The event returns with a selection aimed at showcasing the finest Italian labels according to Wine Spectator’s judgment. At OperaWine 2026—the grand gala of Italian wine that, as per established tradition, will kick off the next edition of Vinitaly on April 11—150 wineries will take center stage, divided into three brand-new categories. The announcement of the producers and wines was made during Vinitaly.USA, unveiling the new format that will shape the super tasting event, which will feature 20 more producers than in 2025 and 25 absolute newcomers, thanks to the new classification: “Legacy Icon,” “Classic,” and, for 2026—with the aim of identifying new thematic categories for future editions—“New Voices.”
How Wine Spectator Selected the Producers and Wines for OperaWine 2026
More producers than in previous years and a new format. The “Legacy Icon” category at OperaWine 2026 includes the 31 wineries that have participated in every edition of the event organized by Wine Spectator in collaboration with Veronafiere – Vinitaly. These are wineries that, through consistent dedication to the qualitative excellence of their products, have had a historic impact on Italian wine. Next on the list are 69 “Classic” producers—leaders in their respective regions with a strong track record of quality. Finally, the “New Voices” category highlights 50 wineries founded since 1990, selected for their ability to deliver quality, innovation, and continuous evolution in Italian wine. In total, there are 45 new wineries compared to the 2025 edition. In terms of representation, Tuscany leads as the region with the highest number of Italian wine ambassadors (nearly one-third, with 48), followed by Piedmont (24), Sicily (15), and Veneto (12).
From Masciarelli in Abruzzo to Zymè in Veneto, here is the list of wineries featured at OperaWine 2026 on April 11, the prologue to a new edition of Vinitaly in Verona:
