The 2026 grape harvest begins in Sicily: a journey lasting approximately 100 days.

"The Assovini Sicilia companies share a path of quality, innovation, and a constant pursuit of excellence, helping to enhance the territories and the people who protect them," says Gabriella Favara, president of Assovini Sicilia.
"The outlook for the 2026 harvest in Sicily is decidedly positive. The seasonal trend, characterized by a particularly rainy winter and spring, has allowed for a good replenishment of soil water reserves, favoring balanced vegetative and productive development of the vines. Furthermore, the limited pressure from pathogens and harmful insects, with a few isolated cases recorded and promptly managed, has allowed the vineyards to maintain an excellent phytosanitary condition. Even the temperature peaks recorded in July were well-managed by the plants thanks to the accumulated water availability. We expect a high-quality harvest, with wines characterized by an interesting aromatic profile and a good balance between freshness and elegance," states Pietro Pollara , vice president of Assovini Sicilia.
Recent harvest trends see the end of July marking the start of the great Sicilian harvest. International varieties, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, characterized by high acidity levels, are harvested to create sparkling wine bases as well as still wines.
"Westernmost Sicily produces Grillo as a resilient grape variety, capable of withstanding challenging climate conditions. Nero d'Avola and Perricone also show excellent vegetative growth, which, thanks to timely and rigorous agronomic management based on sustainable agriculture principles, has resisted the main pathogens, thus preserving the absolute integrity of each individual bunch," explains Giampiero Vantaggiato, agronomist at Feudo Stagnone & Cantine Birgi.
We have to wait until the second ten days of August for the first bunches of grapes from inland Sicily to be cut: Gianfranco Lombardo, owner and agronomist of Tenute Lombardo , talks about "excellent prospects for the harvest, with a rediscovered Nero d'Avola that stands out for its new characteristics and a Catarratto that, we are sure, will stand out for its elegant fruitiness."
The Ragusa area's flagship grape is Frappato, a word that encompasses the entire region, a variety that perfectly embodies the wine-terroir relationship. "The Frappato grapes, vigorous and resistant to scorching heat, offer glimpses," comment Carlo Casavecchia and Gaetana Jacono of Valle dell'Acate, "of a complex Frappato, an unusual, elegant red, in step with the times: a contemporary wine capable of pairing with the most unexpected dishes on warm summer evenings."
Still in the southeast—in Noto—the extreme heat, according to Gionata Pulignami , technical director of the Zisola winery, is being overcome "thanks to the expert bush-training of the vines. The lack of a structure, in fact, allows the circulation of cooler air currents and sea breezes." Looking ahead, the forecast is for a vintage that will once again highlight and emphasize the unique style of this corner of Sicily.
The hills of the Faro DOC create a unique corner of Sicily. Facing north and the Strait of Messina, they boast a microclimate particularly suited to viticulture, thanks to the "Strait" winds that create unique conditions for the development of high-quality production of the native Nocera and Nerello Mascalese grape varieties.
" The high temperatures have had only a minor impact on the quality of our vines, which enjoy excellent health and provide excellent conditions for winemaking. " — Gianfranco Sabbatino, co-owner of Le Casematte.
Alongside the Faro DOC, the Mamertino DOC expresses Messina's winemaking tradition through grape varieties such as Nocera and Nero d'Avola. " We're being cautious and monitoring developments over the next few weeks. It will be important to understand how the Nocera varietal, particularly sensitive to high temperatures, will react ," says Antonio Grasso of Feudo Solaria.
An island within an island, the Sicilian archipelagos represent a case of diversity and uniqueness that complement the highly complex Sicilian landscape: " The forecast for Salina, in the Aeolian Islands, is positive and exciting, the result of a season that has found a perfect balance for all the typical varieties of this area, starting with Malvasia, which will bring a very high level of quality, and wines with remarkable aromatic complexity and freshness. " — Pietro Colosi, winemaker at the Colosi winery.
Regarding Pantelleria's flagship grape, Zibibbo , "the rising temperatures have not compromised its excellent performance, but have favored a particularly balanced sugar-acid ratio. From the earliest coastal areas to the later mountain districts, a staggered harvest will occur, which will also allow for perfect winemaking management, achieving quality production. " — Gianfranco Giacalone, agronomist at Cantine Pellegrino.
This journey will conclude with the harvest of Etna grapes, a long harvest schedule that will end in the volcano's vineyards between mid-September and late October, with possible extensions until early November.
Altitude and temperature ranges are key elements in preserving the grapes' complexity. " Favourable climatic conditions and the continental climate of Europe's highest volcano allow for a harvest of healthy Nerello Mascalese and Carricante grapes, with good aromatic expression and an interesting balance between phenolic ripeness and acidity. These are the unique and decisive elements that distinguish Etna's production ," says Salvatore Rizzuto , winemaker at Gambino.