Vinitaly 2019
VINITALY 2019
53rd Edition
April 7th -10th 2019
Verona, Italy
The 53rd edition of Vinitaly, held April 7–10 in Verona, confirmed the growing importance of Italy’s organic wines. Case in point: One of the most-talked about innovations of this year’s event was the newly instated Organic Hall which is now housed in Area F.
The space hosted a number of producers and associations under the name Vinitalybio, the fair’s platform dedicated to certified organic wine made in Italy and abroad. The initiative is organized in collaboration with Federbio (Italian Federation of Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture). Previously confined to a cramped space in Hall 8, this year’s more spacious digs allowed a larger number of producers and associations to exhibit their organic and biodyamic wines, as well as larger stands and a space dedicated to guided tastings.
The Organic Hall also hosted the Vi.Te (Vignaioli & Territori), an association of artisanal wineries who handcraft their wines using organic and biodynamic methods to create terroir-driven offerings.
The move of certified producers to the new Organic Hall also benefitted the many independent wine grower-producers who are part of the Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers (FIVI), and now have much-needed additional space for their exhibitions in Hall 8. FIVI focuses on growers and winemakers who cultivate their own vines, as well as produce and bottle under their own labels.
This reorganization and investment reflected consumer demand for organic, biodynamic and artisanal terroir-driven wines made by grower-producers.
Vinitaly Revamps the Enolitech exhibit
But Vinitaly goes beyond wine. Another novelty of Vinitaly 2019 was the revamping of the Enolitech exhibit, an area that shows off the latest in winemaking and olive oil production technologies. It now includes the new Vinitaly Design exhibition, dedicated to products and accessories related to tasting and wine service, from furniture to gadgets.
The fair attracted more trade buyers than previous years, while providing enjoyment to wine lovers outside as well. Owing to collaboration between Vinitaly and the city of Verona, there were tastings and events organized for consumers in the city center as well as the nearby towns of Bardolino, Valeggio and Soave.