Tag Archives: wine-tasting

Austrian Cooperage Creates First Wood and Stone Barrel

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For more than 90 years, the Schön cooperage in Lower Austria has been creating the perfect vessels for fermenting and ageing fine wines from carefully selected wood. But the world of wine is changing, and with it, consumer tastes. Powerful flavours and tannins are no longer as sought after – fruitiness and freshness are the new standard. A challenge for cooperages that has only just been solved with Schön’s invention of a patented ‘hybrid barrel’ made of both wood and stone.

Manuel Schön (29) is himself part of the younger generation of wine enthusiasts who appreciate precise fruit and fine aromas. He and his sister Jennifer are the fourth generation to run the Schön cooperage, whose traditionally crafted barrels are sought after by winemakers worldwide. But Manuel Schön did not want to rest on his laurels despite having nearly a century of barrel making craftsmanship in the family. And so, he developed a new wooden barrel that would take these contemporary wine styles into account while incorporating the undisputed qualities of ageing in wood.

Schön isn’t reinventing the wheel – just his wine barrel
After several years of hard work, Schön has found an innovative answer to one of the burning questions in the wine industry with his ‘hybrid barrel’. His latest patented creation is a barrel that combines the advantages of the classic wooden barrel with the stylistic influence of alternative vessels such as clay amphorae, concrete eggs and stone containers.

The barrel: a duet of wood and stone
After an extensive development and testing phase, including with project wines from young winemakers in 2024, the Schön family’s patented ‘hybrid barrel’ is now ready for the market. Classic oak staves are combined with stone slab bases. This creates a novel ageing process that guarantees a unique aroma profile. The barrel combines two materials that have been used in winemaking for centuries but are rarely associated with each other.

The wood
For the wood used in the staves, the Schön cooperage uses oak from Austria, France, Germany or Croatia. The wood is gently toasted at 140 °C / 284°F, then the first layer is removed to provided structure to the wine without any intrusive notes.

The stone
The bottom of the hybrid barrels is made of stone slabs: with regional considerations in mind, slate and granite were chosen. “Stone is the calming element. It hardly lets any oxygen through, does not require toasting and allows the wine to settle in peace. It brings clarity, sometimes even a subtle saltiness,” explains Manuel Schön.

The combination of wood and stone is tailor-made according to each customer’s requirements. Various types of wood, toasting and stone are available. When the influence of the wood diminishes, the hybrid barrel can be re-covered: the wooden body is renewed, while the stone remains. An approach that reflects Schön’s sustainable and resource-saving philosophy.

The result: a new style for modern wines
The special features of the hybrid barrel are easy to recognise: the barrel allows for more reductive ageing, as the stone slabs allow significantly less oxygen to pass through than wooden bases. This results in wines that are fresher and clearer in expression but still offer the desired aromas from wood ageing.

The barrique-sized hybrid barrel costs around €1,200. Due to the use of stone, it weighs 88 kilograms, which is around a third heavier than a conventional 225-litre barrel.

The future: rethinking craftsmanship
“The hybrid barrel in its current form is just the beginning,” explains Manuel Schön. “We are already receiving enquiries for barrels with marble inserts or even fermentation tanks with concrete lids. It’s great to see how we can bring a breath of fresh air to our craft as we move into the future.” The possibilities are almost limitless, and a wide variety of materials can be used.

www.schoen-austria.com

About Schön GmbH

For over 90 years, the Schön family has been synonymous with quality craftsmanship in the cooperage trade. Founded in 1933 by Johann Schön, the family business in the village of Sitzenberg-Reidling is now run by the fourth generation, Manuel and Jennifer, together with their father Gernot Schön. The company combines traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology: high-quality wooden barrels and fermentation tanks are manufactured to strict quality and hygiene standards. With around 85% of its production exported to more than 15 countries, the cooperage has become a recognised partner to wine producers throughout Europe.

Alto Adige Wines Returns to the US With a Series of Engaging Masterclasses

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The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines is coming back to the U.S. with an engaging series of masterclasses in San Francisco and Los Angeles in March, followed by Chicago and Houston in June, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of Italy’s most dynamic fine wine regions. Each session will pair curated tastings with expert-led educational seminars, showcasing Alto Adige DOC’s diverse grape varieties, remarkable terroirs, and signature balance of precision and elegance.

The series will open in San Francisco on March 23 with Vanessa Conlin, award-winning Master of Wine and educator, presenting “Alto Adige Wines: Alpine Wines for Bold Plates” . Hosted in a steakhouse setting, the seminar will explore the versatility of Alto Adige wines across a menu spanning seafood, light sauces, and grilled steaks. Featured grapes include Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Pinot Nero, Lagrein, Cabernet, and Merlot.

On March 25 in Los Angeles, Matthew Kaner, esteemed sommelier and 2019 Wine Enthusiast ’40 Under 40′ winner, will present “Alto Adige: Timeless Wines Shaped by the Dolomites,” highlighting young and aged examples of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Pinot Nero to illustrate the region’s aging potential and aromatic depth.

In Chicago on June 1 and Houston on June 3, top sommeliers Rachel Lowe and Brandon Kerne, MS will guide attendees through seminars titled “Alto Adige: Timeless Wines Shaped by the Dolomites” and “From the Dolomites to the Lone Star Plate,” respectively. These sessions will demonstrate how Alto Adige’s wines can pair with diverse menus, from delicate seafood to richly flavored steaks, reflecting the region’s broad stylistic range.

Eduard Bernhart, Director of the Consorzio Alto Adige Wines, commented: “The U.S. is a key market for Alto Adige, where wine professionals and consumers alike are eager to discover Italy’s most distinctive regions. These masterclasses allow us to showcase the diversity and elegance of Alto Adige DOC wines, while also highlighting the important work of the Consorzio in promoting our members, protecting quality, and communicating the unique stories behind every bottle.”

The series aims to give participants an in-depth understanding of Alto Adige’s geography, climate, and traditions, showcasing the region’s distinctive Alpine excellence balanced with Mediterranean warmth. Attendees will taste wines that reflect the soul of Alto Adige DOC: a harmonious expression of place, diversity, and winemaking craft.

About Consorzio Alto Adige Wines

The Consorzio Alto Adige Wines was formed in 2007 to promote and strengthen the image of the wines from Alto Adige. One of Italy’s smallest wine-producing regions, Alto Adige is also one of its most multifaceted. Twenty grape varieties are cultivated on vineyards stretching from Mediterranean-influenced valleys to Alpine hillsides, tended by individual growers, small family-wineries, and cooperatives alike.

WINE PARIS 2026:A CHANGING GLOBAL DRINKS INDUSTRY

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Wine Paris is undergoing significant growth, restructuring and development to keep pace with changing consumption patterns. The 2026 event will feature three distinct events: Wine Paris, Be Spirits and Be No all under one roof, showcasing the expanding spectrum of both alcoholic and no-alcohol beverages. This major trade show marks its commitment to driving progress the sector, responding to global changes and supporting industry transformation.

Wine Paris  has established itself as a flagship event, attracting producers and buyers from around the world. The 2026 edition will feature over 6,000 exhibitors from 60 countries and welcome more than 60,000 visitors representing 155 markets. New national and regional pavilions will be introduced, including Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Cyprus, Turkey, New Zealand, Bulgaria and Germany.

The United States ranks among the top five exhibiting nations at Wine Paris 2026, recording a 40% increase in exhibition space compared to 2025, nearly 5x growth since 2023. U.S. participation will feature national pavilions led by the California Wine Institute, Napa Valley, Oregon Wine Board and Washington State Wine Commission, alongside a diverse range of leading U.S. producers and importers, reflecting the depth and diversity of American wine expertise. This surge underscores the growing importance of the U.S. market and its commitment to international collaboration within the Vinexposium ecosystem.

Launched in 2020, Be Spirits has emerged as one of the most creative and innovative showcases at Wine Paris. In 2026, it will bring together over 300 exhibitors from 39 countries (versus 34 in 2025). For 2026, it becomes a standalone event, mirroring its growing international scope, with national pavilions and exhibitors representing Scotland, Japan, the United States, Ireland and Australia – and for the first time, the Philippines, Monaco, Madagascar, Panama, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

This momentum is driven by a strong mix of international leaders, rising craft distilleries, and premium mixer brands. The United States will feature a dedicated pavilion for the first time, led by Imex Management, with producers from Virginia and North Carolina. Canada also strengthens its presence with the Groupe Export Canada pavilion and new participants such as Nasdrow.

Anchored by immersive formats like the Infinite Bar and Be Spirits Stage, Be Spirits has built its own signature brand centered on mixology, expertise and innovation. The product range continues to expand to beers, ciders, sakes and RTDs, reflecting evolving consumer habits and a more diverse drinks culture.

Be No is a major addition for 2026, serving as Vinexposium’s new B2B hub for no-alcohol beverage alternatives. Responding to a rapidly growing global market with double-digit growth, Be No will be attended by 12 countries from Europe to Australia. Be No is establishing itself as an international platform supported by participation from leading brands such as Moderato, Noughty from Thomson & Scott or French Bloom. To guide and inspire in this evolving market, Be No Talks will debut in a new 45-minute format, encouraging interaction and the exchange of ideas. Be No completes the new product segment at Wine Paris 2026, offering a clear structure for a rapidly changing drinks industry.

Vinitaly 2025 Official closing facts and figures

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Republished from April 2025
Vinitaly 57th edition closeds April 9 2025 at Veronafiere with total attendance of 97,000 and a percentage of international professionals rising to 33% of total: more than 32,000 arrivals from over 130 countries, posting an overall increase of 7% compared to last year’s event. In particular, even more buyers arrived from the top three target markets for Italian wine: United States (+5%), Germany (+5%) and the United Kingdom, leaping forward by 30%, while China posted a downturn (-20%).
There was also very positive feedback in Europe, from France (+30%), Belgium (+20%) and Holland (+20%). Switzerland (10%) and Japan (+10%) also performed well. Attendance from Canada and Brazil was stable. This result is all the more significant given the context complicated by increased tariffs in the US and geo-political tensions.
Vinitaly and the City, the off-show event specifically for wine lovers staged in the historic centre of Verona, itself saw more than 50,000 tasting tickets sold, the same figure as for 2024 despite being one day shorter.
For the first time ever, two European Commissioners also made official visits to Vinitaly: Christophe Hansen (Agriculture and Rural Development) and Olivér Várhelyi (Health). Vinitaly also welcomed several Italian authorities: the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Enterprise and “Made in Italy”, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Moreover, ICE Trade Agency contributed to the development of the incoming plan for international professional operators.
“Vinitaly 2025 closes as a successful edition where the world of Italian wine again expressed a sense of unity and ability to react, even in the face of initial difficulties associated with the introduction of US duties,” said Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. “Verona has confirmed its status as the European capital of wine, thanks not the least to visits by two EU Commissioners, who announced new and effective initiatives to support the supply chain during Vinitaly, together alongside ministers and broad institutional attendance in Verona during the event. A very positive signal at a time when clarity, cohesion and strategic vision are vital. Vinitaly also consolidated its bonds with the United States: After its debut in 2024, the event returns to Chicago 5-6 October 2025 for the second edition of Vinitaly USA. Italian wine has clear ideas as regards this market: continue building a solid and long-lasting relationship with American consumers, who have always been in the forefront of the success of our exports.”
“Vinitaly comes through as a solid brand capable of providing the world of wine with a system-level response to the international scenario,” as the General Manager of Veronafiere, Adolfo Rebughini, explained. New features at this year’s Vinitaly included the debut of Vinitaly Tourism, the format specifically focused on wine tourism, and the inclusion in programme of emerging trends, such as No/Lows, RAW Wine and amphora wines. These initiatives further enhance the trade fair experience, thereby confirming Vinitaly as an event that not only listens to and snapshots sector but also one that anticipates its trajectories. Vinitaly, today more than ever, is a strategic asset in times of such far-reaching changes. Top quality professional operators and exhibitors satisfied by busy meeting agendas highlight the central role of the event in listening to markets and promoting Italian wine on a global scale.”
The next Vinitaly is scheduled 12-15 2026 April 2026.

Prowein 2025 vs. Wine Paris, rising competition?

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Republished from April 2025
Many wine professionals expected a business contraction hitting the famous German wine trade-show after its 2024 edition, in favour of the growing rival Wine Paris. The latter’s, visitors figures rising sharply (47,000 for Prowein compared to 41,250 for Wine Paris in 2024).
An operation comparison can be done and seems apparently unfavourable to Prowein Düsseldorf, for instance offering uncomfortable entry access and rising accomodation prices. Nevertheless, Prowein 2025 went relatively well for many producers.
Alessio Fortunato of Conti Zecca, Italy, said that “Prowein is always an exhibition worth participating, although in recent years attendance is shrinking.”
Many wine professionals noted that Prowein’s business matching program seems smart, but unefficient and in need of development. Vinitaly’ business app woks much better, on a comparison.
Overall Prowein 2025 was a trade-show worth attending, especially considering the weight of Germany in the European wine market, but revealing big room for improvement in many aspects and in need to do so, else suffer from other competing events, such as Vinitaly and Wine Paris.

Vinitaly 2025 How did it go

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Republished from April 2025
Vinitaly 2025 kicked-off its 57th edition in Verona setting forth the view that Italian wine is ready to face global challenges in its industry and market. This year’s trade-show had 97,000 attendees from over 130 countries and 4,000 exhibiting companies, reassessing itself as a driving force in the wine world. Despite a 20% drop in visitors from China, the overall international presence remained robust. Over 30,000 foreign buyers attended, including 3,000 from the United States, confirming the U.S. as the main market for Italian wine, moreover so considering possible new tariffs.
Vinitaly is organised by Veronafiere (Verona’s trade-show company). Its president, Federico Bricolo, emphasized Vinitaly’s commitment to supporting institutions and businesses abroad. Upcoming initiatives include a promotional event at the Italian Embassy in Washington, targeting U.S. lawmakers (vs. tariffs) and reinforcing ties ahead of the second “Vinitaly USA” meeting in Chicago next October.
However, talks had also difficult subjects such as tariffs, regulatory bottlenecks, and the future of NoLo drinks. Vinitaly 2025 was both a platform of excellence and an arena for worries, strategies, and opportunities regarding the future of Italian (and global) wine.
One of the most debated issues this year was the impact of newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Italian wine. According to Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of the Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), American distributors are refusing to absorb the extra cost, leaving Italian producers under pressure to maintain shelf prices or risk market loss.
The estimated is of around €323 million/year, affecting nearly 480 million bottles. Frescobaldi urged Italian companies to hold on and called for overall sacrifice across the supply chain, including retailers and logistics partners. He also appealed to the Italian government to set forth diplomatic initiatives at the EU level to prevent a repeat of the French scenario in 2020, where similar tariffs led to a 28% drop in wine exports to the U.S.
Faced with this pressure, the urgency for market diversification is growing. While the U.S. remains a pillar of Italian wine exports(accounting for 24% of Italian wine exports), relying too heavily on this export market is a dangerous weakness. Encouragingly, Vinitaly 2025 showed that buyer attendance from the UK surged by 30%, while Belgium and the Netherlands saw increases of 20% each, and Japan and Switzerland rose by 10%. These signals confirm growing demand from countries with mature and premium-oriented consumer bases, offering Italian producers new growth paths beyond the Atlantic.

Now a paragraph on the so-called “No-Lo” (No and Low alcohol) drinks. First of all, to any wine-lover, gourmet and wine expert they cannot be considered as “wine”.
WINE, by definition, history, production method and terroir HAS ALCOHOL!
A certain range of % alcohol.
No-Lo products, therefore, cannot be classified as wine, whatever the marketing and sales propaganda may say or invent. No-Lo may be good dinks and successfully appreciated products, but cannot be considered as wine (and I would suggest nor labelled as such).
That clear, the No-Lo new segment drew major attention at this year’s Vinitaly for its growth potential. Globally, the market is projected to reach $3.3 billion by 2028, led by the U.S. which holds a 63% market share. In Italy No-Lo drinks represent just 0.1% of sales (fortunately). Producers of NoLo expressed frustration over tax ambiguities and space separation rules that make domestic production practically impossible until at least 2026. As a result, leading Italian brands are outsourcing dealcoholization (an industrial process manipulating wine and altering its alcoholic nature, turning it into another drink) abroad, hurting competitiveness and innovation.
Unfortunately, there are several wine producers in Italy and abroad that, thinking to sell more liquid or trying to straighten their languishing economic performances, embrace the NoLo new dogma and turn advocates of these drinks produced from wine alteration. Calls for a clear legal framework intensified during the exhibition, as industry leaders pushed to unlock investment and protect early adopters from reputational risks.
The risk of this industry approach, to me, is to commit business suicide, as NoLo drinks do not necessarily have to possess wine’s unique characteristics and qualities, such as terroir, heritage, history, alcohol. In other words NoLos can be produced more easily than wine, by anyone, anywhere and their input could easily become poor quality wine, reprocessed industrially as a decent NoLo drink, but de facto substituting wine itself. Current wine producers themselves could be easily substituted by big food companies or conglomerates, producing NoLo similarly to soft-drinks. Perhaps in aluminum cans… What would be the cost to the wine industry of such a trend, if successful? I believe it is easily imaginable. Odd is, that wine producers themselves are pushing for this scenario, instead of defending their product, their companies and the future of their families. NoLos will certainly not require so many producers, globally, as currently is for wine as an industry; a few big global players will suffice. And Big drink industry companies know that. Consumer interest seems surging. According to UIV’s Observatory, Italian consumers are increasingly drawn to No-Lo drinks for health, safety, and curiosity, especially among younger buyers. With new regulation, this niche could become a (deadly and suicidal) diversification channel for Italian wineries.

One of the most encouraging signals at Vinitaly 2025 came from the wine tourism sector. The new “Vinitaly Tourism” format and a landmark report by the Movimento Turismo del Vino and CESEO highlighted how wineries are adapting to experiential trends and regional identities.
Italian wine tourism is no longer limited to tastings. Across the country, especially in central and southern regions, wineries are offering yoga in vineyards, vineyard cycling tours, wine festivals with live music, and even art workshops among the vines. Tuscany and Umbria lead regions with premium experiences. Wine tourism is evolving fast and has become an essential driver for brand loyalty and market differentiation. As Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini, president of MTV, stated: “Differentiation is the key to meeting the needs of the contemporary wine tourist. It’s no longer about just showing the cellar, it’s about creating memories.”
For the first time, two European Commissioners visited the fair, signaling its growing policy relevance. With new trade negotiations and regulatory reforms upcoming, Vinitaly is an industry exhibition where the future of Italian wine is being shaped.

Consorzio Asti DOCG 2024 results

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Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti production is positive, with total bottles for 2024 surpassing the 90 million mark, which is in line with the previous year’s performance. This is reported by the Consorzio Asti DOCG, which compiled the production and sales data for the world’s most important DOCG in the aromatic wines segment.

Leading the results is Moscato d’Asti, which closes the year with over 33 million bottles, showing double-digit growth, particularly driven by demand from the United States, Italy, and increasing consumption in the Far East (South Korea and China). The bottling of Asti Spumante shows a slight decline, but exports remain stable (-0.8% volume in the first 9 months of 2024). Shipments to Eastern Europe are on the rise, with Latvia (+5%) and Russia (+49%) accounting for over a third of total exports during this period; the United States shows a slight decrease (-2%), while the United Kingdom grows by 10%.

“We can be satisfied,” said Stefano Ricagno, president of Consorzio Asti DOCG. “Despite market uncertainties, these results show that consumption trends are increasingly focused on low-alcohol products both in Italy and abroad. Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante are naturally low in alcohol, and so they are both traditional and modern at the same time, able to capture new trends like those seen in cocktails, which are now found in every corner of the world.”

“The strength of this denomination lies in the potential of the supply chain,” commented Lorenzo Barbero, Senior Vice President. “It allows us to produce and market our wines, penetrating more and more international markets, confirming that our denomination is appreciated worldwide.”

The Moscato Bianco grape, which is the basis of the Asti DOCG denomination, is cultivated in 51 municipalities in the provinces of Alessandria, Asti, and Cuneo, covering around 10,000 hectares within the UNESCO World Heritage wine landscape. Currently, there are 1,013 consortium member companies, divided among 50 sparkling wine houses, 778 wineries, 153 winemaking businesses, 17 wine producers, and 15 cooperative wineries. 90% of the production is exported.

About Consorzio Asti DOCG

The Consorzio per la Tutela dell’Asti is an association that unites all the members of the value chain of the “Asti” controlled and guaranteed designation of origin: from the individual grape growers or vintners’ co-ops to winemakers, spumante makers and bottlers. The production area controlled by the Consorzio extends for 9,900 hectares, includes 51 communes, three provinces (Alessandria, Asti, and Cuneo) and it is cultivated by over 6,800 winemakers. Today, their wine production has reached a total of 102 million bottles, 60 millions of Asti Spumante and 42 of Moscato d’Asti; 90% of which is exported abroad.

George Clooney to produce and sell French wine

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Hollywood actor George Clooney is about to release French wine from the Provence estate he originally acquired in 2021, reports claim. According to local newspaper “Var Matin”, Clooney will release a wine from his Domaine du Canadel estate (set between Marseille and Saint-Tropez) that he acquired with his wife, and which already had a small vineyard of around 4 hectares. The Domaine has vineyards, a lake, olive groves, a swimming pool and tennis courts, making it a golden retreat in South France. The garden is said to be one of the most stunning in Provence.
Before this latest news, it was understood the grapes were sent to the local cooperative, where they were blended with those from nearby properties. Hence, there was no specific wine brand associated to Domaine du Canadel until now.
Wine consultant Laurence Berlemont is reportedly working with Domaine du Canadel. He previously worked at the Pitt-Jolie’s Miraval estate until 2015, and also at George Lucas’ Château Margüi estate. A Hollywood stars’ winemaker!
According to the newspaper, lovers will be able to buy in spring a rosé and a white associated with the appellation Var Coteaux Varois en Provence from the vineyards of the Canadel estate in Brignoles. Such vineyards are planted mostly with Vermentino.
The 2023 cuvée is expected to be the first on sale. The release has been a carefully guarded secret, but buzzes arose as George Clooney and his wife Amal have been spending more time at the estate in recent months. The paper quotes Berlemont, who claimed that Clooney had taken part in blending sessions. She reportedly stated: “He gives us his thoughts, he’s got a good palate, he’s a very humble person.” Moreover, Berlemont claimed the label will be called “La Bastide Saint-Georges”.
A review of American movie stars property in Provence lists alongside Clooney’s: Pitt-Jolie’s Château Miraval, (nearby Domaine du Canadel, between Aix and Cannes), John Malkovich and his wife’s estate in Vaucluse, George Lucas’ neighbouring “Skywalker Vineyards” at Château Marguï.
George Clooney is acquainted with the drinks industry, having sold his super-premium “Casamigos Tequila” brand to Diageo in 2017, for an amazing amount: US$1bn; plenty of cash to fund the purchase of Domaine du Canadel and its wine business.

Update regarding Château Miraval
Clooney’s wine news come as the long running clash over the ownership of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Château Miraval continues. Most recently, Pitt preserved a 60/40 split in his favour, while the final decision on proprietorship is up for negotiation.
Pitt and Jolie bought Miraval together before their marriage, with the former owning 60% and the latter 40%, but when they tied the knot, Pitt gave another 10% to his partner (hence balancing ownership). The paper cited an anonymous source that said: “For now, he retains a 60/40 (split in the estate). He keeps control in this way until probably another year, or more.” The matter has risen after Pitt argued that he should have a controlling share in the vineyard following Jolie’s sale of her shares to Russia vodka magnate Yuri Shefler, owner of Stoli.

Vinitaly joint promotion throughout 2024

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At the end of 2023, Vinitaly’s call to institutions and wine companies was as follows: develop a shared promotion strategy for international markets and foresee their evolution, streamline resources with a view to positioning and new business opportunities in a geopolitical and economic context with several challenges and uncertainties.

This was a guideline inspired by a unity of purpose emerged during the opening session discussing “Export Maps. Vinitaly’s efforts to promote the internationalization of Italian wine. Focus on USA, Asia and Eastern Europe” based on the sector check-up presented by the head of the UIV-Vinitaly Wine Observatory, Carlo Flamini. The Observatory’s estimated a drop in 2023 turnover compared to 2022 (-2.9%). According to the report, the downturn in operating overheads following the partial reduction in energy and raw material issues was not enough to protect the fundamental aspects of a sector which, like others, is suffering in particular from doubled interest rates as well as an increase in insolvency rates in the Horeca sector and a declining market which is having an impact on stock costs. In this regard, the Uiv-Vinitaly Observatory estimated a less drastic than expected end of last year set against the hypothetical scenario of a global recession.

The recipe Veronafiere envisaged in the strategic business plan for 2024-2026 is to strengthen Vinitaly all the more as a business vehicle, not the least in collaboration with ICE Trade (public) Agency, on behalf of a sector where promotional activities are historically fragmented into too many initiatives.

As farv as the next Vinitaly tradeshow (14-17 April 2024) is concerned, the objectives of top management at Veronafiere particularly highlight the increasingly international traction of buyers and the consequent renewal of the percentage of foreign operators attending the event, which was achieved for the last edition (31.8 %), as well as the growing impact of qualified domestic demand. The qualitative-quantitative selection of international demand will also move forwards, even through Show Previews, i.e. “buyer hunter” promotional events for Vinitaly which began in Lugano at the end of October followed by a world tour (until March 2024) taking place in Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, Sweden and the UK. At the same time, international B2B trade fairs and events are also planned. After the Vinitaly-IWE event in Chicago last October 2023, we had on November 16th Vinitaly Wine Vision by Open Balkan, where the “Italy Area” is being coordinated by the Vinitaly trade fair brand and ICE Trade Agency, and will continue in March with Vinitaly USA Roadshows in Houston and New York (4-7 March) and Vinitaly China in Chengdu (17-19 March).

After Vinitaly itself in Verona (14-17 April), Veronafiere’s 2024 international promotion calendar for Italian wine returns to Shenzen with Wine to Asia (9-11 May), Vinitaly China Roadshow, Wine South America (3-5 September) and Vinitaly Canada Roadshow (Toronto and Montreal), while Vinitaly USA in Chicago is confirmed 12-14 October 2024.