Guide

Exporting Friulian Wines: Opportunities for Udine Wineries

July 23, 2026

The province of Udine, in the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, boasts a viticultural heritage of great value, ready to be showcased on international markets. Udine wineries, built on centuries-old traditions and diverse production, are now facing the export challenge with the goal of winning over new consumers. This article explores the specific characteristics of the territory, exemplary appellations, logistical and documentary hurdles, and concrete opportunities for companies seeking to expand their global presence, with a focus on the support offered by Wines Export. In-depth: Federdoc — National Confederation of Italian Wine Consortia.

What are the main appellations and typical wines of the province of Udine?

The Udine territory is renowned for several Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) zones. Among these, Collio Goriziano stands out (with areas also in the province of Udine), known for aromatic whites such as Friulano and Pinot Bianco, as well as elegant reds. The Colli Orientali del Friuli offer wines with character, both white (Friulano, Ribolla Gialla) and red (Refosco, Merlot). The vast Grave del Friuli area produces fresh and mineral wines, with Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, and Merlot among the most representative.

These appellations, along with high-quality table wines, create a diversified portfolio. The presence of indigenous grape varieties like Refosco and Friulano, alongside international ones such as Merlot and Chardonnay, allows wineries to meet a wide range of international demands, offering distinctive enological excellence.

Friuli Wine: Udine Wineries Export Guide, editorial photograph

How many Friulian wineries are export-ready, and what historical examples exist?

The province of Udine hosts a significant number of wineries, from small family-run businesses to more structured companies with a consolidated export vocation. Wines Export's network includes several Udine wineries, a testament to the territory's productive vitality. Historically, companies such as Vinicola Udinese S.p.A. have already demonstrated export capabilities to markets like Switzerland, Germany, the USA, and Australia, earning significant recognition. Other entities, such as Azienda Agricola Cantoni and Azienda Agricola Villa Sospisio s.r.l., both in the DOC Grave del Friuli area, boast a long history and accolades for the quality of their wines, highlighting a deeply rooted export tradition.

What are the main opportunities and challenges for Udine wineries looking to export?

Opportunities for Udine wineries lie in the quality and diversity of their wines, the excellent reputation of Made in Italy, and the growing interest in European wines in emerging markets. Support from entities like ICE Agency facilitates entry into foreign markets. Challenges include high international competition, the bureaucratic and documentary complexity specific to each country, managing logistics and transportation to ensure perfect product conservation, and the essential identification and qualification of buyers to minimize commercial risks.

Vineyard and Italian wine

What documents are essential for exporting wine from Italy?

To export wine from the province of Udine, a series of universal documents must be prepared, supplemented by specific requirements for each destination country. Essential documents include the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Transport Documents (Bill of Lading, Air Waybill/CMR), and Insurance Certificate if applicable. EORI Registration is mandatory for EU exporters. Depending on the market, an Certificate of Origin, a Health Certificate, or the VI-1 form for the EU may also be required. Consulting ICE guides or your shipping agent is crucial for defining the complete documentation list.

How does Wines Export support wineries in the province of Udine in their export endeavors?

Wines Export positions itself as a strategic partner for wineries in the province of Udine aiming for international expansion. Leveraging a network that includes several Udine wineries, we offer in-depth knowledge of the territory's export potential. Our B2B service helps companies overcome bureaucratic, logistical, and commercial barriers, facilitating contact with qualified importers worldwide. We support wineries at every stage of the export process, from negotiation and documentation to delivery, acting as a bridge to global success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most representative indigenous grape varieties from the province of Udine for export?

The most significant indigenous grape varieties for export from the province of Udine include Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Friulano, known for their typicity and ability to express the local terroir.

Is a certificate of origin required to export Friulian wine to certain markets?

The necessity of a certificate of origin for exporting Friulian wine depends on the destination country; it is a document that may be requested for specific markets outside the European Union.

What are the main historical target markets for wines from the province of Udine?

Historically, wines from the province of Udine have found markets in countries such as Switzerland, Germany, the United States, and Australia, demonstrating consolidated international penetration capability.

Wineries in the province of Udine possess significant potential to establish themselves in international markets. Wines Export is the ideal partner to transform this potential into concrete success, offering comprehensive export support.

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