With the traditional ribbon cutting, the president of the Veneto Region Luca Zaia officially opened the 57th edition of Vinitaly, supported by the minister of agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, the president of Veronafiere Federico Bricolo, by the Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani; the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli; and the President of ICE Agenzia, Matteo Zoppas. A ceremony that kicked off four days dedicated to the excellence of Italian wine.
USA Customs, Zaia: “Defend the work without unnecessary revenge”
The focus is also on the new duties threatened by the United States, which severely affect Venetian agriculture, and in particular wine exports, worth almost 3 billion euros, of which 600 million destined for the American market.
“It serves the Venetian genius – said Zaia – that spirit that over the centuries has allowed us to overcome every obstacle. Tariffs must become a turning point: not to seek revenge, but to strengthen our strategies towards alternative and more reliable markets. We must defend work, enterprise and productive identity with realism and resilience.”
Numbers at hand, the Veneto region remains one of the capitals of wine in Europe: 13.7 million quintals of grapes harvested in 2024 (+0.6%), a production of 11.6 million hectolitres (+9.7%) and more than 103,000 hectares cultivated, with direct employment that reaches 20,000 people. All thanks to 9,569 wineries and 12,797 social wineries.
A pavilion for champions: between wines, Olympics and great brands
The Veneto stand (Hall 4, positions D4/E4) shows the deep soul of this land: 14 DOCG, 29 DOC and 10 IGT make up a rich wine landscape, able to combine history, culture and sustainability.
VIP and spotlight on the Emilia-Romagna stand
Among the first to appear between the pavilions also some well-known faces: Simona Ventura, the former ski champion Alberto Tomba and the multi-talented chef Massimo Bottura visited the stand of Emilia-Romagna, letting themselves be won over by the region’s excellent food and wine. A presence that has attracted the attention of public and media, confirming Vinitaly’s role as a leading stage for the world of entertainment, sports and author cuisine.
Wine and inclusion: the embrace of solidarity
Not just business. As every year, solidarity also finds space among the excellences. At the Veneto stand, the guys of AIPD – Associazione Persone Down of Treviso celebrate 20 years of solidarity harvest, realized in collaboration with the farm Cecchetto of Tezze di Piave. What is this year’s goal? Raise funds – already 8,000 euros – to furnish two rooms in the headquarters of Ponte della Priula, supporting projects for autonomy housing for the boys of the association.
A fair start between pride, vision and community
Vinitaly 2025 starts with the right foot, among encouraging data, big names and a spirit of belonging that goes far beyond wine. Veneto is confirmed not only as a leading region for quantity and quality, but also as an example of how innovation, culture and solidarity can coexist in one great story to be told. Cup to the hand.
Cover : Unsplash