Stati Generali del Vino (Wine Estates General) of Pollenzo (2026)
Date of the event:
The Stati Generali del Vino (Wine Estates General) are an initiative for discussion on the Piedmontese wine sector, convened on Friday 30 October 2026 at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo by Cia Agricoltori Italiani (the Italian Farmers' Confederation) of Piedmont and Aosta Valley. The meeting brought together institutions, the research community, trade bodies and producers from across the region, with the aim of setting out planning looking at least ten years ahead [1][2].
The speeches
The proceedings were opened by Gabriele Carenini, regional president of Cia Piedmont and Aosta Valley, who described a difficult phase for winemaking, marked by falling consumption, changing consumer habits, international geopolitical tensions and climate change, pointing to the need for new forums for discussion and a medium- and long-term vision [1][2].
Tiziana Sarnari, head of the Geographical Indications Office at Ismea (the Italian institute for agricultural and food market services), gave an overview of the sector: Italy retains world leadership in wine production and in export volumes, but faces a structural contraction in global consumption and production, with growth in white wines, sparkling wines and geographical-indication products, and competitive pressure on mid-range wines. For Piedmont, Italy's second region by economic value of Geographical Indications, worth about 1.8 billion euros, Sarnari pointed to wine tourism, experience-based offerings, direct sales and communication aimed at younger generations as levers for the future [1][2].
Michele Fino, a lecturer at the University of Pollenzo, outlined the potential of Assisted Evolution Techniques (Tea) to make winemaking more resilient, as well as the subject of de-alcoholised and low-alcohol wines and ongoing trials in Piedmont. Fino argued for educating consumers towards mindful drinking, summed up in the phrase «drink less, but better» [1][2].
Domenico Mastrogiovanni, Cia's national head for the sector, said the industry must respond to the current uncertainty with the capacity to adapt, summed up in the phrase «What's needed is not revolution, but innovation». He highlighted the importance of the Wine Package promoted by Cia, the development of wine tourism within shared territorial strategies, and the opportunities offered by the reform of Geographical Indications [1][2].
Sources
- Stati Generali del vino: “Serve innovazione” (FOTO) — Obiettivo News, 1 November 2026
- Stati generali del vino, CIA Piemonte disegna la mappa per il futuro del settore: “Non serve la rivoluzione, ma l’innovazione” — IdeaWebTv, 2 November 2026