by InTrieste
Interviews: Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture; Stefano Zannier, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Regional Councilor for Agriculture; Antonio Paoletti, president of the Venezia Giulia Chamber of Commerce and of the Villa Russiz Foundation
Tariffs loomed large over the opening of Vinitaly, Italy’s premier wine fair, as winemakers, officials, and business leaders from Friuli Venezia Giulia gathered in Verona on Sunday to present the region’s finest vintages—and to confront the specter of trade barriers head-on.
Inside Friuli Venezia Giulia’s elegant and bustling pavilion, visitors were treated to a series of guided tastings—13 in total—each spotlighting the region’s diverse terroirs and grape varieties. But while the glasses were full, the conversations were edged with concern over international tariffs, particularly those affecting exports to the United States, one of Italy’s most important wine markets.
“We’re clearly concerned about any market closure,” said Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture. “However, Italy has shown it can overcome anything—from dictatorships to crises and terrorism. Despite global turmoil, Italian exports have always grown. Our wine exports have soared since the 1960s, and agri-food exports continue to break records. That’s thanks to our entrepreneurs and to a government that supports rather than obstructs them.”
Regional leaders echoed the sentiment, emphasizing resilience while acknowledging the risks. Stefano Zannier, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s Regional Councillor for Agriculture, noted that the fair provides a crucial platform for high-level trade discussions.
“This event is a valuable opportunity to foster international exchanges,” Zannier said. “We’re especially focused on the U.S. market, where tariffs pose a real challenge. Our goal is to prepare producers to navigate these potential obstacles.”
Yet not everyone at the fair seemed worried. Antonio Paoletti, president of the Venezia Giulia Chamber of Commerce and of the Villa Russiz Foundation, projected calm optimism.
“This year, tariffs are the hot topic,” he said, speaking from the region’s collective stand, which includes several producers such as Villa Russiz. “But walking through the pavilions, you don’t see much fear. A 20% increase can be absorbed. It will be distributed between producers, distributors, and buyers—each bearing about 7% of the cost.”
Paoletti emphasized that while tariffs may nibble at profit margins, they are unlikely to derail the region’s growing success.
“It’s a manageable situation,” he concluded. “Friuli Venezia Giulia has always punched above its weight in quality and character. We don’t expect this to change.”
As the fair continues, with thousands of visitors and industry insiders flocking to Verona, Friuli Venezia Giulia is betting that its wines—and its confidence—will continue to travel far, tariffs or not.
