Bi-Weekly Wine Industry Roundup
Prominent Stories
Prosecco DOC Strengthens U.S. Presence with Retail Expansion
The Prosecco DOC Consortium expanded its U.S. distribution footprint during National Prosecco Week 2026, confirming June 15–21 as the event dates. The U.S. accounts for 23.8% of total Prosecco DOC exports, with 667 million bottles produced in 2025. The consortium now partners with over 2,000 retail locations across 20+ states, marking an 11.2% increase from 2024. Major chains including Albertsons and Vons participate alongside culinary festivals in New Orleans and Aspen, solidifying Prosecco's position as a top imported sparkling wine in America. Prosecco DOC Expands U.S. Distribution During National Week
Consorzio Asti DOCG Approves Rosé Sparkling Wine Category
Consorzio Asti DOCG approved a rosé category for Asti DOCG, allowing blends of 70–90% Moscato and 10–30% Brachetto grapes. The new product can be bottled 30 days post-publication and offers styles from sweet to extra brut. Initial production is estimated at 5–10 million bottles, following the consortium's 2023 bureaucratic process. The change eliminates minimum bottle weight requirements, signaling sustainability efforts alongside market flexibility. Consorzio Asti DOCG Launches Rosé Sparkling Wine
Cross-Cutting Trends
Leadership Transitions in Wine Regions
New Zealand Winegrowers named Anishka Jelicich as CEO, effective July 2026, returning from Pernod Ricard where she was Global Director for Responsible Marketing & Sales. Her appointment ends Philip Gregan's 43-year tenure as leadership shifts reflect global market adaptation. In Italy, Villa Sandi appointed Diva and Leonardo Moretti Polegato as vice presidents and board members, representing the fourth generation of family leadership for the $150M Prosecco producer distributing to over 130 countries.
AI and Sustainability Integration in Vineyard Management
CropX Technologies launched CropX Vision, an AI tool that lets vineyard growers assess water stress with a single photo, available on Android and iOS. Meanwhile, Slow Wine US Tour engaged over 750 trade and media professionals across San Francisco, Austin, and New York, highlighting sustainable wines from U.S. and Italian producers with a focus on biodiversity and fair practices. Both developments address increasing environmental pressures through technological and sustainable solutions.
For Operators
CropX Vision: Vineyard management tool for real-time water stress assessment through AI technology, helping optimize irrigation decisions and resource use.
Prosecco DOC National Week 2026: June 15–21 retail promotions across 2,000+ U.S. locations, offering co-marketing opportunities for retailers and restaurants.
Volcanic Wines Certification: New Volcanic Origin certification by Vinora association for niche volcanic wines, with conference exposure at June 10 event in NYC.
L'Angolo Estate's Resilience Wine: Limited Pinot Noir supporting mental health education, priced at $38, launching May 1 through direct channels and select retailers like Zupan's Markets.
What to Watch
National Prosecco Week 2026 (June 15-21): Major U.S. retail and restaurant activations, including influencer partnerships and festival events.
Volcanic Wines International Conference (June 10, NYC): 5th International Volcanic Wines Conference featuring producers from Etna, Santorini, Hungary, and Canary Islands.
EU Fab 6 Cocktail Recipe Initiative: Digital "Premières Côtes de Bordeaux On The Rocks" booklet reimagining Bordeaux wines as cocktail ingredients, targeting hospitality and retail.
