Vinitaly 2026: Italy’s wine protagonists — awards, territories and

Vinitaly 2026: Italy’s wine protagonists — awards, territories and standout wine lists

Verona hosts Vinitaly 2026 from 12 to 15 April, a fair that reaffirms wine’s central role in Italy’s food-and-wine tourism. This edition honours figures, companies and formats that present wine as product, culture and tourist attraction.

Key recognitions include:

• Vinitaly International Award: awarded to Lamberto Frescobaldi for contributions to promoting Italian wine internationally.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Attilio Scienza, for his influence on the study and communication of terroir.
• 100 Years of Excellence: historic names such as Valdo Spumanti and the Bardolino wine protection consortium.
• Taste of Italy – Wine List Excellence: acknowledges wine lists that turn dining into a travel experience; notable mentions include La Ciau del Tornavento and Enoteca Pinchiorri.
• Best Restaurant Format: prizes for projects combining cuisine, aesthetics and wine, including the initiative associated with Massimo Bottura.

The fair highlights how wine functions as a territorial asset: from the Langhe to Tuscany, awarded wineries and venues show that an outstanding wine list and thoughtful hospitality become reasons to visit. For wine tourism, these recognitions map the places where wine narrates landscape and local culture.