Wine press review for Sunday, June 28, 2026!

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

New openings, investments and hospitality

• Palazzo di Varignana inaugurates Borgo alle Crete , a new agriturismo nestled among vineyards and olive groves in the Bologna hills. The project reinforces the model that integrates wine, olive oil, hospitality, and wellness.

San Lorenzo Vini (Abruzzo) presents new projects dedicated to the Classic Method from Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and the revival of the historic Maiolica grape variety, confirming the link between tradition, culture, and innovation.

Fosso degli Angeli (Campania) is launching three new labels— Sfizio, Uapp, and Dalla Luna —focusing on organic, indigenous yeasts, and more contemporary wines to attract new consumers.

Val d'Oca expands its Heritage line with the new Cartizze Extra Brut , characterized by minimal dosage, sustainable packaging and a modern style.

Pasqua Vini recounts the international success of its 11 Minutes Rosé , which has become one of the symbols of Italian winemaking innovation.

Roberto Sarotto is renewing his charitable project for Barolo aged in the world's largest barrel, donating part of the proceeds to charitable initiatives.

La Meriggia offers a summer calendar dedicated to wine, wellness, and music with the "Calici e Lavanda" events.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Climate and vineyards

• The exceptional heat continues to worry the sector. According to Professor Leonardo Valenti , there is no emergency situation in the vineyards yet, but the next 7-10 days will be crucial. The rainy spring has ensured good water reserves, while maintaining vegetation to protect the grapes is recommended.

In the Aosta Valley the vineyards are in good condition, but there is growing concern about the drought and the spread of the insect Popillia japonica .

Montalbera is expecting one of the earliest harvests in decades: the first harvests could begin as early as the first week of August due to the high temperatures.

Wine territories

• The Castelli Romani are presented as an example of integrating quality winemaking, sustainability, and wine tourism, through the experiences of Tenuta San Leo, Casale Mattia, and Villa Franca.

Gallura confirms its strategic role as the home of Vermentino DOCG and an area of great entrepreneurial interest thanks to the experiences of Vini Mura, Piero Mancini, and Tenute Delogu.

The Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG Consortium continues its international promotion program between Europe and the United States to strengthen the denomination's positioning.

Tastings and featured wines

The day features numerous reviews dedicated to Italian wines:

• Pascolo Collio Sauvignon Blanc 2024.

Bibi Graetz Testamatta Bianco 2025.

Val d'Oca Cartizze Extra Brut 2025.

Riofavara Moscato Bianco "Vigna Miucia" 2025.

Mandrarossa Catarratto Lalbira 2025.

Gall Collio Friulano 2024.

A selection of the best Lugana wines under €15 for summer.

INTERNATIONAL

Research and innovation

• Texas A&M University will send grape seeds to the International Space Station to study the effects of cosmic radiation on grape genetics. The goal is to understand how to develop new varieties and, ultimately, produce the first wine made from plants grown from seeds that have traveled through space.

Markets

• International Rosé Day 2026 confirms the continued global success of rosé wines. France maintains its production leadership, while Italy consolidates its growth and expands its presence in international markets.

WINE EVENTS

• International Rosé Day 2026 celebrates the global growth of rosé wine as an increasingly cross-section of consumer categories.

AIS Veneto crowns Nicola Martin best Sommelier of Veneto 2026.

The "Calici e Lavanda" summer events organized by Agriturismo La Meriggia in the Marche region continue.

The San Lorenzo winery is organizing the third edition of "A Day at San Lorenzo," dedicated to wine, culture, and the region.

NEWS

• A serious fire has hit the Cantina Sociale in Quistello (Mantua), causing extensive damage to the warehouse, event area, and the building's roof. No injuries were reported and no environmental risks were identified; arson has been ruled out.

In Montebelluna, the graduation celebrations, with toasts deemed excessive within the school, are causing controversy.

Today's trends

• Heat remains the main risk factor for the 2026 wine growing campaign.
• Investments in wine tourism, rural hospitality, and winery experiences are growing.
• Prosecco DOCG continues its internationalization strategy.
• Organic, sustainability, and the recovery of historic vines become central elements of the companies' development.
• Innovation reaches space, with genetic research on vines conducted on the International Space Station.
• Rosé wine consolidates its growth in international markets and in summer consumption.

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Press review provided by Wine Idea.