ITALY HARVEST UPDATE 2025

The first figures for the 2025 harvest in Italy have been released by the three official Italian bodies: Assoenologi, Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), and the Istituto di Servizi per il Mercato Agricolo Alimentare (ISMEA). Although the harvest is still underway, these estimates are generally considered to be highly reliable.

The 2025 vintage comes as a quantitative improvement in 2024’s numbers, which in turn in itself was a much-needed increase compared to 2023’s Peronospora-plagued vintage. 2025’s 46.2 million h/L represents an 8% increase compared to 2024’s 44 million h/L and a 2% increase compared to the average taken over the last 5 years. Generally speaking, quality has reportedly been very good across the board.

The degree of growth in production ranges across Italy. In comparison with 2024, the South drives the strongest gains (+18%) where, thanks to water reserves accumulated in spring, the southern regions were able to handle the June and August heatwaves well. In the North, production is also up, though less dramatically and Central Italy shows a slight decline overall (-3%).

Autumn and winter were mild, with above-average temperatures and abundant rainfall in Central and Northern Italy, building up solid water reserves for the growing season. Spring saw frequent rain, especially in Central-Northern regions and Sardinia. Summer conditions once again proved decisive. Two intense heatwaves (late June–early July and mid-August) drove temperatures very high, especially in Central and Southern Italy. After Ferragosto (mid-August), storms cooled Central and Northern regions and brought some scattered strong rainfall, winds and hail in some areas. In September, temperatures rose again. Ultimately, this alternating weather has favoured grape ripening.

MAJOR GROWING REGIONS

(% difference compared to 2024 harvest) [% difference compared to 2020-2024 5-year average]

Piedmont (+5%) [+7%]

A balanced season. Abundant rainfall early on built up good water reserves, followed by a hot, dry June and warm August. There were no real extreme events, though June was particularly warm. Downy mildew pressure was high in spring but quickly contained, but warm conditions favoured grapevine moths in Barbera areas and Lobesia botrana in the Langhe. Harvest began 7–10 days early; quality looks very good, especially for Nebbiolo.

Valle d’Aosta (+8%) [-25%]
Summer conditions we’re optimal; a hot and rainy June followed by dry conditions in July and August with no extreme heat. Very few issues with pests and diseases. Harvest started early (mid-August for whites, late September for Nebbiolo). Outstanding quality expected.

Lombardy (+15%) [-8%]

A mild and rainy winter was followed by favourable conditions in spring that ensured good vegetative growth. The heatwave in June, the rain in July, before a hot August with strong day-night shifts boosted quality. Yields are good and quality is excellent across key areas.

Trentino-Alto Adige (+9%) [-3%]
A mild and humid winter lead to early bud break. In summer, ripening occurred in fine fashion thanks to sunny and warm days, while the diurnal range in July and early August helped maintain optimal acidity levels. Both red and white varieties show strong quality. Harvest started mid-August, continuing through mid-October; yields high and healthy.

Veneto (+2%) [+2%]
A mild winter was followed by a rainy spring with moderate temperatures until the start of summer, which saw the occasional heatwave. The need for spraying and vineyard management due to wet conditions was below the average. Disease pressure was mostly under control; there were some cases of grey rot with the early ripening varieties. White grapes were picked slightly early, reds more in line with average. Quality deemed generally good.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia (+10%) [-2%]
Variable conditions characterised the growing season. After a hot June, a cool and rainy July followed, before a warm August with regular rain. Harvest started about a week earlier than normal. Areas with poorer-draining soils possibly struggled with the wet conditions so late into summer. Some botrytis problems in wet areas, but overall ripeness and yields are good, in line with recent years.

Liguria (=) [-2%]
Winter was cold and rainy, replenishing water reserves. Spring saw varied weather, but thanks to the region’s unique microclimate and skilled vineyard management, vines entered summer in excellent condition. A spell of intense heat from late June through July brought an early start to harvest. Despite the challenges of drought and heat, yields are in line with or just below last year, with quality expected to be very good.

Emilia-Romagna (=) [=]
A warmer-than-usual winter triggered early bud break, increasing frost risk. Rainfall exceeded the long-term average, leading to smaller berries more sensitive to rot, though downy mildew pressure was low. Black rot caused some issues, while Esca disease remains widespread. Summer heat delayed veraison, but optimal diurnal range supported ripening and aroma development. Harvest began in late August; grapes are healthy and of excellent quality.

Tuscany (-13%) [+7]
Winter and spring rains built up water reserves. May brought outbreaks of downy mildew, effectively controlled once conditions dried in June. Powdery mildew appeared locally in late June but remained limited. Summer was hot, with two heatwaves in July and August, but vines avoided major stress thanks to earlier rainfall. Some sunburn and shrivelling occurred in August, though late rain and cooler weather helped even out ripening. Harvest began a week earlier than in 2024. Yields are slightly below last year, but red grapes in particular show excellent concentration and balance, pointing to a very promising vintage.

Umbria (+10%) [+20%]
Spring rainfall and mild April conditions encouraged early, even bud break. May alternated between heat and storms, with some localised hail damage, while June conditions were perfect. July was cooler and rainier, with marked diurnal shifts. Disease pressure was present but limited. Quality is strong across both whites and reds.

Marche (+18%) [+7%]
A warmer and wetter spring than 2024, followed by a hot, dry start to summer. Heavy July rainfall brought some relief, while August alternated between heat and storms, with localised damage from hail. Early bud break was followed by a slight delay in ripening, meaning harvest started around a week later than average. Good diurnal shifts preserved acidity and aroma. Grapes are healthy, with well-formed clusters and no major disease or stress. Quality is judged excellent to outstanding.

Lazio (+5%) [+9%]
A wet January replenished reserves after a dry end to 2024. March was warm and humid, ensuring uniform bud break but also causing some localised downy mildew. April rains complicated vineyard work, while June and July were very hot later eased by late-July storms. August brought wide diurnal ranges of up to 15°C. Harvest started in mid-August and the vintage is prospectively positive.

Abruzzo (+25%) [+7%]
Following a difficult 2024, conditions were much more favourable this year. Winter snow and rainfall provided good water reserves. Hail damage was minor and disease pressure minimal. Large day–night temperature swings during ripening enhanced aroma development and structure. Harvest began in late August with Trebbiano and Pecorino. Both yields and quality are excellent.

Molise (+25%) [+27%]
Winter was stable, and spring brought mild conditions with steady rainfall. Summer was hot, with occasional rain. Disease pressure was low, and grapes reached maturity in excellent health. If this weather trend continues, both quality and quantity will be high.

Campania (+13%) [+20%]
A mild winter with below-average rainfall was followed by early bud break in Irpinia and Sannio, with Campi Flegrei and Vesuvius occurring slightly later. Frost in mid-April caused some localised damage, but abundant rain in May supported the growth cycle. High temperatures in June and early July accelerated development, though water reserves prevented stress. Summer storms brought beneficial diurnal shifts, despite isolated hail damage. Disease pressure was low and grape health excellent.

Puglia (+17%) [+4%]
A well-balanced season with sufficient spring rain. Ripening was gradual, with strong prospects for Negroamaro, Primitivo and Nero di Troia. Powdery mildew required monitoring but was well contained. The sharpshooter remains a concern. Harvest started in line with average and quality looks excellent.

Basilicata (+40%) [+19%]
Mild winter and favourable spring conditions supported healthy vine growth, with only minor frost damage. Heat in late June and early July eased disease. Wildfires caused some local vineyard losses, but elsewhere productivity is expected to return to normal. Harvest timing is in line with averages. Outlook is positive, depending on autumn weather.

Calabria (+15%) [+5%]
After several difficult years, 2025 conditions proved favourable. Frost caused some losses near Crotone, but overall prospects are strong. Harvest began in early August with sparkling varieties, followed by local grapes. If conditions remain stable, both quality and quantity will be high.

Sicily (+20%) [-4%]
After two challenging years, conditions improved markedly in 2025. Winter rain replenished reserves, supporting regular development and avoiding water stress during ripening. Disease pressure was lower than in recent vintages, though leafhopper damage was noted along the coast. Mild summer temperatures slowed ripening, giving balance and uniformity. Harvest began slightly later than recent years. Quality and yields are both promising.

Sardinia (=) [-12%]
Above-average winter temperatures and low rainfall were followed by a wet spring, especially in the east, which restored reserves. Mildew outbreaks in May were managed effectively, though leafhopper presence increased. Summer heat was tempered by Mistral winds and wide diurnal swings. Hailstorms and drought in mid-August reduced yields in some areas, but overall grape quality remains high.

Source: Agea for 2019–2024 and Assoenologi, Ismea and Uiv for 2025 with the collaboration of Masaf and regional bodies as of September 10, 2025*