Emilia-Romagna inaugurated its regional pavilion at Vinitaly 2025 today, marking its presence at Italy’s most prominent wine trade show with a blend of celebrity backing and institutional weight.
The opening ceremony in Verona drew prominent figures from the region’s cultural and sporting spheres, including Olympic skiing champion Alberto Tomba, television host Simona Ventura with her husband, journalist Giovanni Terzi, and acclaimed three-Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura. They joined Michele de Pascale, President of the Emilia-Romagna Region, for the ribbon cutting. Manuela Rontini, Undersecretary to the Presidency, and Alessio Mammi, Regional Minister for Agriculture, were also in attendance.
A highlight of the ceremony was the traditional opening of a specially branded wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, provided by the local protection consortium. “Vinitaly offers a global stage to showcase the quality and success of our wine production — the result of years of dedication by our wineries, agricultural businesses, and producers,” said de Pascale. “That success is under pressure from US tariffs, which continue to threaten a sector vital to Emilia-Romagna’s economy.”
De Pascale urged the Italian government to take a more active role in trade negotiations while pledging regional support for producers. “We will continue working with wineries and Consortia to develop new strategies for promotion and protection, and to advocate at the European level for a fair and sustainable market.”
ANGELO BETTI AWARD HONOURS GIUSEPPE MEGLIOLI
Also during the day’s events, the Angelo Betti – Benemeriti della Vitivinicoltura award — presented annually by Veronafiere/Vinitaly to individuals who have significantly contributed to the advancement of Italian viticulture — was awarded to Giuseppe Meglioli.
An influential oenologist, Meglioli has served as a consultant for numerous wineries both in Italy and abroad. He is also a university lecturer and founder, along with his wife Anne, of Eno-One, a publishing house specialising in viticulture and oenology. The company aims to promote international wine knowledge within Italy.