Wine press review for Sunday, February 8, 2026!

Italian wineries

Ornellaia 2023: Art Interprets the Terroir Marina Abramović signs the 2023 vintage of Ornellaia for the 18th edition of Vendemmia d'Artista . "La Vitality" becomes the story of a virtuous balance between nature and human intervention, debuting on the Italian market on April 1st.

Pio Cesare, the last winery in the heart of Alba. A physical and symbolic bridge between history and future: the Alba winery combines historic spaces and modern technology, remaining the only production facility still operating in the city center.

Terre d'Aenòr and Tenuta Martinelli Two young Franciacorta wineries (both founded in 2018) that represent a new generation focused on personal style, quality, and recognizability rather than instant success.

Davide Campagnano Winery (Castel Campagnano) A “third generation” story and a return to the land: organic viticulture, a non-invasive approach, and Caiazzo sandstone soils as a territorial signature.

Moncaro at auction: estimated value €2.3 million. The Marche-based cooperative Terre Cortesi Moncaro is headed for judicial auction: the focus will be on the value of the company's branches and the decisions of the new Board of Directors, which have impacted contracts and the membership.

Lombardy Region: €3.7 million for wineries and hospitality. 2025/26 CMO Wine grants to 139 Lombardy companies for modernization, direct sales, and wine tourism, ahead of Wine Paris and Vinitaly.

Italian wine and Italian oenology

Out-of-home consumption: €2.2 billion. The alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage market is returning to pre-pandemic levels. Still-carbonated soft drinks, cocktails, and spirits are growing. This trend is increasingly intertwined with the world of wine and mixology.

Veneto, a winemaking crossroads. A cultural journey through iconic reds and sparkling wines: wine as an everyday language, capable of integrating tradition, cuisine, and lifestyle.

Young winemakers: less technique, more storytelling. Between the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato, a generation is emerging that speaks about wine starting from people and values, not just from winemaking.

Natural Wine: The Revolutionary Drive Is Over Roberto Frega's book Post-Natural Wine proposes a paradigm shift: from the cellar to the vineyard, from an ideological break to an agronomic responsibility reconciled with science.

White challenges red. A cultural and generational analysis of changes in Italian consumption: color, occasion, and form of drinking are transforming along with people.

High inventories, exports as a lifeline. Italian wineries are facing inventories equivalent to nearly two harvests. International agreements are helping, but discussions about reducing production are returning.

International

Rooted vines blocked: alarm raised by Rauscedo. Morocco has halted the import of vines due to concerns about a bacterium present in Puglia. This has affected a sector that in Friuli represents over 60% of national production.

Hundred Hills (UK): a success with Italian roots Behind one of the best English sparkling wines is Enrico Cassinelli, a winemaker from Oltrepò Pavese, protagonist of the exploration of a new terroir in the Chilterns.

Luxury, wine, and AI. A week packed with global events: financial statements, French exports, the World AI Cannes Festival, and the Italy-Africa Summit. Signs of a world where wine, technology, and geopolitics are increasingly intertwined.

Wine events

Beer & Food Attraction 2026 (Rimini, February 15-17) Europe's leading event for out-of-home dining, including beverages, foodservice, and new trends.

Vinitaly 2026: Spirits Make Way for Xcellent Spirits is launched, with an entire pavilion dedicated to mixology and spirits. Italian exports in the sector are worth €1.7 billion.

Wine Paris 2026: Franciacorta showcased by 30 wineries. The Parisian fair confirms its position as a key hub for international positioning.

Barolo joins Iter Vitis. The Piedmont region strengthens its European cultural profile by joining the Council of Europe network dedicated to the culture of vines and wine.

Wine tourism: billion-dollar projections. According to SRM-Intesa Sanpaolo, wine tourism could generate an additional €1 billion. Over half of companies will continue investing between 2025 and 2027.

"When Wine Meets Tourism" Report Presents figures and models of Italian wine tourism: from ancillary activity to strategic asset for value, territory, and new demands.

Organic Wine Guide 2026: Le Chiuse's Brunello Riserva Diecianni 2015 (best red) and numerous other eco-friendly wines were awarded. Barone Pizzini was named best company with the lowest environmental impact.

Michelin Guide: the "Bunch" of Wine is born. A new distinction dedicated to wineries, a natural extension of Michelin's expertise in catering and hospitality.

Milan-Cortina 2026: Wine at the Winter House Tastings and storytelling for the American press, with seven Italian wineries starring in Olympic hospitality.

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