An event that celebrates more than wine
There is something truly special about visiting Vinitaly for two years in a row. Again, as a contributor to Italia Living. To me it is more than a wine fair. It’s a celebration of everything I, and the world, love about Italy: beauty, authenticity, craftsmanship, and the unique ability to transform everyday moments into meaningful and enjoyable ones.
As I looked around the fair, I was once again surprised by its enormity. Vinitaly is vast. Entire pavilions are dedicated to each region, telling its story through wine, spirits and even water. It feels like you’ve traveled all over Italy in just a few hours. Every stand is alive with conversation, connection and discovery. Some recreate an elegant cocktail bar, others a charming country dining room, and still others feature a stylish living room. Each space invites you to not only taste, but also experience living.
What I love most is how each pavilion reflects the personality of the elegant, vibrant, warm and bold people like the Italians. And then there is the music of voices. Italian dialects are a mixture of languages from across Europe and beyond. It is a symphony of cultures united by curiosity, love of Italian heritage, and a shared passion for wine.
As always, it was thrilling to see my hometown Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia shining with elegance and excellence.
One of my first stops was Mionetto. There we met again Monia, who leads the hospitality in Valdobbiadene, in the heart of the Prosecco hills. There is something almost poetic about this place. There is a softness to the landscape and the light dancing across the vineyards. Mionetto was one of the pioneers who introduced Prosecco to the world. When I brought American guests there last September, they experienced not only the wine, but also the spirit of the region. They fell in love with it.
Their beautifully restored estate is stylish and warm. And meeting Sergio Mionetto himself, still passionate in his 80s, was truly special and a moment I will always cherish. And I must confess, I don’t drink much wine. I really like non-alcoholic Spritz. I went back twice during Vinitaly.
I also visited Herita Marzotto Wine Estates, home to Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo, a name deeply associated with my hometown of Porto Gruaro. Umberto Marzotto’s vision continues to inspire innovation rooted in a deep respect for the land. Despite their global success, they remain closely connected to their origins. They still have a house in Portogruaro, right next to today’s Villa Comunale, once the residence of the Marzotto family. The house is also featured on the iconic Santa Margherita label, where it all began.
Another meaningful stop was Paladin, who helped me with my application. Giada Live Project during COVID with Bosco del Merlo. Founded in 1962 in Motta di Livenza, Casa Paladin owns properties such as Bosco del Merlo, Castelvecchi and Castello Bonomi. Bosco del Merlo is just a few steps from where I grew up, a land shaped by the breezes of the Adriatic and the influence of the Alps.
I visited a few years ago and met a new generation member, Francesca Paladin. Women like Francesca and her cousin Martina are playing a key role in shaping the company’s future. At Vinitaly, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my family and capturing beautiful moments with one of the Paladin brothers, continuing the legacy built on my passion.
One of my favorite discoveries this year was Villa Sandi, which is sophisticated and elegant, with the perfect balance of history and innovation. We enjoyed beautifully crafted non-alcoholic cocktails from the stand, which reflected evolving trends. Today, about 30-40% of people, especially the younger generation, are consciously reducing their alcohol consumption. And yet the ritual, beauty and experience remain.
You may remember our visit to Ferrari Trento, part of Gruppo Lunelli, world-famous for its mastery of Trentodoc sparkling wine and Metodo Classico. This year the line was so long I couldn’t stop by and say hello. In some ways, that says it all.
We stopped by the National RAI Radio booth in the Calabria Pavilion to greet our dear friend Umberto Labozzetta. With over 40 years of experience in Italian radio and music, he is a lecturer and a true benchmark at Università Cattolica. Things get interesting with him. We laughed, met new people, and even created some spontaneous musical moments.
Calabria welcomed me with its characteristic warmth, passionate, sincere and unforgettable. And who knows… If you see me performing there soon, you’ll know where the inspiration came from.
Vinitaly is not just a fair. It is a major cultural and economic event that attracts celebrities and leading figures from across Italy’s political and business world. The Italian wine sector is worth more than 14 billion euros, with annual exports of more than 7 to 8 billion euros.
I attended several presentations at the Veneto Pavilion and had the pleasure of meeting Alberto Stefani and Luca Pavanetto again, who were always friendly and approachable. I also had the pleasure of meeting my dear friend Luca De Carlo, who, as always, combines professionalism with an amazing sense of humour.
At the Lazio pavilion, home of Cinecittà Studios, I couldn’t help but smile at the unmistakable sight. dolce vita The atmosphere is a reminder of how deeply storytelling is intertwined with Italy’s identity.
After walking for hours we finally stopped to eat something. Because even if you don’t drink much wine, Vinitaly will definitely whet your appetite. On my way out, I was drawn to an incredible sight. It was the Lamborghini Huracán Polizia. As the daughter of a police officer, I felt an immediate connection. This special car is used for long-term transport. It is a powerful symbol of Italian excellence in serving life.
When I left Vinitaly one thought remained in my mind. Beyond the wine, it is the region that makes everything special.
A world waiting to be discovered. A winery located in the Villa Palladio, rolling hills, and a small town where time seems to pass slowly. Just a short drive from the great cities of art, especially Venice, you can discover a completely different rhythm of life. It’s an invitation to stop, breathe, and savor every moment. One sip at a time.
And if you want to experience it yourself… Perhaps you will join me on my next trip.
Something special is coming this September.
So what are my takeaways from Vinitaly this year?
It’s not just about wine. It’s about passion, people and a way of life.
love,
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer-songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music specials. With love from Venicewas aired nationwide in 2015, 2016, and 2017. He debuted as a headliner at a concert at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas in November 2017. In October 2018, she debuted at Carnegie Hall in New York, and returned there again in 2019 by popular demand. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him at a concert benefiting his foundation. Her albums include: and i love you so much, Italian Signorina, my lullabyand With love from Venice. Giada is also a tiramisu expert and has performed cooking demonstrations on national TV shows creating the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also served as co-host for ABC7’s Columbus Day Parade in New York for many years.
www.giadavalenti.com
