The Lugana DOC wine region took centre stage during a press tour dedicated to discovering its wines, landscapes and distinctive hospitality experiences on Lake Garda. On 16 and 17 September, Floriana Schiano from Le Frecce and Stefano Ampollini from Wu Magazine explored the appellation, meeting local producers and discovering different expressions of the area’s wine culture.

The two-day itinerary brought together winery visits, wine tastings, local cuisine and wellness experiences, offering journalists an opportunity to discover the many facets of Lugana DOC.

Discovering Lugana DOC Through Wine and Local Experiences

The press tour began with a boat trip on Lake Garda, followed by an aperitif at sunset. Against this scenic backdrop, journalists discovered the area’s landscapes and the close relationship between wine, tourism and local culture.

The evening continued at La Speranzina restaurant, where the journalists enjoyed a dinner featuring wines from Citari, paired with the restaurant’s dishes. In addition, they met the winery’s owner, gaining further insight into the producer’s approach and its connection with the Lugana wine region.

Overall, the first day highlighted the value of wine tourism as a way to discover a destination through its wines, gastronomy and landscapes. At the same time, it demonstrated how immersive experiences can bring a wine region’s identity to life.

Visiting the Wineries of Lugana DOC

The second day, on 17 September, began at Ottella, where Francesco Montresor welcomed the journalists for a winery visit and a tasting. During the visit, they explored the estate’s history and its relationship with the Lugana DOC appellation.

From there, the group headed to Corte Anna for a winery tour, followed by a tasting and a light lunch hosted by owner Anna Palvarini. Beyond the wines themselves, the visit offered an insight into the family behind the winery, highlighting the importance of tradition, personal relationships and hospitality in shaping the region’s wine culture.

Together, these encounters offered journalists a closer look at the producers who contribute to the identity of Lugana DOC, while showcasing the diversity of experiences available across the appellation.

Wine, Wellness and Hospitality on Lake Garda

The itinerary concluded at Cobue Wine Resort, where the journalists discovered another dimension of the local hospitality offering. After taking time to relax at the spa, they joined a dinner with owner Gilberto Castoldi.

In this setting, the experience showcased a hospitality model that combines wine, relaxation and the surrounding landscape, extending the discovery of Lugana beyond the traditional winery visit.

More broadly, the programme highlighted the different ways visitors can explore the region, from boat trips and fine dining to cellar tours and wellness experiences. By bringing these elements together, the press tour illustrated how wine tourism can create a comprehensive destination experience, connecting wine culture with gastronomy and hospitality.

Lugana DOC: Wine Tourism and Destination Storytelling

Ultimately, the two-day press tour presented a wine region where winemaking traditions meet the distinctive landscape of Lake Garda and a diverse hospitality offering. Through winery visits, meetings with producers and immersive experiences, Floriana Schiano and Stefano Ampollini discovered a destination that places wine at the heart of its identity.

For Zedcomm, the initiative provided an opportunity to showcase the potential of wine PR, media relations and destination storytelling. By fostering meaningful encounters between journalists, producers and the local area, the agency helped bring the Lugana DOC story to life through experiences that connect wine with the people, places and traditions behind it.

Discover more about Zedcomm’s PR and media relations services and its work in wine and food communication.

The 15th edition of VinoVip Cortina, the biennial wine summit conceived and organized by Civiltà del bere, concluded on a highly successful note. Held on 12 and 13 July in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the event welcomed some of the leading figures of the Italian wine industry. Throughout the two-day programme, discussions, masterclasses and tastings attracted more than 700 participants, including wine professionals, international buyers, journalists and wine enthusiasts.

Discover more about VinoVip Cortina and the event programme on the official website.

VinoVip Cortina 2026 – The Talk Show “The Tenors of Italian Wine”

The future of Italian wine was the central theme of the 2026 edition, while the debate remained firmly rooted in the sector’s history and traditions. To open the event, the talk show “The Tenors of Italian Wine” brought together Piero Antinori, Sandro Boscaini, Angelo Gaja and Fausto Maculan, under the moderation of Civiltà del bere Editor-in-Chief Alessandro Torcoli.

During the discussion, the speakers explored some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. These included climate change, changing consumer habits, market instability, rising production costs and the need to promote responsible wine consumption among younger generations. As a result, the event once again confirmed its role as a leading forum for dialogue within the Italian wine sector.

Khail Award 2026

Meanwhile, the first day also featured the presentation of the Khail Award 2026 to Marilisa Allegrini. The annual award honours individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting Italian wine around the world.

In addition, the programme included an in-depth session dedicated to Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Experts discussed the denomination’s future prospects as well as the strategies being implemented to address the effects of climate change. Afterwards, participants enjoyed a tasting featuring wines from 23 wineries across the production area, highlighting the quality and diversity of one of Italy’s most renowned sparkling wine regions.

“The Three Faces of Pinot and Their Expressions”

The second day began with the walk-around tasting “The Three Faces of Pinot and Their Expressions”, dedicated to Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero. Bringing together the Collio Wine Consortium and numerous wineries from across Italy, the initiative showcased the versatility and distinctive expressions of these grape varieties.

Later in the afternoon, Chalet Tofane hosted the traditional Grand Tasting, where 54 selected wineries presented their wines. Consequently, participants enjoyed the opportunity to taste a wide range of labels while meeting producers and exchanging insights in person. Finally, the 2026 edition came to a close with approximately 1,200 bottles uncorked, further confirming VinoVip Cortinaas one of Italy’s leading events dedicated to the wine industry.“This edition of VinoVip was especially moving for us because it brought back the spirit of the early years, combining high-level discussions with a truly unique atmosphere,” said Alessandro Torcoli.

Looking ahead, VinoVip will return in 2027 in Forte dei Marmi, continuing its mission to promote excellence, innovation and dialogue across the Italian wine industry.

Vini di Valtellina Second Edition

On 8 July, the Consorzio di Tutela dei Vini di Valtellina officially presented the second edition of ViVa – Vini di Valtellina in Milan. Taking place from 12 to 14 September 2026 in Sondrio, the event will celebrate the Wines of Valtellina, Alpine Nebbiolo and the unique wine-growing heritage of the region. Hosted at ONEST restaurant in Milan, the presentation offered a preview of the upcoming programme. Building on the success of its first edition, ViVa – Vini di Valtellina aims to establish itself as a key event on Italy’s wine calendar. Moreover, the initiative will showcase the outstanding wine, culture and breathtaking landscapes that make Valtellina one of Italy’s most distinctive wine regions.

Three Days Discovering the Vini di Valtellina Second Edition

The event will open on Saturday, 12 September, with a wide range of experiences across the territory, including guided hikes through the iconic terraced vineyards, e-bike tours, guided city walks and wine tastings. During the afternoon, Sondrio’s historic centre will become an open-air tasting route, where wineries will present their latest vintages of the Wines of Valtellina. The day will conclude with ViVa Nebbiolo, a festive evening featuring live music, local cuisine and glasses of Alpine Nebbiolo.

Open Wineries and Meetings with Producers

On Sunday, 13 September, wineries throughout Valtellina will welcome visitors for guided tours, tastings, vineyard picnics, walks with winemakers and a variety of wine tourism experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to discover first-hand the traditions of mountain viticulture and meet the producers who preserve the identity of the Wines of Valtellina.

A Day Dedicated to Wine Professionals

Monday, 14 September, will be reserved for wine professionals. Buyers, importers, sommeliers, journalists and trade operators will be able to attend dedicated tasting sessions, meet producers and explore the newest vintages while networking with industry peers.

ViVa – Vini di Valtellina Second Edition Celebrates a Unique Wine Region

Through ViVa – Vini di Valtellina, the Consorzio reaffirms its commitment to promoting one of Italy’s most distinctive wine regions. Finally The event strengthens Sondrio’s position as a leading destination for wine tourism while highlighting the exceptional heritage, landscapes and wines that make Valtellina unique. For further information and the full programme, visit www.vinidivaltellina.it.