Wine Press Review - Friday 18 April 2025

Health and Conscious Consumption

Alcohol Alert: 8 Million Italians at Risk, Binge Drinking Boom

On the occasion of Alcohol Prevention Day 2025 , the National Alcohol Observatory (ISS) launches a warning: in Italy, as many as 8 million people (aged 11 and over) consume alcohol in a way that is risky for their health. Of these, 4.13 million practice binge drinking, while 780,000 are considered "harmful consumers", but only 8% receive treatment. The most vulnerable groups: minors, adolescents, women and the elderly .

Global Market and Consumption Trends

Global wine consumption at lowest since 1961

According to the OIV , in 2024 world wine consumption fell to 214.2 million hectolitres , -3.3% compared to 2023. Weighing in: inflation, rising prices and falling demand in the main markets (primarily the USA).

The tricolour label for Italian DOC and DOCG wines is born

The Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato has introduced a new band with anti-counterfeiting technologies and QR Code , to strengthen the identity and protection of Italian wines.

Natural Wine: Clash or Rebirth?

Occhipinti and Barraco say enough to divisions

The two well-known Sicilian winemakers abandon the natural wine circuits to participate in Vinitaly . "We need dialogue, not closure" - their message to the sector.

Gabriele Da Prato: "A unique event for natural wine"

The founder of Vi.Te. proposes to reunite the natural wine sector under one large fair. "Today there are too many divisions, Vinitaly is not the enemy."

Events and Fairs

Only Wine 2025: the young producers' show

From 26 to 28 April in Città di Castello : over 150 selected wineries , masterclasses, tastings and events to celebrate the emerging excellence of Italian wine.

Wine on TV: this evening on Telelibertà, “In the Spotlight”

At 9.00 pm we will talk about wine and territory with Nicoletta Bracchi , Giorgio Lambri , Massimo Perini , Patrizio Campana and Massimo Rebecchi .

Territory, Tourism and Experiences

Südtiroler Weinstrasse: the oldest wine road in Italy

70 km through the vineyards of Alto Adige: 15 municipalities, tradition, sustainability and hospitality for every type of wine tourist.

Prosecco Hills: 5 taverns not to be missed

Between spring and Venetian flavours: discover Antica Osteria Al Forno , Enoteca Corte del Medà , Osteria senz'Oste , Alle Marcandole , Osteria La Muda .

Alghero: the temporary point of Podere Guardia Grande

A starting point in the main square of the city to let tourists discover the winery. A new model of experiential wine tourism in Sardinia.

Prosecco Spring & Easter in the cellars MTV Umbria

Events, picnics, brunches and tastings from 19 to 21 April : from Montefalco to Todi , an immersive weekend between wine and nature.

Awards & Recognitions

Giacobazzi triumphs at Vinitaly 2025

Lambrusco Grasparossa DOC secco “Giacobazzi 2” awarded in the Frizzante category. Recognition of the work of the historic Modena company.

Valtidone winery awarded in Germany

At the “Mundus Vini” the winners are Arvange Brut (gold) , Inedita , 50 Vendemmie 2023 and Julius Gutturnio 2022 (silver). Next stop: ProWein Düsseldorf .

Cosimo Capasso awarded at Vinitaly Design Award

The young winemaker from Irpinia wins bronze for his new winery on Monte Taburno , even before the first commercial harvest.

Company Focus: Identity, Quality and Sustainability

Tenuta Maryamado: Excellence in Colli Fiorentini

30 hectares of vineyards on varied soils, an agricultural patronage project led by Maryam and Emad Khashoggi , between tradition and innovation.

🏔 Petra: vision and design for the Tuscan Coast

Founded by Vittorio Moretti , the Tuscan winery aims for a “château” model with a strong identity and sustainability.

La Farra: landscape, community, wine

Founded in 1997, today it exports to 21 countries: a model of craftsmanship and respect in the heart of Conegliano Valdobbiadene.

Tenuta Solar: aperitif among the Soave vineyards

Exclusive event between food and wine and narration of the territory, with the guidance of sommelier Carol Agostini .

Cantina Monban: rebirth and memory in Conegliano

Recovered from an ancient rural nucleus of the sixteenth century, today a symbol of balance between past and future in the Prosecco Superiore UNESCO.

Books & Culture

“Villa Bucci”: the book about the legendary Verdicchio

A comprehensive story about the historic winery in the Marche region, from Ampelio Bucci 's vision to his entry into the Oniwines group.

Stories of Wine and Family

Elio and the Belisari Brothers: the return to the roots

Agri Cossignano is born, a farm in the medieval village of Cossignano (AP) , between wine and wheat, with love and authenticity.

Innovation and New Perspectives

“Komb(w)ine”: The Future of Wine is Fermented

Born from an idea by Andrea Moser and Ettore Ravizza : kombucha grape must, for a non-alcoholic drink with an oenological soul.

Wine & Pop Culture

And what wine are you? Alfonso Iaccarino is Pinot Noir

The chef talks about the elegance of Pinot Noir. The Franz Haas reserve magnum is a must-try for connoisseurs and dreamers of the glass.

Supply Chain and Investments

Calabria: advances to restructure vineyards underway

The new OCM Vino call (2025/2026 campaign) raises the maximum contribution to 80,000 euros and expands the eligible interventions.

Five Calabrian wineries to know

In the “Taste and Talk” project, the Region presents five symbolic realities of the new Calabrian viticulture . Next event: Vinitaly in the City – Sibari, 19-21 July .

Historical Curiosities

Watering down wine? Today it's heresy

From the ancient Greeks to the Romans, the custom of diluting wine had historical sense. But today, with modern oenology, it is considered a practice to be avoided.

Thanks for listening. Today's press review was brought to you by QUIDQUID . See you tomorrow with all the latest from the world of wine!