A complicated 2024 is coming to a close for the Italian wine market. A difficult year for many companies. Due to the crazy weather, grape production across the peninsula has been heavily affected, affecting the timing of the harvest that is ending in October. According to estimates, the 2024 harvest will be in the range of 41 million hectoliters, up slightly on 2023, but far from the optimal target for companies of 43-45 million hectoliters. The market watchword will be the same as always: less quantity, but good quality, excellent in many cases. On the other hand, the quality of wine made in Italy remains the real strength, even if it grapples with some problems today. Among the thorniest is that of prices, which have risen over the past two years despite the calming action of large-scale distribution. The result is that the sale of still wines in large-scale organized distribution, the main outlet for the sector, has decreased by 1.4%. Giving vintners a breather is exports, which closed the first half of the year with a positive sign ahead of volumes (+2.4%) and value +3.20%. A total of 10.6 million hectoliters crossed the border, worth about 3.9 billion euros. The boost to exports comes once again from the sparkling wine sector, which pulled the sprint with 11% growth, a figure that rises to 13% for Prosecco, the most popular product in the United States, the leading market for Italian wine.