Global Wine Leaders Convene in Verona to Champion Wine’s Cultural Heritage

Leaders from the global wine industry and government will gather in Verona, Italy, on April 13 for a roundtable focused on the cultural value of vine and wine. The event, organized by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, will take place at Vinitaly, one of the world’s largest wine fairs. The session is scheduled for 11:00 to 12:00 local time at the Ministerial Pavilion.

The roundtable aims to highlight the significance of wine as part of cultural heritage and discuss how its value can be recognized and protected internationally. The event will open with remarks from Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food; and John Barker, Director General of the OIV.

Following the opening statements, a panel discussion will bring together high-level representatives from both government and industry. Panelists include David Songulashvili, Georgia’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture; Dragan Glamočić, Serbia’s Minister of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry; Marzia Varvaglione, President of Comité Européen des Entreprises Vin (CEEV); and Sandro Sartor, President of Wine in Moderation. Giorgio Delgrosso, Head of Statistics at OIV, will moderate the discussion.

The conversation is expected to address how different countries view wine as part of their national identity and what steps can be taken to ensure its recognition as a cultural asset on a global scale. Organizers say that protecting wine’s cultural value is increasingly important as international trade grows and consumer preferences evolve.

The event will be conducted in both Italian and English with simultaneous interpretation available. A live stream link will be provided to allow remote participation by stakeholders unable to attend in person.

Vinitaly has long served as a meeting point for industry professionals, policymakers, and experts from around the world. This year’s roundtable reflects growing interest in not only the economic impact of wine but also its role in shaping traditions, landscapes, and social practices across continents.

According to OIV data, global wine consumption has seen fluctuations in recent years due to changing demographics and market trends. However, many countries continue to emphasize the importance of preserving traditional winemaking methods and promoting wine tourism as part of their broader cultural strategies.

The roundtable comes at a time when several nations are seeking UNESCO recognition for their wine regions or practices. Participants are expected to share experiences from their own countries regarding legal frameworks, educational initiatives, and promotional campaigns aimed at safeguarding wine heritage.

Industry observers note that events like this help foster dialogue between governments and private sector leaders. They also provide an opportunity to align efforts on issues such as sustainability, responsible consumption, and rural development linked to viticulture.

The OIV has stated that it hopes this discussion will lead to concrete proposals for international cooperation on protecting the cultural value of vine and wine. With representatives from Europe’s major wine-producing countries as well as emerging markets present, organizers anticipate a wide range of perspectives on how best to balance tradition with innovation in the sector.

As global interest in food culture continues to rise, experts say that recognizing the unique role of wine could help strengthen ties between producing regions and consumers worldwide. The outcomes of this roundtable may influence future policy decisions at both national and international levels regarding the preservation and promotion of viticultural heritage.