Wine press review for Tuesday, July 7, 2026!

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

ITALIAN WINERIES

Assovini Sicilia renews its leadership

Gabriella Favara (Donnafugata) is the new President of Assovini Sicilia. The new Board of Directors is composed entirely of entrepreneurs under 40 from the Next Generation, signaling a significant generational shift in Sicilian wine.

Mack & Schühle Italia invests 16 million euros

The group is strengthening its Laterza plant in Puglia with investments in technological innovation, the circular economy, sparkling wine production, and dealcoholized wines.

Cantina del Taburno begins its major relaunch

Over €10 million in investments to increase production from 1 to 5 million bottles, promoting Aglianico del Taburno and Falanghina del Sannio.

New cellars and investments

• Fattoria La Maliosa inaugurates its new underground cellar in Maremma.
• Società Agricola Ceri is building a modern winery in Carmignano thanks to PSR Toscana funding.
• "Mezzo Ettaro" is born, a small Valpolicella company dedicated to organic production and wine experiences.
• Tenuta Casenuove and Fattoria Petreto merge their activities under the French group Philippe Austruy.

Wine tourism on the rise

The development of experiential offerings in Italian wineries continues.

Among the most interesting initiatives:

• La Genisia (Oltrepò Pavese) expands its Wine Experiences.
• Mezzo Ettaro invests in events and well-being.
• Cantina Fina (Marsala) uses concerts and cultural events as a means of communication.
• Novacella Abbey confirms the model of integration between wine, culture and tourism.

ITALIAN WINE AND OENOLOGY

Fine Wines: Italy a World Leader

The international market for fine wines has seen a positive six-month period.

The Liv-Ex Italy 100 Index rose 1.9%, led by iconic labels such as:

• Bruno Giacosa
• Bartolo Mascarello
• Masseto
• Soldera
• Sassicaia
• Ornellaia
• James Conterno
• Marchesi Antinori

Italy is the country with the best performance in the investment wine segment.

Prosecco Superiore is the star of the summer

The 2026 guides confirm Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG among the most recommended sparkling wines for the summer season thanks to its freshness, elegance, and excellent quality-price ratio.

Gavi DOCG increasingly international

91% of production is exported.

The UK and US remain the main markets while growth continues in Asia.

No-Lo Wines

The debate on the No and Low Alcohol wines segment continues.

The global market could reach $3.3 billion by 2028.

More and more Italian companies are investing in this category.

Organic viticulture slows down

After years of growth, the organic vineyard areas are slightly decreasing.

Among the causes:

• increasing costs
• reduction of margins
• more bureaucracy
• lower price differential compared to conventional.

Natural wine

The debate on the phenomenon of natural wine continues.

More and more observers are highlighting how many labels have become niche products characterised by strong exclusivity and high prices.

Innovation and new productions

Among the new features:

• Artisanal kombucha from Funky Fermenteria.
• Classic Method from Mantonico in Calabria.
• Arunda confirms South Tyrolean excellence in sparkling wine production.
• Modigliana presents the new Albana "InOro".

MARKETS AND EXPORTS

Vinitaly USA strengthens its presence in the United States

The promotion of Italian wine lands in New York aboard the training ship Amerigo Vespucci.

The third edition of Vinitaly USA, scheduled for October, has been presented.

The United States remains the leading foreign market for Italian wine.

California postpones 100% American wine law

A legislative proposal that would have required the exclusive use of American grapes in order to display the word "American" on labels has been postponed.

PRIZES AND COMPETITIONS

International Müller Thurgau Competition

Five Gold Medals awarded.

Award winners include:

• Valle Isarco Producers' Cellar
• Cavit
• Franz Haas

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Italy conquers:

• 22 Gran Oro
• 172 Gold Medals
• 281 Silver Medals

Total:

475 award-winning wines , second best result in the world.

Romagna Wines Grand Prix

20 Diplomas of Merit awarded to the best companies in Romagna.

Among the protagonists:

• The Filarini
• Enio Ottaviani

WINE EVENTS

The Nights of Wine

On July 11th, the Caglieron Caves (Treviso) will host an evening dedicated to wine, gastronomy, astronomy, and music, with tastings of local wines.

Pre-harvest medical visits

Three new centers have been opened in the Alta Marca Trevigiana to facilitate the health requirements of seasonal workers involved in the grape harvest.

INTERNATIONAL WINE

Burgundy

Christie's is hosting a charity auction featuring over 320 lots from 120 prestigious wineries to fund the restoration of the historic Cîteaux Abbey.

TERRITORIES AND WINE TOURISM

Among the insights dedicated to Italian wine regions:

• Novacella Abbey (South Tyrol)
• Oltrepò Pavese
• Valpolicella
• Maremma Tuscany
• Modigliana
• Romagna
• Sannio
• Conegliano Valdobbiadene
• Gavi DOCG

with particular attention to the development of wine tourism, cellar experiences, and the valorization of the local heritage.

SAFETY AND SUPPLY CHAIN

Massive seizure of illicit pesticides

The Carabinieri for Agri-food Protection seized over 9 tons of illegal pesticides during inspections carried out in Emilia-Romagna, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Trentino-Alto Adige.

Today's trends

• Italy, world leader in Fine Wines.
• Strong generational turnover in wine associations.
• Investments in innovation, wineries, and wine tourism are growing.
• Exports still the protagonist, with a focus on the United States and Asia.
• Development of No-Lo wines and new beverage categories.
• Greater attention to sustainability, supply chain controls, and safety.

QUIDQUID NEWS – The daily review dedicated to the world of wine, wineries, oenology, and Italian agri-food.

Press review provided by Wine Idea.