The European certification model on the sustainability of the wine supply chain expands its scope and conquers the monopolies of Northern Europe. Spain and Sweden lead the way in internationalisation.

Equalitas continues its journey to lead sustainable change in the wine sector with the approval of new protocols, ever-increasing guarantees of transparency and a growing number of certified companies. There are 14,500 brand labels for a total of 8.8 million hectoliters of certified wine (compared to 6.9 in 2022), which translates into a growth of 139% in just three years. In fact, since 2017, the year of its foundation, the Equalitas system has reached 435 certified operating units for 306 company names and a total turnover of approximately 6 billion euros .

Among the Italian regions , Veneto is at the top with 120 operating units , followed by Piedmont with 91 and Tuscany with 73 , high concentrations are also recorded in the center and in the south, in particular in Abruzzo (34), Puglia (22), Sicily and Marche (17). A record increase that confirms the Equalitas certification as one of the main reference standards for sustainable wine, not only in Italy but also abroad.

Internationalization represents another important strategic asset: international membership is growing with 8 certified companies in Spain and 2 in Sweden, alongside more and more formal requests from the big wine giants such as France and Germany, but also from emerging countries in the sector such as Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Belgium, South Africa, Brazil, Finland and Denmark. A key role in foreign diffusion is linked to the activity of the Nordic monopolies, increasingly oriented towards the valorization of sustainable production through dedicated initiatives such as “Our Most Sustainable Beverages”, the selection of the Swedish Systembolaget, “Green Choice Projects” by Alko in Finland and the shelf spaces in the points of sale of the Norwegian Vinmonopolet.

“ The completeness and reliability of the Equalitas standard – underlines Riccardo Ricci Curbastro, recently reconfirmed as president of Equalitas – are increasingly recognized at an international level. Sector studies and prestigious recognitions from the market certify the technical solidity of our protocol and ensure numerous competitive advantages to certified companies, from preferential access to tenders and dedicated spaces in points of sale, to exemption from additional audits. This level of consensus, in addition to the agreements with the monopolies of Northern Europe, has led to important developments such as the recent request of the Greek Federation of Producers. Concrete proof of a growing interest that we also see in consolidated markets such as France, Spain and Portugal. In fact, compared to the national protocols of other major countries, Equalitas continues to demonstrate a greater capacity for dialogue with stakeholders as well as better performance recorded in the main benchmarks. Therefore, despite the existence of a national alternative, many of these countries continue to show expressions of interest in our standard, confirming our leadership in the sustainability of the wine sector”.

Quantitative growth that goes hand in hand with qualitative development , in terms of expanding the scope of the standard. Sustainability is increasingly establishing itself as one of the main drivers of purchasing behavior, as underlined by Nomisma data for Valoritalia according to which sustainable certification ranks third in purchasing motivations (22% of the sample), preceded only by organic (59%) and certification of origin (87%). In these terms, Equalitas has increased its range of action, in the environmental field, launching the “Barbatelle” certification protocol, to also include the upstream phases of the supply chain, but also in terms of well-being at work, with the Assessment protocol reserved for Service Providers, aimed at guaranteeing even more transparency and legality in contracts for specialized labor in the wine sector.

In supporting businesses, Equalitas is also working on the digital front, in the development of the ECM project in collaboration with Apra. This is software that allows businesses to easily set up the management system needed for certification, and that is able to interface with the Carbon Foot Print and Water Foot Print calculators that Apra has already developed. A commitment to sustainability, which sees Equalitas move consistently with respect to the “Sustainable Development Goals”, the 17 objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda, to which the certification is concretely committed by promoting international policies and partnerships that encourage sustainable development and foster the growth of a culture of sustainability along the entire supply chain. At the same time, the collaboration with BNP Paribas is at an advanced stage, with a pilot project to reward companies that invest in sustainability, in terms of access criteria to credit at favorable rates.

Cuidor is the signature drink by Elis Carriero and made with the Emilian distillate.

Great enthusiasm and participation for the start of the 2025 production of Gin Tabar Ciliegia di Vignola IGP, which took place last June 10 with an exclusive event organized in the experimental fields of the Consortium for the Protection of the Ciliegia di Vignola IGP.

An immersive day among nature, tradition and innovation, which officially marked the beginning of the new production season of the Emilian distillate.

The day began with a masterclass by Casoni , in which experts, journalists and enthusiasts were able to delve deeper into the production process and aromatic peculiarities of Gin Tabar.

Next, the manual harvesting of cherries , the beating heart of this unique gin, a symbol of Emilian quality. The grand finale was a cocktail experience starring Elis Carriero , author of the signature drink Cuidor .

Cuidor is a signature creation that best expresses the identity of the Emilian distillate: fresh, aromatic, surprising, perfect for telling the story of summer in one sip.

A balance of fruity, citrus and balsamic notes , with the Vignola cherry as the absolute protagonist. The aromatic touch of lemon verbena and the drop of balsamic vinegar give the drink a distinctive personality, capable of surprising even the most demanding palates.

Ingredients

Gin Tabar Vignola Cherry IGP

Lemon Juice

Honey mix

drop of balsamic vinegar

Lemon Balm

Soda Top

Procedure:

Start by making the honey mix. In a container, mix 2 parts honey with 1 part hot water. Stir until completely dissolved and let cool.

Fill a tall glass or Collins glass with ice and set aside to chill.

Pour into the shaker:

• Gin Tabar Vignola Cherry IGP
• fresh lemon juice
• honey mix

Shake and pour the contents into the glass.
Add very cold soda water as a top, pouring slowly to maintain the structure of the drink, and a drop of balsamic vinegar .

Garnish with a Vignola cherry on the rim of the glass and a lemon verbena leaf . Serve immediately.

From 4 to 6 July in Val di Cembra the 38th edition of “Müller Thurgau: Mountain Wine” with tastings, masterclasses, shows, experiences in the area and the awards ceremony of the 22nd International Competition.

A valley designed by the geometry of over 700 km of dry stone walls that embrace spectacular terraces of vines, a vine variety born in Switzerland and then spread throughout the Alpine arc, an event that surprises every year with technical moments and initiatives dedicated to the general public. These are the ingredients of the “Müller Thurgau: Mountain Wine” event, an event that from 4 to 6 July celebrates the many expressions of this famous aromatic white wine and the beauty of the Valle di Cembra area.

Three days to savor, explore and be amazed: wine lovers, enthusiasts and industry professionals will be able to enjoy an immersive experience with tastings, masterclasses and open-air events.

The heart of the event will once again be the prestigious Palazzo Maffei , where it will be possible to taste over 60 labels of Müller Thurgau from Val di Cembra, Trentino, Alto Adige and abroad. In the outdoor space, “Fuori di Taste” , instead, there will be space to discover the other wine productions of the territory and explore new contaminations , such as “Il giro del mondo in 80 Müller ”, a shocooking that celebrates the versatility of Müller Thurgau through the pairing with Thai cuisine, or “ La grappa si fa cocktail ”, in collaboration with the Istituto Tutela Grappa del Trentino.

Completing the program is the eagerly awaited announcement of the winners of the 22nd International Müller Thurgau Wine Competition , which will reward the best expressions of the competing grape variety, but also the wine and comedy show by Lucio Gardin , the dinner on the avenue “Dining with the Stars” accompanied by dance performances by champions of the Ritmomisto school, the “ Heroes ” trek through the vineyards and the “Cantine in sella” e-bike experience.

A celebration of taste and landscape, which focuses on wine and those who make it, in an authentic atmosphere that only the Val di Cembra can offer.

All the details of the program on www.mostramullerthurgau.it

Event profile

The International Müller Thurgau: Mountain Wine Exhibition is organized by the Valle di Cembra Exhibition Committee, with the support of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Trentino Marketing, Valle di Cembra Community, Municipality of Cembra Lisignago, Municipality of Altavalle, Municipality of Segonzano, APT Fiemme Cembra, Valle di Cembra Tourist Association, Trentino Grappa Protection Institute, Edmund Mach Foundation, Cassa Rurale Val di Non – Rotaliana and Giovo, Banca per il Trentino Alto Adige.

Profile Müller Thurgau

Born between 1882 and 1891 from the cross between Rhine Riesling and Madeleine Royal by Prof. Hermann Müller, Müller Thurgau is a vine that matures best in the mountains and has found its ideal habitat in the Cembra Valley, a territory sheltered by mountains and woods and characterized by porphyry soils and strong temperature ranges. From the vinification of its grapes, a white wine is obtained with a pale straw yellow color with greenish reflections, a very evident aromatic component, with hints of aromatic herbs, elderberry, tropical fruit and citrus. Savoury, mineral, with pleasant acidity: typical characteristics of mountain wines.

Cembra Valley Profile

Historical rural landscape of Italy and member of the “World Alliance of Terraced Landscapes”, it is characterized by porphyritic soils and a strong temperature range and is a national and international emblem of heroic mountain viticulture. Crossed by the Avisio torrent, in addition to its wines and grappas, it is known worldwide for the presence of porphyry, defined as “red gold”, and for the Pyramids of Segonzano, a natural monument resulting from the erosion of the mountain sides.

100 companies presented their flagship products to an audience of industry professionals with a view of Rome from the Terrazza Caffarelli.

Rome is preparing to welcome Vinòforum 2025. In the meantime, Vinòforum Class was the occasion to meet the 300 most important operators in the sector of the Capital, presenting them with a list of almost 200 labels including Wines, Spirits and Extra Virgin Olive Oils and anticipating the event that will come to life in Piazza di Siena from 8 to 14 September . The space of taste will be over 16,000 square meters and will host 800 exhibitors , including wineries, consortia and prestigious entities in the world of spirits, for a representative parterre of quality Italian winemaking, but which also leaves room for numerous international excellences.

“The 2025 edition aims to be an unprecedented one and all the conditions are there – underlined Emiliano De Venuti, creator and organizer of the event – We want to continue to be the place where wine and food become culture: in fact, our mission is, and will always remain, to enhance Italian excellence, both on the production side and on the professionals side. We have chosen to renew ourselves again this year by bringing our event to the setting of Piazza di Siena where over 800 exhibitors are expected to tell the story of the best of our oenology and over 60 restaurants, chefs and pizza chefs who will amaze with their talent. All for a program of masterclasses, meetings, signature dinners, digital spaces and moments dedicated to business that will be able to involve the public of enthusiasts and, at the same time, reserve important opportunities for discussion for operators in the sector.”

An event of great scope, but at the same time always dedicated to excellence: this is precisely the message reiterated during Vinòforum Class , which represented an initial meeting point, in view of the September days. Over 100 companies animated this preview, with a particular focus on the wine, olive and sparkling wine production of Lazio, thanks to the collaboration with the Lazio Region, Arsial and the Rome Chamber of Commerce .

“This year too, the Lazio Region is pleased to participate in Vinòforum – highlighted Giancarlo Righini, Councilor for Budget, Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, Hunting and Fishing, Parks and Forests – an important event for territorial promotion. We present ourselves with our cellars in the presence of tasters and buyers from every corner of Italy, to make known the excellence of our territory.”

“Vinòforum Class – is the comment of the President of Arsial Massimiliano Raffa – confirms itself as a strategic event for the narration of quality wine, in a reserved, selective and highly prestigious context. Also this year, Arsial has chosen to be there to support the wine sector of Lazio, which represents one of the most dynamic assets of our agriculture. The wineries present had the opportunity to meet qualified operators and tell their work through the most representative labels. An ideal preview in view of the next edition of Vinòforum, of which we will once again be partners, in the wake of that Lazio Model that focuses on the synergy between promotion, innovation, production quality and territorial roots.”

Vinòforum Class also reserved a space for the selection of Vini Buoni d’Italia and EvooSchool , as well as a tasting corner dedicated to spirits. Among the Italian labels, from Veneto to Sicily, passing through Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Piedmont and Lombardy, there were also the great Maisons of Champagne, but also representatives from Spain, Croatia and South Africa, all for a first taste that aroused great interest from the press and industry insiders.

A grand presentation where the cornerstones of Vinòforum were reaffirmed, which for over 20 years has been a showcase for all the excellent products of our country, making Rome, the Capital of wine and food, an inseparable pair. At Vinòforum Piazza di Siena 2025, The Night Dinners will return, exclusive dinners created by renowned chefs from all over Italy, as well as Temporary Restaurants , spaces dedicated to the best of the region’s restaurants.

In this scenario, one of the most beloved symbols of Italian cuisine will not be missing: this year too, Vinòforum will host the Pizza Dinner Gala with the great masters of pizza, but above all it will be the stage for the final of La Città della Pizza 2025 , the competition dedicated to the search for new talents who will have the opportunity to experience the emotions of the final in the center of Rome. 9 finalists, chosen during the selection phase, on Sunday 14 September, will present their pizza in front of the jury composed of the best experts and journalists in the sector.

Vinòforum also dedicates space to the great tastings, once again organized and guided by the Associazione Italiana Sommelier Lazio and also in this edition there will be the Digital Garden , a space dedicated to face-to-face interviews with chefs and pizza chefs, wine producers, influencers and communicators. A place designed to delve into the hottest topics in the sector and learn the stories of the great names of Italian food and wine who, in every area, contribute to the growth of the entire sector.

VINÒFORUM AT A GLANCE Vinòforum was born in 2004 as the first event dedicated to wine organized in the city of Rome. For twenty years now it has hosted the major Italian wineries, leaving more and more space for pairing with fine dining. Since 2018 it has confirmed, in terms of numbers and participating companies, the largest food and wine event in Central and Southern Italy.