Verona is preparing to become, once again, Italy’s wine capital. The 58th edition of Vinitaly, scheduled at Veronafiere from 12 to 15 April, is shaping up to be one of the most strategic and international editions ever: a stage that captures global trends, expands languages and target audiences, strengthens relationships with established markets and opens new pathways in emerging areas. Presented in Rome in the Sala della Lupa at the Chamber of Deputies, the 2026 edition reflects the evolution of the sector and the ambition of the fair to lead its transformation. The presence of the President of the Chamber Lorenzo Fontana, Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, ITA President Matteo Zoppas and Veronafiere executives Federico Bricolo and Gianni Bruno confirmed the institutional and strategic weight of an event that continues to represent the main platform for the internationalisation of Italian wine.
Over 1,000 selected top buyers and 130 countries: the reach of made in Italy expands
The first key figure is the strength of incoming buyers: more than 1,000 top buyers have already been selected and invited jointly by Veronafiere and ITA – Italian Trade Agency. A number that confirms the increasingly targeted and curated approach of the event.
The North American delegation leads the ranking of arrivals, with a surge in the Canadian contingent, which records +31 top buyers compared to 2025. At the same time, demand from Asia is growing significantly: China, India, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines form a rich and dynamic map in constant expansion.
South America shows strong interest from Brazil and Mexico, while the African continent expands its presence to 10 countries. In Europe, Germany, the Nordic countries and Eastern Europe confirm stable and strategic interest in Italian wine.
An expanded platform: nearly 4,000 exhibitors and over 100 events including tastings and thematic focuses
The 2026 edition confirms the presence of nearly 4,000 companies, a programme of more than 100 official events and an unparalleled ability to connect business and territories on the international scene. Vinitaly thus strengthens its role as a hub of relationships, know‑how and innovation.
“The event evolves in step with market changes and with the needs of companies, offering tools, content and meeting opportunities increasingly designed to support the competitiveness of the sector. Our goal is to provide structured answers to the wine system,” said Federico Bricolo, president of Veronafiere.
NoLo – Vinitaly Experience: the new frontier of contemporary drinking
Among the most anticipated innovations is NoLo – Vinitaly Experience, an area entirely dedicated to No/Low Alcohol products, created in collaboration with Unione Italiana Vini. Hosted on the second floor of the Palaexpo, it becomes a privileged observatory on a rapidly expanding segment, with tastings, masterclasses and market insights.
In a global context marked by new consumption styles, the presence of NoLo represents a concrete opening toward a broader and more diverse audience, interested in new sensory experiences without compromising on quality.
Spirits and mixology: Xcellent Spirits reshapes the connections between worlds
The Xcellent Spirits area, created with Gang of Spirits and hosted in Hall C, confirms itself as one of the most innovative hubs of the event. The crossover between wine, spirits and mixology is no longer a marginal phenomenon but a dynamic that speaks to global professionals and new consumers.
Vinitaly thus captures a contemporary dialogue in which the culture of mixed drinks embraces that of wine, creating new commercial and narrative opportunities.
Vinitaly Tourism: wine tourism becomes an integral part of the fair’s business model
The event dedicates an increasingly central role to wine tourism, now one of the strongest drivers of the territorial wine economy. Vinitaly Tourism will be structured into two thematic areas: the first, in the galleries between pavilions 2 and 3, created with Wine Tourism Hub and partners such as Wine Suite, Wine Meridian and Winedering; the second, in Sala Vivaldi, where conferences, research and insights by Movimento Turismo del Vino, Roberta Garibaldi, Unicredit – Nomisma Wine Monitor and the University of Verona will explore the cultural, economic and experiential value of territories.
A proposal that strengthens the integration between wineries, hospitality, culture and travel, outlining new trajectories for a sector in continuous growth.
Digital, networking and AI: introducing the Buyers Club and the debut of Bacco AI
Vinitaly’s evolution also passes through digital innovation. The Vinitaly Plus platform introduces the new Buyers Club, designed to facilitate more effective, two‑way networking between exhibitors and international buyers.
Added to this is the debut of Bacco AI, an innovative tool that supports matchmaking, content discovery and personalised navigation of the fair.
