Italy anticipates abundant 2025 grape harvest with high quality despite regional disparities and export concerns

The 2025 grape harvest in Italy began earlier than usual across most regions, confirming initial forecasts made by the Accademia Italiana della Vite e del Vino in early August. The climate has generally been favorable, though with significant regional differences. Southern regions and the islands are seeing a marked increase in production, while the Center-North is experiencing a slight decline, estimated between 10% and 20%. Despite these variations, the overall quality of the grapes remains high, with healthy vineyards reported throughout the country.

Rosario Di Lorenzo, president of the Accademia Italiana della Vite e del Vino, emphasized that final grape quality will depend on weather conditions during the last phase of ripening and on vineyard management in this critical period. He stated that a more precise report will be released at the end of the harvest.

According to Coldiretti, Italy’s 2025 wine production is expected to reach about 45 million hectoliters, an increase of over 9.5% compared to last year’s 41 million. The quality is described as ranging from good to excellent. However, Italian wine producers are concerned about export markets due to new U.S. tariffs, which have risen to 15% from 2.4%, and ongoing difficulties in finding alternative markets for wine that can no longer be exported to the United States.

In Veneto, spring temperatures were slightly above average with rainfall similar to last year and some drought episodes. Production is expected to rise by 3% to 5%, reaching around 14 million quintals of grapes. This increase is attributed to new vineyards coming into production and generally favorable weather, despite some localized storms and hail.

Friuli Venezia Giulia experienced a rainy May followed by hot and dry conditions in June and July, requiring frequent irrigation. The harvest started early for some varieties like Merlot, while others such as Glera were delayed. The first resistant grape varieties were harvested in mid-August, followed by Pinot Grigio around August 20.

In Trentino Alto Adige, a warm start to the year was balanced by a cool and rainy July, which helped maintain healthy vines. No significant hail damage was reported, allowing for even ripening of grapes. The region expects stable yields compared to previous years, with only minor decreases for certain varieties like Gewürztraminer.

The North-West regions—Piedmont, Lombardy, and Liguria—had one of the wettest springs in decades. Early-season downy mildew pressure was managed effectively. Harvest began about ten days earlier than last year. Production is expected to decrease by 10% to 15% in Piedmont and Liguria but increase in Lombardy. In Franciacorta (Lombardy), harvest is nearly complete; in Piedmont, early harvests benefited Roero Arneis while Nebbiolo and Barbera saw reduced yields.

In the Adriatic regions—Marche, Emilia Romagna, and Abruzzo—a cool spring delayed vine development but did not harm overall prospects. Many varieties such as Lambrusco and Verdicchio are expected to see increased yields; however, Ancellotta and Pignoletto suffered from poor fruit set. In Marche, July rains promoted berry growth while August sun aided ripening; local producers are optimistic for an excellent vintage after difficult years in 2023 and 2024. Emilia Romagna’s harvest began around August 10 with Pinot Nero and Chardonnay for sparkling bases; quality is reported as optimal with production similar to last year. Abruzzo also anticipates higher yields and better-than-expected quality.

On the Tyrrhenian side—Tuscany, Lazio, Umbria—a warmer and wetter winter was followed by a June heatwave. Sangiovese harvest will start in September on the coast and finish inland in October. Tuscany expects a drop from last year’s 2.7 million hectoliters to about 2.4 million but remains within medium-term averages. Organic wine production continues to grow in Tuscany, now accounting for up to 15% of total output—a 10% increase over last year. The Chianti Consortium predicts a production decrease of up to 15%, but overall volumes remain above the five-year average with higher sugar levels than last year. Umbria maintains stable high quality and quantity; Lazio’s harvest began under favorable conditions.

Southern Italy—Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria—enjoyed sunny and windy weather that promoted healthy vines and regular growth. Early grape varieties were harvested starting in early August; Puglia expects a 20% increase over last year’s output after recovering from severe losses in previous years due to disease and erratic weather. Harvest began with Chardonnay and Negroamaro grapes; Primitivo and Susumaniello follow later into September and October with Nero di Troia and Aglianico. Basilicata forecasts a quality vintage with yields up by up to 20%. Calabria anticipates a yield increase between 10% and 15%.

On the islands, Sicily’s northwest had stable weather with brief heatwaves; larger berries are expected this year along with increased production. In southwest Sicily and on Etna slopes, late budbreak and aggressive downy mildew caused losses—up to 35% on Etna—with harvest delayed and yields down by about 20%. However, losses elsewhere on the island may be less severe than initially feared.

Sardinia benefited from mild winter temperatures and spring rains that supported vine growth; only minor water stress or disease issues were reported. Production is projected up by about 5% over recent averages, especially strong in Ogliastra, Sulcis, and southern areas of the island where harvest began as early as mid-August.

Across Italy’s diverse wine regions, early signs point toward an abundant harvest with high-quality grapes despite some regional setbacks from weather or disease pressure. The main challenge now facing Italian winemakers is navigating international trade barriers as they prepare for what could be one of their best vintages in recent years.