Wine press review for Sunday, June 21, 2026!

A brief overview of the main news in the wine sector, including wineries, markets, wine tourism, and events.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Masi focuses on light and contemporary wine

Masi's Fresco line strengthens its positioning for everyday consumption and mixology. Sustainable packaging, low weight, a clear alcohol content, and new consumption opportunities represent the company's response to market changes.

Siddùra launches "Èros"

The Sardinian winery presents an innovative project: a red wine served chilled (10-12°C), designed for summer consumption. Two years of research have led to the creation of a new category of drinking experience.

Cantina Terlano dominates the Decanter Awards 2026

The Alto Adige cooperative won 5 Platinum Medals , becoming the most awarded winery in the 2026 edition of the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Feudo Stagnone enhances the Marsala area

Cantine Birgi promotes the territorial brand "Feudo Stagnone", linked to the largest lagoon in Sicily and over 450 hectares of vineyards in the area.

Valpanera Winery Relaunches Friulian Wine Tourism

The historic Friuli Aquileia DOC winery, led by young entrepreneurs under 30, organizes summer events featuring wine, food, and music.

Tenuta Santa Maria and its signature Amarone

The Bertani family enhances one of the most fascinating places in Valpolicella, combining historical heritage, architecture, and great wine production.

Di Sipio: From a family dream to an Abruzzo excellence

The Ripa Teatina company continues to grow in the Classic Method, with around 10,000 bottles produced annually of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Alto Belice is seeking a manager for the 2026 harvest.

The call for tenders for the lease of the business unit of the historic Sicilian winery has been published. The objective: to ensure production continuity and safeguard the company's assets.

Santa Maria della Versa: Unions on standby

Following the sale of the historic Pavia winery, the CISL (Italian Workers' Confederation of Labour) is demanding clarity on the industrial plan and employment prospects.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Cristina Mercuri: "It's time to invest."

Italy's first female Master of Wine urges the sector to respond to the crisis with courage and strategic vision. The major appellations must continue to innovate and invest.

Collio in search of a new identity synthesis

The Friuli region confirms its role as a benchmark for great Italian white wines, but is reflecting on the best way to convey its uniqueness to the markets.

The best Italian wines between 10 and 15 euros

There is growing interest in accessible, quality wines produced by emerging regions and wineries offering excellent value for money.

Boom in refermented and ancestral wines

Interest in bottle-fermented wines continues to grow, and they are increasingly present on wine lists and in specialized wine shops.

Chianti: a discovery that rewrites history

An archaeogenetic study shows that in Etruscan and Roman times, white grapes predominated in the Chianti area.

Young people and wine: the relationship continues

Vinitaly shows that wine continues to fascinate new generations, who, however, demand simpler language, accessible prices, and less elitist communication.

The wine of the Vatican

The first 5,000 bottles were produced in Castel Gandolfo by the Borgo Laudato Si' project, which combines sustainability, social inclusion, and regenerative agriculture.

Moriantigu: the new Vermentino from Sulcis

Locci's Domu expands its offering with a Vermentino di Sardegna DOC that showcases the Mediterranean terroir of Sulcis.

Ian D'Agata made honorary citizen of Novello

An important recognition for the renowned wine critic for his contribution to the promotion of Italian grape varieties and territories.

Wine after wine

The cultural debate on the role of wine in contemporary society is growing, amidst the consumer crisis, climate change, and the changing habits of younger generations.

INTERNATIONAL SCENARIO

Made in Italy exports over 15 billion

In the first four months of 2026, Italy recorded a trade balance of over 15 billion euros. The United States, Switzerland, and China drove international demand.

United Kingdom strategic market

Despite the slowdown in imports, the British market remains one of the main outlets for Italian wine, with exports worth over €816 million in 2025.

California: less quantity, more quality

Californian viticulture is addressing climate change and new consumption patterns by focusing on more balanced, lower-alcohol wines that are more closely tied to the territory.

Switzerland: Clash over Imports

New rules for wine import quotas are dividing traders and producers. The debate centers on the protection of national viticulture.

Giovanni Rana: "We need to communicate better."

The founder of Italia del Gusto emphasizes the need to strengthen the international promotion of Italian wine and food through more effective communication.

WINE TOURISM AND CONSUMPTION

Wine tourism continues to grow

According to the IlGolosario Wine Tour Observatory:

• Over 60% of wineries have seen an increase in direct sales.
• 25% show growth between 11% and 30%.
• Millennials are the most dynamic segment.
• 82% of visitors are looking for complete and immersive experiences.
• Over 40% of companies plan new investments in hospitality.

Cellars become places of experience

From tables among the Roero vineyards to outdoor events, wineries are transforming hospitality into a new source of economic value.

Wineries Experience accelerates wine tourism

Demand is growing for digital platforms to book tastings, visits, and stays at Italian wineries.

WINE EVENTS

European Wine Summit 2026

- Taranto – June 25

The event, organized by CEEV, will bring together European institutions, businesses, and industry associations to discuss the future of European viticulture, the CAP, and international competitiveness.

San Giovanni Night: Wine and Tradition

- Ragone (Forlì)

Tastings, bread-making workshops, and nocino liqueur production to celebrate conviviality and rural culture.

Valpanera under the Stars

- Fiumicello Villa Vicentina (UD)

Four evenings in July dedicated to wine, food, music, and local culture.

Summer in the Piedmontese cellars

- Roero and Langhe

Dinners among the vines, picnics, tastings, and large gatherings confirm the growth of experiential wine tourism.

THE 5 TRENDS OF THE WEEK

1. Investing in local denominations and brands.
2. Wine tourism is increasingly crucial to the profitability of wineries.
3. Researching new languages to win over young consumers.
4. Growth of light, fresh wines and new ways of drinking them.
5. Strong international recognition of Italian quality despite the market slowdown.

QUIDQUID – Wine & Business Intelligence "Understanding today's wine to anticipate tomorrow's wine."

Press review provided by Wine Idea.