At the 79th Assoenologi National Congress, helping shape the future of wine

The 79th Assoenologi National Congress has come to a close in the beautiful setting of Conegliano.

Every year, this important event brings together hundreds of professionals, companies, students and institutions to discuss the future of wine and help define the path forward in safeguarding wine as a cornerstone of Italy’s cultural identity.

The Congress opened with the traditional address by Assoenologi President Riccardo Cotarella, who highlighted the importance of defending the wine sector in order to “protect territories, landscapes, communities, employment and culture”, with a view to fostering a “new Renaissance of Italian wine”. His message was reinforced by the strong institutional presence at this year’s edition, including an opening message from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as speeches by Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida and Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio.

This year, Friday evening was coloured purple with VenerdìVino, an event conceived by the 28 Sponsor Companies that brought together more than 400 participants in a moment of genuine connection and conviviality. The initiative once again demonstrated how the wine industry is able to come together beyond roles and competition. The evening featured a tasting journey through wines from across Italy, accompanied by a gastronomic selection celebrating the flavours of the Veneto region.

Another new feature of this year’s Congress was a dedicated Talk Area, where the Leading Companies were invited to share expertise, experiences and perspectives on some of the most relevant topics facing the industry today: sustainable vineyard management, the effects of climate change, genetic innovation, digitalisation and wine tourism.

Within this context, our cork company contributed its own experience through a presentation focused on the increasingly sustainable approach we are implementing to protect cork oak forests. This commitment takes shape through the FSC® certification of more than 330 hectares of cork oak woodlands, as well as investments aimed at reducing the company’s environmental impact through photovoltaic and biomass energy systems.

Climate change has a direct impact on the cork sector, which is why we are proud to have shared our experience and perspective on such an important stage. As President Cotarella stated, Assoenologi is an authoritative organisation, widely respected and central to the debate surrounding Italian wine. For this very reason, contributing to the discussion on sustainability and environmental protection within such a prestigious context carries even greater significance.