Wine Press Review – Saturday 31 May 2025

Welcome to the daily press review dedicated to the world of wine. Let's discover together the most relevant news of today, including events, trends, policies, curiosities and sector analysis.

TERRITORY AND CELLARS

Urban vineyards in Italy: a hidden heritage among the cities

There are 157 urban vineyards registered in the world, of which 32 in Italy, distributed in 15 cities. Venice leads with 7 urban vineyards, followed by Rome (4) and Bolzano (3). This is what emerges from the “World Urban Vineyards Atlas”, presented at the National Day of Wine and Oil Culture in Rome. Urban vineyards not only contribute to urban regeneration and the landscape, but also have a strong social impact, involving cooperatives and wine tourism activities.

Ronchi Varesini celebrates 20 years of IGT

On Saturday, May 31st, at Tenuta Tovaglieri in Golasecca (VA), the event to celebrate the IGT Ronchi Varesini denomination will take place. Tastings, meetings with producers and insights into the territory will characterize the event, with a tasting ticket of 25 euros for 7 glasses paired with 7 finger foods.

120 years of Cantina Ottella: art, wine and tourism

Founded in 1905, Ottella celebrates 120 years in the heart of Lugana. Today, with over a million bottles produced and a presence in 35 countries, it combines contemporary architecture, tourist hospitality and winemaking tradition.

EVENTS AND AWARDS

Cesenatico and Montiano toast the weekend

The Cesenatico Wine Festival and “Montiano Divino” return to celebrate Romagna wine with tastings, street food and music. The “Vita Balera” festival closes in Savignano sul Rubicone.

First Borgo Teresiano Wine Festival in Trieste

The traveling wine festival in the center of Trieste was officially presented. Tastings, cultural itineraries and collaborations with theater, golf and tourism to promote the wines of the Carso.

Wine Oscars 2025: Trentino Alto Adige on the Shield

Bibenda awards the best Italian wines. Four awards to Trentino Alto Adige: Giulio Ferrari 2015, Beyond The Clouds 2021, Moscato Rosa 2022 and Terminum 2022.

MARKETS AND TRENDS

Italian Wine in 2025: Sustainable, Digital, Authentic

In the post-pandemic period, Italian wine is evolving: e-commerce, young consumers and sustainability are driving the change. Transparency and the connection with the territory are now determining factors in purchasing choices.

Global Market: 16 Billion in the Next 5 Years

According to IWSR, the value of alcoholic beverages will grow by 34 billion dollars in 10 years. Focus on emerging markets such as India and attention to new global dynamics despite a decline in volumes.

Young people and alcohol content: the ideal wine? 11.5°

An IWSR survey reveals that consumers between 18 and 34 years old prefer light wines, with alcohol content around 11.5°. The trend is led by France, the USA and export markets in search of drinkability and moderation.

China, a Potential Wine Giant

Per capita consumption remains low (about 0.5 liters/year), but with 680 million liters consumed, China is already among the top ten markets. If consumption were to increase even slightly, the impact on the global market would be enormous.

INSTITUTIONS AND INITIATIVES

Michele Bernetti confirmed as president of Imt Marche

The owner of Umani Ronchi will continue to lead the Consorzio vini Marche. A third of the Board of Directors has been renewed. Strategic focus: quality, flexibility of supply and post-crisis recovery Moncaro.

Prosecco Doc: protection extended in Africa

The Consortium obtains GI recognition in the 17 OAPI countries and registers the brand in Kenya. Legal protection consolidates the global leadership of Prosecco, which in 2024 reached 660 million bottles.

Emilia-Romagna relaunches with “pop-rock” style

The region is aiming for a young and modern image to promote its wines. 21 million euros have been allocated for investments, renovations and integrated tourism promotion.

Wine Business Program 2025: Registrations Open

The Consorzio Italia del Vino, with Luiss Business School, launches a free program to train 20 young talents. An opportunity to enter the wine world with managerial skills and an international vision.

PRODUCTION AND SUSTAINABILITY

Alcohol-free wines: simplification decree approved

The Ministry of Agriculture signs the new DM that rationalizes the production of (partially) dealcoholized wines. Doubts remain on the excise duty regime. Federvini welcomes the initiative.

Vineyard Defense: Part “Your Choice”

Bayer launches the third edition of the format to support winemakers in phytosanitary defense, with attention to territorial differences and direct dialogue between experts and operators in the field.

CRITICAL ISSUES AND DEBATES

WHO: “Wine is too cheap. We need to tax it”

The document Too cheap to ignore blames the accessibility of alcohol in Europe. The WHO calls for higher taxes to reduce health damage. In October the summit on non-communicable diseases.

No to minimum prices for wine: Frescobaldi says

The president of Unione Italiana Vini rejects the French proposal on the minimum price: «It would penalize producers and hinder the market».

Pfas in wine: levels 100 times higher than water

Pan Europe report denounces the presence of trifluoroacetic acid in 39 recent wines analyzed. Pfas derive from the degradation of pesticides and refrigerants. Regulatory intervention is needed.

CULTURE AND WINE

“Wine by the glass? A wasted opportunity”: Eric Asimov’s critique

The famous New York Times critic denounces the trivialization of proposals by the glass in restaurants. A well-thought-out selection, however, can attract new customers and communicate the wine identity of the place.

Alfredo alla Scrofa reopens its historic Roman cellar

After years of work, the famous Roman restaurant inaugurates its vintage cellars with over 500 labels. An exclusive place for tastings, storytelling and meetings with producers.

PERSONAGES

Vittorio Moretti and Piero Mastroberardino named Knights of Labor

Recognition from President Mattarella for two protagonists of Italian winemaking. From Franciacorta to Campania, two stories of passion, innovation and family continuity.

“Franciacorta? It’s not worldliness”: interview with Flavio Faliva

The founder of Ca' del Vént talks about his idea of wine, outside the Consortium, and his personal connection with the Franciacorta area. “Making wine was a life choice. I wanted to do it my way”.

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