UNESCO: Italian Cuisine is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Federdoc: “An award that enhances national identity and the role of Designations of Origin in Italian culture.”

Federdoc welcomes with great satisfaction UNESCO’s decision to inscribe Italian Cuisine on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This is an exceptionally significant achievement for our country, a recognition that highlights the richness of a unique cultural system, founded on traditions, territories, shared knowledge, and a millennia-old relationship with agriculture.

This prestigious recognition recognizes the entire Italian agri-food supply chain, and we also want to highlight the contribution of wine with Designation of Origin (DOC) , an integral and inseparable part of our gastronomic identity. For decades, Geographical Indications have preserved the memory of territories, the work of local communities, and a wealth of expertise that makes Italian cuisine a culturally unique experience.

Federdoc expresses its appreciation for the commitment shown by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida , who resolutely supported the candidacy, making a decisive contribution to achieving this historic result.

“UNESCO’s decision ,” stated Federdoc President Giangiacomo Gallarati Scotti Bonaldi, “ officially confirms what Italy and the world have always recognized: Italian cuisine is a cultural heritage encompassing history, tradition, and identity. Designation of Origin wines represent a fundamental component of this, as they are an authentic expression of the regions and their capacity for preservation and innovation. We wish to thank Minister Lollobrigida for the support and vision that have accompanied this journey, strengthening our country’s role in protecting and promoting its excellence.”

Federdoc emphasizes that this title also carries a responsibility: to continue with renewed commitment to protecting and promoting Designations of Origin, a guarantee of quality, traceability, culture, and sustainability.

News on Italian wine and oenology.

Italian Wineries

BiancaVigna in the Wine Spectator Top 100

The 2023 Brut Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore has ranked 61st in the prestigious American ranking. For Elena Moschetta, it’s “like receiving an Oscar.” A rare achievement for a Prosecco and unique for the Veneto region this year.

Count Collalto: a thousand years of history and a future that’s still relevant today.

From the 958 parchment to the modern winemaking processes introduced in 1904 by Count Ottaviano Antonio. A family tradition that has shaped the evolution of Prosecco.

Valpolicella Negrar Winery: The Roots of Amarone

From the legend of the forgotten Recioto to archival evidence: the first bottle of “Amarone Extra” appeared in 1939, kept today in the cellar vault.

The Tedeschi family: Valpolicella told in Florence

A history dating back to 1630, and a winemaking process that focuses on separate vinification and a rigorous study of the hillside vineyards.

Cantine Brugnano joins Assovini Sicilia

The Partinico winery joins the association of over one hundred wineries on the island. Shared priorities: sustainability, biodiversity, generational transitions, exports, and wine culture.

Siddùra awarded Ecofriendly 2026

The Gallura winery receives the prestigious Vinibuoni d’Italia award: only six Italian companies were selected for their strong environmental commitment.

Villa Gianna Winery: Wine & Gospel to Celebrate the Founder

An emotional event, featuring music, art, and award-winning wines, in the large “La Tinaia” hall on the occasion of Giovanni Giannini’s birthday.

Terre del Barolo: a roundabout dedicated to “the hands that work the vineyards”

A symbolic work depicts hands of different colors: a message of integration and gratitude towards the international workforce that supports viticulture in the Langhe.

Cantina Falluto launches the Christmas Contest

A social initiative with prizes dedicated to the local food and wine experience: dinner, tastings, and wine selections.

Italian Wine & Oenology

Arneis on the Rise: The Roero Resurgence

In Bra, demand is growing and winemakers are starting a soil mapping to further enhance the identity and quality of native wines.

Collio: Resilience after tariffs and floods

Despite the 15% US tariffs and the damage from the November 17 flood, sales of Collio white wines remain stable. A sign of the region’s strength.

“Microbes to the Rescue” Project: Stronger Vines and Fewer Diseases

The University of Udine team wins the National Innovation Award with a microbiological solution that reduces mortality and disease in young vines.

Concours Mondial Bruxelles: Centinaio’s criticisms

The Vice President of the Senate denounces the “illogical” use of regional public funds earmarked for organizing local stages of the wine competition.

EU Wine Package: Provisional Agreement

European Parliament and Council define measures to strengthen competitiveness, climate resilience, innovation, wine tourism, and simplification of labels.

International

World Bulk Wine Exhibition 2025

The bulk wine segment shows stable values and rising average prices, despite declining volumes. It remains one of the most sensitive indicators of global movements.

Artisanal bag-in-box: the Sfusobuono case

The Piedmontese project redefines quality bulk wine: identity, craftsmanship, and a model born during the pandemic that is now attracting new consumers.

Wine and the Big Screen: Brunello Starring on Netflix

In the Jay Kelly film starring George Clooney, a party in Tuscany becomes an iconic scene in the American imagination of Italian wine.

8 Questions – 8 Answers About Wine (Germany)

A window into the tastes of German consumers: ripe Rieslings, aromatic summer whites, and local wine shops transformed into places of culture and conviviality.

Wine Events & Wine Tourism

Italy ranks first in luxury tourism

ENIT President Alessandra Priante explains why our country is a world leader in high-end travel: authenticity, artisanal care, and unique experiences.

Let’s take notes – Usini

The 24th edition of the traveling event celebrating local wines, authentic hospitality, and the traditions of northern Sardinia kicks off on December 13th.

Alto Adige Wine Road: New Board of Directors

Christian Gschnell is president, Stephan Konder and Stephan Calliari are vice presidents. The association is strengthening its leading role in regional wine tourism.

Presentation of the book “The Molecule of Civilization” by Francesco Sorelli

On December 12th in Pontassieve, the author retraces wine as a symbol of eight millennia of culture, myth, and beauty.

In Memoriam

Farewell to Luigi Cataldi Madonna

A unique figure, a philosophy professor turned to viticulture, a free and lucid voice on the transformations of Abruzzo and Italian agriculture.

Thanks for reading. Today’s wine press review is brought to you by WINEIDEA.IT . See you tomorrow for a new journey into the world of wine.

Over 100 tractors formed a large Christmas tree: a sign of unity and connection with the local area, highlighted by participation in the Valdobbiadene Food and Wine Market.

Cantina Produttori di Valdobbiadene and Val d’Oca close out 2025 with an event celebrating the strength of cooperation and the centrality of its members.

On Friday 5 December , the Wine Center hosted the lighting of the Christmas Tree , an event symbolic of the union between the production base and the commercial reality that bears the name of Valdobbiadene throughout the world.

The initiative, born from the local community for the local community, was made possible thanks to the direct involvement of the membership. One hundred and five winemakers responded to the call, participating with their tractors, equipped with cabs and flashing lights. Arranged to create the silhouette of an imposing illuminated tree, the agricultural vehicles took center stage in a moving procession that preceded the lighting.

“Our members’ presence was more than just symbolic: with their tractors, they created a Christmas tree that is the most tangible image of who we are. A company rooted in the local area, growing thanks to a shared commitment,” commented Francesco Gatto , President of Val d’Oca. “This festive moment underscores the strength of collaboration and the importance of a model capable of generating economic, social, and cultural value for the community.” Reflecting the complete synergy between the cooperative and the brand, the event saw the joint participation of company executives.

“Seeing our members so engaged is confirmation that the winery is perceived as a shared home,” emphasized Stefano De Rui , President of Cantina Produttori di Valdobbiadene, who attended the event along with Mario Piccolo, Councilor for Agriculture for the Municipality of Valdobbiadene. “The ongoing dialogue between Val d’Oca, the cooperative, the institutions, and the community is what allows us to look to the future with confidence.” Participants toasted the holidays with two of the group’s finest wines: ASO Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG and JOS Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry .

“For us, this event was not only a celebration, but also a statement of our identity,” adds General Manager Stefano Gava . “Val d’Oca lives thanks to the winery’s members, whose work daily preserves the Valdobbiadene Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The large turnout confirms our strong sense of belonging: the region is not just where we operate, but the center of all our present and future projects.”

Cantina Produttori di Valdobbiadene , one of the area’s most representative wineries with over 1,000 hectares of vineyards managed by approximately 600 members, continues its local celebrations through the Val d’Oca brand. The winery will be present at the Food and Wine Market , organized by the Municipality of Valdobbiadene in Piazza Marconi. From Friday, December 19th to Sunday, December 21st, it will be possible to taste and purchase the Prosecco Superiore wines created by the members’ hard work and passion.

Over 80 companies will be available for tasting, along with a select group of chefs and master ice cream makers to share the world of extra virgin olive oil.

An edition of 761 EVO oils from 500 producers from 57 countries. The spotlight is on the 5 Italian companies of the Hall of Fame and the 13 of The Best.

The countdown has begun for Flos Olei 2026: the guide to the world of extra virgin olive oil , edited by Marco Oreggia and Laura Marinelli , is Flos Olei is ready to return to the capital for the official presentation of the new edition, scheduled for December 5th and 6th at The Westin Excelsior in Rome . 761 extra virgin olive oils from 500 producers , 57 countries across 5 continents , 35 olive-growing regions (20 from Italy and 15 from Spain), 92 world maps : these are the key numbers of the guide which, in 912 pages , recounts the best expressions of global olive oil production. From Spain to Croatia, from Greece to South Africa and Chile, passing through Italy, which leads the way in terms of the number of awards, Flos Olei 2026 celebrates the best extra virgin olive oils in the world, both in the The Best category, more than half of which this year are Italian companies, and in the Hall of Fame ranking, reserved for those companies that stand out for their philosophy and continuity of production. Flos Olei also focuses on the role of extra virgin olive oil in cooking, with various guest chefs and master ice cream makers presenting original sweet and savory recipes, highlighting the characteristics and versatility of the award-winning EVOs.

“Celebrating the best of the world of extra virgin olive oil for us means exploring every nuance,” explains Marco Oreggia, creator and curator of the guide, “ from production aspects, to the connection with the territory of origin, to the producer’s philosophy, to communication, and even to the dialogue with the restaurant industry. In keeping with this vision, this year we have once again involved a select group of chefs who, along with international buyers and leading industry professionals, will complete the event’s roster of high-profile guests. Their presence will be crucial to highlighting extra virgin olive oil in its gastronomic dimension, emphasizing the unique sensory profile of each oil and the importance of proper pairing.”

This year, the event is two-fold: it begins on Friday, December 5th at 5:00 PM with the press conference presenting the guide and the awards ceremony for the producing companies, plus special recognitions. The entire day of Saturday, December 6th, will be dedicated to tastings at the tasting tables, with over 80 companies present, for an immersive journey through the most fascinating cultivars and territories in the olive oil world. The group tasting will be accompanied by a masterclass on Hall of Fame Extra Virgin Olive Oils, led by Marco Oreggia, scheduled for 11:00 AM. This will be followed, at 12:00 PM, by a course dedicated to The Best, which will introduce some award-winning labels, as described by Luca Mangoni. In the afternoon, at 3:00 PM, Duccio Morozzo will lead the advanced course on Hall of Fame olive oils, while at 5:00 PM, Barbara Bartolacci will lead a second meeting on The Best olive oils.

Rounding out the program will be chefs creating recipes showcasing extra virgin olive oil: Giorgia Marini, Alessandra Camilli, and Simona Re of Lo Stravizio Street Food , Simone Fracassi of Macelleria Fracassi, Alessio Congias of Santì Tradizione Contadina, Matteo Faenza of Mogano x Ritual Lab, and chef Yodying Sasha Phoomcharoen. Chinese cuisine will also be featured, with Jun Ge of Sinotèca – the Tea Archive , and baking will be given a special place with Simone Rossi and Nicolò Monti of Elettroforno Frontoni, and Pierluigi De Luca and Augusto Leoni of Panificio La Fornarina (Casareccio di Genzano PGI bread). and Leoni Randolfo (Porchetta di Ariccia IGP). Flos Olei 2026 will also see the presence of the master ice cream makers of the Oltre il Gusto Association: from Frascati with Dario Rossi of Gelateria Greed , to Bologna with Renato Trabalza of Maritozzi e Gelato , passing through Florence with Cinzia Otri of Gelateria della Passera , up to Bracciano with Gianluca Patrizi of Picchio Gelateria Naturale , and then returning to Rome with Formaessenza by Stefano Ferrara.

Also present were the four entities that received special awards: Importer of the Year Chic Taste by Yiann Wang (Taiwan), Restaurant of the Year Restaurant Mancini (Sweden), Journalist of the Year Milanka Bulimbašić Botteri – Maslinar (Croatia) and the “Cristina Tiliacos” award winner Yuko Okuma (Japan).

“Flos Olei not only rewards the best of the production, but also the professionals capable of promoting and promoting the world of extra virgin olive oil in all its facets,” emphasizes Laura Marinelli, curator of the guide . “That’s why, for years, we’ve been developing special awards for journalism, catering, exports, and cultural promotion, to recognize the expertise and passion of those who contribute every day to spreading the value of this green gold.”