Vino novello 2026 arrives on the shelves on Friday 30 October: from one minute past midnight that day, wine shops, cellars and supermarkets across Italy can put it on sale. It's the date set by law, and this year it falls on the eve of the Ognissanti (All Saints') long weekend. For anyone who loves an autumn day out, it's the perfect chance to taste the first wine of the harvest right where it's made.
When does vino novello come out: the 30 October date
Until 2012, novello made its debut on 6 November. A decree that year brought the release date forward to 30 October, which has applied every year since. The same rule sets out the other requirements: a minimum strength of 11 degrees, bottling by 31 December of the harvest year, and production allowed only for DOP and IGP wines whose specifications permit it.
What is vino novello, and why it isn't just "new wine"
The two are often confused, but they're not the same thing. "New wine" (vino nuovo) is simply the latest vintage, made using traditional methods. Novello, on the other hand, is defined by how it's made: at least 40% must come from whole grape clusters fermented through carbonic maceration, sealed in vats saturated with carbon dioxide for one or more weeks.
The result is a ruby red wine with violet highlights and aromas of strawberry and raspberry — fresh and immediate. Unlike French Beaujolais Nouveau, made solely from Gamay grapes, Italian novello can be produced from dozens of different grape varieties. That's why every region produces one with its own distinct character.
How to choose vino novello: what to look for on the label
- Percentage of carbonic maceration: the higher it is, the fruitier and more immediate the wine will be.
- Denomination: look for the DOP or IGP mark and the area of origin.
- Serving temperature: between 14 and 16 degrees, slightly chilled.
- When to drink it: young, within a few months of release. This isn't a wine for ageing.
Where to taste vino novello: three autumn day trips
Trentino, Teroldego from the Piana Rotaliana
In the eighth season of Una gita fuoriporta with David Romano, we explored the Valsugana, amid lakes and mountains. Moving towards the Piana Rotaliana, between Mezzocorona and Mezzolombardo, you'll find Teroldego, the grape variety that symbolises Trentino and one of the grapes used for the novello of these valleys. In autumn, the valley-floor vineyards turn red and gold beneath the rock walls: a walk among the vine rows and a stop at a cellar are the best way to taste it.
Umbria, the Colli del Trasimeno
On TV we followed the "I Borghi più Belli d'Italia" cycle route around Lake Trasimeno. The hills around the lake are also wine country, home to the Colli del Trasimeno denomination. At this time of year the light on the water is soft and golden: a cycle or walk through Castel Rigone, Passignano and Città della Pieve, followed by a glass of young red with a lake view.
Marche, the Fiera di San Martino in Grottammare
In the Marche, novello accompanies the approach of San Martino's Day. In Grottammare, on the Riviera delle Palme, the Fiera di San Martino takes place on 10 and 11 November. Inland, meanwhile, there's Monte San Martino, the village famous for the Mela Rosa (pink apple) of the Monti Sibillini: an heirloom fruit best enjoyed in autumn.
San Martino 2026: "every must becomes wine"
Novello opens a season that culminates on 11 November, the feast of San Martino, which falls on a Wednesday this year. Tradition tells how Martin of Tours shared his cloak with a poor man, and fine weather returned straight away: hence the estate di San Martino (St Martin's summer), the few days of mild weather that often arrive in mid-November. The old saying also recalls that it's precisely in these days that must turns into wine, which is why in so many villages the feast is celebrated with roasted chestnuts and young wine.
The advice is simple: make the most of the first weekend of November for a trip to a winery, and keep the 11th free for a toast. And to choose your next destination, you'll find all the episodes of Una gita fuoriporta to watch on demand on our website.
Frequently asked questions about vino novello
When does vino novello 2026 come out?
Vino novello can be sold from 00:01 on 30 October 2026, which falls on a Friday this year.
What's the difference between vino novello and vino nuovo?
Vino nuovo is the latest vintage produced using traditional methods. Novello must be made with at least 40% carbonic maceration, which makes it fruitier and ready to drink straight away.
How long does vino novello last?
It's a wine meant to be drunk young, within a few months of release. It must be bottled by 31 December of the harvest year.
At what temperature should vino novello be served?
Between 14 and 16 degrees, slightly cooler than a traditional red.
When is San Martino's Day in 2026?
San Martino's Day is celebrated on 11 November, which falls on a Wednesday in 2026.
Drink responsibly and, before setting off, check the dates and opening times of fairs and wineries on their official channels.