The first edition of FINE #WineTourism Marketplace Italy, organized by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi and Feria de Valladolid, closed with outstanding results: 76 exhibitors, 74 buyers from 24 countries, and over 1,440 business meetings, 89% of which were generated through mutual preferences between supply and demand.
The event confirmed the enormous potential of Italian wine tourism, a sector that continues to grow steadily, with an estimated turnover of around €3 billion.
One voice, Five territories, One journey
Our stand was among the undisputed highlights of the fair, presenting a unique offer on a national scale: a network of wineries — Terra Costantino (Etna), Fonzone Winery (Irpinia), Jerzu Antichi Poderi (Ogliastra), Fratelli Pardi (Montefalco), and Sassotondo (Maremma) — which I had the pleasure of representing and narrating in a fresh, distinctive way.
Certainly it was a true journey through some of Italy’s most renowned wine regions — diverse yet united by the excellence of their wines and, thanks to the path we’ve taken together, by a collection of unique, personalized, and immersive experiences.
The result was undoubtedly increased visibility, attractiveness, and perceived quality — even for smaller, niche producers, appreciated precisely for their authenticity and family dimension.
Be Fine Stage
Our participation highlighted how networks between companies, collaboration with local territories, and synergies with tourism operators are strategic levers essential to maintaining competitiveness and innovation.
These topics were further explored during the BE FINE Stage panel, where I was invited as a speaker alongside Mariangela Cambria (President, Assovini Sicilia), Tommaso Martini (President, Slow Food Trentino Alto Adige APS), and Angelo Radica (President, Città del Vino Association).
Furthermore, over the two days of the fair the BE FINE Stage talks hosted international experts in the field. Among the most notable contributions were those of Paul Wagner (Napa Valley College) and the presentation of the Wine Tourism Report curated by Roberta Garibaldi in collaboration with SRM – the research center linked to the Intesa Sanpaolo Group.
The report analyzes management models, investment choices, and governance within the Italian wine tourism sector, highlighting how regional and dimensional diversity has become a key challenge for competitiveness and cohesion.
Looking forward to the next edition!
We now look forward to the next edition, a new opportunity for networking and dialogue across the industry — and to continue contributing to the promotion and appreciation of our sector’s many excellences!