Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Italian wineries
MASI launches the King’s Pinot Noir from Oltrepò Pavese
In preparation for Vinitaly, the Masi Group presents Pinot Noir del Re , the first still Pinot Noir produced on the Tenuta Casa Re estate in Montecalvo Versiggia, acquired in 2023. The wine is made from a clonal selection across 15 hectares of vineyards and is aged for six months in oak. This project strengthens the Verona winery’s presence in one of Europe’s most renowned Pinot Noir regions.
Valdo celebrates 100 years of innovation and new strategies.
The centenary of the historic Valdobbiadene sparkling wine house coincides with an important strategic phase:
- A return to still wines thanks to the acquisition of Friuli’s I Magredi
- launch of the non-alcoholic sparkling wine Purø
- consolidation of Prosecco production on 150 hectares of vineyards .
Cantina Valpolicella Negrar: Historic Management Change
Christian Zulian becomes the new general manager with technical responsibilities, while Carlo Callari takes over the winemaking department. This concludes the era of Daniele Accordini, a key figure in the cooperative’s development over the past thirty years.
Cantina Valle Isarco celebrates 65 years of Alpine viticulture.
The South Tyrolean cooperative, founded in 1961 and today made up of over 100 members, represents one of the most interesting models of mountain viticulture , with vineyards between 250 and 1000 metres above sea level.
Forbes names Fattoria di Grignano among the 100 most iconic wineries.
Tommaso Inghirami’s company has been included in the Iconic Wineries 2026 list, a recognition that recognizes not only the quality of its wines but also innovation and protection of the local area.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Horeca 2025: Aperitifs and premiumization drive the market
According to data from the CDA consortium, the out-of-home drinks market will record in 2025:
- 0.66% in value
- -0.92% in volume
A balance supported by prices and consumer mix. Lighter, more experiential options are growing, with a strong emphasis on aperitifs.
Italian wine exports close 2025 with a decline
The UIV Observatory records:
- total exports 7.78 billion euros (-3.7%)
- volumes -1.9%
The main causes are:
- tariffs and dollar devaluation
- drop in demand in the USA (-9.2%)
- contractions in the UK, Canada and Switzerland.
However, some European markets such as Germany, France and the Netherlands are holding up.
The debate on the Italian “fine wine” model
A critical reflection is emerging in the international press: has Italian wine really surpassed the French model or has it simply adapted the commercial concept of fine wine , based on rarity, longevity and collectible value?
Walter Massa relaunches the debate on Gutturnio
The Colli Tortonesi winemaker criticizes the commercial use of the Gutturnio name for inexpensive sparkling wines, arguing the need to promote it as a great still red wine with strong ties to the region.
Cooperatives under accusation in the Piedmont debate
Former president of the Barolo Barbaresco Consortium Matteo Ascheri attributes part of the difficulties facing Piedmontese wine to the cooperative wineries, accused of failing to innovate their production system sufficiently.
The Barolo Consortium defends the Langhe system
President Sergio Germano responds to a dossier on vineyard labor management, emphasizing that many estimates of undeclared work are theoretical and do not represent the actual production situation in the Langhe.
Landslides in the UNESCO Prosecco Hills
The Association for the Heritage of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Hills is calling for faster interventions to restore slopes affected by landslides following extreme weather events.
Agri-food exports from the province of Cuneo
In 2025, the primary sector will reach 4.6 billion euros , with strong growth in Poland and good performances in Russia and Israel.
International
After Campari, Kunze-Concewitz invests in non-alcoholic beverages
The former CEO of the Campari group is participating in the venture builder Liquide Ventures , a project dedicated to the development of new non-alcoholic and low-alcohol brands, a segment experiencing strong growth among younger consumers.
Bollinger 2018 arrives in Italy with Meregalli
La Grande Année 2018 and La Grande Année Rosé 2018 are making their debut on the Italian market, champagnes aged on the lees for over seven years and vinified in used oak barrels.
Fantini named best Italian producer at Mundus Vini 2026
The Abruzzo winery wins the title of Best Italian Wine Producer and numerous awards, including:
- Best of Show Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
- Best of Show Castile-La Mancha White.
A shower of medals for Cantina Valtidone
The Emilian cooperative conquers:
- 3 golds and 1 silver at Mundus Vini
- 2 golds at the Berliner Wine Trophy.
Double international gold for Sardinian Syrah
The Marganai wine from the Arriali winery in Iglesias won gold at both the Berliner Wine Trophy and Mundus Vini 2026, rewarding a winemaking project that combines Syrah and Carignano.
Wine events
Slow Wine Fair 2026: Community and Sustainability
At the fair organized by Slow Food, the area dedicated to the Slow Wine Coalition stood out, a space for discussion on biodiversity, agricultural work and sustainability of the supply chain.
Best Wine Stars 2026
From May 16th to 18th, the international event returns to Milan at the Palazzo del Ghiaccio, featuring tastings, masterclasses, and professional meetings.
DiVinNosiola 2026
On March 27th in Trentino, a masterclass led by Giuseppe Carrus will compare two iconic grape varieties: Nosiola trentina and Albana di Romagna .
Cantina Jazz in Pisa: wine and music
The “Five Wednesdays of Emotions” series combines tasting and sensory exploration of wine, music, and neuroscience.
Wines of the Heart in Genoa
The event dedicated to micro-productions and rediscovered grape varieties confirms the growing attention towards distinctive and niche wines.
Harrykuminciamu: Solidarity Tasting in Sicily
Assovini Sicilia is organizing a large tasting in Catania on March 28th to support businesses affected by the cyclone that damaged the coast.
New languages for telling about wine
The Affinamente cultural format brings psychology, music, and storytelling into the cellars, a sign of an increasingly experiential approach to wine communication.
In summary: the strategic signals of the week
Three dynamics clearly emerge:
1. Changing aperitif and non-alcoholic beverage consumption and premiumization are reshaping the market.
2. Wine is moving towards less volume, more identity, territory and storytelling.
3. Wine becomes a cultural experience: events, tourism, music, storytelling, and sustainability are now an integral part of the product.
Wine is no longer just agriculture. It is becoming a cultural and economic ecosystem .
And it is precisely here that the great strategic opportunities for wineries and territories are being played out today.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Italian Wineries
Paololeo grows despite the difficult market
Cantine Paololeo closed 2025 bucking the industry trend: turnover grew by 9.8% , reaching 25.3 million euros . Domestic sales reached 16.8 million (4.5%) , while exports grew by 15% , to 8.5 million euros . Total production was 6 million bottles . The Apulian company’s strategy is based on market loyalty and commercial flexibility.
Letrari celebrates 50 years of Trentodoc
The Trentino-based Letrari winery is celebrating half a century of activity. Founded by winemaker Leonello Letrari , a leading figure in Alpine sparkling wine, the company was a pioneer of Trentodoc and contributed to the innovation of Italian wine as early as the 1960s with the celebrated Fojaneghe , one of the first Italian Bordeaux blends.
Sankt Pauls Winery Turns 120
A historic Alto Adige cooperative with 190 members and 185 hectares of vineyards , the Sankt Pauls winery continues to evolve. In 2023, it obtained Sqnpi certification for integrated production and welcomed the new Kellermeister Philipp Zublasing , strengthening the quality of its Pinot Blanc.
Skywalker: Umbria between territory and international vision
The Viandante del Cielo winery on Lake Trasimeno was born from the redevelopment of an abandoned property by the Californian group Skywalker Vineyards, founded by George Lucas. The estate encompasses 24 hectares (4 hectares under vine) and focuses on promoting local grape varieties with an international vision.
Masseria Barone, an underground cellar in the Comino Valley
In Atina, Lazio, Masseria Barone is an example of winemaking architecture integrated into the landscape. The winery was designed as a “modern cave,” aiming to combine production, tasting, and respect for the land.
Roccabianca: Organic Nebbiolo for the New Generation
The Roccabianca winery offers an organic Nebbiolo model geared towards sustainability and communication with Generation Z. Their philosophy: moderate consumption, soil management, and accessible language to introduce new consumers to quality wine.
Italian Wine and Italian Oenology
Italian wine exports: €7.7 billion, but declining
In 2025, Italian wine exports will stand at €7.77 billion , a decrease of 3.7% and a loss of €300 million compared to 2024. Volumes will fall by 1.9% to 21 million hectoliters . The main negative factor remains the US market ( -9.2% , equal to €178 million less), penalized by tariffs and the devaluation of the dollar.
The United States slows down Italian wine
Italian exports to the US in 2025 will drop to €1.8 billion (-13.2%) , while volumes will remain almost stable (-0.2%). The decline reflects the overall contraction in wine imports to the United States, which fell by 11.6% in value .
Cantina Italia: Stocks Still High
According to the Icqrf report, Italian cellars hold 58.6 million hectoliters of wine , up 5.8% compared to 2025. Added to these are 6 million hectoliters of must (34.2%) . Among the denominations with the largest stocks, Prosecco stands out, followed by PGI wines and table wines.
Asti and Moscato conquer Asia
Bucking the global market trend, Moscato d’Asti grew by 55% in Asia , while Asti Spumante recorded 20% . The Asian market thus becomes the third largest market for the denomination , representing 18% of total sales .
Towards a new phase of “post-natural” wine
The debate on natural wine is evolving toward a new, more balanced vision: greater attention to the vineyard and quality, but less ideological rigidity. A trend toward production simplicity is emerging, which values authenticity and technique.
A glass of wine and a Mediterranean diet
A study by the University of Navarra published in the European Heart Journal suggests that moderate wine consumption, as part of the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
Undeclared work in the Langhe vineyards
A regional dossier estimates that irregular work in the Langhe vineyards could generate an underground value between 26 and 39 million euros in the two-year period 2023-2024 , highlighting a structural problem for the sector.
Photovoltaics on agricultural land
A recent ruling by the Council of State clarified that, under the transitional regime of the legislation on renewables, ground-mounted photovoltaic systems can also be authorized in non-restricted agricultural areas, with simplified procedures.
New call for proposals in Lombardy for wineries
The Lombardy Region will soon open the call for proposals “Wine sector intervention – investments” for the 2026-2027 campaign, with applications until May 14, 2026 , aimed at modernizing wine-growing companies.
International Scenario
Champagne: The World’s Most Admired Brands
Despite the decline in global consumption, Champagne maintains strong international prestige. Louis Roederer, Krug, and Bollinger continue to lead the ranking of “The World’s Most Admired Champagne Brands 2026.” In 2025 , 266 million bottles were shipped, slightly less than the 271 million in 2024 .
War in Iran: Risks for agri-food exports
Geopolitical instability in the Middle East puts approximately €60 million in Tuscan exports at risk, especially wine, oil, and live plants . The conflict has also led to an increase in agricultural costs, with diesel fuel rising 40% in a week .
Franco-Sicilian Project: Château Palmer in the Aeolian Islands
The prestigious French winery Château Palmer has started a collaboration with Sicilian producer Nino Caravaglio for two new Salina IGT Malvasia labels, marking one of the first projects by a major French house on a minor Italian island.
Wine Events
BuyWine Toscana: 190 wineries and 175 buyers
The sixteenth edition of BuyWine Toscana opens in Florence, with 190 producers and 175 buyers from 47 countries . Over 3,500 B2B meetings and approximately 1,300 labels for tasting are planned.
Vinitaly and the City 2026
The Vinitaly off-site event will take place April 10-12 in Verona , with around 70 events including tastings, cultural events, and guided tours. New for the 2026 edition is the involvement of the Verona Arena and the Valpolicella Wine Route .
The Contrade of Etna 2026
The 17th edition of the event dedicated to Etna wines will take place April 19-20 in Randazzo . Currently, 74 wineries are participating , with international buyers in attendance.
ProWein 2026: Puglia in Düsseldorf
From March 15 to 17, twenty Apulian companies will participate in the international ProWein fair, within the Vinotech Puglia space, with tastings and meetings with buyers.
Mosso Artisan Wine Festival
The Mosso Festival returns to Piacenza on March 28th and 29th : over 30 wineries in more than 15 venues in the historic center for a traveling event dedicated to artisanal wine.
Strategic reading of the day
Three signals emerge clearly from today’s panorama:
- the global wine market has entered a phase of structural adjustment , with exports under pressure and high inventories;
- However, some denominations and territories are finding new growth markets , especially in Asia;
- Future competitiveness will increasingly depend on territorial identity, sustainability and wine tourism .
A mature sector no longer grows by inertia. It grows through vision. And it’s precisely here that wineries that think like territorial platforms—wine, tourism, experience—begin to distinguish themselves from the rest of the system.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Italian Wineries
Argea resists tariffs and invests in “non-alcoholic” wines. The Argea group closed 2025 with a turnover of €462 million , essentially stable compared to the previous year despite its strong exposure to the US market. Its future strategy focuses on innovation and research, with investments in the non-alcoholic segment (low- or no-alcohol wines) and ready-to-drink products, categories increasingly in demand by new consumers.
Arunda undergoes a restyling: fewer labels and longer aging. The Alto Adige winery Arunda is launching a strategic review of its range: the number of labels has been reduced from 12 to 7 to focus on greater identity and quality. The Classic Method sparkling wines, aged between 36 and 60 months on the lees , showcase the uniqueness of the high-altitude aging process, among the highest in Europe.
Terre d’Oltrepò Winery: deliveries lower than expected. The industrial project led by Collis Veneto Wine Group has not yet received the expected number of grape deliveries. The final decision will be made by the liquidators. The matter remains central to the Oltrepò Pavese winemaking economy.
Valtidone Winery Wins Award at the 2026 Berliner Wine Trophy. The Piacenza-based winery has won two Gold Medals and two “Category IV” mentions at the international Berliner Wine Trophy competition. The 2020 Arvange Brut and Pas Dosé Metodo Classico sparkling wines, as well as the Colli Piacentini Malvasia DOC and Gutturnio Classico Superiore wines, received awards.
Pasqualino Di Prisco’s Campi Taurasini tells the story of Aglianico. The 2020 vintage of Campi Taurasini stands out for its balance and aromatic precision: spices, crisp fruit, including black cherry and blueberry, and ripe tannins. Only 6,000 bottles produced , this gastronomic wine authentically expresses the Irpinia terroir.
Casato Prime Donne: the vision of Donatella Cinelli Colombini. The Tuscan producer helped transform wine into a tourist experience by founding the Movimento Turismo del Vino (Wine Tourism Movement) and the Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars) initiative in 1993. Her winery, located between Montalcino and Trequanda, is also known for having created a winery with an all-female winemaking team .
Sandre celebrates 100 years of history The Sandre Agricultural Company will celebrate its centenary on May 24th with a day open to the public including tastings, music, and activities in the vineyards.
Italian Wine and Oenology
Historic turning point: Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli unite. The two consortia have signed an agreement to create a temporary consortium (ATI) with the goal of jointly promoting one of the most prestigious regions for Italian white wines. This historic step ends over twenty years of division.
Italian wineries: stocks still high According to the Icqrf Cantina Italia report, in February 2026 wine stocks reached 58.6 million hectoliters , an increase of 5.8% compared to 2025. The data confirms a market with stable but slow demand.
Wine exports exceed 8 billion, but restaurants are very local. Italian wine is increasingly global in sales, but on restaurant menus the local dimension dominates: 70-75% of the labels come from the same region as the restaurant . The HoReCa channel represents approximately 55-60% of the value of the domestic market .
Asti DOCG: Sales Decline in 2025. The Asti Consortium closed the year with 75 million bottles sold (-9%) . Tariffs in the United States and the collapse of the Russian market are weighing heavily, while positive signs are emerging from growing demand in China .
Wine prices are rising sharply. According to a Go Wine survey, wine prices increased by an average of 32% between 2020 and 2025. Oscar Farinetti urges the industry to reflect on the sustainability of these prices, emphasizing the need to offer excellent yet accessible wines.
The role of consortia according to Alessia Travaglini For the Piedmontese producer, consortia must help companies simplify the communication of denominations , avoiding excessive fragmentation that is difficult to understand in foreign markets.
Aging techniques: wood, steel, cement, and amphora. Wine aging is a fundamental process that determines aromatic evolution and structure. Each material influences the wine differently:
- wood brings oxygenation and complexity
- Steel preserves freshness and aromatic purity
- cement ensures thermal stability
- the amphora promotes natural micro-oxygenation.
Alpine Nebbiolo and Erbaluce del Canavese Canavese emerges as a wine-growing area to be rediscovered, capable of producing wines with a strong identity linked to the history and culture of northern Piedmont.
Climate and the future of wine according to Cristina Mercuri MW For the new Italian Master of Wine, the main challenge for the sector is not the decline in consumption but climate change , which could redraw the global geography of viticulture.
International
Tensions in the Middle East and risks for Italian exports. The deteriorating geopolitical situation following the February 28 attack on Iran is slowing traffic in Gulf ports. Italian exports to the area are worth over €28 billion , making the region strategic for international trade.
Containers blocked and orders suspended for Prosecco. Sandro Bottega reports 17 containers stuck in Middle Eastern ports , causing logistics costs to skyrocket and orders to be suspended. Geopolitical tensions threaten to impact inflation and trade flows.
Wine Events
Vinitaly and The City 2026 brings Verona to life. From April 10th to 12th, the city will host around 70 events, including tastings, masterclasses, wine talks, and guided tours . This year, Vinitaly’s off-site event is focusing heavily on wine tourism and the involvement of local wineries.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Spring From March 13th to June 14th, the Alta Marca Trevigiana will host the 31st food and wine festival dedicated to Prosecco Superiore DOCG, with 15 wine exhibitions and numerous cultural and gastronomic events.
The Great Verticals of the Cities of Wine The 2026 tour continues on March 12 in Cervignano del Friuli , with tastings dedicated to native wines and local food pairings.
Easter in the cellar at Monte del Frà The Veronese winery offers a spring experience that combines wine and chocolate , with a visit to the vineyards and a guided tasting.
The picture that emerges today is that of a sector that must become increasingly flexible and strategic : unstable markets, high inventories and new consumption habits are reshaping the wine landscape.
Those with a deep understanding of territories, denominations, and market dynamics—as is often the case with wine estate development—know that the most exciting opportunities arise precisely in moments of transition.
Wine, after all, works a bit like an ecosystem: it changes slowly, but when it evolves, it does so profoundly. Tomorrow, new news, new signals to decipher.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and wine news.
Italian Wineries
Serena Costanzo and the New Direction of Etna Wine. On the northern slopes of Etna, in Passopisciaro, the Palmento Costanzo winery continues its growth with the second generation. Serena Costanzo, 30, an agronomist and winemaker trained in Asti and Montpellier, now leads the company’s development alongside her mother, Valeria Agosta. A young company rooted in the volcanic Etna landscape, it combines international training with a local identity.
Fausto Maculan celebrates 50 vintages with a collector’s bottle. The historic Breganze producer has created a symbolic cuvée, blending wines from his private collection. Only 300 numbered bottles recount half a century of work in the vineyard and cellar, a project that unites family memories and winemaking heritage.
Le Manzane: three new wines celebrating the region. The Treviso-based winery, led by the Balbinot family, will present three new labels at Vinitaly: a single-varietal Bianchetta and two interpretations of Merlot. This project combines the winery’s sparkling winemaking tradition with a contemporary reinterpretation of the region’s historic grape varieties.
Case d’Alto: Taurasi as an identity project. In Irpinia, Claudio De Luca is leading the Case d’Alto project, aiming to produce a Taurasi faithful to local tradition. The initiative stems from a centuries-old vineyard and also extends to the production of Fiano, with a focus on sustainability and the expression of the terroir.
La Cricca: Three young Friulians launch a winery through crowdfunding. A project born from a connection to the region and a desire to make wine more inclusive and accessible. The founders—Luca Comello, Luca Latronico, and Giacomo Orlando—have created a small brand that focuses on Friulian identity, contemporary communication, and direct community engagement.
Italian Wine and Oenology
Kombwine: a new non-alcoholic beverage made from grape must is born in Italy. South Tyrolean winemaker Andrea Moser and Legend Kombucha founder Ettore Ravizza have developed Kombwine, a beverage combining kombucha and grape must. The project taps into the growing no-/low-alcohol beverage market, offering an alternative that isn’t designed to be a dealcoholized wine, but rather a new category.
Great Italian Whites for Aging: More and more experts are emphasizing that many Italian whites have underestimated aging potential. According to several tasters, many white wines are released too early for commercial reasons, losing the opportunity to fully express their complexity over time.
High-Altitude Viticulture and Land Protection in Trentino: A petition in the municipality of Brentonico calls for limits on the expansion of high-altitude vineyards to prevent excessive landscape transformation and potential monoculture. The debate reflects a growing trend: the search for higher altitudes to counteract the effects of climate change.
Women-run wineries drive quality and exports. Women-led companies cultivate approximately 21% of the agricultural area under vines but generate 28% of the agricultural GDP. They stand out for their export orientation, strong focus on wine tourism, and a greater presence of DOC and DOCG wines. This theme is the focus of the “Women’s Wine Days 2026.”
Sardinia’s Niche Wines: A journey into lesser-known Sardinian viticulture, made up of small wineries that focus on quality rather than marketing. Often far from large-scale retail outlets, these businesses offer authentic wines rooted in their terroir.
Markets and International Scenario
Asti DOCG: global sales to decline in 2025 (-9%). Overall sales remained at approximately 75 million bottles. Asti Spumante recorded the sharpest decline (-12.4%), while Moscato d’Asti limited the decline (-1.8%). The US market remains critical, but Asia is growing (11.3%), with China accounting for 55%, making it the appellation’s third-largest market.
US tariffs and new markets for Italian wine. According to Wine Monitor Nomisma, US tariffs have pushed Italian producers to seek new trade destinations. Among the emerging markets are Poland, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Bulk wine logistics: new global challenges. Bulk wine transport, which accounts for over a third of global trade, is facing a complex situation. Geopolitical instability, logistics crises, and longer trade routes are reshaping international flows.
US wine exports to Canada plummet 78%. Following trade tensions between the two countries, many Canadian provinces removed US wines from their shelves. The result was a dramatic decline in American exports, which fell to $103 million in 2025.
Policies and Investments in the Sector
Lombardy: €2 million CMO call for wineries. The Lombardy Region has opened the new CMO Investment call for the 2026-2027 campaign. Applications are open until May 14th and will support technological innovation, winery modernization, and environmental sustainability.
Wine Events
Vinetia Tasting 2026 On March 22nd at the Santa Lucia di Piave exhibition center, over 150 wineries and more than 800 wines will be the protagonists of the large tasting organized by AIS Veneto, one of the most important events for regional wine.
Fonti di Vino – San Casciano dei Bagni The event dedicated to the nine local wineries debuts on March 28th, with tastings and meetings in the setting of the Val d’Orcia and the Fonteverde spa.
Wine & Art Experience at Cantine Paololeo On March 21st in San Donaci, an event combining tasting and wine painting, an artistic technique that uses wine as a natural pigment.
Divin Nosiola – Valle dei Laghi The event dedicated to the native Trentino Nosiola grape and the production of Vino Santo, a historic symbol of viticulture in the valley, returns.
Wine Meets Cinema: The Oscar Night Labels Ten Italian wines have been symbolically paired with the Oscar-nominated films, creating a dialogue between cinema and wine culture.
Wine tourism and Rural Hospitality
Agritourism and educational farms on the rise. According to Istat, educational farms increased by 12.2% in 2024, reaching 2,340 establishments. Agritourism in Italy exceeded 26,000 units with a total economic value of over €1.9 billion.
The overall picture shows a sector that continues to evolve on multiple fronts: product innovation (alcohol-free), new market geographies, and a growing focus on wine tourism and territorial sustainability.
Today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.
See you tomorrow for the latest news from the world of wine.