Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
The wine sector continues to evolve amid technological innovation, market transformations, new production strategies, and geopolitical dynamics impacting exports and international logistics. At the same time, new consumer trends, sustainability projects, and initiatives are emerging that strengthen the connection between wine, territory, and tourism.
Below is today’s wine press review, organized by thematic area.
Italian wineries
La Viarte: The Schioppettino “Oparis” tells the story of the Colli Orientali del Friuli. In the Colli Orientali del Friuli, just a few meters from the Slovenian border, La Viarte continues to showcase the Ponca terroir with distinctive wines. Among these, the Schioppettino di Prepotto Oparis 2022 stands out, a fragrant and dynamic wine with notes of cherry, raspberry, and green pepper. The winery, acquired in 2023 by the Polegato family, boasts 24 hectares of vineyards and 14 hectares of woodland and produces approximately 200,000 bottles annually , distributed across several lines, including Classici, Liende, and Puarte.
Cantina Rauscedo: A New Vision with Director Flavio Geretto Cantina Rauscedo, one of the most important Friulian cooperatives in the sector with over 2,000 hectares , is embarking on a new strategic phase with the arrival of General Manager Flavio Geretto , who has been a key figure at Villa Sandi for years. The goal is to strengthen the cooperative model by focusing on quality, traceability, and territorial identity , building a quality pyramid capable of enhancing production.
Mattia Binotto makes his wine debut with Animantica. Former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto enters the world of wine with Animantica , a 2021 Chardonnay Trentino DOC produced in Faedo by Cantina Eleusi. The first production is limited to approximately 2,300 bottles , obtained from forty-year-old vineyards located at 410 meters above sea level .
Vecchie Terre di Montefili: Contemporary Chianti Classico The Panzano in Chianti estate, relaunched in 2015 by Nicola Marzovilla with American partners, represents a balance between international vision and territorial roots. At the helm of the estate is winemaker Serena Gusmeri , who interprets Chianti Classico through a sensitive approach to the vineyard and its natural expression.
Tenuta Montauto: in Maremma, white wines surprise the market. In Campigliola di Manciano, Tenuta Montauto is opting for a counter-current approach: promoting white wines , particularly Sauvignon Blanc, in an area traditionally associated with red wines. The winery takes advantage of unique soil and climate conditions: sea breezes, mineral soils, and altitudes between 200 and 500 meters .
Franciacorta: the cooperative of small winemakers Since 1952, a cooperative made up of around 50 small winemakers has kept the local winemaking tradition alive, contributing to the promotion of denominations such as Sebino, Cellatica, Curtefranca and Ronchi di Brescia , in addition to the Franciacorta DOCG.
Terre d’Oltrepò Crisis: Negotiations Stalled . The future of the Terre d’Oltrepò Winery remains uncertain. The relaunch with Collis Veneto Wine Group is proceeding slowly, and membership remains limited, with approximately 100,000 quintals of grapes guaranteed for the next harvest , a lower number than expected.
Solopaca Social Winery victim of theft. Unknown individuals stole wine and equipment from the Solopaca Social Winery in Campania, including the company vehicle used for transport. Among the stolen wines were Aglianico del Taburno DOCG, Falanghina del Sannio DOC, and other local wines .
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Caviro launches “Tavernellow,” a low-alcohol wine. The Caviro group enters the NoLo (no and low-alcohol) wine segment with the new Tavernellow , a partially dealcoholized sparkling wine. The €1.8 million investment in a plant in Savignano sul Panaro allows for production of up to 30,000 liters per day , with an annual potential of over 9 million bottles .
The Water Challenge in European Vineyards Climate change is reshaping Mediterranean viticulture. Recent studies have shown that producing 1 liter of must requires between 250 and 350 liters of water , highlighting the growing pressure on water resources and making water-efficient technologies crucial.
Technologies and research to combat climate change The Polytechnic University of Turin is leading two research projects – IN-VITE and AgriCAM – dedicated to the development of digital tools and sensors for intelligent vineyard management, with the aim of adapting viticulture to the effects of a changing climate.
ISO Certifications: A Competitive Advantage for Wineries. In the wine industry, interest in ISO organizational certifications is growing, as markets and large-scale retailers increasingly demand them. In addition to environmental sustainability, these standards improve business processes, traceability, and international reputation .
The Debate on “Post-Natural Wine” The book “Post-Natural Wine” by philosopher Roberto Frega analyzes the evolution of the debate on natural wine, offering a reflection that transcends ideological conflicts and calls for a more balanced vision of tradition, science, and wine culture.
International
Made in Italy exports to decline at the beginning of 2026. According to preliminary Istat data, 2026 opens with a -4.6% drop in Italian exports , while agri-food exports are down -7.7% . The decline in the United States is particularly sharp ( -26.4% ).
US wine tariffs: revenues of over $492 million in 2025 According to the American Association of Wine Economists, US wine tariffs generated $492.2 million in 2025 , a significant increase compared to previous years.
Wine Logistics Under Pressure as Middle East War Surge Conflict in the region is causing airspace closures and maritime blockades , with immediate effects on delivery times and transportation costs for the beverage industry.
EU-Australia Prosecco Agreement A new trade agreement will allow Australian producers to use the Prosecco name for the domestic market , while exports under this name will have to cease within ten years.
EU-Mercosur Agreement Under Criticism According to some agricultural organizations, the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur could penalize the European agricultural sector, including Italian wine, due to what is considered an unbalanced trade liberalization.
Wine events
“Bacco e Minerva”: Young winemakers take center stage in San Michele all’Adige. From March 25th to 27th, the Edmund Mach Foundation hosts the 23rd edition of the national competition dedicated to Italian agricultural institutes. 122 wines and 17 olive oils produced by students will compete.
Chardonnay du Monde: Italy in the Top 10 At the international competition held in Burgundy, with 471 wines tasted from 25 countries , Italy enters the Top 10 with a wine from Casale del Giglio , confirming the quality of Italian interpretations of Chardonnay.
The “Wine Ring” is born on the Etruscan Coast. A 42 km cycling route through vineyards and hills , accompanied by an interactive web app, is debuting in Riparbella. The inauguration is scheduled for April 18-19 and aims to integrate wine, slow tourism, and a digital experience.
Strategic synthesis
Today’s news shows some clear trends for the wine industry:
- growth of technologies in the vineyard and precision agriculture
- development of the low and no alcohol segment
- pressure on international markets between duties, geopolitics and logistics
- strengthening the wine-territory-tourism link
- growing centrality of research, certifications and sustainability
For those who work in the world of wine – producers, investors and supply chain operators – it is becoming increasingly strategic to integrate innovation, positioning and openness to international markets .
Thanks for listening. Today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .
See you tomorrow with new wine news.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
A daily overview of the main news from the world of Italian and international wine: companies, regions, markets, innovations, and events shaping the wine sector.
Italian wineries
Graziano Merotto and the Return to the Classic Method Rosé
Winemaker Graziano Merotto, a key figure in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, presents his 2022 Metodo Classico Rosé Pas Dosé, made from 100% Pinot Noir , a limited edition of just 6,000 bottles. The label celebrates the producer’s 80th birthday and is dedicated to his wife, Rossella. The wine is made from the Col San Martino and Farra di Soligo vineyards and represents a return to the Metodo Classico experiments Merotto began in the 1980s.
Massimago and the new Amarone Conte Gastone 2021
Camilla Rossi Chauvenet continues to develop the winemaking project at Massimago , a 30-hectare estate in the Mezzane Valley in Valpolicella. The new Amarone Conte Gastone 2021 is part of the “Ritratti” line and combines tradition and contemporary communication, with labels illustrated by Franco Chiani.
Jurij Fiore and the valorization of Lamole in the Chianti Classico area
Lamole, one of the smallest and most distinctive Additional Geographical Units of Chianti Classico , becomes Jurij Fiore’s production laboratory. After training in Burgundy, the Tuscan producer develops wines with a strong territorial identity, showcasing the unique soil and climate characteristics of this area.
Palmento Costanzo and the wines of Etna
The Etna winery celebrates ten years of its “DI SEI” collection, with a tasting in Milan of the Etna Bianco, Rosso, and Rosato versions. The project chronicles the evolution of a winery founded in 2011 from the valorization of the vineyards of the Santo Spirito district.
Cantina Campana and the recognition of Cirò Bianco
Critic Luca Gardini awarded 96 points to the Cirò Bianco from Cantina Campana in Cirò Marina. This recognition strengthens the position of Calabrian wines in the international quality segment.
The historic winery near Perugia and the success of Trebbiano Spoletino
In Umbria, the prestige of Trebbiano Spoletino is growing, a grape variety that is redefining the regional winemaking landscape. Some wineries in the Spoleto area are achieving significant results, both in terms of quality and market share.
Colombo Winery enhances the Bormida Valley
The Piedmontese winery of Bubbio is launching a series of four events between April and July dedicated to the relationship between wine, cuisine, and the territory of the Bormida Valley , with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay taking center stage.
Tenuta San Guido presents Sassicaia 2023
A preview of Sassicaia 2023 , a celebratory vintage in memory of Mario Incisa della Rocchetta, was presented in Bolgheri. The region’s iconic wine continues to represent one of the absolute benchmarks of Italian wine worldwide.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Artificial intelligence and precision viticulture
Artificial intelligence is transforming vineyard work. Thanks to sensors, drones, and predictive models , precision viticulture now allows us to estimate yields, monitor vine health, and optimize harvesting and agronomic management.
The sparkling wine market according to Ferrari
Marcello Lunelli, Ferrari Vice President, analyzes the state of the sparkling wine market during the Wine Market Forum at the Intrecci Academy. Sparkling wines remain the driving force behind global wine growth , but competition between Prosecco DOC, DOCG, Champagne, and the Italian Metodo Classico is becoming increasingly strategic.
Germany: Italian wine sales surpass one billion euros
According to Wine Monitor Nomisma, Germany remains a key market for Italy:
- over 1 billion euros of imports
- market share above 40%
- growth of Italian PDO wines in volume (5.4%) and value (4.2%).
Italian large-scale retail trade: fewer bottles but higher prices
In 2025, 737 million liters of wine and sparkling wine were sold in large-scale distribution, a decrease compared to 2024. The average price is rising and Prosecco is confirmed as the best-selling wine in Italy.
Oltrepò Pavese: Production recovers but grape numbers decline
Production returns to around 620 thousand hectoliters , but grape prices continue to fall, creating tensions in the supply chain between winemakers and processors.
Lazio: wine prices risk 15% increase
High energy prices and geopolitical tensions could lead to a significant increase in the prices of Lazio wines, with possible repercussions for small wineries in the area.
Highway Code and consumption outside the home
The tightening of driving controls has already had an impact on consumption: some restaurateurs are recording a drop of up to 20% in wine orders .
ISMEA and the Generazione Terra program
The Generation Land 2026 program provides €120 million to facilitate access to land for young farmers, financing up to 100% of land purchases.
Intensive vineyards at high altitude: the Brentonico case
In Trentino, the debate over the expansion of intensive viticulture in mountainous areas is growing. The Biodiversity and Health Committee is launching a provincial petition calling for clearer rules against monoculture.
Tebano Winemaking Center
A new three-million-euro educational and experimental winery is being opened in Emilia-Romagna, connected to the Faculty of Viticulture and Oenology at the University of Bologna.
Company museums and wine culture
The Museimpresa network exceeds 150 company museums , including the Leone de Castris, Ferrari Trento, Ricci Curbastro and Chiarli museums, examples of the valorization of the industrial memory of wine.
International
Porto and the historic Burmester cellar
In Vila Nova de Gaia, near the famous Dom Luís I Bridge, the historic Burmester Cellar (founded in 1750) continues to tell the story of Port winemaking through a tour of barrels, historic architecture, and tastings.
Pompeii and the archaeological viticulture project
At the archaeological site of Pompeii, a project is underway to revive the ancient Roman winemaking tradition, with vineyards planted within the historic area. The initiative aims to produce thousands of bottles inspired by ancient techniques.
Wine events
Lario Critical Wine 2026
The fourteenth edition of Lario Critical Wine , a festival dedicated to critical consumption and natural wine, returns to Cantù, featuring tastings, cultural events, and music.
ZeroZero – Natural Wine and Art
ZeroZero , an international event dedicated to natural wines, takes place in Florence, featuring over forty Italian and European winemakers and a program that integrates tastings and contemporary art.
The First of Lives on the Riviera
The event dedicated to Western Ligurian wines makes its debut in Albenga, with 23 wineries and over 100 labels available for tasting.
Vinitaly 2026: Umbria presents its new pavilion
From 12 to 15 April, Umbria’s wine region will have a pavilion dedicated to Vinitaly with 45 companies and a programme of tastings and masterclasses .
Chianti Classico Collection
The new 2024 vintages of Chianti Classico, characterized by freshness, balance, and great drinkability, were presented at the Stazione Leopolda in Florence.
Strategic summary of the day
Three signals clearly emerge from the winemaking panorama:
- Technology and innovation : AI and precision viticulture are redefining vineyard management.
- Mature but resilient markets : Germany continues to be a key outlet for Italian wine.
- Experience and territory : events, wine tourism, and corporate storytelling become central tools for valorization.
Press review by QUIDQUID Offered by WINEIDEA.IT
See you tomorrow with new news from the world of wine.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
The Italian wine sector continues to churn amid signs of resilience, production transformations, new commercial directions, and growing integration between wine, territory, tourism, and events. In the background, 2025 closed with a decline that, however, appears more moderate than that of other international competitors, while 2026 offers glimpses of recovery.
Italian wineries
Contract, from the nineteenth century to the contemporary Classic Method
The historic Contratto winery confirms its pioneering role in Italian sparkling wine production. Founded in 1867, it was among the first Italian producers to experiment with the French sparkling wine model, developing its own identity in the early 20th century with vintage wines and lines dedicated to international markets. Today, it represents an example of how tradition can become a lever for advanced positioning.
Palmento Costanzo: Ten Years of Excellence on Mount Etna
At the Park Hyatt in Milan, the Etna winery Palmento Costanzo celebrated its “DI SEI” collection with a masterclass dedicated to the volcano’s wines. The project marks the evolution of a company that has built its identity on the valorization of the vineyards in Contrada Santo Spirito and the restoration of an ancient palmento, becoming one of the most interesting expressions of contemporary Etna.
Marisa Cuomo named Italy’s most beautiful “sea view” winery.
The Furore winery, a symbol of heroic viticulture on the Amalfi Coast, took first place in a survey of Italian wineries overlooking the sea. This recognition recognizes not only its impact on the landscape, but also its ability to transform the territory into an identity and narrative asset.
Faraone Wines: Wine as a Sensory Experience and Hospitality
In Giulianova, the Faraone winery hosted “Ruvide Avvolgenze,” a tasting that created an original journey through Italian and French wines and cheeses. The event confirms the growing commitment of many Italian wineries to more immersive hospitality experiences, where wine becomes a tool for storytelling, experimentation, and interaction with the public.
Gionata Cognata and the revival of viticulture in the Polcevera Valley
Gionata Cognata’s story reveals the most fragile and authentic side of Italian micro-viticulture. After bringing wine back to an area that had almost disappeared from the Ligurian winemaking landscape, the producer saw a large portion of his production jeopardized by a defective batch of corks. It’s a story that highlights how, especially for small wineries, every vintage represents a decisive challenge.
Leonardo da Vinci Winery in compulsory administrative liquidation
The long history of the Tuscan cooperative founded in 1961 has come to an end with a bankruptcy proceeding. The decision by the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy highlights a situation of serious insolvency, with short-term debts significantly exceeding current assets. This case refocuses attention on the economic sustainability of some historic cooperatives in the sector.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Nomisma: Italy suffered in 2025, but held up better than others
According to Denis Pantini of Wine Monitor Nomisma, Italian wine closed 2025 with a 3.7% decline in value, but with a less negative performance than France, Spain, Australia, Chile, and the United States. This data suggests a less alarmist interpretation: in a complex global context, Italy has shown superior resilience, and if the weaker markets were to rebound, 2026 might not end in the red.
Exports 2025: Piedmont surpasses €1.15 billion, Veneto remains the leader.
The regional export market confirms Veneto as the leading region with €2.92 billion, and Piedmont as the third Italian region with over €1.15 billion in exports. Despite the overall decline in the sector, some regions continue to demonstrate structural resilience, strengthening wine’s role as a strategic asset for the local economy.
Germany is a key market for Italian wine.
Germany remains one of the most important foreign markets for Italian wine, with imports from the country worth €1.14 billion in 2025. However, the consensus is that it is a solid yet selective market, where those operators capable of adapting to a sophisticated consumer, sensitive to value for money and the clarity of the offering, can thrive.
Inflation and wine: consumer prices in Italy show moderate growth
On the price front, Italy has seen a 7.4% increase in consumer wine prices over ten years, among the lowest in Europe. This remains a key issue at a time when consumer purchasing power has declined and eating out is particularly affected. This discussion involves the entire supply chain, from producers to distributors, all the way to restaurants.
Alcohol-free wine: a new segment for new consumers
Alcohol-free wine is entering the sector’s strategic debate as a potential lever to tap into new audiences and specific markets, especially in Northern Europe, America, and Australia. The topic, discussed at the Laimburg Research Center, highlights the sector’s openness to different consumption patterns in Italy as well, while still excluding PDO wines.
Vineyard Restructuring and Conversion: New Regional Notice
The call for applications for support for the vineyard restructuring and conversion project envisaged by the National Viticulture Support Plan has been published. This strategic measure will renovate vineyards, adapt production to market needs, and strengthen the competitiveness of wineries.
Toscana IGT: Changes Approved in Italy
The Masaf National Wine Committee has approved changes to the Toscana IGT wine regulations. Among the main changes are the strengthening of the “Toscana” designation and the introduction of the sparkling wine category, both Charmat and Classic Method, white and rosé. This move could open up new production and commercial opportunities for the regional system.
Italian Riesling: A Missed Opportunity for Oltrepò Pavese
The return of the international “Grow du Monde” competition has rekindled attention on Riesling Italico, a grape variety that, according to many observers, represents a great opportunity that is still under-exploited in the Oltrepò Pavese region. The topic is significant because it addresses a fundamental issue in Italian wine: the ability, not always fully expressed, to build value on distinctive varieties.
Nebbiolo: A strong identity in an uncertain context
Sergio Germano, president of the Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani Consortium, emphasizes how Nebbiolo continues to be a reliable choice in a disoriented world. The success of Grandi Langhe, with 7,700 entries and over 500 foreigners, confirms the strength of territorial identity as a competitive advantage.
Michel Rolland, farewell to a symbolic figure in world winemaking.
The passing of Michel Rolland marks the end of an era. The first true global “flying winemaker,” he profoundly influenced the language of modern wine and collaborated with important Italian wineries such as Caprai, Biserno, Tenuta del Nicchio, Ornellaia, and Masseto. His legacy extends not only to winemaking style, but also to the very role of the consultant in the creation of contemporary wine.
International
Wines Experience: Over 200 Italian Wineries Debut in London
On April 26 and 27, London will host the first edition of Wines Experience, a new B2B platform that will bring over 200 Italian wineries to the British capital. The format focuses on digital matchmaking, pre-scheduled events, blind tastings, and data collection on British market preferences. This approach is geared toward concrete business rather than mere trade show exposure.
The UK remains a strategic market
The choice of London as the inaugural venue is no coincidence: the United Kingdom is the third-largest destination market for Italian wine, with a value of approximately €857 million and a 10-11% share of total exports. In a time of general slowdown, maintaining a presence in stable and mature markets remains a strategic priority.
The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles chooses Cirò
From March 27th to 29th, Calabria will host the rosé section of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, featuring 1,100 wines from 30 countries and 55 international judges. The event strengthens the international visibility of Cirò and Calabria as regions capable of hosting high-profile wine events.
Wine events
The Prosecco Hills at the 2026 Paralympic Games
The Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene were featured at Casa Veneto in Cortina, during a panel discussion on accessible Veneto destinations. The focus on inclusivity and accessible itineraries opens an interesting perspective on the relationship between UNESCO heritage, tourism, and accessibility.
Valpolicella nominated for UNESCO recognition with the drying ritual
The nomination of the Valpolicella grape drying ritual for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status marks a significant step forward in symbolism and culture. Appassimento is presented as a collective knowledge that intertwines technique, landscape, community, and production identity.
Wine tourism: weddings, events, and new winery features
Tenute del Cerro reflects an increasingly clear trend: the winery is no longer just a place of production, but also a space for weddings, conventions, guided tours, and experiences. Wine tourism is thus confirmed as a strategic complement to wine sales.
Doctor Wine in Parma with the Essential Guide to Italian Wines 2026
Monte delle Vigne hosted the presentation of the new Essential Guide to Italian Wines with Daniele Cernilli. This event combined tastings, in-depth analysis, and promotion of Emilian wines, confirming the role of guides as tools for connecting producers, critics, and the market.
Pandolfini launches a new fine wine auction in Florence
“La Joie du Vin,” an auction of collectible wines organized by Pandolfini, returns on April 9th and 10th. Highlights include a tasting dedicated to Château d’Yquem and the presence of rare lots, including a 1920 Yquem. This is a sign of the vitality of the fine wines and collectibles segment.
Calabria: The “Sinus Underwater Wines” project kicks off
In mid-April, an underwater aging trial will begin in the Gulf of San Nicola Arcella, involving wine, classic method, dessert wines, beer, liqueurs, and even a perfume. This project combines research, local promotion, and sensory experimentation.
Sicily and South Tyrol in conversation at the table
The “From Sicily to South Tyrol” tasting dinner at the San Ferdinando Restaurant in Nizza di Sicilia brought together two Italian regional excellences in a gastronomic journey that celebrates their identity. It’s an example of how wine continues to convey a regional narrative, even outside of strictly trade fair formats.
Cantina Errante, spontaneous fermentation and creative contamination
With “Mirabolani 2024,” Cantina Errante presents a release that blends spontaneous fermentation, wild fruit, and brewing culture. This news is outside the realm of winemaking, but it’s interesting for those interested in the new intersections between fermented products, craftsmanship, and the story of the region.
Strategic summary of the day
Today’s snapshot shows a sector that, despite being under pressure, has not lost its ability to react. Five clear trends emerge: Italy’s resilience in exports compared to competitors , the centrality of key foreign markets such as Germany and the United Kingdom , openness to new segments such as dealcoholized wine , strengthening the link between wine, territory, and culture , and the growing importance of wine tourism and events as levers of value .
Alongside these positive signs, there remain important areas for attention: corporate crises, economic and financial fragility, price pressure, and the need to rethink certain varieties or territories that are still undervalued.
Thanks for listening. Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
The world of wine continues to grapple with territorial identities, market tensions, agronomic innovation, and new opportunities for commercial development. From the sustainability of appellations to the consumption crisis in large-scale retail trade, through winery histories, regional relaunches, exports, and major international events, the sector confirms a profound transformation.
Italian wineries
“Grande Franciacorta,” a growth project to protect the landscape
A strategic discussion begins on the future of Franciacorta and the possibility of expanding the area’s boundaries to the Oltrepò Pavese. The central theme is the sustainability of the appellations, not only agronomically but also territorially and politically: the PDO boundaries thus become a tool for managing the landscape and ensuring controlled development.
From grandfather’s vineyard to one of the best Pecorino del Piceno: the history of Tenuta Santori
In the heart of the Piceno region, between Ripatransone and Cossignano, Tenuta Santori tells a story of family continuity, local roots, and the promotion of Pecorino. A story that begins with the grandfather’s vineyards and culminates in modern production, while maintaining a connection to the Marche agricultural landscape.
After 35 years in the barrel, it is still vital: the Vernaccia di Oristano that defies time.
Attilio Contini’s Vernaccia di Oristano Antico Gregori confirms its extraordinary expression of longevity, territorial identity, and craftsmanship. A wine born of patience, the tradition of oxidation, and a slow dialogue between wood, yeasts, and living matter.
Winery weddings are increasingly popular in Umbria and Tuscany.
Tenute del Cerro is strengthening its integrated hospitality model, combining wine, hospitality, and events. There’s growing interest in winery weddings and advanced wine tourism formats that complement production with tastings, tours, conventions, and charming hospitality.
Cantina di Venosa wins the Stella del Sud award, among the top 200 wines of the Sole 24 Ore.
The Lucanian cooperative is among the 200 fastest-growing companies in Southern Italy, according to the “Stelle del Sud” survey conducted by Il Sole 24 Ore with Statista. This recognition recognizes growth in revenue, employment, investment, and business development over the three-year period 2021-2024.
Villa Matilde in Cellole: A Year of Celebrations
A historic protagonist in the revival of Falerno, Villa Matilde celebrates the centenary of its founding lawyer Francesco Paolo Avallone and thirty years of collaboration with Riccardo Cotarella. An opportunity to revisit one of the most important stories of the Campania winemaking renaissance.
Wine, the recovery fails: Cantine Leonardo da Vinci, part of the Caviro group, goes bankrupt.
A long-running affair involving one of Tuscany’s historic wine cooperatives has ended with compulsory administrative liquidation. The crisis highlights the economic and financial fragilities that can affect even structured entities within the cooperative system.
Baracchi Winery, the face of Cortona that tells a different story of Tuscany
The Baracchi winery represents an integrated model of wine, hospitality, and gastronomy. Located on the hills of Cortona, wine production is part of a broader project that unites charming relais, restaurants, and local development.
Casa Setaro reveals the secrets of Vesuvius and relaunches the Caprettone
On Vesuvius, Massimo Setaro continues to work with native grape varieties and historic ungrafted vineyards, focusing on the terroir’s profound identity. Caprettone and Piedirosso become tangible tools for differentiation and authenticity.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Wine and Large-Scale Retail: 2026 Starts Better Than 2025
The Wine Forum offers a cautiously positive outlook for the start of 2026 in large-scale retail. According to Esselunga, the first 80 days of the year are better than 2025, despite a still challenging environment marked by pressure on consumption and the search for a balance between quality and price.
The 4 best wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
A journey through the main winemaking expressions of a region renowned for its white wines, but also capable of producing characterful reds and sweet wines with great personality. Among the designations highlighted are Lison DOCG and Collio.
They were pioneers of cider in Italy. Now they’re reviving the elderberry wine of South Tyrolean farmers.
Franz Egger, already a leading figure in the Italian cider world, is relaunching a historic peasant beverage from Alto Adige. A project that combines biodiversity, agricultural innovation, and the revival of rural traditions.
“Only by placing the vines where their DNA is fully expressed will they produce great wines”
Attilio Scienza relaunches the concept of “new indigenous grape varieties,” linking quality not only to the grape variety but also to the terroir’s vocation. Zoning, environment, and location become essential elements for creating great wines and truly coherent viticulture.
Grapevine Downy Mildew: A Solution for Organic Farming from Grape Seeds
Agrimix enters the biocontrol market with OPSeed75, a natural biosolution based on grape seed extract. The product is intended as a tool compatible with organic farming for the protection of downy mildew and scab.
Canavese Barbera Barrique Vine Selections 2022 Cellar 366
A focus on the Canavese area and a lesser-known part of Piedmont, but one experiencing growth in quality and identity. The wine becomes the expression of an area seeking greater visibility beyond the already established centrality of Erbaluce di Caluso.
Wine towards a new Renaissance
The Wine Forum offers a powerful cultural reflection: the sector needs a new Renaissance that puts wine back at the center of social interaction, identity, moderation, and culture, avoiding simplification and demonization.
Is Italian wine under attack? Cotarella: “Enough with the industry’s masochism.”
Riccardo Cotarella calls for greater unity within the industry, against penalizing narratives and distorted interpretations of wine. The message is clear: the sector must stop weakening itself and regain its cultural, economic, and identity-building potential.
“It’s not consumers who are moving away from wine, it’s wine that is losing them.”
A critical reflection on the structural decline in consumption invites the sector to rethink language, relationships with young people, positive communication, and the relationship between wine, health, and conviviality.
International
UK wine imports to slow down in 2025
The United Kingdom reduced wine imports by 4.6% in value and 6% in volume. Italy remains the leading exporter by volume, but has seen a decline, with sparkling wines still generating more value than still wines on the British market.
The Chianti Wine Consortium at Vinitaly China
Chianti is looking to China with a structured presence in Chengdu, including tastings, masterclasses, and institutional promotion. The goal is to strengthen the denomination’s positioning in a strategic market for Italian wine.
Artificial Intelligence and Wine: The Debate at Vinelink
In Épernay, the focus is on artificial intelligence applied to viticulture, including regional big data, machine learning, and tools to support agronomic management and strategic decisions. Digital innovation is increasingly playing a key role in the sector’s competitiveness.
Wine events
Vigna & Olivo 2026: Defense, Nutrition, and Digital Technologies in Olive Growing
The second Vigna & Olivo meeting, a technical event dedicated to protection, nutrition, and innovation in olive growing, will be held online on March 25th. This refresher course is aimed at technicians and agricultural businesses.
Agronomists, a key role in the country’s sustainability
The assembly of presidents of the Orders of Doctors of Agronomy and Forestry, currently underway in Milan, focuses on the value of specialized skills in addressing sustainability, food security, soil conservation, and climate change.
In Bolzano Vicentino there is an association that transforms wine into water
A solidarity initiative links the sale of fine wines to the implementation of water projects in Ethiopia and Tanzania. An example of how wine can also become a tool for international cooperation and social responsibility.
Pharaoh, wine pairs with cheeses and books for two Saturdays of taste and culture.
In Abruzzo, the Faraone winery offers a wine tourism and cultural experience that combines tastings, cheese pairings, and the promotion of historic vintages, confirming the experiential evolution of the wine world.
Wine in large-scale retail in 2025: volumes plummet, only sparkling wines hold up.
Circana data for Vinitaly show a challenging market in large-scale retail trade: volumes and values are declining, with only sparkling wines holding steady. This topic will be the focus of the 22nd roundtable discussion, “Wine in Large-Scale Retail Trade,” at Vinitaly 2026.
Wine in Abruzzo, Montepulciano and Trebbiano among the best-selling in large-scale retail trade
Distribution figures confirm the commercial strength of Abruzzo wines, with Montepulciano and Trebbiano at the top of the list in national retail sales, alongside the growth of Cerasuolo.
An appeal to Regional Councillor Sammartino regarding the Sicilian wine crisis.
Cia Sicilia is calling for urgent action to address unsold stocks and the regional red wine crisis. Among the measures requested is crisis distillation as a way to relieve wineries of their burdens ahead of the new harvest.
Final summary
The day highlights an Italian wine sector experiencing two parallel dynamics. On the one hand, stories of value, identity, terroir, hospitality, and innovation emerge; on the other, signs of difficulty in consumption, inventory, and distribution are consolidating. Sparkling wines continue to demonstrate superior resilience, while still wines are struggling more in commercial channels and international markets. In the background, the strategic importance of sustainability, technology, communication, and regional positioning is growing.
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