Welcome to the daily appointment with the most relevant news from the Italian and international wine world.

Here are the main updates for our wine-loving readers.

Agricultural Policies & Current Affairs

Green harvest activated in Puglia and Campania

The two regions have officially announced the activation of the extraordinary green harvest measure for the 2025 vintage. Applications must be submitted by May 14 , while the physical elimination of the bunches must take place by June 14. The contributions per hectare and the application procedures have been published in the respective regional bulletins.

Production & Records

Italy world leader in wine in 2024

With 44.1 million hectolitres produced , Italy leads the global ranking, surpassing France (36.1 million hl) and Spain (31 million hl). OIV data show a notable Italian resilience, with a 15% increase compared to 2023, in clear contrast to the global decline of 5%. Italy is also the only major producer to have increased the area under vines.

Markets & Export

EU wine and spirits exports soar: Italy second only to France

In 2024, the EU exported alcoholic beverages for 29.8 billion euros . Italy sold 6 billion , of which 4.9 billion were wine alone , covering 20% of extra-European EU exports . France remains in first place with 12.1 billion. Wine represents 56.2% of the total exports .

Events & Territory

Volta Mantovana: 13 thousand visitors for passito wines

Great success for the 21st National Exhibition of Passiti and Meditation Wines . More than 100 labels from 40 Italian wineries , in an event that has been able to renew itself thanks to new collaborations with ONAV, La Strada dei Vini and Amici del Sigaro Toscano.

Sangiovese della Val d'Orcia towards DOCG

The Orcia Wine Consortium, led by Giulitta Zamperini , aims for DOCG recognition for Orcia Sangiovese , 25 years after the birth of the denomination. Objectives: to include “Tuscany” on the label, enhance the geographical origin and intercept new consumer trends.

Crisis in Bordeaux: 18,000 hectares of vineyards uprooted

In response to the crisis of overproduction and low prices, the French region of Bordeaux has uprooted 15% of its vineyard area . A further reduction is being considered, while 2024 production is down 14% compared to the previous year.

Perspectives & Sustainability

The future of wine? The EU consults producers and traders

The European Commission has launched a survey to outline wine trends between 2025 and 2035. Sustainability, exports, prices and consumption styles will be discussed at the workshop in Brussels on 13-14 May .

Is wine "dying"? The alarm is raised among young people, duties and demographic changes

Between declining consumption, teetotal generations, US tariffs and a crazy climate, the wine sector reflects on its own destiny. An analysis between irony and bitterness calls into question the very future of wine as a European cultural symbol.

Consumption & Local Markets

Switzerland: Wine consumption collapses, especially local

In 2024, consumption fell by 7.9% . Swiss wines were particularly penalized: -20.7% for reds and -11% for whites. The market share of local wines fell to 35.5% , overtaken by imports.

Internationalization

Latin America: The New Horizon of European Wine

European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen points to Latin America as a key area for future export growth, thanks to the Mercosur agreements. Europe, struggling with population decline and stagnant consumption, is looking to new emerging markets.

Climate & Production

Extreme events knock down Italian grape harvest (-20%)

Despite the quality, the 2024 harvest lost a fifth of its production compared to 2023, according to Coldiretti. Climate change remains the main threat to the European wine sector.

Wine Tourism & Culture

Wine tourism on the rise: cellar purchase value 28%

According to Divinea's 2025 report, tourists are spending more on experiences and purchases in the winery. The trend highlights a transformation of the wine tourism offer, increasingly immersive and personalized.

The cellar becomes a creative atelier: “The M Movement” is born

In Franciacorta, Montina launches a project that fuses wine and contemporary art, with performance, digital storytelling and content on TikTok. Wine becomes the protagonist of the “eighth art”.

Lungarotti presents “1962”: Umbrian tradition and future vision

A symbolic project that tells the story of Umbria and its values with the wines Rubesco 62 and Torre di Giano 62 , in a triple taste, visual and communicative story.

Vite in Riviera launches “May in the Cellar”

Every weekend until June 1st, the companies of Western Liguria open their doors to visitors for zero-mile tastings, meetings with producers and complete food and wine experiences.

Freixenet cuts 25% of staff due to climate crisis

The historic Cava company announces 180 redundancies to cope with the difficulties caused by five years of drought in Penedès. It is the first case of mass layoffs in the sector due to climate causes.

Events & Charity

“Il Bel Viaggio”: bottles and cellar experiences up for auction

On May 6th in Milan , the Finarte auction will feature fine bottles paired with exclusive stays in the cellar. The charity event is promoted by Progetto Itaca with the support of the Istituto Grandi Marchi.

Wine & Sports

Asti DOCG toasts with world tennis

The Asti DOCG Consortium is once again the official partner of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia and the Nitto ATP Finals. The Piedmontese bubbles accompany the great victories of world tennis, bringing Made in Italy to the courts of the whole world.

Small productions, big stories

Success for “Ossola in Cantina”: the mountain that smells of wine

The third edition of the event saw the opening of 8 wineries with tastings and local products, celebrating the quality of small Ossola producers and the beauty of the Piedmont region.

Thanks for listening. Today's press review was brought to you by QUIDQUID . We'll talk tomorrow with all the news from the world of wine!