After a promotional agenda in 2025 marked by 19 international events and 32 itinerant appointments across Italy, the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella begins the new year with Amarone Opera Prima, the manifestation dedicated to the presentation of the 2021 harvest of the great Venetian Red, scheduled in Verona from 30 January to 1 February.
“The 22nd edition represents a symbolic moment for the city and the country,” said the Consortium’s president, Christian Marchesini (in the picture).
“On one hand, Italian cuisine, recognized as Unesco intangible cultural heritage; on the other, the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where Verona will host the closing ceremony and the opening of the Paralympics. In this context, Amarone becomes the common thread in a collective, identity-driven story.”
Amarone Opera Prima 2026 a new venue
To accommodate official Olympic events, Amarone Opera Prima 2026 will take place at a new location. The program opens on Friday, 30 January at 11:00 at the Gallerie Mercatali of Veronafiere with a masterclass led by JC Viens, titled “Back to the Future – Valpolicella 2030: Europe’s Most Advanced Case Study in Regional Reinvention.” The session will highlight Valpolicella as one of Europe’s most advanced case studies in regional reinvention, where historical practices meet innovation, looking ahead to the future of wine in the European oenological context.
Between Italian cuisine and the Milan-Cortina Olympics
The event continues on Saturday, 31 January at 10:30, at the Riccardo Borghero Auditorium of the Chamber of Commerce (Corso Porta Nuova 96), with an introduction by president Marchesini and the harvest presentation, followed by the talk “Amarone on the Podium with Italian Cuisine and the Olympics”, which brings together different yet connected worlds. Participants include Maddalena Fossati, director of La Cucina Italiana, initiator of the Unesco nomination and president of the promoting Committee; Deborah Compagnoni, sports legend and the only athlete to win 3 Olympic golds, 1 silver, 3 world championship golds, and 1 World Cup in giant slalom, and ambassador of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics and Paralympics; and Cristina Bowerman, chef at Glass Hostaria in Rome, 1 Michelin star and two Gambero Rosso Forks.
The program concludes with tasting sessions at the Gallerie Mercatali from 12:30, open to Amarone lovers from 16:00, with tasting opportunities also on Sunday, 1 February from 10:00 to 17:00, followed by the evening closing party from 19:00 to 24:00.
