In preparation for Vinitaly, Italy contributed to the centennial celebrations of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) with a three-day ministerial conference
It has been almost a century since 4 June 1924, the day when the highest representatives of the wine-exporting countries – Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and Greece – met for the first time in an international ministerial conference. It was a decision aimed at achieving three important objectives: agreeing on a common definition of “wine”, drafting appropriate measures to promote moderate consumption, and creating an international bureau to harmonise member countries’ policies and to facilitate trade. The five delegations approved the principles discussed in a second conference, which was met with broader participation and led to the signing of the agreement in which the establishment of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (29 November 1924) was sanctioned. The centennial year – proclaimed as the “International Year of Vine and Wine” – therefore intends to stimulate high symbolic value which will foster debates of a scientific, technical and cultural nature in all wine-producing countries, united to build “tomorrow’s vine and wine”.
Italy, which has actively participated in this development path from the beginning, contributed to the celebrations by holding a three-day ministerial conference in the Franciacorta and Veronese hills, which was inaugurated on 12 April at the Ca’ del Bosco winery in Erbusco. The meeting involved the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry Francesco Lollobrigida, the president and director general of the OIV – Luigi Moio and John Barker – as well as ministers, ambassadors and representatives of twenty-nine wine-producing countries, who shared their visions and priorities.
During the conference, a strong consensus emerged on the need to adopt innovative and sustainable approaches to meet the challenges of the future, including the adoption of more eco-friendly farming practices, implementing digital technologies to improve production and vineyard management, and promoting responsible wine consumption. Looking towards the future, the OIV announced strategic plans aimed at reinforcing its leading role in the industry by promoting scientific research, the development of international regulations and cooperation between member countries. In this scenario, the next ministerial conference, which will be held in France in October, will offer an additional opportunity to continue this important dialogue and define strategies for the wine-producing sector of the future.
On 13 April, the delegations moved to Verona to inaugurate the two pavilions of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry at Vinitaly. The 56th edition of this historic event also witnessed Franciacorta amongst the leading denominations: twenty-seven wineries brought together at the Palaexpo in the Lombardy pavilion, while another fifteen were present in the external pavilions. The most important development this year was the presence of thirty-six wineries at the by-the-glass wine-bar in the Consortium stand. Franciacorta’s active participation at Vinitaly, together with its role as the stage for the OIV’s first International Wine Conference, tangibly emphasises the Brescia DOCG’s importance in the Italian wine scene, further consolidating its position on national and international levels.
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