European Parliament celebrates wine's legacy

The European wine community marked the 100th day of the VITÆVINO Campaign with a celebration held at the European Parliament in Brussels on January 15, 2025. The campaign emphasizes the cultural, social, and agricultural significance of wine, underscoring its importance as part of Europe's heritage and a symbol of conviviality.

Organized under the sponsorship of Spanish MEP Carmen Crespo and French MEP Eric Sargiacomo, the event highlighted wine's pivotal role in Europe's rural economy, cultural traditions, and balanced lifestyles. The gathering also included Italian chef and FAO Food Hero Max Mariola, known for promoting local and healthy cuisine. His presence reinforced the campaign's focus on wine as an integral component of European culinary traditions and innovation.

During the event, MEP Carmen Crespo stressed the need to protect and promote Europe's wine culture, calling it a legacy that reflects the continent's shared history and diversity. She affirmed the European Parliament's commitment to supporting the wine sector sustainably amid modern challenges. MEP Eric Sargiacomo echoed these sentiments, emphasizing wine's importance in fostering rural development and European unity, and highlighted the role of the Parliament's Wine Intergroup in creating policy discussions for the sector's future.

Chef Max Mariola expressed his belief that wine is deeply connected to European cuisine, reflecting community values and local terroir. He applauded its ability to inspire culinary creativity while maintaining ties to traditional roots.

The event also brought together key figures from the wine industry, including presidents of leading European wine organizations such as Mauricio González-Gordon of CEEV, Matilde Poggi of CEVI, Luca Rigotti of COPA COGECA, and Riccardo Ricci Curbastro of EFOW. Their participation underscored broad sector support for VITÆVINO's mission to defend wine culture as a cornerstone of Europe's identity and economy.

The VITÆVINO Campaign, launched in October 2024, is a grassroots initiative designed to protect and promote wine culture while fostering moderation and conviviality. It has extended its reach beyond Europe to countries such as Argentina and the United States, with over 15,000 individuals signing the VITÆVINO Declaration to date.

Supporters of the campaign are encouraged to sign the Declaration, available in multiple languages at www.vitaevino.org. This initiative seeks to amplify the voices of those who value wine's cultural and economic contributions and wish to preserve its legacy for future generations.