Wine press review for Wednesday, September 30, 2026!

Good morning,

From the 2026 harvest to new strategies for rosé and low-alcohol wines, to autumn events and new regional experiences, here are the key industry news.

ITALIAN WINERIES

Pompeii: The "archaeological vineyard" project begins

The Pompeii Archaeological Park and the Tenute Capaldo Group have launched a public-private partnership project to revive the winemaking tradition of ancient Pompeii. The initiative includes planting vineyards with native varieties within the archaeological area and the future construction of a winery dedicated to "Pompeian wine." The first harvest marks the operational launch of the project.

Terre Cevico strengthens its ties with the local community through Cesena FC

A delegation from Cesena FC visited the Terre Cevico headquarters in Lugo. The Romagna-based cooperative group, the team's top sponsor, has approximately 1,000 members and sells its wines in 90 countries. The collaboration aims to strengthen the relationship between wine, sport, and the local area.

Agricola Marrone opens its doors during the Truffle Fair

In La Morra, in the heart of the Langhe UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agricola Marrone offers hospitality experiences linked to the Truffle Fair. An example of how winery, local area, family, and food and wine tourism can become part of a single experience.

Theft at a Barolo cellar: approximately 3,000 bottles stolen

An organized group stole approximately 3,000 premium bottles from a Piedmontese winery in just a few hours, using the company's own equipment. The incident highlights the growing need to protect cellars, warehouses, and stocks of high-value wines.

I Parcellari experiments with winemaking with less movement

For the 2023 Piemonte Sauvignon Parcella 602, produced in 4,008 bottles from a 1.5-hectare parcel, I Parcellari uses the Vinooxygen system. This container allows fermentation, clarification, and stabilization to take place in the same tank, limiting racking and handling and allowing for greater oxygen control and a reduction in sulfites.

ITALIAN WINE AND ITALIAN OENOLOGY

2026 Harvest: Extreme Climate, but Good-Quality Grapes

Heat, drought, and intense weather events have affected the growing season, prompting some wineries to bring forward the harvest and experiment with systems to protect the grapes from high temperatures. Despite the climatic difficulties, several accounts report healthy grapes of interesting quality.

In Emilia-Romagna, Confagricoltura reported a harvest with overall excellent quality and production close to the previous year's levels, despite heavy losses in areas hit by hail.

DOC Colli Berici: new regulations and greater production flexibility

Changes to the Colli Berici DOC regulations have come into force. Among the main changes are the expansion of the ampelographic base for the Bianco and Rosso wines and the possibility of using pergola training in new and replanted hillside vineyards. The permitted varietal composition for Colli Berici Rosso has also changed.

Valtènesi focuses on rosé as an element of identity

Winemaker Mattia Vezzola revitalizes Valtènesi's vocation as Italy's leading rosé region. His vision focuses on considering rosé not as a complementary product, but as a wine with a distinct production and territorial identity.

At the same time, cultural work continues to overcome some stereotypes about rosé: it is not simply a cross between white and red, and it should not necessarily be considered exclusively a summer or aperitif wine.

Low-alcohol: Orvieto looks to low-alcohol wines

The topic of low-alcohol wines is increasingly becoming a topic of discussion in Italian winemaking. In the Orvieto area, the possibility of developing wines with lower alcohol content, even around 7%, is being explored as a response to changes in consumption and the growing focus on lighter products.

Wine tourism: the challenge is to transform it into a real tourism product

According to Dario Stefàno, president of the Lumsa Center for Wine and Olive Oil Tourism Studies, the new regulatory framework represents a step forward, but a more structured strategy is needed. The goal should be to transform wine tourism from an ancillary activity of the winery to an organized, measurable, and marketable tourism product.

The international success of wine also comes from the territories

A study based on data from 1,091 exporting Italian wineries analyzes the role of territorial ecosystems in wineries' ability to compete in international markets. The central hypothesis is that geographic proximity, relationships, and concentration of expertise can contribute to the export performance of even small and medium-sized companies.

Winemag Guide 2027: Award-winning wines and wineries announced

The 2027 Winemag Guide awarded Italian Winery of the Year to J. Hofstätter and Italian Wine of the Year to Cesarini Sforza's Trento DOC Aquila Reale Riserva 2015. Cantina del Taburno was named a Revelation Winery, while Valentina Cubi received the award for organic production.

Gambero Rosso previews the 50 "Rare Wines"

The Vini d'Italia 2027 guide previews a selection of 50 labels produced in limited quantities, including those from small vineyards, old varietals, and unique winemaking projects. The guide is scheduled for release on October 25th.

Sparkling Special 2026 Italy

Falstaff selected 35 Italian sparkling wines for the “Sparkling Special 2026 Italia” tasting, evaluating them according to the international 100-point system.

Trentino and Alto Adige in a comparison of guidebooks

The new wine guides show differing results for Trentino and Alto Adige. Trentino's Trentodoc is one of its main strengths in the awards, while Alto Adige also receives numerous mentions in the still wine categories.

Counterfeiting: Bottega draws attention to reputational damage

Following the seizure in Venice of counterfeit products used in the preparation of spritz, Sandro Bottega highlighted the risks that fraud can pose not only to individual brands, but to the overall image of Italian products on international markets.

The Grandi Marchi Institute honors Daniele Cernilli.

The Grandi Marchi Institute has awarded Daniele Cernilli its recognition dedicated to leading figures in wine communication. He is the first Italian to receive the award, given for his contribution to the dissemination and international promotion of Italian wine culture.

INTERNATIONAL AND MARKETS

Wine and health: the European debate on alcohol consumption continues.

The European Parliament's Health Committee has approved a text on the implementation of the European Beating Cancer Plan, which, according to the Italian Wine Union, introduces a more explicit distinction between alcohol consumption and harmful consumption.

The European debate remains open on particularly sensitive issues for the sector: health warnings, commercial communications, advertising, sponsorships, and prevention policies.

The wine sector is therefore closely monitoring regulatory developments, considering the potential consequences for wine communication and marketing.

WINE EVENTS AND WINE TOURISM

Bardolino – 95th Grape and Wine Festival

Bardolino celebrates the 95th edition of the historic event dedicated to the wine and traditions of Lake Garda. Five days of tastings, shows, music, and cultural initiatives are scheduled, with over 30 food and wine stands and approximately 1,000 volunteers involved.

Valtènesi – “Profumi di Mosto” turns 25

On Sunday, October 4th, 24 wineries in the Valtènesi and Brescian Riviera del Garda will open their doors for the 25th edition of "Profumi di Mosto." Nine itineraries will include tastings, producers, landscapes, and a look at the appellation.

Milan – The MonteNapoleone Harvest

The 17th edition of "La Vendemmia" returns from October 5th to 11th, an event that brings together wine, luxury, hospitality, and dining. Boutiques, hotels, and 24 Milanese restaurants will be participating in tastings, cocktails, and gastronomic experiences.

Corciano – Wine Castle

From October 2nd to 4th, the Umbrian village hosts the 14th edition of "Corciano Castello di Vino," featuring tastings, meetings, music, culture, and insights. The program also includes the Umbrian Wine Summit and meetings with industry leaders.

Sicily – Autumn in the Cellar

From October 3rd to 25th, IRVO is offering seven events at seven Sicilian wineries. The initiative will span across various regions of the island, from Etna to the Nebrodi and Madonie mountains, with the aim of extending wine tourism beyond the traditional summer season.

Rosignano Monferrato – Harvest in Art

The 31st edition of "Vendemmia in Arte" returns on October 3rd and 4th, an event that brings together wine, grape harvest, truffles, cuisine, crafts, art, and the historic infernot of Monferrato.

Siena – Between Villages and Cellars

Nine events are scheduled in the province of Siena from October 1st to November 26th. Each evening will bring together a village, a restaurant, and a winery, showcasing DOC and DOCG wines, local cuisine, and traditional products.

Bairo – Book and Wine

On Sunday, October 11, Cantina 366 will host “Book and Wine,” an experience that combines literature, music, walks among the vines, and tastings of wines and local products.

Pinzolo – High Altitude Hospitality

On November 11th, the Paladolomiti will host a new event for mountain professionals. The focus will be on hospitality, catering, new technologies, artificial intelligence, and tools for navigating the winter tourism season.

Vittorio Veneto – Olive Oil Tourism

A 5.6-kilometer walk dedicated to Veneto DOP olive oil is planned for October 17th, with visits to oil mills, tastings, and a lunch at a farm. This is an example of integrating agricultural production, local culture, and experiential tourism.

Dogliani – Truffles and Langhe Cuisine

With the arrival of autumn, Cucina Decanto offers a gastronomic journey dedicated to truffles and Piedmontese cuisine, highlighting the relationship between food, wine, and the region.

Pescarolo – Wine and Culture at the Linen Museum

The "Calici di Lino" initiative brought tastings to the Linen Museum, creating an original connection between wine, history, and textile tradition. The success of the first edition opens the door to further initiatives.

THE WEEK'S SYNOPSIS

Today's news shows a sector that is progressively expanding its boundaries.

Wine is no longer just a vineyard, a cellar, and a bottle. It is increasingly becoming a system that encompasses the region, tourism, restaurants, culture, innovation, sustainability, communication, and the ability to create experiences.

At the same time, several strategic issues are emerging: climate change is altering vineyard and harvest management; consumer habits are changing; there is a growing interest in rosé and lower-alcohol wines; wine tourism is becoming an increasingly important economic component; and the protection of denominations and brands is taking on increasing importance.

For Italian wineries, the challenge will therefore not only be to produce good wine, but to build a recognizable identity around it, an attractive terroir, and an economic model capable of competing on Italian and international markets.

Today's wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT.

See you tomorrow.