Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY
2026 Harvest: Heat and Drought Bring Forward the Harvest
The climate is one of the main protagonists of the 2026 harvest . In several Italian areas, the harvest began much earlier than usual.
In Veneto , especially in the eastern part, the harvest of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir has already begun. Heat and water shortages have accelerated ripening, simultaneously increasing the need for irrigation and thus farm costs. Initial indications, however, point to normal production and good quality.
The situation is even more significant in Friuli-Venezia Giulia . In Dolegna del Collio, the harvest began on August 10th, exceptionally early compared to the past. The grapes are healthy thanks to the dry climate, but irrigation has been crucial, especially for the young vineyards. The situation is more challenging in the Colli Orientali, where reduced irrigation availability is causing the vines to suffer and potentially reducing yields.
In the Bergamo area, Cantina Val San Martino also brought forward the Chardonnay harvest by about 15 days, starting work as early as 5:00 a.m. to avoid the highest temperatures. Initial assessments indicate very good quality of the grapes destined for Blanc de Blancs.
Harvest and worker safety
As temperatures rise, protecting those who work in the vineyards also becomes crucial.
The ASL CN2 Alba-Bra has reminded agricultural companies to comply with the measures established by the Piedmont Region to protect workers from heat and solar radiation: scheduling, breaks, water availability, and special attention to the most vulnerable. The regional measures remain in effect until August 31, 2026.
Roero: early harvest, but positive quality prospects
The new president of the Consorzio Tutela Roero, Alessandro Costa , foresees an early harvest but with good quality prospects.
The challenge, however, goes beyond the vineyard: changing consumption patterns, international tensions, tariffs, and the need to diversify markets require greater collaboration among producers. The Consortium currently has 265 members and over 1,300 hectares of vineyards .
Lazio: Chestnut barrels are back
The Lazio Region has approved a project to once again experiment with local chestnut trees in the production of barrels and barriques .
The project will involve the University of Tuscia, Arsial, forestry companies, coopers, and ten pilot wineries.
The goal is to reconstruct a forest-barrel-wine supply chain, valorizing the territory, craftsmanship, sustainability and traceability of the wood and simultaneously developing new technologies to analyze tannins and polyphenols during the refinement process.
Primitivo di Manduria: even great reds can be served chilled.
Masseria Cuturi’s Monte Diavoli 2021 was recognized as the best Primitivo di Manduria DOP as part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Carosino Wine Festival.
Produced in just 2,200 bottles , this Primitivo is characterized by freshness, flavor, fruitiness, and aromatic complexity. This recognition also draws attention to the issue of serving temperatures for full-bodied red wines, which don’t necessarily need to be enjoyed at high temperatures.
Valtènesi: Rosé Becoming More and More Identifiable
Valtènesi , on the Brescia shores of Lake Garda, continues to establish itself as one of the Italian areas most identified with rosé wine.
The qualitative growth of the denomination demonstrates how rosé can become more than just a seasonal wine, but a product strongly tied to the territory, also capable of positively evolving with aging in the bottle.
San Martino della Battaglia: Quality and Value in Lesser-Known Appellations
The San Martino della Battaglia Ottocento 2024 from Pratello , produced from pure Tai grapes, some of which come from old ungrafted vines, has been included in the BereBene 2026 guide.
With an indicated price of around 16 euros , it represents an example of how lesser-known Italian denominations can offer wines with a strong identity and an interesting quality-price ratio.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Planeta: 17 generations tell the story of Sicily through wine.
The Planeta family interprets Sicily through profoundly different territories: Menfi, Vittoria, Noto, Etna and Capo Milazzo.
The company’s philosophy focuses on the land, landscape, research, and territorial identity, using wine as a tool to convey the island’s agricultural and cultural complexity.
Etna: quality remains the main defense against the consumer crisis.
According to producer Ciro Biondi , Etna is going through a phase of adjustment after years of strong growth.
The general contraction in consumption is accompanied by an increase in production. However, for those companies with a strong focus on quality, demand remains strong.
Biondi manages approximately 7 hectares of vineyards at 600 metres above sea level , with a production of around 25,000 bottles , and underlines how the market is becoming more selective: the name “Etna” alone is no longer sufficient to automatically guarantee commercial success.
Sicily: Five producers tell the story of the island’s evolution.
Sicily continues to be one of the most interesting laboratories of Italian wine.
From the history of Marsala to the growth of Nero d’Avola to the international success of Etna DOC, the island’s viticulture is increasingly focused on enhancing its territorial and varietal identities.
Tenuta Casali among the best wines of Romagna
Tenuta Casali’s Vigna Quartosole Romagna DOC Sangiovese Mercato Saraceno Riserva has once again been included among the “Best 50” of the Emilia Romagna da Bere guide by the Italian Sommelier Association.
The recognition comes after the gold medal obtained at the international Città del Vino competition and confirms the ability of some local reds to maintain strong interest despite the market favoring mainly whites and sparkling wines.
La Nobra Winery: Montefiascone DOC, a blend of freshness and affordability
The 3 est Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC 2025 from Cantina La Nobra is produced in just 2,000 bottles and is offered at the winery for around 10 euros.
A white wine characterized by freshness, fragrance, and personality that enhances a historic Lazio denomination.
ITALIAN WINE MARKET
Italian wine: high inventories, consumption and exports under pressure
The sector continues to face a structural problem: a lot of wine available and slowing demand .
According to the data reported in the review, Italy has approximately 42 million hectolitres of wine and must in its cellars , while wine purchases in large-scale Italian distribution between January and May 2026 have seen a 2% drop.
In the first quarter, exports would have marked -4% in volume and -8.3% in value .
The problem, therefore, does not seem to concern exclusively production, but the progressive change in demand and the ability of the entire system to adapt supply, positioning, and commercial strategies.
European PDO exports are struggling, but sparkling wines are holding up.
In the first four months of 2026, exports of the main European PDO wines recorded a contraction in value.
Italy recorded -6.2% , France -3.4%, Germany -5.5% and Spain -8.5%.
However, the situation varies greatly among the denominations. French Crémants grew by 19.4% in volume , Champagne by 3%, while Prosecco limited the decline to -0.8%. Asti returned slightly to positive territory (1%), while Spanish Cava lost more than 9%.
The market therefore seems to reward whites and sparkling wines more, while many red wines continue to suffer.
Brazil: Wine imports on the rise
Brazil confirms itself as one of the most interesting emerging markets for the sector.
In the first half of 2026, imports reached 79.4 million litres (9.1%) , for a value reported in the body of the news of 234.3 million euros (5.9%) , with an average price of 2.95 euros/litre.
Bottled wine represents approximately 96% of the volume and 92% of the value of Brazilian imports.
For Italian wine, it is a market that deserves particular attention as part of geographical diversification strategies for exports.
INTERNATIONAL WINE
Champagne: Exceptionally early 2026 harvest
Champagne is also facing an increasingly earlier harvest.
The Comité Champagne has set harvest opening dates for 2026 between August 8 and 22 , varying by municipality and grape variety, with some producers starting even earlier thanks to specific exemptions.
This advance confirms how rising temperatures are profoundly altering European viticulture calendars.
San Marino: Drought and sharp decline in grape production
In San Marino, heat and lack of rainfall are causing problems for vineyards and olive groves.
Initial estimates indicated in the review speak of a possible reduction in grape production of 40% compared to 2025 , despite qualitative prospects considered positive.
Added to the drought are the rising costs of agricultural production and fuel.
Albania: Kallmet as a symbol of winemaking rebirth
In northern Albania, producer Altin Prenga , founder of Mrizi i Zanave, is working to promote Kallmet , one of the country’s most representative native red grape varieties.
Historically widespread between Lezhë and Shkodër, Kallmet produces wines characterized by fruit, freshness, tannic texture and evolutionary capacity.
The revival of the grape variety also represents a cultural strategy: using native varieties to build a recognizable identity for the new Albanian viticulture on international markets.
WINE TOURISM
18 million Italians interested in wine tourism experiences
Wine tourism is becoming an increasingly important component of Italian vacations.
According to the report Italians and wine tourism experiences , cited in the review, food and wine tourism today involves around 18 million Italians, 4.5 million more than in 2024 .
Among the most popular destinations are Cinque Terre and Salento (20%) , Chianti (19%), Amalfi Coast and Etna (18%), followed by Montepulciano (16%), Montalcino (15%), Langhe-Barolo and Gallura (14%).
A particularly interesting fact is the presence of four coastal territories in the top five positions: wine, landscape, sea, gastronomy and hospitality are becoming parts of the same tourist experience .
WINE EVENTS
Bancarel’Vino 2026: Over 40 Producers in Mulazzo
The 43rd edition of the Bancarel’Vino Award , organized from 7 to 9 August in Mulazzo, has concluded.
Over 40 producer stands and 98 finalist wines enlivened the event, dedicated primarily to the products of Lunigiana and Tuscany.
Award-winning wines include Cantina Le Canne, Tenuta Ca’ Bianca, Terenzuola, Donna di Denari, Candia Bio, and L’Altra Donna.
The event confirms the role of local events as tools for promoting not only wine, but the entire local economy and identity.
Vinitaly and the City in Calabria: a debate on economic returns for wineries
According to reported data, the Calabrian stages of Vinitaly and the City recorded approximately 50-60,000 visitors in Reggio Calabria and 30,000 in Sibari .
At the same time, a debate has emerged about the actual commercial return for producers, especially due to the lack, according to the source cited in the review, of structured B2B matching activities with buyers and distributors.
The topic raises a broader question for the sector: how can we measure the real economic return on wineries’ participation in wine events and festivals?
AGRICULTURE AND INVESTMENTS
Umbria: Over €50 million for agriculture, youth, and supply chains
The Umbria Region is making over 50 million euros available through six calls for proposals under the 2023-2027 Rural Development Complement.
The measures include €9 million for the establishment of young farmers and €8 million for road infrastructure in rural areas.
The interventions aim to support investments, generational turnover, business competitiveness, agri-food supply chains, biodiversity, and forestry heritage.
QUIDQUID – Wine Press Review The main daily news on the Italian and international wine sector.
QUIDQUID News presents today’s wine press review: a summary of the main news on Italian wineries, the wine market, the 2026 harvest, oenology, exports, wine tourism, and events..
Good morning,
The picture that emerges is very clear: the quality of the grapes appears generally good, but the market remains under pressure . Slowing exports and high inventories are the main challenges, while wine tourism, regional development, and innovation in consumption patterns offer new opportunities.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Terre Cevico brings forward the harvest: grapes delivered by 6 a.m.
Climate change is also altering the organization of the grape harvest. Terre Cevico , a company with a consolidated turnover of €213 million, over 500 employees, and approximately 900 members, has consolidated its early harvest program, launched in 2024.
For Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio, the facilities are open from 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The goal is to harvest and process grapes at lower temperatures, improving the quality and performance of the facilities and reducing workers’ exposure to the hottest hours of the day.
Berlucchi experiments with harvesting from 4am
In Franciacorta, Berlucchi also moved up its harvest schedule, starting at 4 a.m. for the first time. This decision was driven by high temperatures and the need to improve working conditions for the grape harvesters.
In the same area, the I Barisèi winery also experimented with night harvesting. This phenomenon confirms how the climate is significantly altering the timing and organization of wine production.
Siddùra launches Èros, the red wine designed to be drunk cold.
The Sardinian winery Siddùra focuses on the evolution of consumption with Èros , a red wine designed to be served at lower temperatures than traditionally.
The goal is to attract consumers who prefer more elegant, refined, and less structured wines, while also expanding the pairing options with raw seafood, fish, and light cuisine. A proposal that responds simultaneously to new tastes and increasingly warmer seasons.
Centopassi: Sicilian wine becomes a symbol of redemption
In the Alto Belice Corleonese area, Centopassi represents a project that goes beyond simple winemaking. Its name recalls the story of Peppino Impastato and the rebirth of lands confiscated from organized crime.
Vineyard, community, and wine production thus become elements of a single territorial and social narrative.
Merotto Space: In Prosecco Superiore, wine becomes an experience.
In the heart of the Conegliano and Valdobbiadene Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , in Col San Martino, Merotto has developed a space dedicated to welcoming and enhancing the area.
The Merotto Space , created from the renovation of an old farmhouse, offers tastings, wine tours, direct sales, events, concerts, and cultural initiatives. It’s a concrete example of how a winery can transform wine into an experience and a connection with the local area.
La Roccola: Wine, Cuisine, and Territory in the Euganean Hills
Since 1972, the La Roccola winery and farmhouse in Cinto Euganeo has combined wine production, cuisine, and hospitality.
The company has 25 hectares of land, 20 of which are vineyards, and produces approximately 100,000 bottles annually. The company philosophy focuses on non-mass production, direct control from the vineyard to the cellar, and the valorization of the Euganean Hills terroir.
Cantina Fazio promotes the Erice DOC
In Sicily, the Fazio family continues to invest in the identity of the Erice DOC, a denomination created in 2004.
The winery has approximately 70 hectares of vineyards and produces approximately one million bottles a year. Its wines include the Erice DOC Brut Blanc de Blancs made from Chardonnay, alongside other sparkling wines.
Etna: Ciro Biondi focuses on quality to combat declining consumption
According to Etna producer Ciro Biondi , the market slowdown isn’t affecting all wineries equally. His company, with approximately seven hectares of vineyards and a production of around 25,000 bottles, continues to see demand exceeding supply.
The message is significant: after the strong growth of the Etna brand, the market is becoming more selective and quality can represent a decisive element of differentiation.
ITALIAN WINE, MARKET AND OENOLOGY
Italian wine exports: -6.8% in the first four months of 2026
International trade represents one of the main critical issues for Italian wine.
According to data from the Italian Wine Union Observatory, processed using Istat data, in the first four months of 2026 Italian exports decreased by 6.8% in value , reaching 2.34 billion euros .
Volumes fell 3.7% , reaching 641 million liters. The slowdown in international sales is increasing pressure on wineries and inventory management.
Stocks: 42.6 million hectoliters in Italian cellars
As of July 31, 2026, 42.6 million hectolitres of wine were present in Italian cellars, an increase of 6.9% compared to the same period in 2025 .
Added to these are 3.1 million hectolitres of must , an increase of 31.5%, and 42,000 hectolitres of new wine still fermenting.
55.9% of the stocks are concentrated in the northern regions, with Veneto alone accounting for 24.2% of the national wine stock. 55.4% of the stocks are DOP wines.
A particularly significant figure concerns concentration: just 20 out of 523 denominations represent 57.6% of the stocks of Geographical Indication wines . Prosecco DOC is among the denominations with the largest stocks.
2026 Harvest in Puglia: High Quality and Expected Growth in Production
Initial indications from Coldiretti Puglia describe a qualitatively positive 2026 harvest.
The grapes are healthy and regional production could grow by around 10% compared to 2025. Winter and spring rains have created good water reserves and favored the balance of the vineyards.
However, there remain uncertainties related to the market, grape prices and the presence of alien insects such as the leafhopper.
Langhe and Roero: early harvest but vineyards in good condition
According to Sergio Germano , president of the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani, the prospects for the 2026 harvest are interesting despite almost two months of scarce rainfall.
For Pinot Noir and Chardonnay destined for the Alta Langa, ripening is in the order of four to five days early, reaching about a week in some areas.
However, the vineyards show a good capacity to resist water stress, favoured by the reserves accumulated thanks to winter rainfall.
Euganean Hills: Harvest begins at 5 a.m. to protect against the heat.
In the Euganean Hills, the harvest of grapes for sparkling wines began early. To avoid excessively high temperatures, work in the vineyards is concentrated between 5:00 a.m. and noon .
However, initial indications speak of intact bunches and positive qualitative prospects.
Tenuta Mariani: three weeks early ripening
At Tenuta Mariani too, high temperatures have significantly accelerated ripening.
Harvest began in early August, about three weeks earlier than in previous years. Despite the heat and drought, the health of the grapes raises positive expectations for final quality.
Sardinia: Quality on the Rise in the 2027 Vinodabere Guide
Vinodabere’s 2027 Guide to the Best Wines of Sardinia recorded over 600 samples tasted, a slightly lower number than the previous edition.
The quality, however, continues to grow: 330 wines deserved the review and 118 obtained the Standing Ovation , equal to 35.8% of the selected wines.
Valtenesi: Groppello and rosé tell the story of Garda
Valtenesi , on the Brescia shore of Lake Garda, continues to build its identity around Groppello and rosé.
The lake’s mild climate and moraine soils favor fresh, elegant wines. Valtenesi rosé is one of the most distinctive expressions of the appellation, while Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera, and Sangiovese constitute the area’s ampelographic heritage.
Incentives for the promotion of wine production
The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Ministerial Decree of 12 June 2026 , provides non-repayable contributions equal to 50% of expenses, up to 40,000 euros , for promotional events of local, regional or interregional interest.
The measures affect agricultural, agri-food, and wine production for the years 2026 and 2027.
INTERNATIONAL
US tariffs: Cottarelli emphasizes the strength of Italian quality
Economist Carlo Cottarelli highlights how agriculture is particularly exposed to geopolitical tensions and rising energy and fertilizer costs.
Regarding Italian wine in the United States, Cottarelli notes that the impact of tariffs may initially be absorbed by importers, while the quality of Italian production could help sustain demand even in the presence of higher prices.
It remains to be seen, however, what will happen if the increased cost is passed on entirely to the American consumer.
Italy and Spain meet in the center of Genoa
La Cava , a food and wine project that brings together Italian and Spanish products, was born in Genoa.
The selection favors small producers, limited production, local produce, and minimal cellar intervention. The format integrates wine, tasting, and gastronomy, with a special focus on preserves from the Spanish Atlantic coast and specialties from both countries.
WINE TOURISM
Wine tourism: 18 million Italians choose wineries and regions
As traditional wine consumption slows, interest in wine-related experiences grows.
According to the report Italians and wine tourism experiences , edited by Roberta Garibaldi in collaboration with ASCOVILO, in 2026 there would be approximately 18 million Italians who had wine tourism experiences during their travels , compared to approximately 13.4 million in 2024.
In two years the potential audience would have increased by over 4.5 million people .
The data highlights an important transformation: wine maintains a strong power of attraction when associated with territory, travel, gastronomy, meetings with producers and visits to cellars .
Friuli Venezia Giulia: Seven wineries open their harvest season to visitors.
From August 28th to the end of September, seven wineries in Friuli Venezia Giulia will allow the public to experience the grape harvest firsthand.
The experiences involve the Friuli Colli Orientali, Friuli Grave, and Collio DOCs and include grape harvesting, pressing, winemaking tours, tastings, picnics, grape harvesters’ lunches, and dinners featuring local products.
A concrete example of integration between wine production and tourism experience.
WINE EVENTS
Barolo showcases Piedmont’s short supply chains with COMPA
At Barolo Castle, the COMPA – Compagnia dei Sapori Piemontesi project promotes not only wine and agri-food products, but also producers, techniques, families, landscapes, and agricultural culture.
Through Agrilab and multimedia tools, the project reaches the tens of thousands of Italian and international visitors who visit Barolo every year.
Rimini: Rebola and Sangiovese take center stage at the Parco del Mare.
“ Dire Mare Mangiare 2026 ” brings three evenings dedicated to wine, gastronomy, oil, music, and the culture of hospitality to the Rimini seafront.
Rebola and Sangiovese become tools to narrate the Riviera’s food and wine identity and strengthen the relationship between wine, tourism, and the region.
Carosino celebrates 60 years of the Wine Festival
In Carosino, in the province of Taranto, the 60th Wine Festival relaunches the historic relationship between the territory and viticulture by introducing the Epops Wine Festival Award .
At the heart of the initiative is Primitivo , the symbolic grape variety of Puglia, described through discussions between producers, professionals and the public.
Vibo Marina: “Calici Sotto le Stelle” a success
The second edition of Calici sotto le stelle (Goblets Under the Stars) brought the Vibo Marina waterfront to life with local wine tastings, sommeliers, music, and entertainment.
The initiative confirms the growing use of summer events as a tool for promoting local wine production.
Ferragosto in a Tuscan cellar
On August 15th, Cantina Le Pietre is offering an evening dedicated to wine, food, and hospitality, with tastings, aperitifs, artisanal products, and cocktails.
A format that interprets the winery not only as a place of production, but also as a space for experience and socializing.
Manduria: music and culture at Fonte Pliniano
The evocative Fonte Pliniano in Manduria , a spring already described by Pliny the Elder, hosts “aquæ – A soundbath”, a performance built around sound, resonance and a relationship with a highly symbolic place.
The initiative connects historical heritage, water, territory, and contemporary culture. The most important strategic indications of the day for the future of Italian wine.
QUIDQUID – Wine Press Review
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
Italian wine is entering the heart of the 2026 harvest with a two-tiered scenario. On the one hand, innovation, sustainability, growth in wine tourism, and investments by the most established wineries are emerging; on the other, concerns about inventory levels, slowing consumption, and the need to rebalance production and demand are growing. The inventory problem is particularly evident in Tuscany, where unsold stock equivalent to about a year and a half of production is reported.
ITALIAN WINERIES
The wine giants: 27 companies with revenues exceeding €100 million. The concentration of Italian wine continues. In 2024 , 27 wineries will have revenues exceeding €100 million , while 14 will exceed €200 million. Riunite & Civ leads the way, followed by Argea, Italian Wine Brands, Caviro, and Antinori. The large groups are thus assuming increasing influence, especially on international markets.
Vistorta looks to the future with a new winery. The historic Brandolini d’Adda family estate, on the border between Veneto and Friuli, encompasses approximately 140 hectares of agricultural land and about thirty hectares of vineyards. Production is organic, and plans call for a new winery by 2028. Nals Margreid showcases Alto Adige through three wines. Sirmian Pinot Bianco, Mantele Sauvignon, and Punggl Pinot Grigio represent three different regions and altitudes of Alto Adige, with a product line strongly rooted in gastronomy and local expertise. Castagner is growing despite the spirits crisis. The Veneto distillery surpasses €14 million in revenue , with an EBITDA of more than 10% of revenue net of excise taxes. In large-scale retail trade, which accounts for 65% of the business, it posted 6.6% in value and 4.6% in volume, while the Italian grappa market continues to contract. Corte Laureana focuses on sparkling wines and local products. The Serpico family’s winery in Cilento develops a winemaking experience that combines winemaking and hospitality. There are eight labels in total, including sparkling wines, semi-sparkling wines, and still wines. Gozzelino: Monferrato, identity, and family. In Costigliole d’Asti, Sergio and Lorenzo Gozzelino showcase Barbera and Grignolino through a project that connects wine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hospitality, and the renovation of tasting spaces.
ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY
Stocks still high: 42.6 million hectoliters
This is one of the most important figures of the day. As of July 31, 2026 , Italian wineries held 42.6 million hectoliters of wine , in addition to 3.1 million hectoliters of must.
Compared to the same period in 2025, wine inventories increased by 6.9% . This data confirms one of the main structural challenges facing the sector: gradually restoring balance between production, inventories, and the market’s real absorption capacity.
Tuscany: strong pressure on unsold properties
The situation appears particularly delicate in Tuscany, where the cellars reportedly have unsold wine equivalent to around a year and a half of production .
Bulk wine prices have dropped significantly from pre-Covid highs: approximately 35% for Chianti and 30% for Chianti Classico, according to the data reported.
Sicily: 20-25 million euro proposed for crisis distillation
Sicily is also facing the problem of full cellars on the eve of the grape harvest. The Region has proposed resources of between €20 and €25 million for a possible crisis distillation aimed at reducing stocks.
The slowdown in consumption, difficulties in exports, and increasing energy and logistics costs are weighing heavily.
2026 harvest anticipated, but with good quality prospects
The harvest has already begun in various Italian regions, from Sicily to Franciacorta, from Oltrepò Pavese to Alta Langa.
In the Alta Langa, expectations are positive: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay present conditions considered favorable for the production of sparkling wine bases characterized by freshness, finesse, and elegance.
PIWI: Italian research on resistant grape varieties
The Edmund Mach Foundation and CIVIT are carrying out important work on grape varieties resistant to the main grapevine diseases.
Around 40 varieties were presented during a technical day, around thirty of which were developed through the Foundation’s genetic improvement efforts. Eight were particularly interesting for sparkling wine production.
Four new selections— Termantis, Nermantis, Charvir, and Valnosia —have been registered in the National Register of Vine Varieties.
A national strategy on supply is needed
Senate Vice President Gian Marco Centinaio proposes more selective management of new vineyard areas, directing them toward growing denominations and businesses with concrete growth potential.
At the same time, a strategy is proposed for abandoned vineyards, encouraging their acquisition, uprooting, or conversion by active agricultural companies.
Europe intervenes on the high cost of fertilizers
The European Commission has approved new measures to help agricultural businesses address rising fertilizer costs, including greater flexibility in CAP instruments and the possibility of national co-financing.
MARKET, CONSUMPTION AND WINE TOURISM
25 million Italians choose tourism and food
By the summer of 2026, approximately 25 million Italians would have chosen tourism experiences that also included food and wine.
Food and wine tourism involves approximately 18 million Italians , 4.5 million more than in 2024. Wine is increasingly becoming part of an overall experience made up of landscape, cuisine, territory, sea, culture and hospitality.
The cellar becomes an experience
Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s estates perfectly exemplify this evolution: tastings, hospitality, cuisine, walks in the vineyards, photography activities, and multi-sensory itineraries transform the visit into a true local experience.
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, seven wineries will also open their vineyards and cellars to educational grape harvesting, directly involving enthusiasts and families in the harvesting and winemaking activities.
Alto Adige: wine and cycling tourism
South Tyrol continues to develop an advanced model of wine tourism in which wineries, vineyards, restaurants, hospitality, cycling routes, and landscape become components of the same experience.
Restaurants in cellars are growing
Wine Enthusiast selected 57 winery restaurants around the world, 22 of which are in Europe and six in Italy . Four Italian locations are located in Tuscany, confirming the growing importance of the integration of wine, fine dining, and hospitality.
Aperol Spritz global phenomenon
According to data reported by Campari Group, Aperol Spritz has reached 1.5 billion consumptions worldwide , compared to 60 million twenty years ago. Approximately 395 million are concentrated in Italy.
A result that demonstrates the international strength of beverage products capable of associating a brand with a recognizable consumption style.
INTERNATIONAL
Treasury Wine Estates downsizes US footprint
Australian wine giant Treasury Wine Estates has decided to profoundly rebalance its American business.
Production reductions, the fallowing of some vineyards, the reduction of bulk wine stocks, and the devaluation of assets and brands are expected.
The additional expected extraordinary impact is AUD$558.4 million after tax .
The restructuring has also been confirmed by updated international sources, which link it to slowing demand and production overcapacity in the United States.
The Treasury case is also significant for the Italian market: it demonstrates that the problem of excess supply compared to demand does not only concern Italy , but is taking on international dimensions.
WINE EVENTS
September 7-8 – Voghera | OltreGusto Oltrepò Land of Pinot Noir. A new format dedicated to the Pinot Noir of Oltrepò Pavese, featuring 32 wineries and 18 restaurants , along with chefs, industry professionals, and the press. A masterclass with Alessandro Masnaghetti and the presentation of the region’s new winegrowing maps are also planned.
September 26-27 – Velletri Wine Festival “Nicola Ferri”. The 13th edition will bring together wine, art, memory, and local identity within the Velletri Grape and Wine Festival. October 1-4 – DoloViniMiti, Val di Cembra and Val di Fiemme. The fourth edition of the vertical wine festival will focus on dry stone walls, a key element of the Cembra Valley’s viticultural landscape and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site.
TREND OF THE DAY – QUIDQUID NEWS
The problem is not just how much wine to produce, but how much wine the market is actually able to absorb, creating value.
The 42.6 million hectoliters present in Italian cellars , the pressure on stocks in Tuscany and Sicily and, on the international level, the American restructuring of Treasury Wine Estates indicate a fairly clear direction.
The sector seems to be entering a phase in which producing more does not necessarily mean growing .
For many wineries, the challenge in the coming years will likely be to produce more consistently with demand, improve positioning, develop international markets, strengthen wine tourism, and transform the value of the territory and the brand into greater profitability.
At the same time, the 27 large Italian groups with a turnover above €100 million are showing a progressive consolidation at the top end of the sector.
The photograph of August 11, 2026 is therefore that of an Italian wine that must find a new balance between production, market and value .
QUIDQUID – Wine Press Review A summary of the main news in the sector dedicated to entrepreneurs, wineries, investors and professionals in the supply chain.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Tenuta San Guido tops the list of Italy’s most profitable wineries.
Profitability is particularly strong among the large Tuscan wineries. According to the latest Unione Italiana Vini Observatory, Tenuta San Guido , producer of Sassicaia, has an EBITDA/sales ratio of 63.2% , having remained above 60% for four years.
Jermann , owned by Marchesi Antinori, follows with 50.5%, while Marchesi Antinori reached 50.2% with a turnover of €263 million. The results demonstrate how company size, brand strength, and efficient management can coexist with particularly high margins.
Nunzia De Girolamo: From Politics to Viticulture
Nunzia De Girolamo talks about her bond with wine and the land, which began during her childhood and became an entrepreneurial project in 2016 with Passo delle Tortore , a winery in Pietradefusi, in the Taurasi area.
The venture involves the De Girolamo family and winemaker Francesco De Pierro and represents a return to the agricultural roots of a personal journey that has also crossed national politics.
Moncalisse: A new generation and a new project for the Walch family.
Carolina and Julia Walch, the new generation of the South Tyrolean Walch winemaking family, have opened Moncalisse , a new winery on the slopes of Monte Calisio, near Trento.
The project combines family continuity, contemporary architecture, and territorial development, marking a new phase in the family’s long entrepreneurial history.
Giustini focuses on Negroamaro rosé
With Costiero Rosato Salento IGP 2025 , obtained from Negroamaro, the Giustini company of San Giorgio Ionico offers a wine characterized by freshness, flavor and immediacy.
The project interprets an increasingly common trend in the market: developing contemporary and accessible wines while maintaining a strong connection to the territory and its grape varieties of origin.
Castiglion del Bosco strengthens its winemaking project
Castiglion del Bosco, owned by an international Middle Eastern family office since 2022, has 64 hectares of organic vineyards and produces around 180,000 bottles .
The Montalcino estate has embarked on a new production journey with winemaker Giuseppe Gorelli. Among the new creations is Undici 2024 , a Toscana IGT Bianco from Incrocio Manzoni, aged for six months in ceramic vats.
Vinicola del Sannio: 65 years of production and local history
For 65 years , Vinicola del Sannio in Castelvenere has been a point of reference for numerous suppliers in the Campania region.
Alongside its production for large-scale retail trade, the company is promoting lesser-known local varieties, such as Sciascinoso, and investing in communication through the “Essenze Sannite” project, which links wine, history, culture, gastronomy and local traditions.
Bolgheri: Fornacelle invests in wine tourism
The historic Fornacelle winery inaugurates La Vinoteka in Bolgheri, a new space dedicated to hospitality, tastings, and knowledge of the local area.
The initiative reflects the evolution of Italian wine tourism: a visit to a winery is no longer just a tasting or purchase, but an experience that brings together wine, territory, people, and history.
ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY
2026 Harvest: More Wine in the Cellars and an Early Harvest
The 2026 Italian grape harvest is starting early in many areas due to high temperatures.
According to ICQRF data, as of June 30, 2026, there were 46.5 million hectolitres of wine in Italian wineries, 6.7% more than in June 2025.
The situation is pushing several denominations to intervene on yields and supply management to avoid further pressure on prices.
Tuscany and Abruzzo reduce yields to defend value
Faced with high inventories and weak consumption, several areas are adopting production containment strategies.
Reducing yields, storage, and harvest reserves become tools to avoid oversupply and protect the value of the denominations.
A similar strategy concerns Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi , where the yield limit has been extended to 110 quintals per hectare compared to the 140 foreseen by the regulations.
Sicily: Excellent grape quality, but cellars still full
The 2026 Sicilian harvest presents positive qualitative prospects, favored by water reserves and the good phytosanitary condition of the vines.
The problem, however, concerns inventory levels. The analyzed material indicates large quantities of wine still in cellars and an increase in inventories, with consequent pressure on companies’ liquidity and prices.
Cooperative organizations are calling for extraordinary interventions, including crisis distillation , while the Region is evaluating resources dedicated to reducing stocks.
Friuli Venezia Giulia: Harvest brought forward by the heat
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, the harvest began before mid-August, with a particularly early start in the Collio and Eastern Hills.
Temperatures that reached 40 degrees and drought conditions accelerated the ripening of the grapes, forcing many companies to bring forward operations.
Umbria: Promising quality, quantity to be verified
The 2026 harvest is also coming early in Umbria. Initial assessments indicate potentially interesting quality, while in some areas yields could decline by 5-10% due to water stress.
At the same time, the regional sector is calling for a more structured strategy to address market transformations.
Hailstorms in the Alto Novarese area: vineyards severely damaged
A violent meteorological phenomenon with hail, wind and rain hit the areas of Ghemme, Fara, Barengo, Cavaglio d’Agogna and Briona , causing serious damage to the vineyards.
In some companies, the bunches of grapes close to harvest were destroyed and the plants severely damaged.
The episode brings to the forefront the problem of Italian viticulture’s exposure to extreme weather events.
New MASAF funding for sustainable vineyards
The “Investments for the sustainability of vineyards” initiative, envisaged in the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan, will begin in the 2026/2027 wine season.
The measure supports investments in technologies such as drones, sensors, and innovative equipment aimed at environmental sustainability, climate change management, and production improvements.
The national deadline indicated for the first annual payment is November 30, 2026 .
PIWI Research: New Resistant Varieties
Italian research on PIWI grape varieties and varieties resistant to the main grapevine diseases continues.
The genetic selection work led to the registration in the National Register of four new varieties: Termantis, Nermantis, Charvir and Valnosia .
The research also uses molecular markers to more quickly identify resistance characteristics to powdery mildew, downy mildew and black rot.
Italian wine also awarded in the skies
Two Italian wines won important awards in the international “Wines on the Wing” competition.
Alta Mora-Cusumano’s Contrada Guardiola Etna Rosso 2020 was awarded among the red wines served in First Class, while Astoria Lounge Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry received recognition in the Premium Economy sparkling category.
Casa Bottega Millesimato Brut also on the podium.
“Caro-calice”: high prices and risk of reduced consumption
The review material reports a significant increase in the price of wine by the glass in Italian tourist destinations.
Prices are reported between 8 and 14 euros , with higher levels in the main art cities, and a consequent tendency among some consumers to replace wine with other drinks.
The phenomenon sparks a reflection on the relationship between the marginality of the restaurant industry, the accessibility of wine, and the sector’s ability to maintain occasional consumption.
Italian agriculture: fewer farms and greater concentration
According to ISTAT data reported in the review, between 2010 and 2023 Italy lost 30.3% of its agricultural holdings , while the Utilized Agricultural Area decreased by 4.4%.
In 2023, there were 1,130,358 active agricultural companies , with 12.3 million hectares of UAA.
This structural transformation directly affects viticulture and raises the issue of company size, competitiveness, and generational turnover.
Luigi Veronelli: Wine as a culture of the land
On the centenary of Luigi Veronelli ‘s birth, the volume “Ode to Wine and Anarchy” brings the thoughts of one of the most important interpreters of Italian food and wine culture back to the fore.
For Veronelli, wine couldn’t be separated from its territory, its producers, and the people who cultivate the land. This belief remains relevant in a market where identity, authenticity, and the story of a territory are increasingly important.
Paolo Mieli: the wine that symbolizes Italian identity
According to journalist and essayist Paolo Mieli , wine represents one of the main symbols of Italian identity in the world.
The international success of Prosecco is cited as an example of the ability of Italian agricultural products to generate notoriety, tourism, and international recognition.
Wine tourism: simple tasting is no longer enough
Italian wine tourism is moving from traditional visits and tastings to more structured experiences.
Territory, history, culture, gastronomy, and family stories become an integral part of the offering.
The Marsala area is a significant example of this evolution, with companies such as Cantine Florio, Marco De Bartoli, Pellegrino, Caruso & Minini, and Paolini committed to the overall development of the area.
WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM
Chalices of San Lorenzo – The Magic of Barbarano
August 10, 2026
Magia di Barbarano offers an evening dedicated to wine, food, and music on the night of shooting stars.
Tastings of the company’s wines, local products, and a DJ set will accompany the event from 6:30 pm to midnight.
Valtidone Wine Fest – Emilia
September 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2026
The 17th edition of the Valtidone Wine Fest will guide the public on a discovery of the Piacenza Hills through four Sundays of tastings, food, markets, and entertainment.
The protagonists are Ortrugo, Malvasia and the sparkling wines of the area.
Etruscan Wine – Tarquinia
August 20-23 and 27-29, 2026
The twentieth edition of DiVino Etrusco will see 53 wineries as protagonists.
The event will showcase the territories of the ancient Etruscan Dodecapolis and will also open the debate to the productions of Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia.
Chianti DOCG in Canada
August 31 – Toronto September 1 – Montreal
The Chianti Wine Consortium continues its international activities with two masterclasses dedicated to Canadian importers, professionals, journalists, and operators.
Canada is listed as the fourth largest destination market for Italian wine and one of the most important non-EU markets.
Franciacorta Experience Milano Marittima
August 28, 2026
Milano Marittima will host over twenty Franciacorta wineries in an event dedicated to the appellation’s main expressions.
Among the announced companies are Bellavista, Ca’ del Bosco, Barone Pizzini, Contadi Castaldi, Monte Rossa, Antica Fratta and Castello Bonomi .
Festival in the Village – Calatabiano
August 24, 2026
The medieval Sicilian village of Calatabiano will host the first edition of Festà in Borgo , a widespread food and wine festival dedicated to Sicilian cuisine, local specialties, and the promotion of the historic center.
Franciacorta Festival in the Cellar
September 18-20, 2026
The Franciacorta in Cantina 2026 Festival aims to bring wine back to the center of the wine tourism experience.
Tastings, visits, meetings with producers, and educational activities will explore the production method, terroir, history, and identity of the denomination