Wine Press Review | Saturday 17 May 2025

Economy and Wine Markets

Italian Export: February 2025 marks a slowdown in volumes

After an excellent start in January, the Italian wine sector slowed down in February 2025, although it remained positive in value (3.6%, 1.19 billion euros). Volumes fell by -1.7% (316.8 million liters). Sparkling wines grew slightly (4.5% in value), but the trend slowed. The United States confirmed its leading role with 20.5% in value. Germany, the United Kingdom and France showed signs of weakening, while Canada and Switzerland remained positive.

US tariffs: between unknowns and strategies

Italy risks more than 323 million euros per year due to US duties at 20%, according to the Unione Italiana Vini. The sector looks with concern at the American market, which represents 24% of Italian wine exports. Despite this, interest remains high, as demonstrated by Vinitaly data and the influx of US buyers.

98 million for the promotion of wine in third countries

MASAF has published the new OCM Vino call for the 2025/26 campaign. Absolute novelty: the procedure will be entirely digital. Over 98 million euros to support the promotion of Italian wine in non-EU markets. Deadline for submission of applications: 14 July 2025.

Events and Competitions

Tuscany: in San Gimignano the Best AIS Sommelier 2025

On Sunday, May 18, during the “Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest”, the regional finals for the title of Best AIS Sommelier of Tuscany will be held. 11 candidates from Florence, Versilia, Pistoia and Livorno will compete.

Pinot Noir d'Italia: The Best 2022 Awards in Alto Adige

In Egna, on the occasion of the Alto Adige Pinot Noir Days (16–18 May), a jury of experts decreed the best Italian Pinot Noir of the 2022 vintage. The event reaches its 27th edition, with a rigorous selection managed by the Laimburg Institute.

Cantine di Verona & IUSVE: storytelling of wine with young people

The project between Cantine di Verona and the Salesian University Institute of Venice-Verona begins. One hundred students are working on a photographic project work dedicated to the visual narration of the six brands of the Scaligero wine group.

Wine Tourism and Culture

Cantine Aperte 2025: wine, innovation and hospitality

“Cantine Aperte” returns on May 24 and 25, with over 300 participating wineries throughout Italy. Activities include: wine tours, tastings, artistic events, and wellness. In Tuscany, there will be exhibitions, yoga in the vineyard, vintage tractors, games for children, and hiking with tasting.

Donnafugata surprises with “Pizza & Vino”

On Sunday 25 May, the historic Sicilian winery Donnafugata is offering a new format: pairings of gourmet pizzas with its "Insoliti Rossi" wines from Vittoria, including DJ sets and masterclasses.

Trentino: Maso Poli between art and wine

Multisensory experience at Maso Poli with tastings, walks in the vineyards and a visit to the work “Terra e Cielo” by Marco Martalar.

Vineyard Holidays: 10 Experiences Not to Be Missed

Food and wine tourism is now worth 40 billion euros in Italy. 77% of Italian tourists visit places where wine is produced, with tastings in cellars among the most memorable experiences (26%).

Tradition and Territory

Weekend Festivals in Friuli Venezia Giulia

The third weekend of May promises to be a festive one among the villages of Friuli, with 10 unmissable festivals: wild asparagus, grilled meat, fried frogs, crafts and folk music enliven the territories.

Tenute Orestiadi: where art meets wine

The first contemporary art museum is born in Gibellina inside a cellar. The initiative, signed by Tenute Orestiadi and curated by prof. Stefano Pizzi, celebrates the Sicilian identity in the name of beauty.

Piamborno: the Lanzato cellar rediscovered as a museum

Great success for the reopening of the historic cellar of the Bignotti family in Valle Camonica, now a museum space. A piece of the history of Lombard wine comes back to life thanks to the association “Raccontando Piamborno”.

Innovation and Sustainability

Wine in Cocktails: Creativity or Waste?

Wine is making a strong entrance into mixology. Wine-based cocktails are gaining popularity in trendy venues, although the debate between purists and innovators remains open: is it a way to attract young people or a cultural impoverishment?

Wine Vending Machines: Lessons from France

Self-service wine dispensers are growing in the French countryside. Innovation and tradition merge to facilitate direct purchases from producers. In Italy, the phenomenon remains marginal, but with potential to be explored.

Regional Focus

Abruzzo hosts the National Convention “Women of Wine”

From May 15 to 18, the region celebrates the role of women in the wine sector with an event full of meetings, tastings and visions for sustainable and inclusive agriculture.

Sicily: Positive Prospects for Table Grapes

Colleroni (Siracusa) closes a successful participation in Macfrut 2025, focusing on traditional and seedless grapes. The island's fruit and vegetable exports confirm their growth.

Consortia and Institutions

Consorzio Valpolicella: 4 million revenue in 2024

The 2024 balance sheet of the Consorzio Valpolicella shows a growth of 6.3%, with 75.5% of revenues reinvested in promotion. 70 events, 27 international disputes managed (especially in China and Scandinavia), and a clear push to protect and enhance the brand.

Lambrusco & IGT bands: the Democratic Party intervenes

The Democratic Party clarifies its position on the controversial labeling of Emilia IGT wines: "It is right to guarantee traceability without misleading simplifications".

Communication and Campaigns

“Keep calm and drink Italian wine”: the new campaign in restaurants

Promoted by Coldiretti, Filiera Italia, Fipe and Campagna Amica, the campaign raises awareness of responsible consumption. On “Restaurant Day” (May 17), menus with QR Codes for digital breathalysers will debut, in favor of road safety and the culture of good drinking.

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