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.
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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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Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
The world of wine and agriculture continues to navigate structural transformations, technical innovation, new consumer trends, and conflicting market signals. From large-scale retail trade to wineries, from policies for young farmers to local events, a sector is emerging that seeks a new balance between identity, profitability, and adaptability.
Italian wineries
Paololeo Wineries Accelerates International Growth
Cantine Paololeo closed 2025 with growing results and is firmly focused on foreign markets. The Apulian company recorded a turnover of €25.3 million, a 9.8% increase over the previous year, with a production of 6 million bottles. The acquisition of the historic Candido winery in San Donaci also supported its growth. The declared strategy focuses on loyalty, commercial flexibility, and international consolidation.
Renzo Rosso transforms Diesel Farm into a film set
Nestled in the hills of Marostica, Renzo Rosso’s Diesel Farm becomes the location for the dystopian thriller “C14,” a new production by Antonello Belluco in collaboration with Rai Cinema. The winery-farm thus confirms itself not only as a production site, but also as a narrative and symbolic space for Made in Italy, capable of intertwining wine, creativity, and contemporary imagery.
Cantina Valle Isarco celebrates 65 years with Aristos wines.
The South Tyrolean cooperative Cantina Valle Isarco showcases its Aristos line through a digital tasting. Founded in 1961 by 24 families, it now has 135 members, 150 hectares in 11 municipalities, and produces 950,000 bottles. Its production remains heavily oriented toward white wines, which account for 95% of its total production.
Col Vetoraz, the art of Valdobbiadene among the UNESCO hills
Col Vetoraz is described as one of the most recognizable expressions of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, set in a unique landscape that combines territorial identity, production quality, and a strong wine tourism appeal. The winery’s value is closely tied to the narrative value of the UNESCO hills and its ability to transform the territory into a positioning.
Kaltern winery and the Quintessenz project
Cantina Kaltern’s Quintessenz project confirms the Alto Adige cooperative’s commitment to interpreting the terroir through parcel selection, technical precision, and the valorization of microclimates. The Quintessenz Chardonnay thus becomes the expression of a viticulture that focuses on altitude, ventilation, and temperature ranges to achieve finesse and identity.
Ventiventi, a young, growing Emilian winery
Ventiventi, a Modena-based company founded in 2020 by the Razzaboni family, represents a new expression of Emilian wine. In just a few years, it has grown from 20,000 to over 66,000 bottles, with a total of 70 hectares, 30 of which are under vine and managed using certified organic methods. Its growth is built on generational renewal, an entrepreneurial structure, and a contemporary vision.
Sinus Underwater Wines, Calabria’s underwater winery
In San Nicola Arcella, an underwater aging project is taking shape, combining wine, innovation, and sustainability. Sinus Underwater Wines uses the sea as a natural environment for aging at 35 meters of depth, taking advantage of constant temperatures and the movement of currents for continuous riddling without energy consumption.
Terre d’Oltrepò, tensions grow over rescue operations
The crisis at Terre d’Oltrepò continues to spark discussion. The Pavia-Lodi branch of the FAI CISL union denounces opaque management and the lack of real union involvement in decisions regarding the cooperative’s future, which is considered central to the area’s agricultural and social economy.
Inside the Matter of Wine: The Story of the Cellar as an Experience
A narrative reportage focuses on the winery as a place of authenticity, time, and substance. An editorial approach that highlights wine not only as a product, but as the result of a balance between labor, aesthetics, and production identity.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Toscana IGT opens up to sparkling wines
Tuscany, historically associated with great reds, is taking a significant step toward diversification. The National Wine Committee has approved changes to the Toscana IGT regulations, introducing the sparkling wine category. This move reflects both the market’s evolution and the growing focus on more dynamic and versatile wine styles.
Screw Caps: A Masterclass Against Prejudice
At the Slow Wine Fair, screwcaps were discussed in a masterclass led by Giancarlo Gariglio. The focus was on preservation, reliability, micro-oxygenation, and consumer perception. The topic remains divisive in Italy, where the screwcap continues to face cultural resistance, despite its technical qualities.
Vineyards and climate: Piedmont invests in technology
With the IN-VITE and AgriCAM projects, the Polytechnic University of Turin is advancing new solutions to address the impact of climate change on viticulture. Sensors, electronics, and technical-scientific support are becoming key tools for more resilient viticulture, especially in highly productive regions like Piedmont.
Chiara Giorleo: Communicating Wine Without Betraying Its Identity
Chiara Giorleo calls on the industry to use communication more effectively, making wine more understandable without trivializing it. The issue is crucial: today’s market demands more accessible, less self-referential, and more authentic storytelling, overcoming many of the prejudices that still shape the narrative of wine.
Spanish study: Moderate wine and the Mediterranean diet
A new study from the University of Navarra, published in the European Heart Journal, rekindles the debate on the role of moderate wine consumption within the Mediterranean diet. The focus is on its possible association with a reduction in cardiovascular risk, despite the context in which the health-consumption issue remains particularly sensitive and needs to be addressed with balance.
Best-selling wines in large-scale retail trade: Prosecco, Lambrusco, and Trebbiano
The Circana study for Vinitaly outlines the ranking of the most purchased wines in 2025 in large-scale retail trade: Prosecco leads the way with over 53 million liters, followed by Lambrusco and Trebbiano. Also growing are Vermentino, Ribolla, Primitivo, and Metodo Classico.
Vermentino takes centre stage in Sardinia
In Sardinia, Vermentino remains the most popular wine, ahead of Cannonau and Prosecco. This fact reinforces the role of white wines with a distinct local identity in regional consumption, paralleling the national growth of various white wines.
Large-scale retail trade 2025: volumes falling, sparkling wines the only exception
The key data of the day is clear: in 2025, 737 million liters of wine and sparkling wine were sold in Italian retail chains, 20 million fewer than in 2024. The market recorded a 3.4% decline in volume and a 1.1% decline in value. Only sparkling wines held steady and grew, with 1.5% in volume and 1.2% in value, confirming a distinct trend compared to still wine.
Prosecco remains the absolute leader in the supermarket
Of all the types, Prosecco remains the leading wine in large-scale retail trade: 53.7 million liters sold, worth €392 million, and a distribution that transcends production areas, establishing itself as the top choice in numerous Italian regions.
International
Italian wine returns to the United States with the Gambero Rosso tour.
Gambero Rosso’s US tour resumed in Los Angeles, involving over 50 Italian companies and industry professionals, including importers, distributors, sommeliers, and restaurateurs. The American market remains strategic, but industry professionals report a complex environment, marked by rising costs, tax pressure, and increased difficulty in doing business.
Wine events
The Great Terroirs of Barolo Return to Monforte d’Alba
The seventeenth edition of “I Grandi Terroir del Barolo,” organized by Go Wine, returns to Monforte d’Alba on Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th, 2026. The event confirms its focus on Additional Geographical Mentions and interpreting Barolo through crus, parcels, and different interpretations of Nebbiolo.
Valpolicella, on the hills of the Wine Roads
On Sunday, March 22nd, fourteen Valpolicella wineries will open their doors to the public for a day of tastings, guided tours, and local food experiences. The initiative strengthens the connection between wine, hospitality, and the region, promoting an experiential model that is increasingly central to wine tourism promotion.
Slow Wine Fair: Wine is also discussed on technical details.
The masterclass dedicated to screwcaps, held during the Slow Wine Fair, confirms how the sector’s major events are increasingly places of cultural as well as commercial exchange, useful for challenging established stereotypes of the wine world.
Agriculture, supply chain and generational turnover
The future of agriculture: listening to consumers and ending monoculture.
A strong message emerges from the San Salvo debate: agriculture must pay closer attention to consumer trends and focus on diversification. This issue also closely affects wine, which today must address different consumption styles, demands for lower alcohol content, and greater production flexibility.
Gardini: Without profitability, young people won’t stay in agriculture.
Maurizio Gardini calls on the sector to adopt a concrete vision of generational change. Attracting new businesses requires profitability, organized supply chains, support tools, and greater certainty regarding production protection.
Ismea relaunches Generazione Terra
With €120 million, “Generazione Terra” (Land Generation), the ISMEA tool to facilitate access to agricultural land for those under 41, is back. This measure finances up to 100% of land purchases and is one of the main tools supporting generational turnover in agriculture.
Strategic summary of the day
The March 20 snapshot shows a sector experiencing a dual dynamic. On the one hand, Italian wine is showing signs of struggling domestic consumption, especially in large-scale retail trade, with the sole exception of sparkling wines and a few white wines that are better able to capture demand. On the other, signs of renewal are emerging: new product categories, innovation in the vineyard, distinctive winemaking projects, local investments, and a growing focus on identity.
The key point today is not just to produce well, but to better align production, language, market and supply chain.
Today’s wine press review courtesy of WINEIDEA.IT
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
A daily overview of the main news from the world of wine: companies, markets, innovation, events, and international scenarios impacting the wine sector.
Italian Wineries
Villa Sandi begins generational transition
Diva and Leonardo Moretti Polegato will join Villa Sandi’s Board of Directors as vice presidents. Owner Giancarlo Moretti Polegato thus begins the generational transition of the Treviso-based company, while maintaining strategic leadership of the group. The recognition received in Düsseldorf with the Meininger Award for Excellence in Wine & Spirits underscores the winery’s international role in promoting Prosecco and wine tourism.
Valdo acquires 100% of the Friulian winery I Magredi
Valdo completes the acquisition of I Magredi in the Grave del Friuli area, creating a group with approximately €90 million in revenue and 19.5 million bottles produced. The transaction strengthens the group’s regional presence and exports, with a particular focus on the DACH and North American markets.
Bottega Spa: Four Centuries of Wine and Grappa Tradition
Treviso-based Bottega consolidates its global positioning with a model that integrates its winery and distillery. The brand has become a symbol of Made in Italy in travel retail thanks to the renowned Bottega Gold , a Prosecco DOC with a golden bottle.
New Territorial Identities: Mamoiada and Ostuni
- Cantina Mussennore relaunches the historic Ghirada Conzimu vineyard with a new Cannonau production.
- Amalberga , in Puglia, enhances the Ostuni DOC by working on native vines and historic vineyards, with a winemaking project strongly rooted in the territory.
Torrecuso Fortress: cellar and wine museum
Entrepreneur Enzo Rillo’s project integrates production, wine tourism spaces, and a virtual museum dedicated to Taburno and Aglianico, strengthening the area’s cultural offerings.
Winery events in the Langhe area of Asti
The Colombo winery in Bubbio is organizing a series of events featuring tastings, culture, and the local area, with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as the protagonists.
Italian Wine and Oenology
Gen Z and alcohol consumption: the “zebra striping” phenomenon is born
The younger generations drink about 20% less than Millennials , alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening. Bars and restaurants are adapting their offerings with lighter drinks and no-/low-alcohol options.
Amarone: Between Identity and New Challenges
The prestigious Valpolicella red wine is expected to decline by 2.4% in 2025 , but maintains a strong international positioning. The debate within the appellation concerns the balance between traditional style and trends toward lighter wines.
Toscana IGT: the sparkling wine category arrives
The National Wine Committee has approved the modification to the regulations that will introduce Toscana IGT sparkling wines , expanding the production scope of the denomination.
The price of wine and the perception of value
Neuromarketing studies from IULM University demonstrate that perceived price directly influences the sensory experience of wine, modifying brain activity linked to pleasure.
Wine and inflation
Over the last ten years, consumer wine prices in Italy have grown by 7.4% , one of the smallest increases in the European Union.
Innovation and experimentation
- Mountain orange wine projects such as Kaleidoscope in the Isarco Valley are born.
- Formula 1 manager Mattia Binotto makes his debut as a producer in Trentino with Animantica wine.
Wine in Italian restaurants remains local
Between 70% and 75% of the labels on restaurant wine lists come from the same region as the establishment, strengthening the connection between gastronomy and territory.
Controls on Prosecco on tap
The Italian Food and Agriculture Organization (MASAF) is initiating inspections of bars and restaurants to prevent the sale of bulk Prosecco DOC or DOCG. Fines can reach up to €5,000 .
International
Antinori: Wine Will Return to Growth in the United States
According to Piero Antinori, the decline in US consumption is primarily due to temporary factors such as high inventories and trade tensions. The medium-term outlook remains positive.
Wine takes center stage at the Oscars
Cinema is once again influencing wine consumption: in the 2026 Oscar -winning film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, a bottle of Spanish wine becomes a narrative symbol and generates great international visibility.
Portugal: A New Destination for Wine Tourism
Between Douro and Alentejo, the country records over 3 million visits to wineries and tourism represents approximately 12% of the national GDP , confirming the growing role of wine tourism in the economic strategy.
Wine Events
Bubbles in the Villa – Villa Farsetti
On March 28th and 29th, the event dedicated to Italian and international sparkling wines returns to Santa Maria di Sala, with over 100 wines for tasting , producers and sommeliers at the tasting tables.
“IO VINO 2026” in Rome
The event dedicated to the native grape varieties of Marche and Campania brought together over 75 producers and 150 B2B operators , promoting biodiversity and regional traditions.
Open Vineyards in Friuli Venezia Giulia
From March 21st until autumn, the Wine Tourism Movement is organizing visits, tastings, and meetings with winemakers to promote the area through immersive experiences among the vines.
Garda DOC at Vinitaly with “Garda360”
The Garda DOC Consortium will present a program of tastings and social tastings at Vinitaly, in addition to the new regulations dedicated to low-alcohol wines .
Slow Wine Coalition
In Bologna, the international community promoted by Slow Food discussed the future of viticulture in inland areas, including sustainability, agricultural income, and land protection.
New Beverage Trends
Liquid Ventures and the no/low alcohol market
Three protagonists of the beverage sector – Bob Kunze-Concewitz, Paolo Dalla Mora and Luca Gargano – founded Liquid Ventures , a European venture builder dedicated to the development of new non-alcoholic and low-alcohol brands.
Innovation in fermented beverages
From beer made with grape must to experimentation with plant-based ingredients like carrots, the intersection between craft beer and the world of wine is growing.
“The Wine of Champions”
Fabio Cordella’s entrepreneurial project involves famous international footballers in the production and promotion of Italian wines, creating a bridge between sport, branding, and the global market.
Strategic synthesis
The emerging picture confirms some lines of transformation in the sector:
- growing attention to moderate consumption and low-alcohol alternatives
- strengthening industrial operations between wineries
- development of experiential wine tourism
- technological innovation in wine communication and perception
- growing international competition between wine tourism territories
Today’s wine press review was provided by WINEIDEA.IT
See you tomorrow with new news from the world of wine.