For some time now the topic has been widely discussed, but the presentation of the book “Wine Tourism in Italy”, written jointly by Donatella Cinelli Colombini and Senator Dario Stefàno, offered a valuable opportunity to once again highlight the importance of Italy’s food and wine excellence.
Its potential—still partly untapped—represents an enormous resource in terms of culture, tourism, and economic development, capable of becoming a real driving force for the growth of both the sector and the country itself.
According to Donatella Cinelli Colombini, Italy should be perceived as a “gourmet paradise.” A definition that I personally find more than appropriate, especially when compared with countries that are far less rich in resources but are already highly effective at leveraging what they have in the fields of wine, food, and territorial promotion.
Italy certainly has a very strong identity, yet the need for a multidisciplinary approach—necessary to develop projects and legislation in this field—has slowed its progress. Seeing the Ministers of Culture, Tourism, and Agricultural Policies gathered around the same table for the presentation of a book intended as a manual of best practices for wine hospitality in Italy gives reason for optimism.
More than 25,000 wineries in Italy are open to visitors. They represent potential wine destinations that already contribute—and could contribute even more—to the country’s economic development, also within a framework of environmental and social sustainability.
Let’s hope that this might finally be the right moment.
