Italian wine sector 2026: early harvest, price drops and award wins

The 2026 Italian grape harvest is starting earlier than usual across several regions. In the Langhe, Franciacorta, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Tuscany, growers report a 7‑10 day advance due to higher-than‑average temperatures and ample winter‑spring rainfall, which have accelerated vine development while preserving good vine health. The Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG also expects a harvest about a week before 2025, with healthy vines and limited disease pressure.

Cantine Ermes, Italy’s largest first‑tier wine cooperative, began its harvest on 21 July in western Sicily and will continue for roughly 100 days across seven regions, involving over 3,000 growers and 16,000 hectares. High phytosanitary pressure and early summer heat are expected to reduce yields, though early‑ripening varieties are maturing well.

Market data from ISMEA show a notable decline in June 2026 prices for top DOC/DOCG wines: Barolo down 12.7 %, Brunello di Montalcino 5.6 %, Chianti 13.6 % and Valpolicella 27.8 %, while Etna prices rose 29.6 %.

Tenute Lu Spada’s rosé Fuocorosa earned the CMB MERIT award at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, highlighting the quality of sustainable Puglian rosés. Meanwhile, the Ardesio DiVino wine market event in Bergamo celebrated Pellegrino Artusi, featuring dozens of producers and a program of tastings, seminars and cultural performances.