The pinnacle of Calabrian wine production takes center stage at the gala dinner that kicks off the Düsseldorf Fair, the Meiniger Awards – Excellence in Wine & Spirit evening.
The countdown to ProWein 2025 has begun, the event that brings together the finest expressions of the global wine and spirits industry. Düsseldorf is preparing to welcome enthusiasts, trade professionals, media, and industry operators from Sunday, March 16 to Tuesday, March 18, to celebrate excellence in the sector with around 12,000 labels available for tasting and over 4,000 exhibitors. In this edition, Calabria confirms its presence with a delegation showcasing the best labels from one of Italy’s most fascinating regions, reaffirming the solid relationship between the German trade market and Calabria’s wine production.
“Germany,” emphasized Gianluca Gallo, Calabria’s Regional Agriculture Councillor, “is a strategic market for our wine industry, as demonstrated by the increase in exports from Calabrian companies and the establishment of important commercial relationships with German trade. However, to strengthen our competitiveness, active promotion is essential.”
Councillor Gallo adds: “Our participation in ProWein goes precisely in this direction, as it is one of the most significant international wine industry events. We will not only bring our companies to the regional stand but have also organized a series of initiatives involving industry journalists, chefs, and prominent buyers — first and foremost, the opening dinner where Calabrian wines will star in a wine pairing experience. All of this aims to strengthen the presence of our wines in Germany, also leveraging the strong Italian and Calabrian community residing there.”
One of the most significant wine events on the calendar, which over the years has become an unmissable stop for enthusiasts and industry players alike, will showcase the finest examples of Calabria’s wine production on the stage of the Meininger Award – Excellence in Wine & Spirit (a prize dedicated to the most influential figures in the wine and spirits industry).
Before an audience of approximately 500 guests, including journalists, buyers, and renowned entrepreneurs, the region will present a program of initiatives to highlight the remarkable progress made in quality wine production.
And quality will take center stage on Sunday, March 16, with Mirian Muller, editor of WEINWIRTSCHAFT (a German magazine specializing in the wine business in all aspects), who will analyze the elements redefining the new Calabrian wine landscape. The masterclass, scheduled for 4:00 PM, will offer an authentic journey through Calabria’s wine scene — a land that thrives on variety and its soil and climate’s natural suitability for agricultural practices, making it the beating heart of its cultural heritage.
This special occasion will delve into the essence of the region as told by the “Calabria Straordinaria” project — an initiative aimed at promoting the region’s tourism potential by showcasing its rich food, wine, and cultural heritage. A series of initiatives will span the comprehensive network promoting Calabrian identity, involving key entities and prominent figures in the sector.
Such contexts foster interesting collaborations, like the one with the Italian Chefs Association in Germany. Thanks to the involvement of the Association’s President, Concetta Ragusa, they will have the stage at ProWein for a special event focusing on the incredible versatility of Calabria’s finest wines, paired with typical German culinary products and preparations.
