produce, but how to differentiate it, tell its story, bring it to life and transform the territory into economic and commercial value .
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: Italian wineries, the market, the harvest, oenology, international scenarios, and events.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Tasca d’Almerita focuses on high-end products and exports. The historic Sicilian winery strengthens its premium positioning with Lucio Pensiero , a new label produced in just 5,580 bottles, in addition to magnums and large formats also intended for collectors. The wine is made at Regaleali from Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon and reflects Lucio Tasca’s innovative vision.
Vitevis: Technology and Digital Enter the Harvest. The Veneto cooperative, with over 1,000 members, 2,700 hectares of vineyards, and approximately 16 million bottles , uses infrared analysis to monitor grape quality and the Enogis management system to digitally schedule deliveries. The goal: consistent quality, efficiency, and improved member remuneration. Cantine Fina: Family, Territory, and Generational Continuity . The Marsala winery, developed by the Fina family since 2005, is presented as an example of a winery where entrepreneurial project, terroir, expertise, and family continuity build a recognizable identity. Tenuta Fontana promotes native Campanian grape varieties . With the “Radici Autoctone” project, the company focuses on Pallagrello Bianco and Nero, Sciascinoso, Falanghina, and Aglianico. Among its distinctive features is the Vigna di San Silvestro within the Royal Palace of Caserta. Crops: Experience and Vineyard Management Against the Heat The 2026 harvest required timely interventions to address high temperatures and vine stress. The experience of founder Cesare Ruggeri, 78, led the company to anticipate irrigation at the most critical times of the season. Costaripa concludes a positive harvest in Valtènesi. Excellent-quality grapes for the 2026 vintage, despite the heat and early ripening. Harvest began on August 5th , about a week earlier than usual, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay destined for the Metodo Classico. Work on RosaMara, a rosé conceived as a wine capable of evolving over time, is also key.
ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY
The 2026 harvest will be a very selective year. According to winemaker Vincenzo Mercurio, extreme heat, water stress, and high levels of sunlight have profoundly affected the physiology of the vines. The vintage appears to be very heterogeneous: on average, wines rich in color and lower acidity, but with marked differences between terroirs, vineyards, and even individual vines. The winemaker’s role will be crucial.
Early harvest and generally healthy grapes. In many Italian regions, harvest began one to two weeks early , with peaks of up to twenty days. The grapes are generally healthy and of good quality, but high temperatures and drought have accelerated ripening and reduced acidity in several cases.
Franciacorta: the vineyard must adapt more quickly. The early harvest confirms the impact of climate change on vine cycles. Terre d’Aenòr brought approximately 3,500 quintals of grapes to the cellar, with initial signs of structured, aromatically rich, and elegant wines.
2026 Winemaking: Focus on Acidity and Tannins. Heatwaves make managing acid balance and phenolic maturity particularly important. Among the techniques considered is bioacidification using Lachancea thermotolerans yeasts, capable of producing lactic acid in the early stages of fermentation.
Italian wine exports: -6.2% in value in the first half. Exports fell to 3.6 billion euros , a decrease of 6.2% in value and 4% in volume compared to 2025. Nine of the top ten markets recorded a contraction. The United States recorded -14.1% , to 849 million euros; non-EU -7.5% and the European Union -4.2%. In twenty years, Italian wine’s dependence on exports has grown. In 2025, Italy exported 44 liters for every 100 products , compared to 39.9 in 2006. In almost twenty years, production has decreased by 3.6%, while exports in volume have grown by 11.7%. The area dedicated to wine grapes has also decreased by approximately 19,340 hectares . Wine by the glass: changing consumption in restaurants. Wine by the glass now represents 24% of wine consumption in restaurants , a percentage that rises to 31% in premium establishments . This trend signals more moderate consumption, but also a greater focus on quality and food pairings. Monferrato: urgent request from the General States of Wine. The Barbera d’Asti and Vini del Monferrato Consortium is calling for a discussion between institutions, consortia, businesses, distributors, and trade organizations. At the center: producer profitability, competitiveness, appellation promotion, and the future of new generations. Pelaverga: growing value for the niche. In thirty years, the hectares dedicated to Pelaverga have quintupled, and production has increased from approximately 150,000 to 274,000 bottles . Verduno wine is primarily focused on foreign markets. Agriculture: fuel bonus by September 30 Agricultural businesses can apply to Agea for the tax credit intended to offset the higher diesel costs incurred between March 1 and May 31, 2026. Deadline for applications: September 30, 2026 .
INTERNATIONAL
Champagne 2026: Low yields, high quality expectations. The Comité Champagne speaks of healthy and very promising grapes, but quantities are significantly reduced. Estimates indicate 1.3 million hectoliters , a 48% decrease from 2025 and a 46% decrease from the 2021-2025 average.
Champagne Bernard Bijotat invests in production efficiency. The Maison, which produces approximately 150,000 bottles per year , has redesigned its new facility, introducing a pre-insulated thermoplastic system to improve thermal control, energy efficiency, and reliability during the fermentation and stabilization phases. Switzerland: Two wineries fined for illegal chaptalization. In the canton of Vaud, two companies were fined over 20,000 francs after analyses revealed irregularities in more than 3,000 liters of wine .
United Kingdom: New excise duties worry the wine sector. The Wine & Spirits Trade Association fears a further increase in alcohol taxation. The British market remains strategic for Italy, but in the first six months of 2026, Italian wine imports fell to €345.5 million (-6.6%) , with volumes down 6%.
European Agriculture: Falling Prices and Rising Costs In the second quarter of 2026, EU agricultural output prices fell by 5.8% , while production inputs increased by 4.7% . This gap increases pressure on the profitability of European farms.
WINE EVENTS
Sicilian Whites – Catania, September 18-19. Over one hundred wineries will be featured in the fourth edition of “Sicilian Whites – The Sun in Your Glass.” The event focuses on white wines, terroir, climate change, high-altitude viticulture, and varietal identity.
Franciacorta in Cantina Festival – September 18-20 Three days dedicated to wine, the region, and the culture of the appellation, with cellar tours, tastings, masterclasses, and direct meetings with producers. The 2026 edition particularly strengthens the educational component. Èno Florence Wine Excellence – Florence, September 20-21 Over 350 producers and 1,400 wines are expected at the Fortezza da Basso, with masterclasses and meetings between wineries, buyers, distributors, restaurateurs, and enthusiasts. The event aims to strengthen Florence’s role as a commercial platform for wine. Terra Madre Salone del Gusto – Turin, September 24-27 President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella will officially inaugurate the 2026 edition on September 24 at the Teatro Regio. The event will also celebrate 40 years of Slow Food, with biodiversity, local areas, and food culture at the center of the program. Birra Metzger returns to Terra Madre. The historic Turin brand, founded in 1848 and recently relaunched, will be present from September 24th to 27th, illustrating the connection between production, industrial history, communication, and Turin’s culture.
SIGNAL OF THE DAY
The picture that emerges from today’s news is clear: the 2026 harvest can offer quality, but requires much more expertise and selection , while on the commercial front, Italian wine must contend with declining exports and consumers who drink less but seek higher quality.
Vineyard and cellar technology, premium positioning, territorial development, wine tourism, and the ability to adapt quickly to new markets are becoming increasingly crucial.
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: 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.
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See you tomorrow.