Wine and UNESCO: proposal discussed at Vinitaly to recognize wine

Proposal at Vinitaly: recognizing wine culture as UNESCO heritage

On 13 April 2026, at Vinitaly in Verona, representatives of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), government delegations and industry figures renewed a proposal to inscribe wine culture on the UNESCO lists. The proposal frames wine as more than an economic product—highlighting its links to cultural landscapes, traditional practices and local identities.

Key points from the discussion

• Date and setting: roundtable at Vinitaly, Verona, 13 April 2026.
• Participants: OIV, national delegations and sector representatives.
• Focus: protection of historic vineyard landscapes, safeguarding traditional methods and promoting sustainable wine tourism.

Why this matters for UNESCO sites in Italy

Many Italian UNESCO sites include cultural landscapes and rural territories where viticulture plays a central role. A UNESCO recognition focused on wine culture could strengthen protection and promotion in several areas:

• Landscape protection: enhanced attention to terraced vineyards, historic rows and rural features that define site values.
• Preservation of traditions: support for local agricultural techniques, native grape varieties and community knowledge.
• Funding and conservation projects: access to targeted funds and programs for agricultural landscape conservation.
• Sustainable promotion: integration of certified food-and-wine routes with visits to UNESCO properties.

Practical implications for visitors and operators

Visitors seeking cultural and wine experiences at UNESCO sites could benefit from clearer, quality-assured offers: guided vineyard tours, tastings focused on heritage varieties and thematic cultural routes. Operators may design combined heritage-and-wine packages, collaborating with local authorities to ensure authenticity and sustainability.

• Visitors: opt for certified itineraries, qualified local guides and activities that explain the link between wine and cultural landscape.
• Operators: create integrated packages (heritage + wine tourism) and cooperate with institutions to guarantee standards.

How to follow updates

The initiative launched at Vinitaly sets off an international dialogue that will proceed through technical evaluations and formal applications. To stay informed, monitor regional and national calls, candidacy dossiers and official announcements from the competent authorities and international bodies.

Event practical information

Location: Vinitaly, Viale del Lavoro 8, Verona. Date of the meeting: 13 April 2026.