Over 100 references to taste, 25 companies involved, 2 in-depth studies and many specialties: the fifteenth edition takes place on 4 and 5 October at the “Arrigo Pedrollo” Conservatory.

Just a few weeks to go until Gustus – Wines and Flavors of Vicenza , the event celebrating the wines of the Colli Berici, Vicenza, and Gambellara DOCs at the Arrigo Pedrollo Conservatory of Music on Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th . The fifteenth edition is now accepting advance tickets for the WineLab and tasting sessions. During the walk-around tasting—open Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM—the public will be able to taste a selection of over 100 labels from 25 different wineries . The tasting experience will be accompanied by musical entertainment curated by students of the Conservatory.

Gustus is a true journey through the native Tai Rosso and Garganega grape varieties , the international Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon, and the important Bordeaux interpretations based on Cabernet, Merlot, and Carménère. Participating wineries include: Cavazza, Cave Rosse, Cielo e Terra, Collis, Corte De Pieri, Corte Moschina, Dal Maso, Del Rèbene, Giannitessari, In Sordina, Inama, La Pria, Tenuta Mancassola, Marchetto, Mattiello, Pegoraro, Piovene Porto Godi, Puntozero, Sordato, Tenuta Natalina Grandi, Tenuta Tarcisio Maule, Vignato Virgilio, and Vitevis.

This year, the event will also dedicate space to in-depth wine discussions with two WineLabs . On Saturday, October 4th, at 6:00 pm, the public will be able to participate in Symphony and Territory: How the Reds of the Berici Hills Sound , a blind tasting that will highlight the most representative wines of the Vicenza area, pairing them with wines from other regions. The tasting will be led by Cristina Mercuri , wine educator and editor of Forbes . On Sunday, October 5th, also at 6:00 pm, “What volcano are you from?” will take place, a blind comparison between interpretations of Gambellara Classico and white wines from similar terroirs in Italy and abroad, led by Sissi Baratella , wine educator, oenologist, and author of Doctorwine .

Alongside the wine, there’s also a gastronomic offering inspired by local delicacies, curated by I Giovani Leoni (Saturday) and Alle Acque Pizza e Tradizione (Sunday). The event will be supported by our food partners: Consorzio Tutela Formaggio Asiago, Consorzio Formaggio Monte Veronese, Salumificio dei Castelli, GustoTop, and, for the wine section, the sommeliers of Fisar Vicenza.

Edition after edition, Gustus reiterates its charitable purpose: part of the proceeds from the event will go towards the restoration of The Crucifixion , a fresco by the Vicenza-born painter Giovanni Vajenti Speranza, kept in the Arrigo Pedrollo Conservatory.

Advance tickets are available at the reduced price of €20 at www.gustus-vicenza.it . This discount is available to all AIS, ONAV, FIS, FIS, and Slow Food members. Tickets can also be purchased on-site during the event for €25. The price includes a glass of wine, the option of free tastings, and a plate of gastronomic specialties. Participation in the WineLabs requires the purchase of an event entrance ticket and costs €10 for each tasting. Those who want a complete experience during Gustus can book a package for €30, which includes admission to the event and participation in a WineLab.

QUICK INFO | Gustus – Wines and Flavors of Vicenza When: Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th, 2025 Where: Arrigo Pedrollo Conservatory of Music, Contra’ San Domenico 33, Vicenza Hours: Saturday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sunday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Tickets: €20 in advance, €25 on-site, and €20 for AIS, ONAV, FIS, Slow Food, and FISAR members. Winelab €10 each, upon purchase of an event ticket. For information: www.gustus-vicenza.it

Alba’s historic center becomes a “wine route” for two Sundays!

The Go Wine Wine Festival returns to Alba again this year! This is the 27th edition of the event, which showcases the most representative wines of the Langa and Roero regions in the city’s historic center .

The double date scheduled for Sunday 21 and Sunday 28 September 2025 has been confirmed.

The initiative, promoted by Go Wine, is a popular event among Italian and international wine enthusiasts. This year’s format will once again allow visitors to explore Piazza Risorgimento (Piazza Duomo), Via Vittorio Emanuele, and Via Cavour, transforming the historic center into a veritable “wine trail” for a day.

The event brings together wineries from the municipalities of Langa and Roero , maintaining its festive character, evoking the time and joyous nature of the grape harvest. Local promotion organizations, wineries, wine shops, and producer associations are also present. For several years, participation has also been extended to wineries from municipalities in the Monferrato area.

The double date scheduled for Sunday 21 and Sunday 28 September 2025 has been confirmed.

The initiative, promoted by Go Wine, is a popular event among Italian and international wine enthusiasts. This year’s format will once again allow visitors to explore Piazza Risorgimento (Piazza Duomo), Via Vittorio Emanuele, and Via Cavour, transforming the historic center into a veritable “wine trail” for a day.

The event brings together wineries from the municipalities of Langa and Roero , maintaining its festive character, evoking the time and joyous nature of the grape harvest. Local promotion organizations, wineries, wine shops, and producer associations are also present. For several years, participation has also been extended to wineries from municipalities in the Monferrato area.

From elegant Barolos to everyday wines, the winery has received accolades across all categories. Barolo DOCG Ravera and Bricco delle Viole were awarded “Cellar Selection” ratings with 98 and 97 points.

Wine Enthusiast, one of the most authoritative American magazines on the international wine scene, awards the wines of GD Vajra and Luigi Baudana scores between 92 and 98 points.

There are two “Cellar Selection” mentions, reserved for the highest profile labels and intended for long aging: the Barolo DOCG Ravera 2021 (98 points) and the Bricco delle Viole 2021 (97 points). Two wines that combine depth, elegance, and longevity, winning over expert tasters as some of the most representative examples of the vintage and positioning themselves at the top of the rankings.

This broad and comprehensive recognition underscores the quality and consistency of the company’s entire production. “Being recognized with such high ratings across the various categories is a source of great pride and satisfaction for us,” comments Aldo Vaira , who leads the company with his wife Milena and children Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro. “Every one of our wines, from Barolo to the labels designed for everyday dining, embodies the same commitment and attention: we believe that each one should sincerely reflect the land from which it comes, regardless of price or prestige. These accolades encourage us to continue along the path of quality and respect for the territory.”

Among the awards given, the “Hidden Gem” mentions also stand out for less usual labels such as Langhe DOC Pinot Nero 2023, NS della Neve Metodo Classico Brut, Claré JC Langhe DOC Nebbiolo 2024, Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2024 and Luigi Baudana Dragon Langhe DOC Bianco 2024. The “Editors’ Choice” selection instead recognized Langhe DOC Nebbiolo 2024, Albe Barolo DOCG 2021 and Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 2024, wines of excellent quality and unique characteristics that deserve special attention.

GD Vajra
GD Vajra is a family-run winery in Barolo, in the heart of the Langhe. Founded in 1972, it was among the first certified organic wineries in Piedmont. The name derives from the ancient spelling of the family name, starting with a “j.” The acronym “GD” preceding it is Aldo Vaira’s thanks to his father, Giuseppe Domenico, for giving him the first vineyards in Bricco delle Viole, today cultivated and shared with his wife Milena and children Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro. For the Vaira family, everything is about careful observation and selection, craftsmanship, attention to detail, and uniqueness.
GD Vajra is currently the only Italian company member of the Union des Gens de Métier , an association founded at the end of the last century that brings together 23 unique producers, connected to the world of fermentation and united by passion, curiosity, a natural approach to culture and the environment, but above all by friendship. Among them are Eric Bordelet, Alex Croquet, and Véronique Cochran.

FROM THE MOST PRECIOUS LABELS TO SPIRITS IN PADUA THE FIFTH EDITION OF WINE NEXT THE B2B SHOWCASE DEDICATED TO THE WORLD OF WINE OPENS TO THE PUBLIC FOR GUIDED TASTINGS.

Alberto Capuzzo, financial director of Padova Hall: “Padua has always been a city of wine enthusiasts, and this year the fair opens itself even more to the city, offering the public access, wine tasting, and the opportunity to discover the best of Italian and international winemaking.” The program includes four masterclasses and an exclusive area dedicated to the rarest and most valuable wines.

A unique showcase dedicated to the world of wine, created with the aim of encouraging matching and direct meetings between restaurateurs and producers of quality labels. Wine Next , the fifth edition of the B2B event reserved for operators in the Ho.re.ca. sector, is back at the Padua Fair from Saturday 20th to Monday 22nd September . With a brand new feature for this 2025 edition: the first two days of the weekend will be open to the consumer public , while Monday will be reserved for professionals.

Following the success of 2024, Wine Next this year will feature more than 100 exhibitors and 750 labels —in a space spanning over 3,000 square meters—including many leading names in the Italian and international wine scene. On Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st, visitors will be accompanied by AIS Veneto sommeliers in a tasting experience divided into 20 geographical areas, featuring wines from all Italian regions and producers from abroad, with a focus on France (information and tickets are available at www.wine-next.it ).

This year’s new features include four in-depth masterclasses on diverse topics and a ” Wine Experience ” area, an exclusive exhibition space dedicated to the rarest and most valuable wines, with a wide selection including Amarones, Brunellos di Montalcino, Barolos, and Barbarescos. The event is promoted by wine and spirits sales representatives in the province of Padua in collaboration with Padova Hall and in partnership with Dolomia, Rastal, and AIS Veneto.

“Wine Next is not only an opportunity for business, but also for professionals to exchange ideas and learn about new trends in the world of wine and spirits,” says Alberto Capuzzo , financial director of Padova Hall. “Padua has always been a city of wine enthusiasts, and this edition of the fair opens up even more to the city, offering the public access to, tasting wines, and discovering the best of Italian and international winemaking.”

“The event continues to grow year after year, and the number of exhibitors and labels present confirms this,” comment Alessandro De Salvia and Fabio Temporin , creators and organizers of Wine Next. “The event confirms its position as a unique opportunity for business matching and training for industry professionals. This year, in response to the strong demand we’ve received, alongside the business section there will be a consumer section that will allow visitors to learn about and taste a selection of top-quality wines.”

The event will be divided into two thematic areas: Wine and Spirits. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be a program of masterclasses for professionals , organized in collaboration with AIS Veneto, to expand their knowledge of various types of wine, food and wine pairings, and service techniques. The goal is to improve the perceived quality of wine for customers, making the dining experience more complete and sophisticated.

Wine Next masterclasses

The first masterclass will be dedicated to ” North vs. South: White Wines Compared – Alpine Elegance and Mediterranean Warmth ,” a comparison that brings together two opposing yet complementary souls: the vertical freshness of mountain whites and the sunny richness of Mediterranean grape varieties. The second, ” Volcanic Sips – Discovering Wines Born from the Fire of the Earth ,” will be a journey from the slopes of Etna to the Euganean Hills, from the basaltic soils of Soave to the mineral soils of

Gambellara, where the volcano takes center stage. The third masterclass is dedicated to ” Rosé, a style that captivates – Between elegance and versatility .” Finally, a journey highlighting iconic labels, capable of recounting the roots and evolution of Italy’s great wine regions, with the masterclass ” Signature wines: signatures of tradition – The identity of Italy’s great territories .”