Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine, wineries, and viticulture in Italy and internationally.
ITALIAN WINERIES
SETTESOLI, FIRST SICILIAN LICENSE FOR DEALCOHOLICATED WINE
Cantine Settesoli, a cooperative in Menfi, is the first Sicilian winery to obtain a tax license to produce dealcoholized and low-alcohol wines.
The company already has a vacuum evaporation system that allows for alcohol reduction by operating at low temperatures, limiting the alteration of the wine’s aromatic characteristics. The first orders for foreign markets have reportedly already been received.
A concrete sign of Italian wineries’ interest in the no-low-alcohol segment and new consumer markets.
RICCI CURBASTRO: FRANCIACORTA, AGRICULTURE AND HOSPITALITY
The Ricci Curbastro family continues a long agricultural tradition between Romagna and Franciacorta. The Franciacorta estate cultivates 33.5 hectares of vineyards and produces approximately 200,000 bottles annually.
Alongside the wine production, there is an agritourism and an Agricultural and Wine Museum, opened in 1986. Among the representative labels is the Franciacorta DOCG Dosaggio Zero Gualberto 2016.
AEOLIAN ISLANDS: PRODUCING WINE IN SALINA, WHERE THE TERRITORY DICTATES THE RULES
Natascia Santandrea and Luca Caruso have transformed their experience in fine dining and hospitality into a winemaking project on the island of Salina.
EOLIA was founded in 2020 with the acquisition of the first plots in Valdichiesa, on the slopes of Monte Fossa delle Felci. A project that explores the challenges, but also the distinctive value, of viticulture in the Aeolian Islands.
ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY
2026 HARVEST: COLLIO DI CONEGLIANO DOCG EARLY, FIRST POSITIVE INDICATORS
On the hills of Conegliano, the harvest began early, aided by the mild, dry weather of recent weeks.
According to the Consorzio Vini Colli di Conegliano DOCG, initial indications show good ripening of the grapes, particularly those destined for still wines, leading to expectations of wines with good expressiveness.
OLTREPÒ PAVESE: HAIL ON VINEYARDS DURING THE HARVEST
A violent hailstorm hit several areas of eastern and central Oltrepò Pavese on August 28, right during the grape harvest.
Areas affected include Stradella, Broni, Canneto Pavese, Zenevredo, Arena Po, and Bosnasco. Engineers are assessing the extent of the damage to vineyards and agricultural structures.
ABRUZZO: GRAPE PRODUCTION DECLINES UP TO 40% IN THE CHIETI AREA
Prolonged drought and high temperatures are having a severe impact on the Abruzzo grape harvest.
In the province of Chieti, where approximately 75% of the regional vineyards are concentrated, the first harvests show production reductions of between 25% and 40% compared to the average .
Drier bunches, lighter berries, and lower yields add to a picture already characterized by rising costs and high inventories.
Umbria: Wine Enrichment Authorized for the 2026 Harvest
The Umbria Region has authorized the enrichment of musts and wines to address the effects of heat and drought.
Between May and July, significant water deficits and temperatures above historical averages were recorded. In June, in particular, the average temperature was 3.8 degrees higher, while precipitation decreased by 39%.
Grape prices: winemakers’ concerns grow
A new sign of the economic difficulties facing viticulture comes from Puglia.
Some producers report that grape prices are insufficient to cover the costs incurred throughout the year. The reasons cited include high wine inventories, weak demand, higher production costs, and the effects of climate change.
The central theme of the 2026 harvest is therefore increasingly the relationship between quantity produced, available wine, grape prices, and the profitability of the supply chain.
Large-scale retail trade: wine prices are falling, but prosecco and classic method prices are growing.
In the 12 months ending in July 2026, Italian large-scale retail trade sold approximately 414 million litres of wine , down 3.4%, for a value of approximately 1.8 billion euros , down 1.2%.
Sparkling wines buck the trend: 1% in volume and 1.2% in value.
Prosecco reaches around 40 million litres, 3.8%, while the Italian Classic Method records particularly significant growth: 7.6% in quantity and 6.2% in value .
SPARKLING WINES: THE “MIDDLE WINE” SEEKS A NEW IDENTITY
Italian sparkling wine is going through a repositioning phase.
Consumption in large-scale retail trade is decreasing and sparkling wines produced using the Martinotti-Charmat method have conquered consumption opportunities traditionally occupied by semi-sparkling wines.
The challenge for producers will be to redefine the category’s identity, positioning, and consumption opportunities.
ITALIAN WHITES: GROWING, BUT STILL STRUGGLING WITH INTERNATIONAL POSITIONING
For over ten years, Italian white wines have overtaken reds, but their value and diversity still don’t seem to be fully understood in the international premium segment.
The problem mainly concerns the positioning of native grape varieties and the ability to communicate abroad the complexity and distinctive characteristics of great Italian white wines.
A phenomenon also confirmed by some Italian wine shops: in certain situations, it can be easier to sell a €70 Burgundy than a €40 Italian white.
SOUTH TYROL: 67% OF VINEYARD AREA TOWARDS CERTIFIED SUSTAINABILITY
The Alto Adige Wine Consortium continues its journey towards Agenda 2030.
The SQNPI certification project, which started in 2022 with around 100 companies, today involves a very significant part of regional viticulture, reaching approximately 3,913 hectares, equal to 67% of the vineyard area in Alto Adige .
MARRIED VINE: REVIVAL OF INTEREST IN AN ANCIENT FORM OF VITICULTURE
The married vine, or alberata, is one of the oldest training systems in Italian viticulture.
The vine grows by leaning on living trees and can reach considerable heights. Widespread for centuries in various Italian regions and linked to agricultural traditions of Etruscan origin, today it survives in only a few areas.
Some companies are recovering this system as an element of biodiversity and historical and cultural heritage.
SARDINIA: SEVEN WINES REACH 100/100
Vinodabere’s 2027 Sardinia Wine Guide evaluated over 600 wines.
331 wines were reviewed, 118 of which received a Standing Ovation and seven labels were awarded 100/100 .
The 2025 vintage is judged to be particularly positive for white wines, especially Vermentino.
INTERNATIONAL MARKET
Bulk Wine 2026: Global Trade Sharply Contracted
The international bulk wine market continues to slow down.
In the first quarter of 2026, according to data reported by the Interprofesional del Vino de España on the main world markets, approximately 720.4 million litres were marketed, a contraction of 15.5% , for a value of 581.2 million euros, -15.3%.
Bulk wine is one of the categories most affected, while global wine trade as a whole has seen a 7.9% drop in volume.
MALLORCA: A WINE-GROWING IDENTITY BASED ON NATIVE VARIETIES
Mallorca strengthens its identity in the Mediterranean wine scene through varieties such as Manto Negro, Callet, Fogoneu and Gorgollassa for the reds and Prensal Blanc, Giró Ros and Malvasia for the whites.
Predominantly calcareous soils, marine influence, altitude, and the protection of the Serra de Tramuntana contribute to creating different territorial expressions in the island’s denominations.
WINE EVENTS
FRANCIACORTA IN CANTINA FESTIVAL 2026 – SEPTEMBER 18-20
The Franciacorta in Cantina Festival returns from September 18th to 20th 2026 .
For three days, producers and wineries will open their doors to visitors with tastings, tours, meetings, and insights into the Franciacorta Method, its terroirs, and production techniques.
Restaurants, accommodation facilities and hospitality operators will complete the offering, strengthening the relationship between wine, the territory and wine tourism .
VINESTATE 2026 – TORRECUSO, SEPTEMBER 3-6
From September 3rd to 6th, Torrecuso, in the province of Benevento, hosts the 51st edition of VinEstate.
The theme of the 2026 edition is “Sannio en route to the America’s Cup Naples 2027” , with the aim of creating a connection between wine, territory, sea and tourism in view of the major international event.
FRANCIACORTA INTERNATIONAL AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO PIA BERLUCCHI
The Franciacorta International Award will dedicate three events in September to the memory of Pia Donata Berlucchi, a key figure in the growth of Brescian viticulture and the success of Franciacorta.
This is a recognition of his long career in the wine world and his contribution to promoting the denomination.
CHAMPAGNE EXPERIENCE 2026 IN BOLOGNA – OCTOBER 4-5
On October 4th and 5th, BolognaFiere will host the ninth edition of Champagne Experience.
125 Maisons are expected, together with importers, distributors, catering professionals and enthusiasts.
The event, dedicated entirely to Champagne, returns to Bologna after the 2025 edition, which attracted over 7,000 attendees, a 20% increase compared to the last edition held in Modena.
WINE CONCERT: MUSIC AND WINE AT THE VIGNAMATO CELLAR
The Pergolesi Spontini Festival brought the Wine Concert project to the Vignamato Winery in San Paolo di Jesi.
A visit to the winery, tastings, and music have created an experience that unites winemaking, culture, and the local area, confirming the growing role of wineries as places of experience as well as production.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
The August 31, 2026, review presents an Italian wine sector characterized by strong contrasts.
On the one hand, drought, hail, and declining yields are impacting the harvest in several regions. On the other, inventory levels remain high and pressure on grape prices is increasing, further threatening the economic balance of the supply chain.
On the domestic market, still wine is slowing, while Prosecco and Metodo Classico continue to grow . At the same time, new opportunities are emerging: dealcoholized wines, certified sustainability, the promotion of Italian white wines, wine tourism, and experiences integrating wine, hospitality, and the local area.
On the international front, the sharp contraction in bulk wine confirms that future competition will increasingly be based solely on volume.
The message that emerges is clear: for Italian wine, the challenge is not simply to produce more, but to produce what the market is willing to recognize, differentiate, and reward.
Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
Here is the review, restructured in a concise, comprehensive, and easily readable format, maintaining the four required thematic areas. I’ve eliminated duplications and non-wine-related information, giving greater emphasis to the issues impacting the sector today: inventory, harvest, profitability, changing consumption patterns, and wine tourism.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Franciacorta, four interpretations of the appellation . Several Franciacorta wineries are featured in recent wine reviews. Castello Bonomi presents its Extra Brut Cru Perdu Grande Annata 2019 and boasts 65 hectares of vineyards producing approximately 200,000 bottles. Camilucci presents its Dosaggio Zero Anthologie Blanc 2022, an expression of a production focused exclusively on Dosaggio Zero. Ricci Curbastro, with 33.5 hectares and approximately 200,000 bottles annually, confirms the connection between wine, agritourism, and culture, including through its Wine Museum. Finally, Terre d’Aenòr has reached 50 hectares of organic vineyards and approximately 250,000 bottles.
Campania, three wineries awarded by the Untold Guide 2027 Tenuta Cavalier Pepe, Sorrentino Vesuvio and Vini Contrada are among the Campanian companies awarded by the Untold Guide 2027 for quality, territorial identity and ability to express their territories of origin through wine.
Abruzzo, warning from the Bio Cantina Sociale Orsogna. Camillo Zulli, enologist and director of the Bio Cantina Sociale Orsogna, reports a challenging situation for the 2026 harvest, with drought, reduced production, and price pressures threatening to jeopardize winemakers’ incomes. Liguria, the value of local wines is growing . Between Cinque Terre and Luni, the presence of local wines in restaurants is increasing. According to the provincial president of the Italian Federation of Pecorino Romano, Diego Sommovigo, at least one in two wines on restaurant tables now comes from the region, while investments by wineries are contributing to increased quality and professionalism.
ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY
Inventories: 42.6 million hectoliters in Italian wineries. In July 2026, inventories decreased by 8.6% compared to June, but remain 6.9% higher than a year earlier: over 2.7 million hectoliters more. PDO and PGI wines represent the bulk of the stocks, with Veneto leading the way and Prosecco the most represented designation.
Harvest 2026: Lower Production May Protect Value. Heat, drought, and water stress are reducing yields and grape weight in several Italian regions. But the main problem remains the high level of inventories and the market’s ability to absorb production. With exports and prices under pressure, lower production for some denominations could help rebalance supply and demand and protect profitability. Cellars Full: Some Consortia Reduce Harvest. Sales difficulties are pushing part of the sector to curb production. The situation for red wines is particularly delicate, penalized also by the changing preferences of younger consumers, while interest in sparkling wines and fresher products is growing. Red Wine Under Pressure Between Climate and New Consumer Trends . Chianti, Lambrusco, and Montepulciano are feeling the effects of both the climate and evolving consumption habits. Increasingly early harvests and high temperatures are complicating the ripening of grapes destined for red wines, while some consumers are turning to lighter, fresher wines. Puglia, structural crisis in Capitanata. Alarm bells are ringing from the Foggia area over high inventories, declining grape prices, and rising production costs. This combination risks further compressing winemakers’ margins. COPAGRI: the value of wine must begin with the return on the grapes. COPAGRI Benevento draws attention to the economic sustainability of viticulture: quality and territorial valorization, the organization maintains, must also translate into adequate remuneration for grape growers, preventing market difficulties from being passed on to the farmer. Popillia japonica: focus on grape quality . In the Aosta Valley, the beetle does not appear to have significantly affected yields, but damage to the foliage may have slowed grape ripening and therefore affected their quality. Irrigation: water management increasingly strategic. With water stress and high temperatures, the importance of irrigation systems capable of uniformly distributing water throughout the vineyards is growing. Pressure-compensating drippers allow for a more constant flow rate even with long rows and uneven terrain. The New York Times also selects three Italian wines for late summer . Three Italian labels appear in the selection of twelve wines proposed by critic Eric Asimov. The key criteria are not so much color as lightness, structure, and moderate alcohol content, with wines that do not exceed 13.5%.
INTERNATIONAL
Global bulk wine: sharp contraction in the first quarter of 2026. Global bulk wine exports fell to €566 million, down 18.8% in value , while volumes decreased by 18.9% to 7.1 million hectoliters . The average price remained essentially stable at around €80 per hectoliter. On an annual basis, the market recorded exports of 30 million hectoliters worth €2.3 billion.
The data confirms an important trend: the pressure isn’t limited to Italian wine, but also affects international trade, with the bulk segment experiencing a contraction greater than the overall global wine market average.
WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM
Wine tourism 2026: towards 18 million Italians involved . The growth of wine-related experiences continues. In 2026, approximately 18 million Italians are estimated to be involved in wine tourism, 4.5 million more than in 2024. Among the most sought-after experiences are visits to family-run wineries, followed by the opportunity to purchase wine directly.
Tuscany, September a Key Month for Wine Tourism The grape harvest is increasingly becoming a tourist experience. In Tuscany, September accounts for 16.3% of annual winery visits , compared to the national average of 14.8%. Wine tourism is also proving to be a tool for increasing direct sales and building longer-lasting relationships with consumers. Greve in Chianti: Black Rooster and Haute Cuisine for Meyer On September 3, TastinGreve Food Edition 2026 will bring together six Michelin-starred chefs and 29 Chianti Classico producers. Proceeds will go to the Meyer Children’s Hospital Foundation in Florence. Open Cellars during Harvest until October 25. The Wine Tourism Movement’s initiative brings enthusiasts and families to Italian wine regions to experience harvesting, fermentation, and tastings. Furthermore, on September 12 and 13, Maremma will host InGRAVEL Morellino, dedicated to slow tourism among vineyards, farms, and Morellino di Scansano DOCG. Oltrepò Pavese: Pinot Noir takes center stage in Voghera. Oltrepò Terra di Pinot Noir and OltreGusto return on September 7th and 8th, featuring wineries, 18 restaurants, Michelin-starred chefs, and partner companies. Oltrepò accounts for 70% of Italy’s Pinot Noir production, a key grape variety for both the Metodo Classico and red winemaking. Romagna: Harvesting Returns to Experience and Tradition. In Riolo Terme, the Nasano farmhouse-winery’s end-of-summer celebration features grape pressing by foot, tastings, ancient crafts, and local products, reviving the connection between wine, agriculture, and rural culture.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Today’s review presents an Italian wine sector affected by two opposing dynamics .
On the one hand, there’s clear economic pressure: 42.6 million hectoliters still in cellars, higher inventories than the previous year, difficulties for red wines, grape prices under pressure, and a sharply declining international bulk wine market . The 2026 harvest therefore comes at a time when producing more doesn’t necessarily mean creating more value.
On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly clear where new opportunities are opening up: wine tourism, direct sales, local areas, family wineries, vineyard experiences, catering, and products capable of responding to new consumer tastes .
The key issue, therefore, becomes value. The challenge is not simply deciding how much wine to produce , but deciding which wine to produce, at what price, for which consumer, and through which channels to sell it .
For many Italian wineries, the 2026 harvest could represent precisely this transition: from a strategy based primarily on volumes to a model more oriented towards margins, positioning and a direct relationship with the market .
Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
ITALIAN WINERIES
Franciacorta: the wineries and their leading labels . Several Franciacorta producers are taking center stage. Uberti presents the distinctive De Quinque RP 02-19 , a Chardonnay crafted from a perpetual reserve that brings together cuvées from 17 vintages and ages on the lees for over 70 months. Ca’ del Bosco presents the Dosage Zéro Vintage Collection 2021, while Tenuta Montenisa – Marchesi Antinori creates the Brut Satèn Donna Cora 2022. Among the local producers is Bosio, a 22-hectare organic winery producing approximately 150,000 bottles.
Villa Raiano, tradition and innovation in Irpinia. Located in San Michele di Serino, Villa Raiano interprets Irpinia through a winery designed to exploit gravity throughout the various production phases. The goal is to combine territorial identity, tradition, and winemaking innovation.
Jerzu, the Cannonau that unites wine and solidarity. The 2023 Cannonau di Sardegna “Vittoria” from the Jerzu Social Winery was also born as a memorial and solidarity project dedicated to Maria Vittoria Orrù. The initiative supports two annual scholarships for deserving students from Jerzu. Etna, Michele Scammacca: the region seeks a new balance. According to Michele Scammacca of Murgo, Etna is undergoing profound change and must bridge the gap between different price ranges. For the winery, the Metodo Classico represents an important strategic choice: approximately 200,000 of the 400,000 bottles produced are made with this method. The market is slowing and the skills required by wineries are changing. According to Andrea Pecchioni of WineJob, companies are increasingly seeking sales professionals capable of developing managerial vision and new markets, from Africa to South America. Furthermore, the importance of hospitality skills at the winery is growing, increasingly linked to direct sales, loyalty, and brand positioning.
ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY
2026 Harvest: Promising Quality, but Climate Increasingly Determining. Initial indications point to a common thread: high temperatures, early ripening, and narrower harvest windows . From Chianti Classico to Alto Adige, the need for highly precise monitoring of vineyards and ripening is evident. Quality expectations remain positive, however.
Oltrepò Pavese: National Wine Strategy Requested As the harvest progresses, Coldiretti Pavia is calling for a National Strategic Plan for the wine sector , developed in collaboration with the wineries. The year was characterized by intense heat and water shortages, and the harvest could end in the first ten days of September. Lugana: Early Harvest and Good Quality Expectations. In Lake Garda, the Turbiana harvest began approximately ten days early . The district covers 2,670 hectares, and approximately 60% of production is intended for export. Quality expectations are positive, and no significant declines in quantity are expected, except in areas affected by hailstorms. Turin: High Quality, but Production Expected to Drop 20%. The harvest has begun with white grapes destined for sparkling wine. Coldiretti Turin predicts a reduction in production of approximately 20% , which could reach 50% in the Canavese areas affected by the Japanese blight. The estimated economic loss is approximately €2 million , while the quality of the grapes is judged to be very good. Hailstorm in the Verona area during the grape harvest. A hailstorm hit Peschiera del Garda, Colà di Lazise, Castelnuovo del Garda, and Bosco di Sona during the ripening and harvesting of the grapes. Investigations are underway to assess the extent of the damage to the companies. Veneto: Clearer rules on the exchange of agricultural labor. The Veneto Region aims to define a clearer framework for the exchange of labor between farmers and for the assistance provided by family members during periods of greater work intensity, such as the harvest. Grappello Ruberti, rediscovering a historic grape variety from the Po Valley . Attention is returning to Grappello Ruberti, a variety historically linked to the territories between Mantua and Cremona. Its history testifies to the value of Italian viticultural biodiversity and the preservation of local grape varieties. Tasting: technique and subjectivity coexist in judging wine. Acidity, tannin, alcohol content, structure, and persistence can be assessed technically; The subsequent qualitative assessment, however, inevitably retains a personal component. A reflection on the boundary between objective analysis and individual interpretation of wine. Italian wine: €1.45 billion in revenue affected by potential changes in ownership or governance. According to reports, at least six or seven major Italian wineries could face significant governance changes in the next 6-12 months, with transactions that would overall affect approximately €1.45 billion in revenue . Fine wine: Italy maintains a role in the international collectibles market. Some of the most prestigious Italian labels find space in the Liv-ex: Piedmontese Barolo and Barbaresco, Masseto, Ornellaia, Sassicaia, Solaia, Tignanello, and Soldera. The secondary market remains separate from the dynamics of ordinary consumption and continues to represent an interesting indicator of the value of fine wines. Vermouth di Torino among the most searched Italian PDO/PGI products on Wikipedia A study of 99 Italian products with a designation of origin places Vermouth di Torino among the most searched for excellences online, along with Gorgonzola, Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, and Taggiasca olives.
INTERNATIONAL
France: Small yields, but 2026 could be a great vintage. Despite temperatures above 40°C, drought, and fires, early indications suggest potentially highly concentrated and qualitatively interesting wines. The harvest began early in several regions, from Burgundy to Beaujolais and the Loire. In July, French rainfall was 67% lower than the national average .
Rhone Valley: 73% of winemakers adopt climate change mitigation measures. A survey by the Institut Rhodanien shows that 72 of the 98 producers interviewed have already adopted at least one adaptation practice, from early harvesting to irrigation. Climate change is significantly altering viticulture timing and techniques. Albania, early harvest also in Berat. At the Çobo Winery, the harvest of Puls, a native white grape variety also used for Classic Method base wines, began about ten days earlier than usual , further evidence of the impact of temperatures on ripening. Farewell to Branko Čotar, pioneer of orange wines from the Slovenian Karst . Branko Čotar, a leading figure in natural viticulture in the Slovenian Karst, has died at the age of 78. He practiced long macerations on white grapes decades before orange wines became an international trend.
WINE EVENTS, WINE TOURISM AND WINE CULTURE
Open Cellars during Harvest: two months dedicated to wine tourism. From August 24th to October 25th, the Wine Tourism Movement brings visitors to Italian wineries during one of the most important times of the year. Foreigners already represent 35-40% of winery visitors , but the potential for attracting them to Italy’s overall international tourism flows remains significant.
Franciacorta in Cantina Festival. This September, the event dedicated to discovering the Franciacorta region through wineries, tastings, vineyards, historic homes, art, and outdoor activities returns. An example of how wine and the region can become an integrated tourist experience. Gessopalena: Abruzzo’s rare grape varieties take center stage. The “Gli Irripetibili” tasting presents five years of micro-vinifications made with native varieties from the Abruzzo mountains. The Bio Cantina Sociale Orsogna project aims to preserve the genetic heritage and local viticultural heritage. Ardauli: young people discover the origins of Sardinian viticulture. The “Trekking among the Palmenti” led about one hundred participants through historic vineyards and ancient palmenti carved into the rock of the Oristano area, highlighting the relationship between wine, rural archaeology, and territorial identity. Crema Wine Festival: wine, music, and new tasting formats. The Offanengo edition experimented with a format without the traditional lineup of wineries: two expert tasters directly accompany the audience through tastings of wines, accompanied by music and food. Emilia-Romagna: dinners and aperitifs in the vineyard continue. The food and wine events in the vineyards continue until the end of August, transforming tastings, landscapes, and local cuisine into tools for learning about the region and the rural culture of Romagna.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
The 2026 harvest is highlighting a structural shift: the climate is altering the timing, quantity, and methods of wine production . From Oltrepò to Lugana, from Piedmont to France, early harvests, heat, and water shortages are forcing wineries to make increasingly rapid and precise decisions.
Quality, however, remains the positive aspect: in many areas, expectations are good or very good, even when volumes are decreasing.
On the economic front, a second important phenomenon is emerging: the sector is entering a phase of reorganization . The commercial slowdown is changing the skills required by wineries, and at the same time, several major Italian companies could face changes in ownership, the entry of new shareholders, or new governance.
Finally, the importance of wine tourism is growing. Open Cellars, the Franciacorta Festival, tastings in the villages, and initiatives in the vineyards demonstrate how the winery is no longer just a place of production: it is increasingly becoming a place to sell directly, build the brand, tell the story of the region, and create a lasting relationship with the consumer .
Today’s summary: less focus on quantity alone, more quality, adaptability, brand value, direct consumer relationships, and appreciation of the local area. These are the factors reshaping Italian wine.
Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Good morning,
Wine Idea presents the main news from the world of wine , reorganized in a concise and immediate format to offer a clear understanding of the dynamics affecting wineries, production, markets and consumers.
ITALIAN WINERIES
Harvest 2026: Alto Adige, Montello, and Valpolicella face an extreme year . Heat, drought, and early ripening are shaping the harvest. Alto Adige is experiencing the earliest start ever, while in Asolo Montello, the winemakers’ experience has resulted in healthy grapes with good acidity and sugar levels. The issue of water and the adaptation of hydraulic infrastructure is becoming increasingly strategic.
Cantina Contini brings forward the harvest in Sardinia. At the historic Cantina Contini estates in the Sinis and Lower Tirso Valleys, the harvest began on August 17th with Nieddera and Vernaccia grapes destined for sparkling wines. The goal is to precisely time the harvest to preserve freshness and acidity in the presence of high temperatures.
The “I Castelli” winery in Bolano nominated by Slow Wine. The Dante Alighieri Society of La Spezia nominated the “I Castelli – Viticoltori in Bolano” cooperative to Slow Wine, highlighting its role in protecting the local winemaking tradition and the region between Liguria and Tuscany, with a particular focus on Vermentino. Farewell to Vittorio Frescobaldi, a key figure in the international development of Tuscan and Italian wine , Vittorio Frescobaldi, a key figure in the international development of Tuscan and Italian wine, has passed away at the age of 97. Under his leadership, the family business strengthened its presence in foreign markets, leading to a joint venture with Robert Mondavi in 1995. Cantina Cav. Mennato Falluto remembers Antonio. The Torrecuso winery bids farewell to a man deeply tied to his family, his land, and his vineyard, remembering his work, sacrifice, and passion, passed down to new generations.
ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY
Inventories remain high: 42.5 million hectoliters in Italian wineries. As of July 31, 2026, Italian inventories amounted to 42.5 million hectoliters. Veneto leads the way with 10.28 million hectoliters, equal to 24.2% of the national total, followed by Tuscany with 5.38 million and Puglia with 4.29 million. Inventories remain one of the key economic issues in the supply chain.
Reducing supply isn’t enough: demand must be boosted. According to Luca Castagnetti, the crisis requires immediate action but, above all, medium-term strategies. Companies must rigorously monitor cash flows and simultaneously decide how they want to position themselves over the next five years, starting with the understanding that the market will not return to its former state. Full cellars and an approaching harvest: inventory problems are growing. The early harvest risks increasing pressure on wineries, especially in the red wine sector. The problem isn’t just about production volumes, but also the market’s ability to absorb previous vintages before the new production arrives. Sicily: 2026 production reduced by heat, but quality expected to be high. High temperatures could limit volumes, but they could create favorable conditions for the development of grape varieties such as Catarratto, Grillo, Frappato, and Perricone. The debate over green harvesting and production reduction policies remains heated. Climate change: wine is changing, but viticulture can adapt. Higher temperatures alter ripening, alcohol content, and organoleptic characteristics. The answer lies in new agronomic and oenological techniques and increasingly precise vineyard management: wine will therefore continue to evolve along with the climate. Is wine always vegan? No. Animal-based additives such as albumin, casein, gelatin, and isinglass can be used in clarification. For consumers interested in vegan products, alternative processes and specific certifications are therefore important. Pouring wines becomes strategic for wine shops and quality consumption . Selling by the glass can encourage the discovery of regions and producers, reduce the price barrier, and cater to consumers who drink less but seek higher quality. In Milan, Remedy takes the concept to the extreme, offering wines by the glass ranging from €15 to €300.
Eric Asimov chooses three Italian wines for the end of summer. The New York Times critic includes in his selection Ampeleia Toscana Unlitro Bianco 2025, Tiberio Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2025 and Istine Chianti Classico 2023. The criterion is not color, but lightness, freshness and moderate alcohol content.
INTERNATIONAL
China: European wine imports continue to decline. In the first six months of 2026, Chinese imports of bottled wine from EU countries decreased by 16.6% in volume and 7.9% in value , to $251 million. Italian shipments fell by 17.7%. China’s weakness could simultaneously create opportunities for European collectors of fine Bordeaux wines.
USA: Alcohol Consumption at an All-Time Low. Only 54% of American adults report consuming alcohol, a figure stable at the low recorded in 2025 and well below the 62% recorded in 2023. The perception of the health risks associated with daily alcohol consumption is also growing. Essex: Wine Growth Accompanied by the Risk of Counterfeiting . In the United Kingdom, an investigation concerns an alleged fraud of approximately £500,000 involving 55 counterfeit bottles sold for £10,000 each. The case highlights the importance of traceability and supplier verification in the fine wine market. Portugal: Three Cellar Restaurants Among the World’s Best Experiences. Mesa de Lemos in the Dão, Bomfim 1896 in the Douro, and Malhadinha Nova in the Alentejo have been included in Wine Enthusiast ‘s 2026 selection. This signals the growing international strength of the integration between wine, fine dining, and hospitality.
EVENTS, TASTINGS AND WINE CULTURE
Gustus 2026 in Vicenza. On September 19th and 20th, over 120 labels from the Colli Berici, Vicenza, and Gambellara DOCs will be featured at the “Arrigo Pedrollo” Conservatory. Tastings and a Wine Lab dedicated to new trends are scheduled, including an in-depth look at the evolution of Tai Rosso.
Terra Madre 2026 celebrates 40 years of Slow Food. From September 24th to 27th, Turin will host Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, a particularly symbolic edition celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the movement founded in 1986 by Carlin Petrini and its relationship with the qualitative evolution of Italian wine. The Wine Nights are nearing their grand finale in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The final events involve San Dorligo della Valle, San Quirino, and Chiopris-Viscone, featuring local wineries, food producers, and cultural events, alongside a University of Udine project focusing on participants’ relationship with wine. Cosenza returns to the Cities of Wine list. The Calabrian city returns to the national network, focusing on the Terre di Cosenza DOP, native grape varieties such as Magliocco Canino, and the development of wine tourism as a tool for the economic and cultural development of the region. Piedmont: The Novaresi Hills Trail is born. The project unites agriculture, wine, culture, tourism, and the local area through several itineraries spanning over 380 kilometers, strengthening the connection between local produce and the tourism experience. Best Mediterranean Rosé: Organic Calabria Wins. The second selection of the competition honors an organic Cabernet from the province of Cosenza; Aglianico del Cilento and Greco Nero del Lametino also performed well. The finals, dedicated to sparkling rosé wines, are scheduled for Rome by September. Experiential Harvest: “Ganzega” Recognized in Trentino. The Trento Chamber of Commerce has formally recognized the voluntary work during the grape and fruit harvest provided by friends, relatives, neighbors, and acquaintances, reviving a tradition of rural collaboration that can also have social and wine tourism value.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
The review of August 28, 2026, shows a sector in which production, market and climate are changing simultaneously .
The first issue is production: the early harvest confirms how climate change is altering vineyard management times and methods. Grape quality may be good, but the technical ability to choose when to harvest and how to manage water, acidity, and ripeness becomes crucial.
The second issue is economic. The 42.5 million hectoliters still in cellars are a signal that cannot be ignored. Simply reducing production may help in the short term, but the real challenge remains rebuilding demand, protecting the value of the bottle, and improving the wineries’ marketing capabilities.
The third signal comes from consumers. People are drinking less, but there’s a growing interest in quality, experience, and discovery. Wine tasting, wine tourism, winery dining, and local events are therefore becoming increasingly important marketing tools.
Finally, international markets require greater diversification: China continues to contract, and alcohol consumption in the United States remains at an all-time low . For Italian wine, relying on traditional markets is no longer sufficient.
The challenge is not to produce more wine, but to produce what the market is willing to recognize, to better convey its value and create new reasons to choose it.
Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.
See you tomorrow.