Tell us about Borsa Vini and what you have planned?
Borsa Vini is Italy’s premier business event, designed to foster and strengthen commercial ties between Italian wine producers and international buyers.
Annually, we curate a delegation of wineries to meet with importers, distributors, and trade professionals actively seeking new Italian wines.
Our focus remains straightforward: facilitating productive, significant one-to-one business meetings. This is complemented by a structured tasting environment, enabling buyers to efficiently and deeply explore the wines on offer.
This year's edition features enhancements including an expanded tasting layout, and a renewed emphasis on the nation's regional diversity. This ranges from the most recognised appellations to small, emerging territories that, despite rarely travelling abroad, are highly deserving of international attention.
This really is a big celebration for all of Italy to get behind - how do you decide which producers to be involved?
Borsa Vini Italiani is a chance for wine buyers to explore the whole of Italian wine under one roof
Given Italy's wealth of over 400 native grape varieties and thousands of wineries, a selection process is essential. The Italian Trade Agency manages a national call to identify producers. Our criteria focus on wineries that are prepared for export, possess high quality standards, and are dedicated to establishing enduring international partnerships.
Our objective is to ensure Italy is represented in a balanced way, taking into account geography, winemaking style, and market positioning. Crucially, the aim is not merely to select many producers, but to curate the optimal mix for international buyers.
Can you give some idea of highlights of the producers / regions that are taking part and the type of wines they are going to be showing?
This year’s Borsa Vini offers an impressively broad snapshot of Italy’s wine landscape, bringing together regions and styles that span the entire peninsula. Visitors can expect a strong showing from Tuscany, with classic expressions of Sangiovese, Chianti, Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino, as well as traditional Tuscan blends and organically made interpretations.
Veneto is well represented through a wide range of Prosecco DOC and DOCG -including Treviso, Asolo and Valdobbiadene - alongside still wines from Pinot Grigio, Manzoni Bianco, Refosco, and other regional varieties.
Producers from across Italy will be coming to the Borsa Vini Italiani tasting including those from Alto Adige
From Northern Italy, producers from Alto Adige, Trentino and Friuli Venezia Giulia offer crisp, alpine-driven whites such as Pinot Bianco, Kerner, Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc and Ribolla Gialla, as well as cool-climate reds including Lagrein, Schioppettino and Raboso.
Further south, Abruzzo presents Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Pecorino, Trebbiano and Cerasuolo, while Apulia showcases its hallmark Mediterranean varieties -Primitivo, Negroamaro, Nero di Troia, Bombino Bianco and Falanghina - in both traditional and modern styles.
Sicily brings diversity from coastal and volcanic terroirs, with Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia and Nero d’Avola alongside distinctive Etna wines made from Carricante and Nerello Mascalese.
There are also notable contributions from Sardinia with Vermentino di Gallura, as well as small but innovative pockets of production across Emilia-Romagna, Liguria and Marche.
Across the tasting, visitors will encounter everything from classic appellations to organic wines, PIWI-based sustainable varieties, sparkling and traditional-method wines, rosati, passito styles and even alcohol-free options—making this one of the most diverse and exploratory editions of Borsa Vini to date.
Any particular trends do you see from the wines being shown this year?
Several clear trends emerge from this year’s Borsa Vini catalogue. One of the strongest is the move toward fresher, lighter and more contemporary styles, even in traditionally full-bodied regions. Many producers are presenting wines with a focus on elegance, higher altitude freshness, and cleaner fruit expression, particularly in the alpine regions and in Tuscany.
The Borsa Vini Italiani event takes place in London on January 21
There is also a noticeable increase in lower-alcohol options and wines naturally shaped by cooler climates or early harvesting - especially among northern Italian whites and sparkling wines. The presence of alcohol-free sparkling alternatives and more Metodo Classico rosé styles also reflects a shift toward lighter drinking occasions.
Organic and sustainable production continues to grow, with a significant number of wineries certified organic or SQNPI, and a notable rise in PIWI varieties - the new generation of disease-resistant grapes that allow for reduced chemical use. These wines tend to be fresh, crisp and lower in intervention, aligning with global sustainability trends.
At the same time, traditional Italian diversity is very much present:
- an expanding interest in indigenous varieties, from Bombino Bianco and Falanghina in the south to Nosiola, Kerner and Friulano in the north.
- a surge in regional rosati, ranging from pale, mineral styles to more Mediterranean expressions.
- and a continued enthusiasm for sparkling wines, whether Prosecco, Ribolla Gialla, high-altitude Metodo Classico or innovative sparkling interpretations of native grapes.
Overall, the catalogue shows an Italy balancing tradition with innovation—lighter, cleaner, more sustainable wines sitting comfortably alongside the country’s iconic, age-worthy reds.
Any masterclasses that people can sign up?
Led by Peter McCombie MW
Peter McCombie MW will be hosting a masterclass on Italian reds and how they are becoming more versatile
Time: 14:00 - 15:00 hrs
Title: “The Lightness Revolution: Italian Reds Redefined”
From heavy oak to lifted perfume this masterclass is all about exploring how Italian reds have become more transparent, food-friendly, and globally relevant.
Master of Wine Peter McCombie will present a curated selection of celebrated, market-leading Italian wines. These wines have historically established industry benchmarks and significantly contributed to enhancing Italy’s global standing.
Why did you want to focus on those themes for the masterclass?
The proposed masterclass theme, "The Lightness Revolution," is strategically strong for Borsa Vini because it:
Captures the biggest shift: It highlights the contemporary movement in Italian wine across all regions toward less extraction, less oak, earlier picking, more aromatic clarity, and lighter alcohol, positioning Italy as a quality innovator.
Differentiates Italy: It moves beyond outdated stereotypes of heavy, oaky reds, showing Italy is leading a stylistic renaissance.
Unifies diverse regions: "Lightness" is the perfect connector for Nebbiolo's finesse, Sangiovese's transparency, Nerello Mascalese's elegance, and other naturally lighter expressions.
Aligns with global demand: It speaks directly to international buyers seeking fresher, lower-alcohol, food-friendly, and terroir-driven reds.
Is Aspirational: It frames the shift as a memorable, marketable narrative—a philosophical movement toward authenticity and cultural redefinition.
Discusses technique accessibly: It allows discussion of winemaking techniques (oak, maceration, climate adaptation) tied to the larger, accessible idea of elegance and transparency.
Positions Italy as forward-thinking: It showcases innovation (climate adaptation, lighter touch winemaking) and responsiveness to global sommelier preferences, appealing to international trade and media.
Can you explain the role of the Italian Trade Agency and how you work with the trade to help bring producers and buyers together?
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is the government body dedicated to advancing the global presence of Italian businesses.
Specifically, within the wine industry, our role is to connect Italian producers with international trade professionals, including importers, distributors, retailers, sommeliers, and media.
We operate as a public, neutral, and mission-driven entity. Our mandate is to support producers and facilitate the trade in finding suitable partners, not to engage in sales or collect commissions.
We offer Italian wineries a comprehensive, structured support for their success in international markets.
Italian Trade Agency is committed to bringing Italian businesses together with the most relevant oartners in their target markets
Our key areas of support include:
- Market Intelligence & Access: We provide insights into local trends, regulatory frameworks, pricing strategies, and emerging opportunities in target markets.
- Promotion & Visibility: We organise tastings, masterclasses, create promotional catalogs, coordinate buyer missions, host Borsa Vini events, and manage national pavilions at major international trade fairs.
- Trade Matchmaking: We facilitate connections between Italian producers and carefully qualified importers and buyers whose portfolios align with the winery's offerings.
- Education & Training: We equip wineries with the knowledge necessary to understand and meet the specific demands, preferences, and expectations of the trade in markets like the UK and beyond.
Our ultimate aim is to dismantle barriers to entry, minimise the risks associated with foreign market expansion, and enhance the global prestige of Italian wine.
We serve the trade as a free resource and critical facilitator for sourcing Italian wine.
How we help buyers
Our goal is to simplify the complex Italian wine market and ensure you find the perfect match for your portfolio. We provide:
- Curated producer introductions: We connect buyers with producers that fit specific criteria, including region, price point, volume, and style.
- Access to undiscovered wineries: We specialise in introducing you to small and mid-sized producers who are often difficult to locate.
- Efficient tasting events: Events like Borsa Vini allow buyers to taste a wide range of wines, compare styles, and meet multiple producers effectively.
- Neutral guidance: Our role is to provide unbiased support to help you discover the best fit for your needs, not to promote one producer over another.
Bringing producers and buyers together
This matchmaking function is central to our work. The process is systematic and long-term:
Structured matchmaking: We facilitate connections through various means, including large events, one-to-one meetings, pre-scheduled appointments, and post-event follow-up.
Educational context: Masterclasses, such as The Lightness Revolution, provide a meaningful narrative and context, making the tasting experience more efficient and informative.
Ongoing relationship-uilding: We maintain contact with both parties to support the development of sustainable, long-term partnerships.
Why Our Role is Essential
The Italian wine sector is immense, encompassing over 400 native grapes, 20 regions, and thousands of producers.
The ITA's mission is to make this diversity accessible, comprehensible, and commercially viable for the global trade.
Do you host other Borsa Vini events in other countries around the world?
Borsa Vini Italiani events take place in other key markets around the world
The Borsa Vini Italiani is an international event held in various global markets.
Examples include:
- Borsa Vini Korea (Seoul): Connects Italian producers with Korean importers.
- Nordics/Sweden: Past events like Borsa Vini Copenhagen (Denmark).
- Ireland: Borsa Vini Dublin targets the Irish and UK/Irish trade.
Why it succeeds globally:
- ICE's global network allows for local coordination and adaptation.
- Flexible format ranges from one-day walk-around tastings to multi-day programs with B2B, masterclasses, and market orientation.
- It facilitates Italian export growth and offers international buyers an efficient way to explore and source Italian wines.
Anything else to say?
Borsa Vini is the most efficient, curated event for discovering the future of Italian wine for the UK market.
Why attend?
Exclusive discovery: Find producers not yet in the UK, offering your business unique listings and a competitive edge.
Trade efficiency: Meet quite a few producers in one day, eliminating cold outreach and multiple trips. Get direct access and instant comparisons.
Market alignment: Taste wines aligned with UK trends like "The Lightness Revolution"—fresher, lighter, more expressive Italian reds, meeting the demand for drinkability and authenticity.
Build partnerships: Form essential, long-term relationships through in-person meetings, leading to easier negotiation, better support, stronger exclusivity, and a smoother buying process.
Stay ahead: See what's next with wines hitting current trends: lighter extraction, lower alcohol, terroir transparency, native grapes, and sustainable approaches.
In short: If you buy, list, sell, or recommend Italian wine in the UK, Borsa Vini is the essential event for discovery, new relationships, and shaping the next wave of Italian wine.
When: January 21, 10.30am-6pm.
Where: IET London, 2 Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL.
Register: Click here.
Catalogue available here.
Please note that our current catalogue only displays five types of wines per
company. However, there will be additional ones available at the showcase.
