Wine press review for Monday, May 18, 2026!

Italian wineries

Emilia Wine invests in environmental sustainability. The Arceto winemaking cooperative inaugurates a new 518 kWp photovoltaic system built with PNRR funds. The investment amounts to nearly €1 million to strengthen energy sustainability and production competitiveness.

Andreola presents the Valdobbiadene Rive di San Pietro di Barbozza 2025. A new release for Andreola's DOCG, confirming the premium positioning of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore.

Fattoria Sardi, a model of wine, hospitality, and farm-to-table cuisine. Lucca's urban winery focuses on organic, biodynamic, sustainable catering, and integrated wine tourism as strategic growth drivers.

Cantina Terlano launches "Terlaner I Primo Grande Cuvée 2023," the twelfth vintage of the historic Alto Adige winery's flagship cuvée. Focus on fine white wines for long aging and the valorization of the volcanic terroir.

New Cabreo Winery inaugurated in Chianti Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari Tenute have opened a new facility dedicated to Super Tuscans in Greve in Chianti, with a strong focus on technology and wine tourism experiences.

Cantina La Farra: Prosecco, culture, and hospitality The Farra di Soligo company integrates DOCG production, hospitality, and cultural events in the UNESCO hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene.

Montalbera invests in the evolutionary potential of Ruchè. The new “Franco Morando 2023” Riserva has been presented, a project that strengthens Ruchè's positioning as a great Piedmontese red wine for aging.

Fezzigna, Calabria's white excellence. The historic winemaking family between Cirò and Melissa consolidates its organic approach by promoting native grape varieties and a complete supply chain.

Rocche Costamagna, the history and identity of La Morra's Barolo. The historic winery continues its work to enhance the local area between Barolo, Verduno, and the Langhe.

Le Muraglie relaunches the Custoza Superiore The 2023 Remì confirms the elegant and unconventional identity of Custoza, a historic blend from the Garda area.

Castagnole Monferrato: Tensions Erupt at the Ruchè Festival . Tensions erupted among producers during the Ruchè festival.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

White and sparkling wines dominate the fine wine market. According to Liv-Ex, since 2010, the value of white wine trade has grown by 650% and that of sparkling wines by 1,100%. Tastes, investments, and production strategies are changing.

Vitigno Italia focuses on sparkling wines and volcanic wines. The Naples event confirms the growing interest in sparkling wines, Asprinio metodo classico, and wines from volcanic areas.

Assoenologi: White wines can defy time. A technical focus at the De Sanctis Institute in Avellino on the longevity of Italian whites and the qualitative evolution of the sector.

Technology and startups are transforming Italian wine. From water management using biodegradable hydrogels to laser systems against herbicides, the Wine Tech Challenge showcases an increasingly innovative supply chain.

Attilio Scienza: "Roads are the Internet of Wine." The professor discusses the historical role of trade routes and pilgrimages in the spread of European viticulture.

The No-Lo phenomenon continues to grow. More and more attention is paid to alcohol-free aperitifs and cocktails linked to well-being, health and new consumption styles.

Sardinia invests €2 million to promote wine abroad. A new regional call for proposals supports internationalization, trade fairs, and the expansion of non-EU markets.

International

The World Congress of Vine and Wine will be held in China For the first time, the OIV Congress will be held in Yinchuan, in the Chinese wine-growing region of Ningxia, from 12 to 16 October 2026.

Armenia's food and wine tourism is growing . Italian arrivals will increase by 40.7% in 2025. Wine, culture, and landscapes are driving the country's international positioning.

Cantine Aperte looks to Ticino and Lugano. Ticinowine promotes Ticino Merlot and wine tourism as a strategic pillar of the region.

Wine events

"Discover PIWI" in Piove di Sacco . An evening dedicated to resistant wines with tastings and local food pairings.

Vinaltum 2026 brings tastings and masterclasses to Bolzano. Two days dedicated to Italian and international wine in the heart of Alto Adige.

International conference of the Turin Vermouth Consortium. On May 26th at the University of Turin, a focus will be on the international protection of PGI, PDO, and geographical trademarks.

The Mandrarossa Literary Award returns, combining wine, literature, and the promotion of the Sicilian region.

Baroque Wine Festival in Ragusa. An event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, featuring tastings, culture, and a celebration of the historic center.

Vinarius discovers Trentino wine. Three days among vineyards, producers, and the region, together with Italy's best wine merchants.

Open Cellars 2026 expands the wine tourism experience. The Wine Tourism Movement focuses on wellness, nature, trekking, yoga, art, and experiential stays in the cellar.

Winemaking assets and opportunities

A 278-hectare winery and olive oil estate in Puglia, boasting DOCG/DOC/IGP vineyards, DOP olive groves, a modern winery, photovoltaic panels, and integrated wine tourism at the foot of Castel del Monte.

208-hectare organic farm in Upper Lazio. Agricultural complex with Colli Etruschi Viterbesi DOC vineyards, hazelnut groves, olive groves, and significant agro-energy potential.

Molino a Cori Farm: 21 hectares of organic vineyards, olive groves, and rural hospitality with a modern structure and a strong focus on biodiversity.

Thanks for listening. Today's wine press review was brought to you by Wine Idea.

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