Italian wine sector braces for supply‑demand imbalance ahead of 2026 harvest

Wine producers across Italy and the broader EU are confronting a prolonged surplus that has pushed prices down and left cellar stocks unusually high. Industry bodies, including the federation Federvini, argue that the market needs a coordinated response using tools introduced in the EU’s recent “Wine Package.” Proposals under discussion range from across‑the‑board yield reductions and a temporary halt to new planting authorisations, to more extreme measures such as vineyard uprooting. Others, however, contend that cutting supply would harm growers that rely on volume and stress that expanding markets and stimulating demand would be a more pragmatic approach.

The Association of Moscato Communes, representing 51 municipalities in the Asti region, has echoed these concerns. It warns that the upcoming 2026 Moscato harvest faces uncertainty over yields and prices, urging authorities and the protection consortium to adopt balanced decisions that safeguard the economic and cultural value of the wine sector. The group calls for a shared, transparent management framework and stronger promotional efforts to revive demand for Italian wines.