History, founding values and distribution are the themes of the wine labs dedicated to wine lovers and operators at Rule of Thirds in Brooklyn on January 12 and 13.

Over 200 labels at the tasting tables.

Two days of tastings, meetings and moments of reflection on natural wine: on Sunday 12 and Monday 13 January 2025, Rule of Thirds in Brooklyn (New York) will host VinNatur NYC , the first official collective event in the United States. The Association, which brings together winemakers from all over the world with the aim of defending the integrity of their territory, respecting its history and culture and drawing inspiration from a strong ecological ethic, has been equipped with a production protocol since 2016 that outlines the activities permitted in the vineyard and in the cellar.

A rich calendar of tastings and insights into the quality, variety and production practices of natural wines will enrich the tasting tables that will feature over 200 labels. On Sunday 12 January at 2:30 pm Gianpaolo Giacobbo – winewriter and VinNatur advisor – will lead the tasting Evolution of natural wine in Italy , dedicated to the historical and stylistic evolution of natural wine in Italy and the tasting of three iconic labels from as many producers. On Monday 13 January at 11:30 am the meeting The who, when & why of VinNatur will be held, in which President Angiolino Maule will explore the founding values ​​and the path of the Association. The meeting will be translated by Emma Bentley , Director of VinNatur. In the afternoon, at 2:00 pm, Gianpaolo Giacobbo will lead the provocative session How not to sell natural wine , focused on the challenges related to the distribution and promotion of this type of product.

“This event is certainly a great opportunity for our members to reach an increasingly attentive and passionate audience . New York, with its energy and openness, is the ideal context to tell our philosophy and build meaningful connections – says Angiolino Maule –. We are also seeing how the number of wine shops and wine bars that include natural wines by the glass and on the shelves is growing in the Big Apple”. A trend that contrasts with the slowdown in alcoholic beverage consumption in the United States and that confirms the growing interest in authentic, sustainable and quality products.

The event will feature 44 producers who will offer their wines for tasting, but there will also be room for a selection of labels from 24 other VinNatur members served by expert sommeliers, for a total of over 200 references for tasting. The event will be open to the public and operators on Sunday 12 January from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, while on Monday 13 January , from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, it will be reserved exclusively for industry professionals , including buyers, distributors, journalists and restaurant and wine bar owners. Tickets for the event and masterclasses, with limited places, are available on Eventbrite.

VinNatur NYC at a glance:
When : Sunday 12th and Monday 13th January 2025
Where : Rule of Thirds Restaurant, Brooklyn, New York City
Opening hours to the public : Sunday from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm, Monday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entrance: Tickets can be purchased online from November
Website: www.vinnatur.org/evento/vinnatur-nyc

Years pass, fashions change, technologies evolve, but wine remains there, firm in its roots, the eternal protagonist of our social lives.

It doesn’t need followers or likes to be the true “social” par excellence. It’s old, yes, but never tired: it continues to excite, unite, make people discuss and socialize like no other human experience.

Sitting down at the table and opening a bottle of good wine is a priceless ritual. Sharing that moment with friends, colleagues or new people, whether for pleasure or work, makes wine a unique dimension of authentic connection. No social network can compare to the magic that is created around a glass: wine is emotion, culture, tradition, territory. It is and will remain the true social.

Wine: Emotion in Every Sip

Every bottle of wine carries a story. It tells of the territory from which it comes, of the passion of those who produced it, of the climate that caressed its grapes. Opening a bottle means discovering a microcosm of emotions: the scent of the must that brings back childhood memories, the unique flavor that awakens the senses, the aromatic notes that invite reflection.

This emotion becomes even more intense when you share it. A toast between friends or a glass sipped with a colleague transforms a simple gesture into an unforgettable moment.

Wine: A Universal Language of Sharing

Wine knows no linguistic or cultural barriers. In every corner of the world, a bottle of wine is synonymous with conviviality and exchange. In Italy, this tradition is particularly deep-rooted: wine is the common thread of family dinners, evenings with friends, and major events. It is present in moments of joy, celebration, and even in the most intimate reflections.

You don’t need a screen to connect: wine invites dialogue, stimulates conversations and creates lasting memories. Drunk in moderation, it becomes the perfect catalyst for experiencing sociality in its most authentic form.

Wine, Culture and Territory: An Italian Story

Every bottle of Italian wine is a piece of culture, a tradition passed down through the generations. Barolo tells the story of the strength of the Piedmont hills, Chianti reveals the elegance of Tuscany, Nero d’Avola speaks of the warmth and passion of Sicily.

This connection with the territory makes Italian wine unique in the world. Every sip brings with it the beauty of the landscapes, the mastery of the winemakers and the love for their land. And this is not just a pleasure for the palate: it is an emotional journey that enriches those who experience it.

Wine: The Social That Never Gets Tired

While social media promises quick and easy connections, wine offers something different: depth. In front of a glass, there is no need for filters or perfect posts. There are only faces, smiles and words that flow spontaneously, just like the wine in the glass.

Wine invites us to slow down, to live in the moment. In a fast-paced world, it reminds us that true connection comes from taking the time to listen, share and live together.

Moderate and Mindful Drinking: The Key to Appreciating Wine

Promoting wine also means educating people about responsible consumption. Drinking in moderation not only protects your health, but enhances the experience. The true pleasure of wine lies in knowing how to taste it: appreciating the bouquet of aromas, savoring every nuance and letting yourself be transported by the emotions it evokes.

Moderation is also a form of respect: for the wine itself, for those who produce it and for those who share it with us. It is a way to celebrate the beauty of life without excess, valuing every moment.

Conclusion: Italian Wine, the Emblem of Social

Whether around a table with friends, during a business dinner or on the occasion of a special event, Italian wine continues to be the true social network of real life. It does not need innovations or algorithms to unite people: a glass, a toast and the magic of a shared moment are enough.

Wine is emotion, tradition, culture and territory. It is the common thread that links generations, territories and stories. And above all, it is the most authentic invitation to live social life with moderation, awareness and a lot of passion.

So, let’s raise our glasses: to Italian wine, to the true social that never tires of exciting!

From 3 to 6 February, in Riva del Garda, DI OGNUNO will tell you how to design hospitality with design spaces accessible to everyone.

This continues the collaboration started last year between the leading event in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector, Village for all – V4A and Lombardini22.

Hospitality – The Salone dell’Accoglienza renews its commitment to inclusive and accessible hospitality with the second edition of DI OGNUNO, the multi-year project
developed in collaboration with Lombardini22 and Village for all – V4A.
After last year’s success, which saw the “Di Nessuno” reception as the protagonist, also with the creation of a digibook and an audiobook with useful tips for operators for
rethinking spaces in an inclusive way, this year the experiential area explores an essential, central and shared moment: breakfast.
The Inclusive Breakfast Room “DI OGNUNO” aims to demonstrate how careful planning can transform accessibility needs into spatial ability, making the
breakfast an experience of true inclusion for all people, regardless of their needs. “The project investigates inclusivity in every detail and from all angles,
considering not only the physical aspects of each person, guest or hospitality professional, but also the sensorial, cultural and food ones. With DI OGNUNO we want to show how it is possible to create beautiful, functional and inclusive spaces, capable of welcoming every guest and generating social and economic value” – comments Alessandra Albarelli, General Manager of Riva del Garda Fierecongressi.
At Hospitality 2025, the DI OGNUNO area – located in the center of Pavilion C2 – will offer food for thought and concrete solutions, showing how it is possible to design an environment capable of overcoming architectural barriers thanks to accessible routes, height-adjustable tables, clear and legible signage. Without forgetting how to promote sensory inclusion, with balanced acoustics and lighting designed to respond to different sensitivities and create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. The space will also provide suggestions on how to respond to dietary needs, with a proposal that takes intolerances, allergies and ethical and personal choices into account, accompanied by simple, easy and detailed information.

49th EDITION
GARDA RIVER
EXHIBITION CENTRE
FROM 3 TO 6 FEBRUARY 2025
www.hospitalityriva.it
In terms of breakfast, in fact, food inclusiveness is a relevant element considering that, according to Istat 2022-2024 data, 12.7% of Italians suffer from food intolerances, with a significant prevalence of sensitivity to lactose and gluten, while the AILI – Italian Lactose Intolerant Association highlights that in our country almost 50% of the population suffers from lactose intolerance, often asymptomatic. Hence the importance of hospitality that is increasingly attentive and sensitive to different dietary needs, to help promote a culture of hospitality that respects different needs, traditions and rhythms of life.
“We are proud to continue to propose innovative, accessible and comfortable formats through the application of the principles of Universal Design to the hospitality sector, from the trade fair sector, through hospitality and all accommodation facilities. Together with our partners Riva del Garda
Fierecongressi and Village for all – V4A, this year we are investigating the theme of inclusiveness in the breakfast room, a universal and shared moment – says Cristian Catania, Head of Universal Design in Lombardini22. – Demonstrating that all spaces can be designed to be welcoming and usable by everyone is fundamental in the development of each of our projects. We want to offer practical solutions that are an inspiration to operators in the hospitality industry for
expand its potential user base.”
The space will be divided into two areas that represent comfort and discomfort, guiding visitors through a direct comparison between uncomfortable situations and comfortable spaces. This is to highlight the daily obstacles linked to non-inclusive design and the design solutions that make us perceive how the breakfast area can become a welcoming environment that offers well-being and accessibility for all, eliminating physical and mental barriers.
The design of the experiential area was studied taking into account ESG principles both in use – also with the reuse of components from last year’s stand to optimize resources, reduce consumption and enhance them over time – and in the choice of materials. Added to this is a neuroscientific approach to improve the perception of well-being in spaces with an effective arrangement of elements, flows and experience design, with solutions that take into account the desires and needs of each person and the inclusion of sensory activators such as Lighting Design, Olfactive Design and Acoustic Design. “Accessible hospitality does not only mean offering rooms for people with accessibility needs, but must embrace all the services available to Guests. Convivial moments such as the
breakfast are essential and must be accessible to all. Improving the quality

49th EDITION
GARDA RIVER
EXHIBITION CENTRE
FROM 3 TO 6 FEBRUARY 2025
www.hospitalityriva.it
of the experience represents both an ethical duty and an economic opportunity. As we always say: same place, same price, more guests” – says Roberto Vitali, Administrator and Co-founder of Village for all – V4A.
DI OGNUNO is not just an exhibition area, but an invitation to rethink hospitality, a laboratory of ideas and solutions to help the hospitality sector evolve towards a model
more inclusive. At Hospitality 2025, the topic of accessibility will be transversal and, in addition to this specific area, will also be addressed in the numerous training events and with the
thematic itineraries dedicated to different eating needs and habits.
“Accessible hospitality is based on spaces and services that are accessible to all and on the presence of adequately trained staff, essential elements to meet the needs of the HoReCa sector.
– concludes Giovanna Voltolini, Exhibition Manager of Hospitality. – With this project, Hospitality offers a 360° vision of the sector, addressing the theme of inclusion as a fundamental and transversal value: from experiential areas to training moments, up to
to the exhibition offering.”
To facilitate entrepreneurs, professionals and hospitality designers, Hospitality with Village for all – V4A and Lombardini22 has created in the 2024 edition the digibook and audiobook “UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN HOSPITALITY: A REFLECTION FOR ALL AND OF EACHONE” with
the aim of exploring the meaning of universal design in the sector, highlighting the importance for hotels and non-hotel facilities to propose quality solutions for everyone. The Digibook and the audiobook are available from the page dedicated to the project.
The 2025 edition of Hospitality – The Welcome Exhibition is scheduled at the Riva del Garda Exhibition Centre from 3 to 6 February. See you at breakfast, because inclusion begins with a daily gesture that unites everyone.

Villa Franciacorta celebrates a year full of medals and awards demonstrating the value of Franciacorta Millesimato.

Villa Franciacorta celebrates a year of recognition, crowned by the primacy of the RNA Riserva Extra Brut Millesimato 2007 , awarded by Falstaff as the best Franciacorta and, overall , the best Italian sparkling wine with a score of 97/100 . << This milestone is important for the whole of Franciacorta because it demonstrates once again the value of the Denomination . RNA Riserva Nobile Alessandro Bianchi represents the tribute to my father, who never wanted to give his name to a wine, I did it for him. The new edition RNA 15 years on the lees honors the name it bears >>, says Roberta Bianchi , at the helm of the company together with her husband Paolo Pizziol and their sons Alessio and Matteo .

Villa Franciacorta was among the first four companies to introduce the concept of Millesimato back in 1978 and is still the only winery of this size to produce exclusively Millesimato wines using the ancient method of manual remuage, exclusively with grapes from its own production. << For us, Franciacorta is not a flag to wave, but a philosophy >>, adds Roberta. It is precisely this consistency that has allowed the company to crown a year full of awards. The RNA Riserva Extra Brut 2007 also won the Faccino Doctor Wine with 95/100 in the Essential Guide to Italian Wines 2025 , the Grande Esordio 2025 in the Oro guide I Vini di Veronelli , the Corona di Vini Buoni d’Italia with its inclusion in the Top 300 wines , the gold medal from The Wine Hunter and the Quattro Viti recognition with ” Gemma ” from Vitae 2025 , awarded to wines that obtained a score higher than 94/100 and the 5 Sfere Sparkle 2025 with the special ” Wine of Emotion ” award. << With RNA, a great terroir takes voice that expresses the uniqueness of this soil of marine origin, all the strength of the old vines, the preciousness of the hillside Crus and the value of time>>, concludes Roberta.

The success extends to the entire Franciacorta Villa range: gold medals at the International Wine Challenge 2024 for Mon Satèn 2019 and Bokè Rosé Brut 2019 , while Extra Blu Extra Brut 2019 obtained the 5 Grappoli Bibenda 2025 and the 5 Sfere Sparkle 2025, which it shares with Cuvette Brut 2019. Emozione Brut 2020 , the company’s historic Franciacorta, also won the gold medal at The Champagne & Sparkling Wine . A special mention also goes to Bokè Rosé Brut 2020 , awarded the Three Gold Stars by the I Vini di Veronelli 2025 guide, and to Emozione Unica Extra Brut 2017 which, like Extra Blu Extra Brut 2019 , obtained the gold medal from The Wine Hunter . The Falstaff guide further awarded the collection, assigning 94/100 to Emozione Brut 2019 , 93/100 to Mon Satèn 2018 , 92/100 to Bokè Rosé Brut 2019 and Extra Blu Extra Brut 2019 , confirming once again the very high level of the entire production.

<< 2024 was a year of great satisfaction, the most important in the history of our company >>, commented Paolo Pizziol. These successes are the fruit of a corporate philosophy that focuses on respect for nature and its times , with particular attention to the environment and the enhancement of the family’s winemaking heritage. << We want to start again now with renewed enthusiasm towards new challenges, continuing to interpret Franciacorta according to our vision, made of patience and respect for nature >>, concluded Roberta Bianchi.