The wine sector continues to navigate market transformations, new commercial strategies, technological innovation, and the valorization of local areas. From export challenges to new wine tourism models, sustainability, counterfeiting, and major wine events, here are the top stories of the day.
Italian Wineries
Ermes Cellars: Wine, Art, and Territory for Growth
In the heart of the Belice Valley, Cantine Ermes is strengthening its cultural and regional project with the new Bistrot Orestiadi , which will be presented on March 19th in Gibellina. The cooperative, one of Italy's leading wineries, boasts over 14,000 hectares of vineyards and more than 2,700 members in six regions , with approximately 190 permanent employees. The Tenute Orestiadi project was created to showcase the Sicilian region through wine, art, and cultural identity.
Avignonesi: The Biodynamic Sangiovese That's Conquering the World
The Avignonesi winery in Montepulciano today represents one of the most advanced models of biodynamic viticulture in Italy. Led by Virginie Saverys, the company exports to 37 countries and continues to develop a production model based on sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the valorization of Sangiovese in the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano region.
Caparra & Siciliani, historic custodians of Cirò
Among the leading figures in Calabrian winemaking, Caparra & Siciliani cultivates approximately 120 hectares of vineyards in the heart of the Cirò appellation , producing approximately 500,000 bottles annually . Their goal remains to promote the area's native grape varieties while maintaining a strong bond between tradition and quality.
Cantina 366 and the winemaking identity of Canavese
In the Canavese area, shaped by the ancient glaciations of the Dora Baltea River, viticulture finds an ideal microclimate for denominations such as DOC Canavese and DOCG Erbaluce di Caluso . Local viticulture continues to tell a story of geology, rural tradition, and territorial identity.
Siddùra: Gallura's Vermentino among Italy's finest white wines.
Sardinian winery Siddùra has won important awards for its Vermentino wines. The Spèra Vermentino di Gallura DOCG earned 96 points and was named among Italy's best white wines, while the Bèru Vermentino di Gallura Superiore won the Best of Show Sardinian White title at the Mundus Vini Spring Tasting 2026.
Italian Wine and Italian Oenology
Italian wine exports to decline in 2025
According to the UIV Observatory, Italian wine exports in 2025 totaled €7.78 billion (-3.7%) and 21 million hectoliters (-1.9%) . The decline is mainly attributed to the US market, which fell 9.2% , with a loss of approximately €178 million . The United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, and Russia also experienced difficulties.
Agritourism on the rise: over half of guests are foreigners
Rural tourism continues to grow: in 2024, there were 26,360 agritourism businesses in Italy, a 0.9% increase over the previous year. Agritourism visitors reached 4.7 million , with 54.8% coming from abroad , a sign of the growing international appeal of Italian food and wine tourism.
Wine tourism: visitors and direct sales are growing rapidly.
The Wine Suite 2026 Report highlights a strong development in wine tourism:
The theme will also be central to Vinitaly Tourism 2026 .
Tuscany and wine: a mosaic of territories
Tuscany isn't just about Sangiovese or Bolgheri. The regional wine scene is a veritable puzzle of terroirs, microclimates, and grape varieties, ranging from reds to whites, from coastal areas to inland hills to islands.
In Roero, production remains balanced
The Piedmontese Roero continues to stand out for its balanced production model, with viticulture that maintains a deeply rooted territorial and cultural dimension.
Trapani social wineries: wine sold but not collected
Wine cooperatives in the province of Trapani are raising the alarm: some of the wine sold is sitting in cellars due to rising transportation costs, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Gulf.
Palmento Costanzo and gravity-driven winemaking on Etna
The restoration of the ancient lava stone wine presses demonstrates the continuity between tradition and innovation in Etna viticulture. Gravity-assisted winemaking preserves the integrity of the grapes, reducing mechanical intervention.
Precision viticulture: automatic grape detection
New technologies now allow us to estimate production in advance thanks to the automatic detection of bunches , improving resource management, harvest planning and commercial strategies.
International
US tariffs and the European export crisis
In 2025, European wine exports recorded a 6% decline in value , with an overall loss estimated at €1 billion . Wine represents around 7% of European agri-food exports , but is one of the sectors most affected by trade tensions.
Counterfeit wine and Prosecco in the UK
British authorities have seized over 67,000 bottles of counterfeit wine and Prosecco , worth approximately £500,000 . The operation was conducted by the National Food Crime Unit in collaboration with the Food Standards Agency.
Record early harvest in New Zealand
Climate change is driving New Zealand to its earliest-ever grape harvest in 2026. The country has 42,000 hectares of vineyards and exports wine to over 100 countries , generating around NZ$2.1 billion in exports in 2025.
Sotheby's: Collectible wine continues to grow
In 2025, wine sales at Sotheby's auctions reached $127.5 million (12%) . Burgundy dominates with 39% of sales , followed by Bordeaux with 28% . The presence of new, young collectors is also growing.
François Carillon and the Chardonnays of Burgundy
Winemaker François Carillon continues to distinguish himself with an elegant and measured style in the production of Puligny-Montrachet Chardonnays, characterized by freshness, aromatic complexity and a very balanced use of wood.
Wine Events
Vinetia Tasting 2026
On March 22nd , Vinetia Tasting – Veneto in a Glass, organized by AIS Veneto, returns to Santa Lucia di Piave (Treviso). The event will showcase over 800 wines from 150 wineries , with the participation of eight Consortia and four masterclasses dedicated to Veneto wines.
Tuscia Wine 2026
The event brought together over 100 producers and 214 wineries from the Tuscia del Vino guide. It was an event dedicated to promoting the Lazio region with tastings, meetings with producers, and awards for the best labels.
Wine tourism experience in the Euganean Hills
On March 28th, Monteversa will host a new tasting experience organized by Stayinveneto, including a visit to the organic vineyards and a guided tasting.
Cantina Giardino meets Cantillon
In Irpinia, an original event brought together the world of natural wine and the spontaneous fermentation of Belgian Cantillon beer, creating a dialogue between European artisanal traditions.
Work and Agricultural Innovation
Charter of Labor in Agriculture
Confagricoltura Siena has presented a joint declaration to address the transformation of agricultural work, focusing on safety, technological innovation, and greater attractiveness for young people.
Young farmers and technology
In Southern Italy, hi-tech agriculture is growing, led by those under 35, with investments in drones, blockchain, and precision agriculture . The average productivity of young farmers exceeds €4,800 per hectare , almost double the European average.
Curiosity
The cellar of the Gintoneria in Milan is up for auction.
The second auction of the wine and champagne collection once owned by the Milanese venue Gintoneria is underway until March 27. Lots range from €8.50 to over €2,000 , including rare bottles from the seized cellar.
Strategic summary of the day
Three signals clearly emerge from the international wine scene:
Wine continues to be not just an agricultural product, but a complex economic system that unites territory, tourism, culture, and global markets.
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