On October 12th, the Asolo Prosecco DOCG, Montello DOCG, and Montello Asolo DOC will be the protagonists in the splendid Villa di Maser (TV), designed by Andrea Palladio.

Can wine interpret the “beauty” of Italy, which the entire world admires?

The answer is yes, because it comes from passion, craftsmanship, and a love for all that is beautiful and good, characteristics that represent our country. This message will be conveyed by the event “Elevate your choice – Wine, beauty and territory ,” which on October 12th from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. will open the doors of one of the most monumental villas designed by Andrea Palladio, Villa di Maser , in the heart of the Asolo Montello area, which the architect wanted to make an integral part of the landscape. This event, organized by the Consorzio di Tutela Asolo Montello, is designed to promote the Asolo Prosecco DOCG, Montello DOCG, and Montello Asolo DOC designations of origin.

The connection between wine, its place of production, and the work of man, at the heart of the appellation concept, will be the guiding thread of a day dedicated to beauty . A beauty made tangible by the chosen location, which combines the ingenuity of Palladio the architect with the grace of the frescoes by the great sixteenth-century painter Paolo Veronese. The villa represents a unique example of Palladio’s work: its location at the foot of the Maser hills and its perspective establish a dialogue with nature and the vineyards, making it an integral part of the surrounding territory. The villa’s two splendid barchesse, designed as a country residence, will host forty producers from the three appellations , present in person to tell their stories.

Beauty will also be the theme of the two tastings at “Il Salotto della Bellezza” (The Beauty Salon) , led by Armando Castagno , journalist, writer, and professor of Art History and Terroir Geography at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo. The first, “Five Centuries of Venetian Art: Rhythm, Material, Composition, Harmony,” will be dedicated to Asolo Prosecco DOCG and will take place at 11:30 a.m.; the second, “The Venetian Renaissance: Color, Shadows, Mystery, and Pathos,” will be held at 3:30 p.m. This will feature tastings of Montello DOCG and Montello Asolo DOC red wines, some made from Recantina grapes, the area’s native grape, and others from Bordeaux blends (Cabernet and Merlot), a grape variety now widespread in Italy but originally developed here. The day will conclude with an aperitif featuring a specially created signature cocktail and a DJ set and saxophonist (starting at 6 p.m.).

The event, organized by the Asolo Montello Wine Consortium, will be an opportunity to celebrate its fortieth anniversary . In addition to tasting wines and meeting the producers, touring the villa, and participating in two seminars, visitors will be able to discover small local producers from our region (PPL Veneto).

The event will also be the perfect opportunity for those who want to discover a land where beauty, authenticity, high-quality food and wine , and extraordinary cultural sites converge. A prime example is the village of Asolo, the “city of a hundred horizons” : a destination for authors and writers from around the world, this small town perched in the Treviso hills, also chosen as a residence by the Cornaro family, is a small wonder of narrow streets, breathtaking views, historic sites, and exclusive shops. Less than 15 minutes from Asolo is Possagno , the birthplace of Antonio Canova ; here, in addition to the Canova Temple, is also the birthplace of the great sculptor, now a museum housing, along with his drawings and paintings, plaster casts of his sculptures.

In addition to Asolo, the area’s identity is tied to Montello , home to the Montello DOCG and Montello Asolo DOC still wines. Known as the “Forest of the Serenissima,” during the time of the Venetian Republic, it supplied wood for boats and palaces and, along with Asolo, was already famous for its wines, which were taxed more than those in the rest of Italy. A symbol of these hills is the Abbey of Sant’Eustachio, in Nervesa della Battaglia, where Monsignor Giovanni Della Casa wrote his “Etiquette” in the 16th century. Montello is also one of the most significant sites of the First World War, where the Austrian advance was halted on the Piave River, marking the turning point of the conflict. This legacy is evidenced by the Great War trails, tourist itineraries immersed in nature that wind throughout the area.

For visitors arriving from outside the region, a wide range of accommodations allows you to stay overnight in one of the most beautiful areas of Italy: from B&Bs to historic homes and charming hotels, to family-run farmhouses.

FederBio: the Italian organic brand combines identity and sustainability and drives growth in the sector.

On the occasion of European Organic Day , in addition to the traditional ISMEA report confirming that organic production has maintained a positive trend in 2024, the Italian Organic Brand was presented, a recognition tool to promote communication with citizens and strengthen the positioning of Italian products on both the domestic and international markets.

Established by Law 23/2022 and selected through a public competition promoted by MASAF, the new logo aims to highlight the Italian origins of organic products.

” The Italian Organic Mark represents an opportunity for the development of our sector, a concrete tool that allows us to immediately identify organic products made with raw materials grown exclusively in Italy, ” comments Maria Grazia Mammuccini , President of FederBio. ” It is not just a distinctive element, but a real added value to strengthen the role of agricultural producers by aiming for the right price, protecting the national supply chain and rewarding those who invest in Italian quality. In a global market where transparency is becoming increasingly important, this mark allows us to stand out, building trust and traceability, supporting our producers and guaranteeing citizens maximum recognition of national organic products. Furthermore, it enhances the identity and the connection with the territory and It combines our agricultural traditions with the sustainability of organic farming, becoming a crucial element in making agroecology the reference paradigm of the agri-food system.”

According to the data previews “Organic in Figures 2025,” edited by ISMEA for MASAF and presented at the conference celebrating European Organic Day, a slight but steady increase in both the area under organic cultivation and the number of certified operators is confirmed.

For FederBio, this trend, despite a complex landscape, demonstrates how Italian organic production is consolidating its role as a key factor in revitalizing the entire national agri-food system.

Agricultural areas cultivated using organic methods in Italy they have exceeded 2.5 million hectares , with an increase of 2.4% compared to the previous year, bringing organic to over 20% of the national UAA : one of the highest shares in Europe, which brings Italy closer to the goal of reaching 25% by 2027 set by the National Strategic Plan of the CAP.

A positive sign also for organic operators , who reach 97,170 (2.9% compared to 2023), of which over 87,000 are represented by organic agricultural companies (3.4%).

“In a time of great environmental, climate, social, and political uncertainty, it is truly significant that organic farming continues its growth trend ,” continues the President of FederBio . “Our country remains among the European leaders, holding the top spot in terms of organic farmland—approximately double the EU average—and the number of operators along the entire supply chain. It is increasingly clear that organic farming represents a crucial lever for the revitalization of the Italian agri-food sector, thanks also to its ability to combine quality and sustainability, thus responding to the growing global demand for healthy foods based on a fair and environmentally friendly supply chain. However, the critical issues of the current phase should not be underestimated, but must be addressed decisively to ensure that organic farming remains a strategic driver of growth for inland areas and for small and medium-sized farms.”

Fabrizio Plessi’s “The Soul of Amarone” installation unveiled * Roundtable discussion “Wine at the Center”.

The official inauguration of Monteleone21 , MASI ‘s new production, wine tourism and experiential hub, was held on Saturday 20 September. The facility is designed to welcome visitors from all over the world and showcase the soul of Amarone and the region.

For the occasion, the round table “Wine at the Center” was held, bringing together institutions, experts, and representatives from the wine sector to reflect on the future of wine and wine tourism.

We attach the press release on the event, which reports the statements of Federico Girotto , CEO of Masi, and Raffaele Boscaini , Marketing Director of Masi, who also spoke in his capacity as President of Confindustria Veneto.

Monteleone21 also served as the setting for the presentation of the work of internationally renowned artist Fabrizio Plessi , who presented the monumental site-specific installation “The Soul of Amarone,” transforming the drying loft into a veritable “Cathedral of Wine.”

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