Italy’s wine exports rose last year, climbing 16 percent to reach 172 million euros, a gain tracked by the Italian Agricultural Producers Association. The surge underscores Italy’s ongoing role as a major supplier to markets abroad, with wineries expanding production, logistics, and brand reach to meet growing international demand while navigating evolving trade policies.
In 2022, Italy became a leading supplier of wine to Russia, capturing roughly 30 percent of the market and surpassing rivals such as Spain and Georgia. This positioning reflected a combination of well-known Italian varietals, strategic distribution, and local demand for diverse wine styles, from affordable table wines to more premium offerings. The Russian market has historically shown a strong appreciation for Italian wines, and producers continued to explore opportunities to solidify their presence despite shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Reports indicate that more than half of Italy’s wine shipments to Russia are sparkling wines, a category with steady interest among Russian consumers and hospitality sectors. Italy’s exports in this segment grew to exceed 90 million euros, while the red and white wine categories rose modestly, reaching 81 million euros, signaling a balanced portfolio that appeals to varied consumer tastes and occasions across the region.
Earlier industry notes highlighted growth in champagne trade from Turkey to Russia, with volume increasing significantly. At the same time, Comite Champagne, the French producers’ association, noted a notable rise in French champagne sales in the United Arab Emirates and a strong uptick in spirits exports to Turkey, illustrating how luxury beverage brands continue to expand across multiple borders in a climate of shifting sanctions, tariffs, and demand patterns.
EU sanctions affecting Russia have influenced wine pricing and trade flows. Some wines now carry higher price points, reflecting the impact of policy measures in the fourth package of sanctions. In the first half of February, data cited by RBC from the Federal Customs Service showed that Russia increased its imports of wine from international sources during 2022 compared with the prior year, a trend that highlights Russia’s enduring consumer interest in wine despite broader economic pressures and regulatory changes.
Across the European and global markets, wine businesses have been recalibrating strategies to maintain supply, diversify markets, and manage currency and logistics risks. Producers are investing in brand-building, regional storytelling, and distribution partnerships to reach consumers in the United States and Canada, where demand for European wines continues to grow. The industry is increasingly focused on quality control, sustainable production, and transparent origin tracing to satisfy discerning buyers and to differentiate products in crowded shelves and online shops. These dynamics illustrate how European wine regions, including Italy, adapt to evolving sanctions regimes, trade barriers, and shifting consumer preferences while sustaining export momentum and preserving market share in important North American markets.