Lazio Opens Funding for Wine Exports

The Lazio regional government has opened a new round of funding to help wine producers promote their products in markets outside the European Union, setting a June 22 deadline for applications and offering grants that can cover up to 50% of eligible costs.

The measure, announced on May 21 through a regional administrative order, applies to the 2026/2027 campaign and is part of Italy’s national strategic plan for the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023-2027 in the wine sector. The program is aimed at wineries based in Lazio and is designed to strengthen the competitiveness of the region’s wine industry while helping producers enter new markets, diversify sales channels and consolidate existing export destinations.

According to the notice, the money can support projects carried out either within Lazio or across multiple regions. Eligible activities include public relations, promotion and advertising that highlight wine quality, food safety and environmental standards; participation in international fairs, exhibitions and trade events; information campaigns focused on quality schemes such as protected designations of origin, geographical indications and organic production; market studies for new or existing markets; and evaluations of the results of promotion efforts.

Companies may apply on their own, form temporary associations with other producers or join projects led by wine industry associations. Applicants can also request an advance payment equal to 80% of the approved grant, provided they submit a bank guarantee, or choose reimbursement after completion of the work.

Projects must run for one year. For projects that receive an advance, promotional activities may begin on Oct. 16, 2026 and must end by Oct. 15, 2027. For projects without an advance request, the deadline is Aug. 30, 2027.

The initial budget for the 2026/2027 campaign is set at €1.4 million. Of that amount, €1.1 million is reserved for advances on regional projects and €300,000 for advances on multiregional projects led by Lazio or involving Lazio wineries in projects led by other regions.

Applications must be submitted by June 22 through the SIAN digital platform, which Lazio has adopted for the administrative management of promotion projects. The region said applicants must use only that online system to file their requests.