On 15 January 2025, the European Parliament hosted the event in celebration of the 100 days of the Vitævino Campaign, highlighting the role of wine in Europe’s cultural, social and agricultural heritage.
Organised under the patronage of Spanish Mep Carmen Crespo (Epp) and French Mep Eric Sargiacomo (S&D), the event aimed to highlight the cultural significance of wine as a unifying element in our society, a cornerstone of rural areas socio-economy, a symbol of conviviality in a context of moderation, and an integral part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The event also featured the celebrated Italian chef and Fao Food Hero Max Mariola, known for his advocacy for genuine, healthy and local cuisine.
In defense of wine culture and conviviality: the Campaign
With wine representing a significant part of Europe’s identity, the European Parliament, especially via its dedicated Intergroup on Wine, Spirits and Quality Foodstuffs, plays a vital role in fostering policies that support the sector while promoting responsibility and moderation.
Speaking at the event, Mep Carmen Crespo stated, “The 100 Days of the Vitævino Campaign was the perfect moment to recall the importance of defending our wine culture. Wine is more than a beverage – it is a symbol of our shared history, our land, and our cultural diversity. The European Parliament will ensure that this legacy is protected while enabling the sector to thrive sustainably in the face of current challenges.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Mep Eric Sargiacomo, who added, “As co-host of this important event, I am proud to advocate for the wine sector’s critical role in rural development and European cohesion. The European Parliament Wine Intergroup will provide a platform for dialogue, where policymakers can work together to defend this crucial sector for future generations.”
“Wine is inseparable from the story of European cuisine: it does not only bring joy to our tables but reinforce our understanding of community and terroir. As a chef, I am thrilled to showcase how wine connects us to the land and inspires innovation in the kitchen” concludes Chef Max Mariola.
The event featured an impressive lineup of participants, including the presidents of the key European wine organisations: Mauricio González-Gordon, president of Ceev, Matilde Poggi of Cevi, Luca Rigotti of Copa-Cogeca, and Riccardo Ricci Curbastro of Efow who attended as campaign supporters and actively contributed to the event’s success. Their presence shows the widespread sector’s support for Vitævino’s mission of defending wine culture and conviviality as a symbol of the European identity and economy.
About Vitævino
Launched in October last year across the EU and now present in several extra EU countries (e.g. Argentina, US), the Vitævino Campaign is a grassroots initiative dedicated to protecting and promoting wine culture, its socio-economic importance, and its role in fostering moderation and conviviality. By uniting the voices of wine lovers, producers, and policymakers, Vitævino aims to ensure that wine remains a fundamental part of European heritage. At present 15K people have signed the Vitævino Declaration.
