by InTrieste
interviews: FVG councilor for tourism, Sergio Bini; FVG councilor for agriculture, Stefano Zanier; enologist, Stefano Trinco; Filippo Bartolotta, wine expert
With the clink of glasses and the cut of a ribbon, Friuli Venezia Giulia officially opened its regional pavilion today at Vinitaly, one of the world’s premier wine events. Taking place in Verona through April 9, the fair brings together industry professionals and wine enthusiasts from around the globe.
At precisely 1 p.m., regional officials and industry representatives inaugurated the pavilion in Hall 6, marking the beginning of a four-day program that places a spotlight on the region’s winemaking heritage and innovation. This year’s exhibit features 80 producers gathered in a newly designed 1,500-square-meter space, created to reflect the intersection of wine, culture, and the industrious spirit of northeastern Italy.
The presentation aims to promote both the viticultural excellence and the broader agro-food sector of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The event is the result of close collaboration between the Regional Agency for Rural Development (Ersa) and PromoTurismoFVG, signaling a coordinated effort to reinforce the region’s identity and visibility on an international stage. For the first time, six local producers are also participating in the new organic wine pavilion, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable winemaking practices.
Thirteen guided tastings are scheduled throughout the fair, each curated to explore different facets of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s diverse terroir and grape varieties. Sunday’s opening tastings featured “Wines of Friuli Venezia Giulia” with wine expert Filippo Bartolotta.
On Monday, the spotlight will turn to the Karst Plateau with “Vitovska and Its Terroir: The White Soul of the Karst,” presented by the Association of Karst Winemakers, followed by sessions led by Pietro Russo, Master of Wine, and wine journalist Stefano Cosma.
Tuesday will include a mini-vertical tasting of four prestigious regional wines with Bartolotta, along with discussions on the future of food and wine tourism hosted by PromoTurismoFVG, and a panel on innovation in winemaking, organized by the National Association of Women in Wine. The day will conclude with a tasting linked to the 42nd edition of the regional wine competition “Bertiûl tal Friûl,” presented by Pro Loco Risorgive Medio Friuli and Assoenologi FVG.
As Vinitaly continues through the week, Friuli Venezia Giulia is positioning itself as not just a producer of high-quality wines, but also as a region deeply rooted in tradition while embracing innovation and sustainable growth.
