Italian doors, Italian wine producers and current wine news.
The wine sector continues to evolve amidst production innovation, new consumer trends, industrial operations, and major international events. In this review, we analyze the day’s key events, which reveal a dynamic sector undergoing profound transformations: from consumption to the simplification of wine language, from new winery strategies to the opportunities offered by international events like Vinitaly.
Italian wineries
Angelini Wine & Estates Approaches Acquisition of Arnaldo Caprai
The Angelini Wine & Estates group is reportedly close to acquiring the historic Umbrian winery Arnaldo Caprai , a symbol of the international revival of Sagrantino di Montefalco . The transaction, estimated at between 10 and 15 million euros , would mark a new phase of growth for the winemaking group linked to the Angelini pharmaceutical holding company. Investors’ interest demonstrates how brands with a strong territorial identity continue to have great market appeal.
Hofstätter and the Pinot Noir of Mazon
The South Tyrolean Hofstätter winery, led by Martin Foradori, confirms its role as a benchmark in South Tyrolean winemaking with the 2020 Pinot Noir Barthenau Vigna Sant’Urbano . The company has over 60 hectares of vineyards and 850,000 bottles produced , and has also expanded its reach to the Moselle with the Weingut Dr. Fischer – Bocksteinhof project. The wine is made from grapes partly vinified whole bunch and ages for 12 months in barrique and a year in large barrels , offering aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and balsamic notes.
Ronco dei Tassi wins at the Wine Awards
The 2023 Fosarin Collio Bianco from the Ronco dei Tassi winery in Cormòns, Friuli, was named “White Wine of the Year” at the 2026 Food and Travel Italia Wine Awards . This recognition honors a wine that elegantly represents the Collio region, thanks to its freshness, winemaking precision, and great sensory balance.
Podere Casanova and the Age of Nobile di Montepulciano
The Tuscan winery Podere Casanova , led by Susanna Ponzini and Isidoro Rebatto, is celebrating its first ten years of business, focusing on organic farming and eco-sustainability as the cornerstones of its production project. The organic conversion began in 2021 and was followed by Equalitas certification in 2023, confirming its commitment to responsible viticulture.
Brilùs relaunches Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir
In a complex market context, the Brilùs company is focusing on Pinot Noir from the Oltrepò Pavese region , drawing inspiration from the model of the great Champagne Houses . The goal is to enhance one of the largest Italian areas dedicated to the grape variety, strengthening its positioning and territorial identity.
Cantina Marilina and its naturally low-alcohol wines
The Sicilian winery Marilina , led by the winemaker Angelo Paternó together with his daughter Marilina, will present two new low-alcohol labels at Vinitaly 2026 :
- a white from Catarratto Mantellato
- a red from Nero d’Avola
The project stems from a growing demand for lighter wines and agronomic research aimed at enhancing viticultural biodiversity.
Partesa expands its portfolio with five wineries
Partesa , a leading company in the Ho.Re.Ca. distribution sector, is enriching its catalogue with five new Italian wineries: Abraxas, Oskiros, Podere Poggio Scalette, La Stellara and Gottardi , bringing the total to over 130 selected producers from Italy, Europe and the United States.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Italian farmers amid stable prices and declining consumption
According to Eurostat , between 2015 and 2025, Italian wine recorded the lowest price increase in Europe ( 7.4% ), compared to 25.7% in France , 27.4% in Spain , and 22.6% in Germany . Despite this, consumption continues to decline, creating a growing tension between producer prices and distribution prices.
Gianni Moriani: Wine is not a financial asset
Culinary historian and sociologist Gianni Moriani invites us to refocus wine on its cultural and social dimension. In a context marked by overproduction, declining consumption, and high margins in the restaurant industry, Moriani reminds us that wine originates first and foremost as a ritual of conviviality and connection , not as a mere commodity.
Viticulture and vineyard protection
Crop protection remains central to the economic sustainability of companies. Gowan Italia offers technical tools such as the VitExpert information service, which supports winegrowers in preventing downy mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis , with zoxamide -based fungicides being particularly effective.
Cortona Syrah: History and Territorial Identity
The Syrah grape, originally from the Rhone Valley, has found one of its most interesting terroirs in Italy in Cortona . Events like Chianina & Syrah celebrate the connection between viticulture and local gastronomy, demonstrating how this international grape variety can become an authentic interpreter of the Tuscan terroir.
International
In the United States, 38 million people don’t understand wine.
A survey by the Wine Market Council highlights one of the most significant challenges for the future of wine: consumers’ difficulty understanding the product.
Among the most significant data:
- 57% of non-regular consumers do not know whether they will like the wine they have chosen
- 43% of marginalized consumers feel overwhelmed by too much choice
- 31% struggle to understand the language of wine
- 30% find labels not very useful
The theme of simplifying the language of wine therefore becomes strategic for intercepting new consumers.
World record for a bottle of Romanée-Conti
A bottle of Romanée-Conti 1945 sold at auction for $812,500 , setting a new world record for a bottle of wine. The wine came from Robert Drouhin ‘s personal cellar and is one of only 600 bottles produced before the famous Burgundy vineyard was replanted.
Wine events
Vinitaly 2026: Friuli Venezia Giulia focuses on “Connections of Excellence”
At the 58th edition of Vinitaly , scheduled in Verona from 12 to 15 April , Friuli Venezia Giulia will present a new territorial communication format that will involve over 110 companies , with 80 producers in the regional collective and another 31 external companies coordinated under the same visual identity.
Nearly 80 tastings in the official program
The Vinitaly 2026 calendar includes almost 80 thematic tastings , including:
- The Reason WHYTE with the Master of Wine Gabriele Gorelli
- Tasting of Italian and international grape varieties led by Ian D’Agata and Andrea Gualdoni
- Excellences of Italy , with Riccardo Cotarella and Luciano Ferraro
Vinitaly and the City and wine tourism
The Vinitaly and the City Fuorisalone event celebrates its tenth edition with tastings dedicated to rare grape varieties and numerous wine tourism initiatives. These include events organized by the Tedeschi winery in Pedemonte, Valpolicella.
Sicily takes center stage at Vinitaly
Five Sicilian wineries will be among the protagonists of the event, including Principe di Corleone , which will present new interpretations of Catarratto and Nero d’Avola , promoting the viticulture of the hilly areas of the Palermo hinterland.
Wine tourism and tastings in Sardinia
In Stintino , the Pozzo San Nicola Cellars – Tenute Stintino will reopen the “Alle Cantine – Sardinian Experience” space from 1 April , dedicated to tastings of the company’s wines, including Vermentino di Sardegna DOC, Cannonau and Cagnulari .
Grandi Marchi Institute and international training
The Grandi Marchi Institute continues its collaboration with the Institute of Masters of Wine , hosting training sessions in Italy dedicated to aspiring Masters of Wine , one of the most prestigious qualifications in the sector.
Music and wine at the Bentivoglio Winery
In April, Cantina Bentivoglio in Bologna will host a musical project led by trumpeter Diego Frabetti , who combines jazz, funk, and hip hop in an ensemble of great artistic impact.
Today’s wine press review was provided by WINEIDEA.IT
See you tomorrow for the latest news from the world of wine.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
Below is a wine press review for the web, organized by thematic area, with a clear, readable approach and focused on the issues that truly matter to the sector today: positioning, territories, markets, wine culture, innovation, and promotion.
Italian wineries
Valpantena repositions itself among super reds, whites and advanced hospitality
Valpantena, north of Verona, is experiencing a significant resurgence in winemaking and entrepreneurship. A region that for years had been overlooked by the big names in Valpolicella is now attracting investment and attention thanks to businesses like Bertani, Costa Arènte, and La Collina dei Ciliegi. The latter represents the valley’s new direction: from a family-run farming project to an integrated system combining a winery, a relais, a wine resort, and gourmet restaurants. The message is clear: here, wine becomes a driver of regional development, not just a product.
Cantine Olivella inaugurates its new headquarters at the foot of Mount Somma.
After years of renovations, Cantine Olivella opens its new facility in Sant’Anastasia, in the Vesuvius National Park. The project stems from the renovation of an old farmhouse from the early 20th century and preserves its strong connection to the volcanic Vesuvius landscape. The architectural project enhances the site’s historical identity, integrating agricultural heritage with contemporary functionality. With approximately 20 hectares of property, 15 of which are vineyards, Olivella strengthens its image as a deeply territorial winery, yet capable of presenting itself with a new and coherent identity.
Tenuta Olianas expands its hospitality offering with Sa Frorèa in the Sarcidano area.
Tenuta Olianas inaugurates Sa Frorèa, a new space for weddings and special events, part of a broader project to develop the winery’s hospitality. The project focuses on architectural harmony, respect for the landscape, and continuity with the winery’s Sardinian identity. Alongside this, the Amphitheater amidst the Semidano vineyards is taking shape, designed to host cultural events and concerts. Wine, in this case, is confirmed as the center of a broader experiential offering, capable of combining production, local territory, and cutting-edge tourism.
Tenuta Le Forconate debuts on the market and relaunches the Colli dell’Etruria Centrale DOC.
The Barbanera family launches Tenuta Le Forconate, a new winemaking project in San Casciano dei Bagni, to enhance a border area between Tuscany and Umbria that is still largely undiscovered but rich in potential. The winery currently boasts 26.5 hectares of vineyards and aims to represent a highly biodiverse area, enhanced by a valuable cultural and landscape context. The project has a specific strategic purpose: to give new prominence to a lesser-known appellation, building its narrative, identity, and recognizability.
Brilùs bets on Oltrepò Pavese and Pinot Noir
In the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, Brilùs interprets Pinot Noir as the cornerstone of a production model inspired by the great Champagne Houses. Born from a shared vision among four partners with deep ties to the region, the company is located in an area with tremendous potential, yet often under-exploited. The decision to focus on Pinot Noir signals a clear commitment: not to succumb to the crisis, but to respond with specialization, quality, and a distinctive positioning.
Castello del Terriccio brings wine, art, and design to Verona.
On the eve of Vinitaly, Castello del Terriccio has chosen Verona for a private event that brings together wine, contemporary art, and design. The Tuscan estate’s iconic labels will be presented at the Seletti Store and Galleria Peter Frey, in a setting that transforms wine into a cultural language and a high-profile connection with customers, partners, and stakeholders. This initiative confirms how today, the value of a winery depends on its ability to build imagery, exclusivity, and cross-cutting connections.
Cantina San Marino renews its brand and enhances the local identity.
On the fortieth anniversary of the law on the Identification of Origin of San Marino Wines, Cantina San Marino presents a rebranding project that strengthens the association between the bottle, the territory, and its institutional recognition. The new label, featuring the words “Repubblica di San Marino,” aims to strengthen the product’s presence in foreign markets. The project marks a significant transition: wine as a symbol of national, cultural, and identity, with a view to even stronger future protection, including at the European level.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Wine in the European Union: rules, labels, markets, and crisis management
The European wine sector is embedded in the Common Agricultural Policy (CPO) through the CMO for Wine. The fundamental rules are therefore decided at the EU level and concern four pillars: production and classification, labeling and traceability, market stability and support, and crisis management. This framework confirms that wine is not simply an agricultural product, but a highly regulated, strategic sector, increasingly exposed to challenges such as climate change and geopolitical volatility.
The future of wine lies in smaller volumes and greater value
From the discussion promoted by the ICE Agency at the Masseria Forum, a clear strategic direction emerges: produce less, better position, invest in conscious drinking, and strengthen the connection with Italian cuisine. In a challenging time for the wine industry, the sector is called upon to defend its strengths but also to change pace, lucidly interpreting new markets and new consumption patterns. The message is very clear: the future is not built on quantity, but on the quality of positioning and the ability to tap into new outlets.
Health and alcohol: quantity and type of consumption are increasingly at the centre of the debate
A study presented at the American College of Cardiology brings renewed attention to the relationship between alcohol and health. Excessive consumption remains harmful in all cases, while for low or moderate levels, differences emerge depending on the type of drink, despite growing awareness. At the same time, the cancer issue continues to maintain a very rigorous stance: zero risk equals zero alcohol. This is a debate the sector cannot ignore and makes the cultural promotion of responsible consumption even more important.
Great Barolos for tasting: Einaudi, Bruno Giacosa, and Pio Cesare
Three Piedmontese labels confirm the expressive power of Barolo in its diverse crus and stylistic interpretations. Poderi Luigi Einaudi, Barolo Terlo Vigna Costa Grimaldi 2015, represents a less celebrated denomination capable of producing complex, fresh, and profound wines. Bruno Giacosa, Barolo Falletto Vigna Le Rocche Riserva 2020 presents a refined, complex, and taut profile, in the vein of one of the most iconic signatures of the Langhe. Pio Cesare, Barolo Mosconi 2022 combines power and elegance in a version with a strong personality, born from a prestigious parcel in Monforte d’Alba. Three wines that, together, confirm Barolo as the absolute benchmark for territorial identity, longevity, and value.
Sustainable weed control: new solutions for more sustainable viticulture
The progressive reduction in available active substances is requiring a technical review of under-row and weed management. Pelargonic acid-based formulations fit into this scenario, indicated as tools more consistent with new sustainability requirements and increasingly stringent production standards. While starting with examples from other crops, the issue also closely concerns viticulture, where regulatory and commercial pressure regarding residues and sustainability is expected to grow further.
International
Chiara Pepe, from Abruzzo to the Rhone: an Italian signature for Domaine de La Chapelle
Chiara Pepe has been appointed head of viticulture and winemaking at Domaine de La Chapelle, in Tain-l’Hermitage. This news carries strong symbolic and professional significance: while many French experts have established careers in Italy, it is much rarer to see an Italian assume a leading role at a historic domaine in the Rhône. This appointment confirms the international credibility of Italian winemaking when it expresses itself with vision, expertise, and a strong identity.
Cantina Tollo Brings Le Mesnil Champagne to Vinitaly
Cantina Tollo Group consolidates its international profile through the exclusive distribution in Italy of Champagne Le Mesnil, a historic Grand Cru cooperative from the Côte des Blancs. Its presence at Vinitaly with three iconic labels reinforces a clear message: building bridges between regions of excellence, expanding its offering and engaging with the HoReCa channel in high-end segments. This commercial initiative combines territorial prestige, distribution vision, and positioning.
Italian wine talents establish themselves abroad
Two stories clearly illustrate the growing importance of Italian human capital in the international wine scene. Tuscan Rudimante Belardi Galeone, Wine Director of the three-starred Maaemo in Oslo, has been named “Sommelier of the Year” in Norway. Umbrian Andrea Martinisi, long active in Auckland, will represent New Zealand in the 2026 Best Sommelier of the World competition. These are important signs: Italian wine culture continues to generate professionals recognized far beyond national borders.
Designer wineries abroad become wine tourism destinations
The phenomenon of “wine cathedrals”—wine cellars where the tasting experience intertwines with architecture, design, and hospitality—is growing internationally. It’s no longer just about production or aesthetics, but rather a specific value strategy: transforming the wine location into a destination, increasing brand appeal, and integrating wine into a richer experiential ecosystem. This trend reinforces the idea of wine as a cultural and touristic asset, as well as an agricultural one.
Wine events
Valtènesi at Vinitaly 2026: Rosé, Territory, and Identity
The Valtènesi Consortium will be at Vinitaly 2026 with a renovated and larger stand, reflecting an increasingly structured promotion. The goal is to strengthen the narrative of the Garda Riviera and the region’s iconic rosé, especially in the year of the 130th anniversary of the Molmenti Method. This represents an important step for a denomination aiming to grow in authority, visibility, and relationships with industry professionals and the international press.
Umbria Top brings the “Vine Styles” concept to Vinitaly
From April 12th to 15th in Verona, Umbria Top will present “Stili di Vite,” a project that transforms its trade fair presence into a collaborative narrative of Umbria’s wine region. The concept focuses on identity, collaboration, belonging, and contemporaneity, presenting wine not just as a product but as a cultural expression of the region. This approach enhances the regional system and strengthens its narrative and commercial positioning.
Esselunga at Vinitaly and the City with its Wine Truck
Esselunga will be present at Vinitaly and the City, from April 10th to 12th in Verona, with an experiential tasting format featuring six exclusive labels served by professional sommeliers. This initiative demonstrates how modern retail is increasingly focusing on direct consumer experiences, in a context where wine must communicate in an accessible yet expert manner.
The Vernaccia di San Gimignano Consortium prepares for Vinitaly 2026.
The Vernaccia di San Gimignano Consortium’s presence at Vinitaly is part of a broader effort to promote Italian wine and its professionals worldwide. At the same time, stories of Italian excellence are emerging abroad, strengthening the overall prestige of the supply chain. For Vernaccia, a historic Tuscan white wine appellation, Vinitaly represents a strategic opportunity for visibility and networking.
Masseria Forum: Strategies for Italian Food and Wine Beyond Borders
The meeting “Beyond the Borders of Wine. Strategies for the Promotion of Made in Italy Food and Wine” brought together leading figures from the industry and institutions in Manduria. The discussions touched on key topics: international markets, new consumption patterns, the role of wine in the Mediterranean diet, integrated promotion with Italian cuisine, and a medium-term vision. This event confirms how Italian wine today requires increasingly strategic and coordinated direction.
Cross-cutting focuses to watch today
The overall reading of today’s news highlights some very interesting underlying signals for the sector:
1. Wine is increasingly being described as a complete territorial system. Not just bottles, but hospitality, architecture, events, design, culture, and tourism.
2. Trade fair promotion evolves into experience and positioning. Vinitaly 2026 emerges not only as a trade fair, but as a narrative, relational, and identity-building platform.
3. Competition will increasingly be based on identity and market dominance. Less indiscriminate quantity, more specialization, brands, and an understanding of new consumer trends.
4. Italian wine’s human capital continues to be recognized worldwide. Italian winemakers, sommeliers, and professionals are strengthening the sector’s reputation abroad.
Thanks for listening. We remind you that today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers and today’s wine industry news.
The wine sector enters spring 2026 amidst new international challenges, evolving consumption, and a flurry of events and initiatives preparing the market for the upcoming Vinitaly . With export strategies, new wineries, commercial alliances, and the promotion of local areas, Italian wine continues to demonstrate resilience and capacity for innovation.
Italian wineries
Frescobaldi: New markets are needed for Italian wine.
During the first Italian Cuisine Forum at Masseria Li Reni (Manduria), Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of the Italian Wine Union, emphasized how the sector is going through a complex phase marked by slowing exports, geopolitical tensions, and logistical challenges. According to Frescobaldi, the future of Italian wine depends on the ability to identify new markets and strengthen the international positioning of Made in Italy agri-food products.
Tenuta Le Forconate: A new voice from Tuscany’s borderlands makes its debut.
Tenuta Le Forconate is born, a winemaking project by the Barbanera family in the San Casciano dei Bagni area, between Tuscany and Umbria. The winery has 26.5 hectares of vineyards and aims to promote the Colli dell’Etruria Centrale DOC , an area still little-known but rich in biodiversity and viticultural potential.
Val d’Oca distributes Champagne Encry in Italy
Val d’Oca and the Champagne House Encry have formed a new commercial partnership. The Valdobbiadene-based company becomes the exclusive distributor for the Italian market, strengthening its position in the premium HoReCa segment.
Cielo e Terra presents “The History of Gio” at Vinitaly
At Vinitaly, the Vicenza-based company Cielo e Terra will launch a new line of wines dedicated to its founder Giovanni Cielo . The project celebrates the company’s history through three labels that combine family tradition and contemporary style.
Tenuta Olianas expands its hospitality offering with Sa Frorèa.
In Sardinia, Tenuta Olianas inaugurates Sa Frorèa , a new space for weddings and events. The architectural design, integrated with the landscape, reinforces the winery’s strategy of wine tourism and experiential hospitality.
Sartori Winery Takes Center Stage at CiokoWine Fest
The historic Veronese company Sartori participated in the fourth edition of the CiokoWine Fest in Alcamo with a gesture of solidarity: all proceeds from the tastings were donated to students at local hotel schools.
Carpenè Malvolti among the excellences of Made in Italy
The historic sparkling wine house from Conegliano took part in the fourth edition of “Italiano Vero – Eccellenze nel Mondo” , an institutional event at the Chamber of Deputies dedicated to the symbolic companies of Made in Italy.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Amarone 2021: The style of the great Venetian red changes.
According to Gambero Rosso’s preview tastings, Amarone is undergoing a profound stylistic evolution. There’s a growing trend toward more elegant and less opulent wines, with lower residual sugar and a better balance between structure and freshness.
Monfortino Riserva 2019: an icon of Barolo
Giacomo Conterno’s 2019 Barolo Monfortino Riserva confirms its position as an absolute benchmark on the global scene. The wine expresses notes of blackberry, undergrowth, spice, and licorice, with a dynamic structure and a long, complex finish.
Italian wine to the rescue
On the eve of Vinitaly 2026, the sentiment among operators is one of cautious optimism. After record exports of € 8.1 billion in 2024 , 2025 closed with €7.7 billion , a modest decline compared to international competitors. The Italian wine sector currently represents 1.1% of the national GDP , with:
- 670,000 hectares of vineyards
- 530,000 businesses
- 870,000 direct employees
Consumption in large-scale retail trade: lower volumes but rising average prices
In 2025, 737 million liters of wine and sparkling wine were sold in Italian large-scale retail trade, 20 million fewer than in 2024. The average price per liter is rising, a sign of a progressive premiumization of consumption . Among the best-selling wines:
- Prosecco: over 53 million liters
- Trebbiano: over 23 million liters
- Sangiovese: over 18 million liters
Agricultural bonus of up to 400 euros per hectare
The Lazio Region is introducing an incentive of up to €400 per hectare for hazelnut and table grape cultivation under the SRA01 Integrated Production measure of the 2023-2027 CAP program.
Bolgheri defends its wine-growing landscape
The Bolgheri DOC and Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC Consortium has written to the Minister of the Environment to report potential landscape issues related to the offshore wind farm project in the Ligurian Sea and the infrastructure for connecting it to the electricity grid.
Talking about wine to win over young people
According to several industry professionals, wine promotion will need to change its language. Home consumption is evolving, and traditional conviviality around the table is diminishing: it’s therefore essential to share the region and the wine experience to engage the new generations.
International
War in Iran and the fertilizer crisis
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are putting European farms in difficulty, with blockages affecting approximately a third of the global fertilizer trade . Regenerative farms are less exposed to the crisis due to their reduced dependence on chemical inputs.
Italian wine talents conquer the world
Two Italian sommeliers have received important recognition abroad:
- Rudimante Belardi Galeone , Wine Director of the Maaemo restaurant in Oslo, named Sommelier of the Year in Norway.
- Andrea Martinisi , an Umbrian sommelier in Auckland, will represent New Zealand at the “Best Sommelier of the World 2026” global competition.
Designer wineries: wine tourism is growing worldwide
In many European regions, from Rioja to Ribera del Duero, iconic wineries are emerging where architecture and wine merge into new tourist destinations. Among these is the new Bodegas Faustino in Rioja Alavesa, designed to offer immersive experiences amidst vineyards and design.
Wine events
Vinitaly 2026: Over 4,000 wineries will be present
Veronafiere President Federico Bricolo confirms impressive numbers for the next edition of Vinitaly:
- over 4,000 participating wineries
- 100,000 m2 of exhibition space
- operators from 130 countries
- over 2,200 accredited journalists
Calabria takes center stage at Vinitaly
The region will present over 100 wineries in a dedicated pavilion, under the Calabria Straordinaria brand, with a focus on native grape varieties and local biodiversity.
Civiltà del Bere awards the most awarded wineries
The Simply the Best event, a walk-around tasting that brings together 65 Italian wineries awarded by the main wine guides, is taking place in Milan.
Suber Wine Festival in Suvereto
From May 1st to 3rd, the Tuscan village will host the Suber Wine Festival, an event that combines wine, culture, art, and experiential tourism in the Alta Maremma.
Open Vineyards in Friuli
In the Collio and Colli Orientali regions, wine tourism events continue, allowing visitors to discover the wine-growing landscape through tastings and local stories.
Clavesana Wine Festival
The traditional event in the Langhe region, which celebrated the new vintage of local wines with tastings, culture, and food, drew a large turnout.
Tastings and vertical tastings at the Wine Bank
The vertical tasting of the Marenca cru from the Luigi Pira winery, dedicated to Barolo di Serralunga, hosted at the Banca del Vino in Pollenzo, was a great success.
Montemercurio presents itself in Rome
The Montepulciano company made its debut in the capital during the Due Passi in Vigna event, with tastings dedicated to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Thanks for listening. Today’s wine press review was brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT .
See you tomorrow.
Italian wineries, Italian wine producers, and current wine news.
A structured look at the key news from the world of wine: from the stories of Italian wineries to market dynamics, and the international events and scenarios reshaping the sector. A useful read for understanding where the wine supply chain is truly headed.
Italian wineries
Tolaini is the only Italian winery to make the Wine.com social media finals.
The Tolaini winery, in the Chianti Classico region, is the only Italian winery to reach the semifinals of the Bracket Challenge 2026 , the social media competition organized by Wine.com, the world’s largest wine e-commerce site. The competition involves 64 international wineries voted directly by followers on social media platforms. Tolaini faces the prestigious Spanish winery La Rioja Alta in the Reserva category, while other finalists include leading names such as Laurent-Perrier, Ridge, Purple Hands, and Susana Balbo. This is a sign of the growing digital visibility of Italian wineries in global markets.
Tenuta del Paguro: Wine that matures on the ocean floor
One of the most original projects in contemporary winemaking comes from Romagna. Tenuta del Paguro , based in Ravenna and growing grapes from Riolo Terme, ages some of its wines for twelve months at a depth of 30 meters in the wreck of the Paguro platform. This underwater aging technique has received international recognition at the “World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection” event, demonstrating how innovation and local tradition can coexist in projects of high symbolic value.
Your Rita: From Country Home to Maremma Icon
The story of Tua Rita , in the Val di Cornia, recounts one of the most emblematic transformations in contemporary Italian wine. Founded in 1984 by Rita Tua and Virgilio Bisti as a simple country retreat, the winery is now an internationally recognized enterprise. Starting with just one hectare of vineyards, it now boasts over 70 hectares and a production that has successfully combined Tuscan tradition with a modern vision, thanks in part to the work of winemaker Luca D’Attoma and the commitment of the second family generation.
La Velarda: high-altitude viticulture in the Taburno area
In Campoli del Monte Taburno, Campania, Antonietta Caporaso carries on a family winemaking tradition rooted in the Aglianico del Taburno DOCG denomination. The area, characterized by the highest altitudes in the denomination, is experiencing a revival thanks to the promotion of local viticulture and cultural and tourism initiatives that are bringing attention to an area historically dedicated to the production of Aglianico.
The Pearl of Garda: the evolution of Lugana over time
In Rome, at chef Francesco Apreda’s Michelin-starred restaurant Idylio, the Brescia-based Perla del Garda winery presented a vertical tasting of its Lugana DOP wines with owner Giovanna Prandini. The meeting highlighted how Lake Garda white wines can evolve positively over the years, developing aromatic complexity without losing freshness and acidity.
Sandrone and the 2020 Barolo Vite Talin
The 2020 Barolo Vite Talin from Sandrone winery represents one of the most distinctive expressions of Nebbiolo di Langa. Vinified in wood, it ages for three years in tonneaux and large barrels, followed by a further three years in bottle. The result is a powerful and structured wine, with aromas of dark fruit, dried roses, spices, tobacco, and citrus, supported by a complex tannic structure and remarkable persistence.
Caravaglio and Château Palmer: a Malvasia di Salina born from friendship
A conversation between Nino Caravaglio , a producer from Salina, and Thomas Duroux , director of Château Palmer in Bordeaux, has given birth to a unique winemaking project. Two labels of dry Malvasia di Salina— Piano della Croce and Punta Capo —2024 vintage, presented in Milan by Sarzi Amadè. A meeting of the Mediterranean and Bordeaux that demonstrates how wine is often the fruit of shared relationships and visions.
Italian wine and Italian oenology
Women in Wine: Leadership and Gaps Yet to Be Filled
At Sicilia Wine 2026 in Chiusa Sclafani (Palermo), female wine and olive oil entrepreneurs spoke about a sector increasingly driven by female leadership. Women today manage businesses, dominate markets, and invest in the supply chain, yet still face structural inequalities. The change, however, now appears irreversible.
Wine dominates Italian online auctions
In 2025, wine was the best-selling category on Catawiki , with over 54,000 lots and 300,000 bottles traded . Among the most significant sales: a vertical tasting of Sassicaia from 1982 to 2018 sold for €16,100 and a bottle of Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 2004 sold for €10,500. Italy also confirms its position as one of the main European markets for trading collectible wines.
Franciacorta: research, sustainability, and innovation
The Franciacorta Consortium has presented its 2026 Research & Development Activity Report , a document analyzing the 2025 vintage and the main lines of research on the region’s viticulture. Key themes include vineyard protection, climate adaptation, sustainability, and experimental microvinification, essential tools for addressing new agronomic challenges.
The Italian AgriFoodTech market is growing
According to the Eatable Adventure report, investments in Italian AgriFoodTech will reach €121.6 million in 2025, an 18% increase. Active startups have risen to 501 (23%), while employment has grown by 47%. These are signs of a maturing ecosystem that could increasingly impact the winemaking industry as well.
Signorvino continues to grow
The chain of wine bars and restaurants founded by Sandro Veronesi closed 2025 with a turnover of 90 million euros (5%) . The restaurant sector drove growth, seating over 2.2 million people and an average bill of nearly 50 euros. Sparkling wines account for 32% of retail sales, with Prosecco being the best-selling denomination.
The Oltrepò Crisis and the Birth of the “107 Committee”
Approximately one hundred members of the Terre d’Oltrepò cooperative winery have formed Committee 107 to seek clarity on the cooperative’s future and its business plan. The discussions also focused on the winery’s potential liquidation and the challenges posed by production losses in 2024.
Wine and Communication: Mistakes and Rules for Press Presentations
After over thirty years of tastings and press lunches, an industry expert has summarized some fundamental rules for properly presenting wines to journalists and influencers. Among the key criteria: balance between the wine’s structure and the cuisine offered, narrative clarity, and respect for the taster’s sensory experience.
International
Liv-ex: Signs of recovery for fine wines
According to Liv-ex analysis, the secondary market for fine wines could grow by 2.1% by the end of 2026. The Fine Wine 100 index has recorded four consecutive months of gains, while the value of European purchases has increased by 48% year-on-year.
Brown-Forman and Pernod Ricard merger
French giant Pernod Ricard and American multinational Brown-Forman have confirmed talks regarding a potential merger. The deal would create one of the world’s largest spirits groups, capable of directly competing with Diageo.
US tariffs and consumption: imported wines hold up
According to a NielsenIQ analysis, the tariffs introduced in the United States in 2025 have had a limited impact: the prices of imported European wines have increased by just 1%, a sign that the market has absorbed the effect of the tariffs.
Brazil, a growing market
Brazil continues to emerge as a promising market for wine. In 2025, imports reached 165 million liters, worth $558 million (6.8%) . Italian exports reached €42.8 million , driven primarily by the growth of sparkling wines and the premiumization of consumption.
Wine events
Prosecco Spring: Final Weekend on Boxing Day
The Cartizze and Valdobbiadene DOCG Wine Show continues in Santo Stefano di Valdobbiadene as part of the Prosecco Spring Festival. The weekend’s events include tastings, traditional cuisine, Venetian cicchetti, and a “Walk among the Rive” (Strolling along the Shores) through the vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage hills.
The new talents of Italian winemaking
Vinoway has launched the “New Talents in Italian Winemaking” format, dedicated to the new generation of winemakers who are driving the qualitative evolution of wineries. Among the protagonists are Alessandro Leoni, Andrea Pala, Jacopo Vagaggini, Nicola Biasi, and Giulia Harri.
Pinot Grigio delle Venezie is a partner of the 2026 Giro d’Italia.
Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie will be the official wine of the 2026 Giro d’Italia, an event with an estimated global audience of over 650 million viewers. The initiative represents a powerful international promotion platform for Italian wine.
Vinitaly 2026: the world’s largest wine hub
From April 12 to 15, Veronafiere will host the 58th edition of Vinitaly , with approximately 4,000 exhibiting companies and over 1,000 buyers from 140 countries. The event aims to strengthen Italy’s role as a global wine hub and tap into new markets, from Asia to South America.
San Casciano dei Bagni launches “Fonti di Vino” (Sources of Wine)
The Tuscan spa town hosts Fonti di Vino – Between Glasses and Thermal Waters , an event that combines wine tourism and wellness. Nine local wineries will showcase their wines in a context that blends culture, tourism, and local development.
Signature wine tour in the cellars of Adro
Adro, in Franciacorta, offers a spring itinerary through historic wineries like Ferghettina and Contadi Castaldi. The route combines tastings, underground architecture, and views of the vineyard-covered hills between Lake Iseo and the Po Valley.
DomeniCantina: Wine becomes a gastronomic experience
Colle Uncinano launches DomeniCantina , a format that combines seasonal cuisine and vineyard stories. Meetings take place in the winery’s rural spaces, creating an experience that directly connects agricultural production and hospitality.
New guide for the Piacenza Hills Road
Stefano Pizzamiglio, owner of the La Tosa company, has been appointed president of the Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori dei Colli Piacentini , with the aim of strengthening territorial promotion and collaboration between producers, tourism and institutions.
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