Trentino Vino Santo: towards a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Trentino Vino Santo: towards a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage nomination?

A recent parliamentary question asked the Government whether it intends to promote Trentino Vino Santo as an Italian nomination for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The proposal highlights a winemaking practice rooted in local know-how, specific production techniques and community identity.

What is Trentino Vino Santo

Vino Santo is a traditional passito wine made from carefully selected grapes that undergo drying, fermentation and aging processes requiring passed-down skills. In Trentino, this wine is linked to territorial practices, indigenous grape varieties and production rituals that form an intangible cultural heritage for local communities.

Nomination status and institutional steps

Nominating an element for UNESCO recognition follows national and international procedures. Key steps include:

• local recognition and documentation of the practice (historical, cultural and technical aspects);
• preparation of a nomination dossier including an inventory, description of practices and a safeguarding plan;
• engagement of communities and local stakeholders (winegrowers, consortia, municipal authorities);
• formal submission by the Italian State to UNESCO after ministerial review.

Why pursue UNESCO recognition

UNESCO listing can bring tangible benefits but also responsibilities for safeguarding:

• Cultural valorisation: protection of traditional knowledge and production practices;
• Territorial promotion: increased national and international visibility for Trentino;
• Support for producers: potential access to funding and safeguarding projects;
• Tourism considerations: rise in wine tourism, requiring sustainable management to preserve quality and traditions.

How citizens and local operators can get involved

Residents and local professionals can actively contribute to the nomination process:

• join or cooperate with local consortia and associations representing producers;
• provide historical documentation, oral testimonies, photos and materials describing traditional practices;
• take part in public consultations and working groups organized by regional or municipal authorities;
• promote events, tastings and cultural routes that showcase the intangible value of production.

Practical tips for visitors

If you want to experience Trentino Vino Santo as a cultural activity, look for wineries and local organizations offering visits, tastings and events during harvest and drying seasons. Check opening times, guided tastings and food-wine festivals in production communities to enjoy the tradition in a sustainable and respectful way.