Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions. Verona is located in the wine region of Veneto, one of the three regions known collectively as the Tre Venezie. Veneto is one of the most highly productive and famous wine regions in Italy, no wonder it hosts the largest wine show in the world. Founded in 1967, Vinitaly is regarded as the most important convention of Italian and foreign wines.
Vinitaly is a premier event in the Italian winemaking industry because it serves as a barometer for measuring the success of the country’s wine market. It is especially important for producers from emerging wine regions. Many wineries use it as an opportunity to present new wines and wine styles or announce new partnerships.
The highlight of the expo is the wine competition. Participating wines are grouped into several categories (sweet wines, dry wines, fortified wines, sparkling wines, etc.) and then tasted and judged by professional jury panels. Each panel consists of five members which typically includes two Italian judges, a non-Italian judge and two representatives of the international wine press.
The Vinitaly trade fair also presents awards in the field of wine journalism. They include Best Foreign Magazine, Best Young Journalist, Best Italian Journalist, Best International Journalist, and International Vinitaly Award. The last one is awarded for the outstanding contribution to the promotion of wine culture at the international level.
Along with the exhibition and competitions, the program of Vinitaly includes wine tastings, conferences and other events for industry professionals, demonstrations and masterclasses, and more. A series of special shows features leading producers, sommeliers and journalists presenting top wines to the general public. The Vitality Haute Cuisine program features prestigious restaurants and renowned chefs that offer exquisite pairings of wine and regional produce as well as refined menus for gourmets.
Photo: VINITALY
