Italy wine industry manages harvests and experimental viticulture

Various Italian wine regions are currently engaged in diverse viticultural activities, ranging from traditional harvests to scientific experimentation and cultural festivals.

In Abruzzo, the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo has completed the first experimental harvest of 18 Piwi varieties at the Cosimo Ridolfi Technical Agricultural Institute in Scerni. This multi-year project evaluates the resistance of these varieties to fungal diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew, aiming to identify suitable cultivars for the regional registry.

In the Valtènesi region and the Riviera del Garda Classico, the harvest has begun slightly earlier than last year. While grape quality and maturity levels appear high, total quantities are expected to be slightly lower due to high temperatures and recent climatic events.

Cultural and tourism initiatives are also underway. The Movimento Turismo del Vino is organizing ‘Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia’ in Abruzzo and Umbria, allowing visitors to participate in vineyard tours and tastings. In Veneto, Diesel Farm is hosting events at its Marostica estate, while the Umbria Wine festival in Perugia is set to showcase regional enological culture through art and tastings.

Additionally, in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG area, producers continue to utilize specialized cableways to manage the steep, heroic slopes during the harvest process.