Rome celebrates taste: the 23rd edition of Vinòforum kicks off
The capital returns to the center of national food and wine with the inauguration of Vinòforum 2026, the event that will transform Villa Borghese into a showcase of excellence until September 13th.
An open dialogue between the great terroirs and the local excellences
The official opening immediately revealed the true essence of the event: a vast platform for discussion, bringing together diverse production entities. With the addition of Parmigiano Reggiano among the partners and the traditional slicing of the wheel, the first evening welcomed a large audience, leading them through tastings, masterclasses, and special dinners. The wine program curated by AIS Lazio is particularly rich, with itineraries encompassing the finest international expressions, such as Champagne, fine Rieslings from Alsace, and wines from South Africa, as well as touching on Eastern traditions like sake. At the same time, enthusiasts can explore themed itineraries dedicated to historic appellations like Barolo, delve into international production with the Spanish Tourist Board and Georgia, or try their hand at blind tastings organized by ARSIAL and the Lazio Region to showcase local production. CEO Emiliano De Venuti emphasized how the 23rd edition is the result of institutional teamwork, essential for effectively communicating the richness of Italy's agri-food heritage.
Signature cuisine is measured against the human factor and the art of baking
Alongside the fine wines, fine dining plays a starring role with formats designed to showcase technical research and quality ingredients. The Night Dinner series, created with La Molisana, focuses on the theme of the Human Factor in the kitchen, a reflection on the importance of the human and artisanal component in the evolution of the restaurant industry. Seven prominent chefs take turns at the stove to share their gastronomic vision, expertly balancing local roots with modern techniques. Completing the culinary offering are the Temporary Restaurants, featuring three Roman and regional restaurants per evening, and the Origini project, designed to rediscover historic Lazio recipes using strictly local ingredients. A prominent focus is also given to Molino Caputo's signature pizza, which will feature renowned master pizza makers until the final of the La Città della Pizza contest. This is in addition to dessert wine pairings, paired with creations by pastry chefs and gelato makers from the capital.
Institutions and supply chains unite to promote the Italian PDO economy
The event's strategic importance is confirmed by the presence of political and industry institutions, who agree that the event is a vital driver for the country's economic and cultural promotion. Minister Francesco Lollobrigida and the regional councilors who attended reiterated that promoting wine represents the very protection of Italy's identity and landscape, capable of generating wealth and jobs. With a focus on growing the so-called DOP economy and attracting tourism, Rome demonstrates its position as a key hub not only for Central and Southern Italy, but for the entire peninsula. The event's infrastructure, supported by long-standing and institutional partners such as Veronafiere, represented by its House of Veronafiere, aims to transform the expo into a place for direct relationships between producers, buyers, and consumers, celebrating the human capital and expertise typical of Made in Italy.
