A new edition of Vinitaly 2026, the most important international event dedicated to Italian wine and a key event for the entire global wine sector, officially opens today in Verona.

The inaugural ceremony took place at the Vivaldi Auditorium at Veronafiere with the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by numerous institutional authorities, government representatives, and leading figures from the wine world.

The 2026 edition presents itself with important numbers: over 4,000 exhibiting companies, 18 pavilions and hundreds of events including tastings, masterclasses, training sessions and conferences , confirming Verona as the global center of the wine business for four days.

An increasingly international Vinitaly

Veronafiere President Federico Bricolo emphasized how the organization also faced logistical challenges related to the international scenario, such as the cancellation of some flights from the Middle East, which required rescheduling activities.

Despite this, the event has a strong international dimension. Thanks to the collaboration with ICE – Italian Trade Agency , buyers and professionals from all over the world are expected:

• Over 1,000 selected buyers have already arrived in Verona
• professional operators from approximately 130 countries
• an international promotion program with over 30 events organized abroad , from the United States to new emerging markets.

Among the markets being monitored with greatest interest are India and Australia , where recent trade agreements and tax reductions could open up new opportunities for Italian companies. Interest from operators from the African continent is also growing.

Export and economic diplomacy

Several institutional representatives spoke at the opening ceremony, including Antonio Tajani , who reiterated the strategic role of exports for the Italian economy.

According to Tajani, exports account for approximately 40% of the national GDP , and wine is one of the strongest symbols of Italy’s presence in the world. Despite international trade tensions and the issue of tariffs, Italian wine continues to grow in foreign markets thanks to its quality and positioning.

A message also shared by the President of the Chamber of Deputies Lorenzo Fontana , who recalled how international trade and economic dialogue can be instruments of stability and cooperation between countries.

The central theme: wine tourism and wine culture

Among the focuses of the 2026 edition , the link between wine, territory and tourism strongly emerges, with wine tourism indicated as one of the main drivers of development in the sector in the coming years.

Alongside its business activities, Vinitaly strengthens the narrative of wine as an expression of Italian gastronomic culture , increasingly connected to cuisine, landscape and the tourist experience.

The inaugural conference, entitled “The geographies of wine, ancient ways and new routes” , addressed precisely this theme, with the participation of the main representatives of the sector, including Lamberto Frescobaldi and Giacomo Ponti .

Industry Awards and Recognitions

During the inauguration, the Vinitaly 2026 Awards were also presented, which celebrate figures and entities that have contributed to the development of Italian wine:

• Vinitaly International Italy Award to Lamberto Frescobaldi
• Vinitaly International Award to Antonio Stopper
• Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Attilio Scienza
• “One Hundred Years of Excellence” Award to Valdo Spumanti and the Bardolino Wine Protection Consortium .

Veneto, the protagonist of Italian wine

The host region also received considerable attention. Veneto Region President Alberto Stefani emphasized how the regional wine sector remains a cornerstone of the agricultural economy.

The data confirm the strength of the Veneto system:

• grape production 6.8%
• wine production 7%
• 11.44 million hectoliters produced in 2025
• exports equal to 2.9 billion euros , approximately 38% of Italian wine exports .

The regional vineyard area exceeds 104 thousand hectares , with a strong prevalence of white grape varieties, among which the Glera variety, the basis of Prosecco, stands out.

Veneto will be present at Vinitaly with 400 companies in the regional stand , a 230-square-meter space dedicated to promoting the region’s territories, denominations, and wine tourism offerings.

A fair that looks to the future of wine

In a complex international context, amidst changes in consumption, climate challenges, and new commercial dynamics, Vinitaly 2026 confirms its position as a strategic place for discussion and development for the sector .

For four days, Verona becomes a meeting point for producers, buyers, institutions, and wine professionals, with the aim of strengthening the positioning of Italian wine on global markets and building the wine routes of the future.

Marco Felluga’s Friuli Bianco DOC Just Molamatta has been restyled, debuting at Vinitaly 2026 with a new visual identity designed to showcase the wine through a contemporary language.

A CONTEMPORARY LANGUAGE SIGNED BY THE VISION OF ILARIA FELLUGA.

Marco Felluga ‘s Friuli Bianco DOC debuts at Vinitaly with a new visual identity, designed to showcase the wine through a contemporary language: clean lines, bold colors, and the denomination at the center, expressing a clear vision of how a historic company can evolve while remaining true to itself.

The restyling project was born with the aim of enhancing the denomination, making it more visible and central, while also strengthening shelf recognition. The label, with its essential and distinctive design, introduces a contemporary visual code, in which geometric shapes evoke the world of wine and the table: the circle representing the grape, the square representing the table, the triangle representing the glass. A bold graphic design that communicates with the present, maintaining the “Just Molamatta” signature as a common thread between past and future. The name “Molamatta” recalls the hills on which the vineyards from which this wine is produced, while the term “Just” evokes the simplicity and lightness of the product, designed to be enjoyed in company, in the spirit of conviviality.

“Friuli Bianco DOC – Just Molamatta perfectly represents our approach to wine today: immediate, authentic, and deeply rooted in the terroir ,” says Ilaria Felluga . ” With this redesign, we wanted to clarify our message, simplifying the language without losing our identity. It’s a natural step on a journey that looks to the future while maintaining our strong roots.”

The wine remains true to its nature, clearly expressing the characteristics that make Friuli one of the benchmark regions for great Italian white wines. Freshness and elegance are combined with a pronounced savory flavor, in a balanced and direct profile, with notes of apple and pear.

This restyling represents, above all, the expression of a new evolutionary phase led by Ilaria Felluga, sixth generation of a family whose history in the world of wine has its roots in Istria over 150 years ago. Led by Marco Felluga and Russiz Superiore, she interprets the generational transition with a concrete and market-oriented approach, with a clear vision: to make wine more accessible, contemporary, and appealing to new consumers. This approach also includes the decision to lower the alcohol content, to encourage a more contemporary and informed consumption.

The official debut will take place at Vinitaly (Hall 5 – Stand D3), scheduled for April 12–15, 2026, in Verona. There, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the new Marco Felluga Friuli Bianco DOC Just Molamatta and learn more about a project that marks a significant evolution for the winery. Along with the Friuli Bianco DOC – Just Molamatta 2025, it will also be possible to taste the new vintages of Marco Felluga wines, including the Mongris Pinot Grigio Collio DOC, and Russiz Superiore.

On Sunday, April 12th, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Puglia Region Conference Hall will host a guided tasting entitled “Primitivo di Manduria: the Excellence of a Territory.”

Verona, from 12th to 15th April, Pavilion 11, stand C4, over 60 labels.

The Primitivo di Manduria Consortium is preparing to participate in the 58th edition of Vinitaly, the international wine and spirits fair that will take place in Verona from 12 to 15 April 2026. During the event, the Consortium will welcome professionals, enthusiasts, and foodies to Pavilion 11, Stand C4 , a space designed to showcase and offer tastings of one of the most representative wines of the Italian wine scene.

The Consortium’s space will be completely renovated and characterized by the slogan “We protect excellence,” a message that conveys the profound meaning of the Consortium’s work to safeguard the territory, the work of winemakers and producers, and the identity of a denomination that represents one of the most important heritages of the Italian wine scene.

Here, visitors will be able to discover over 60 labels of Primitivo di Manduria DOC and DOCG , in a tasting journey that will allow them to discover the different nuances of one of the most distinctive wines of Southern Italy.

Among the events scheduled, on Sunday 12 April from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm , at the Sala Convegni Regione Puglia , there will be a guided tasting entitled “Primitivo di Manduria: the excellence of a territory” .

The meeting will open with greetings from President Novella Pastorelli and a presentation of the denomination and its territory. It will then continue with a tasting of three representative wines: the classic Primitivo di Manduria, a version from more inland areas or characterized by greater structure, and the Primitivo di Manduria DOC Riserva and its Dolce Naturale DOCG expression, revealing a specific, unique, and strongly identifiable production area.

You can participate by writing to info@consorziotutelaprimitivo.com or by visiting the Consortium’s stand directly.

Also on Sunday, two events will be held at 12:00 and 1:30 pm, with tastings led by Davide Gangi and Antonio Scatigna of Vinoway at the Consortium stand.

A second event is also scheduled for Monday, April 13th at 4:30 PM at the Enoteca Regionale Puglia, organized in collaboration with AIS Puglia. The event will begin with official greetings from President Novella Pastorelli and AIS Puglia President Giacomo D’Ambruoso, followed by a discussion on the region and a tasting of Primitivo di Manduria wines.

“Today we often talk about quality in wine, but the difference between quality and territorial excellence is substantial,” says Novella Pastorelli, president of the Primitivo di Manduria Consortium. “Quality can be the result of good agronomic practices, advanced technologies, and winemaking expertise. It’s an achievable goal in many contexts. Territorial excellence, on the other hand, arises from a unique balance between environment, history, and community.”

Primitivo di Manduria originates in a well-defined area encompassing eighteen municipalities in the provinces of Taranto and Brindisi. Here, particularly favorable soil and climate conditions are found for vines: often calcareous and iron-rich soils, a constant marine influence, winds that sweep through the vineyards, and intense light that accompanies the ripening of the grapes. This natural balance creates an intense and structured wine, capable of expressing great aromatic richness, depth, and character.

“Primitivo di Manduria,” Pastorelli continues, “is distinguished by its bold personality and its ability to express in the glass the strength and generosity of its terroir. This expression is further enhanced by the knowledge of the winemakers, preserved and passed down over time, along with the commitment of the wineries that produce it.”

During Vinitaly, the Consortium invites travelers and wine enthusiasts to stop by its stand for a guided tasting experience. Sommeliers will guide visitors through the diverse interpretations of Primitivo di Manduria and the stories behind each label.

At Pavilion 11, Stand C4, you can explore the history, landscape, and culture of a unique region through wine, on a journey designed to highlight its most authentic identity. This is an invitation to wine lovers who want to truly understand what it means to protect excellence.

Renzo Rosso’s oasis becomes the gateway to the natural wonders of the Vicenza area.

With the arrival of spring, Diesel Farm awakens in all its energy. The agricultural estate, located at 300 meters above sea level and spread across five hills equidistant from the mountains and the sea, opens the season by welcoming guests to a vibrant landscape: the vineyards are turning color, the light softens, and the hills invite you to slow down and be enveloped by the beauty of nature.

Born from Renzo Rosso’s deep connection to rural life, Diesel Farm is a place where time takes on a different rhythm. Here, there are no boundaries, but a vast open space that feels like a world within a world. Visitors can wander along dirt paths, immerse themselves in the silence of the woods, experience the quiet of the countryside, and be amazed by the authentic nature that characterizes every corner of this magical place.

The farm’s agricultural vocation is deep and sincere: in addition to vineyards, Diesel Farm cultivates local and traditional produce, following the rhythm of the seasons. Tomatoes, zucchini, pumpkins, potatoes, peas, radicchio, cucumbers, aromatic herbs, and many other vegetable varieties are grown in the gardens using natural methods, while the Limousin cows, goats, pigs, and sheep roam freely and are fed without industrial feed, in a balance that respects the animals and the land that hosts them.

In this natural oasis, the beating heart is the cellar, created from renovated old stables: spaces where steel, concrete, and wood preserve wines that mature slowly, at a pace impossible to accelerate.

To experience this world up close, Diesel Farm offers two itineraries, designed as two different ways to connect with its soul. The Green Experience is a direct immersion into the heart of the production process: you pass through the cellar and barrel room, places where time seems to slow down, before being guided through a tasting of three representative wines: the 55 Celebrating Brut, the Bianco di Rosso, and the Rosso di Rosso. The Red Experience, on the other hand, is a broader and more contemplative journey: you begin in the production area, enter the barrel room, and then move among the rows, along a walk that reveals the cultivation systems and agricultural philosophy, concluding with a tasting of five wines: the 55 Celebrating Brut, the RRosé, the Bianco di Rosso, the MeRRlot, and the Rosso di Rosso.

After the tour, the day can continue at Cucina Diesel Farm, the agriturismo opened in 2023, where dishes are sourced directly from the surrounding land, fully respecting seasonality and zero-mile production. Here, guests can experience firsthand the respectful approach that guides the estate’s work and appreciate the attention and care dedicated to growing and selecting the raw materials.

Spring is also the perfect time to explore the surrounding area, letting the trails and hills guide you. Diesel Farm can be the starting point for discovering trails like the Via dell’Acqua (Water Route) through springs and olive groves, the walk to Marostica’s Castello Superiore (Upper Castle), or the dirt roads leading to Pianezze and Conco, perfect for walking or cycling immersed in nature. Cycling enthusiasts can also choose the Ciclabile del Brenta (Brenta Cycle Path), also ideal for e-bikes, or the Marostica-San Luca-Valrovina panoramic loop. Those who prefer horseback riding can rely on local stables to explore the olive groves and woods from a different perspective.

Among vegetable gardens, olive groves, vineyards, and free-roaming animals, Diesel Farm isn’t just a place to visit: it’s an invitation to slow down. A starting point for enjoying the warmer months, connecting with nature at its most authentic, rediscovering this corner of the region.