Wine press review for Monday, November 9, 2026!

Today's review, curated by WINEIDEA.IT, explores a transforming sector, where the importance of wine tourism, direct sales, sustainability, and the promotion of local produce is growing.

1. Italian wineries

Cantine Ippolito 1845 awarded at the Merano Wine Festival

The historic Calabrian company received the Family Heritage 2026 award for its family continuity, local heritage, and ability to combine tradition and innovation.

Novacella Abbey invests in resistant grape varieties

The South Tyrolean winery presented Ohm Bronner, a white wine made from the resistant Bronner grape. The project confirms the growing interest in varieties that reduce the need for pesticide treatments.

Vigna800 combines winery and restaurant in Valpolicella

In Negrar, Gianfranco Elampini and Sofia Decarli are developing a hospitality model that integrates estate wines, traditional cuisine, and tastings, strengthening the direct relationship with visitors.

Colli Ripani Winery Celebrates Tre Bicchieri

The Mercantino Offida DOCG Pecorino 2025 has been awarded the 2027 Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri. A dinner with a vertical tasting of the 2020, 2023, and 2025 vintages is scheduled for November 13th in Ripatransone.

Elena Casadei promotes winemaking in amphora

Between Tuscany and Sardinia, Elena Casadei's Le Anfore project comprises nine labels. The use of terracotta aims to enhance the varietal characteristics of the grapes without the aromatic impact of wood.

Mezzacorona Winery: An Investigation into Origin and Labeling

The Guardia di Finanza and the ICQRF have launched investigations into alleged irregularities regarding the provenance, vintage, and labeling of certain wines. According to reports, approximately 60,000 bottles were seized. The cooperative denies the allegations and maintains its actions were correct. The investigative hypotheses do not constitute a definitive determination of liability.

2. Italian wine and Italian oenology

Independent winemakers: direct sales and wine tourism support the value

A Nomisma Wine Monitor–FIVI survey highlights the growing role of in-cellar sales, wine tourism, and consumer relations. Member companies cultivate an average of nearly 11 hectares, 85% of which are located in hilly and mountainous areas.

High-Altitude Viticulture: Experimentation in the Sila Mountains

In Cava di Melis, Calabria, the Madeo family and winemaker Vincenzo Mercurio are developing an experimental vineyard at nearly 1,300 meters above sea level. The goal is to study the vine's adaptation to specific climate conditions and produce fresh, aromatic wines.

Usini and the Cagnulari: Sardinian Tradition and Foreign Markets

The Sardinian municipality promotes its winemaking identity through Cagnulari. According to reported data, in 2022 the area boasted 342 hectares of vineyards. The production reaches markets such as the United States, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.

Italian Wine Shops: 21 Venues Awarded Three Bottles

Gambero Rosso's 2027 Italian Restaurant Guide awards the highest recognition to 21 wine bars and wine shops with food, seven more than in the previous edition. The focus on quality selection, service, and wine culture is growing.

Natural wine: the debate on identity and future continues.

At the Augusta fair in Turin, Nicola Perullo and Alice Feiring delve into the evolution of natural wine, its relationship with the territory, and the prospects of a now consolidated movement.

3. International wine

Vega Sicilia presents the first Spanish white wine

Tempos Vega Sicilia has launched Deiva 2024, an Albariño from the Rías Baixas appellation in Galicia. The project, launched in 2018, encompasses 24 hectares of vineyards and an initial reported investment of €20 million.

Perrier-Jouët presents Belle Époque 2018

The French house celebrates a warm vintage with a Champagne blended from 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 5% Pinot Meunier. The wine stands out for its freshness, elegance, and floral and fruity notes.

Amarone and Champagne strengthen international dialogue

In Verona, the Historic Families of Valpolicella met with the producers of the Club Trésors de Champagne. Visits and tastings fostered a dialogue between two important European wine regions.

Wine Legends Dinner: Over $200,000 for Research

In New York, the seventh annual Grapes for Humanity Global Foundation benefit dinner raised over $200,000 net for the Polg Foundation, which is committed to research into mitochondrial diseases related to the POLG gene.

4. Wine events and wine tourism

Events and initiatives for November 2026

The original news item contains conflicting information about the day of the week for the Fano event; the date must be confirmed with the organizer.

Valpolicella nominated for Capital of Culture

The Vivi La Valpolicella association is proposing a territorial candidacy for 2030 or 2031, with the aim of enhancing cultural heritage, landscape, wine, and wine tourism.

Veronelli Guide 2027: Over 13,000 wines reviewed

The new edition features 13,219 wines from 1,618 producers, with 48 Polar Stars and 434 Three Gold Stars. The presentation will include scientific insights into the longevity of wines.

5. Strategic reading of WINEIDEA News

The news highlights four important trends for the future of the Italian wine sector.

1. Direct sales and wine tourism are becoming increasingly important tools for promoting wineries and improving relationships with consumers.
2. Innovation and sustainability: resilient grape varieties, amphora winemaking, and mountain viticulture open up new production opportunities.
3. Territory and identity: recognition, traditions, and the quality of hospitality contribute to a company's positioning.
4. Internationalization: engaging with foreign producers and accessing new markets remain strategic opportunities.

The bottom line: a winery's value depends not only on the quality of its wine, but also on its ability to transform its production, commercial, and territorial assets into lasting profitability.