The 24th edition of The Best Italian Wines has officially begun, celebrating the excellence of Italy’s wine industry. The grand opening took place yesterday, marking the start of four days filled with tastings, meetings, and workshops at the Salone delle Fontane in Eur, running until February 23.
Curated by Luca Maroni, a sensory analyst and author of numerous publications, alongside Francesca Romana Maroni, CEO of Sens Eventi, this year’s theme is “At the Heart of Pleasure.” Guests will embark on a multi-sensory journey to discover the authentic flavors that make wine – and food – a true source of enjoyment. From sweet and savory notes to spicy and bitter undertones, the program explores key ingredients such as chili peppers, honey, salt, citrus fruits, olive oil, and roots.
The Opening Ceremony and the Stars of Italian Wine Excellence
The opening night welcomed notable figures from the worlds of politics and entertainment, including Senator Gian Marco Centinaio, renowned producer Giovanni Storaro, and notary Luigi Pocaterra.
On stage, Luca Maroni highlighted the wineries that have stood out over the past year. From well-established estates to emerging small producers, Italy’s finest wines of 2025—categorized into whites, reds, sweet wines, and sparkling wines—were honored for achieving outstanding scores, ranging from 96 to 99 points in the official Annual Report.
During the evening, Francesca Romana Maroni also introduced two significant projects combining wine and biodiversity conservation:
- Somma Sapienza, a wine produced from the grapes of the Vigneto Italia, planted in 2018 within the Rome Botanical Garden Museum, and enjoyed by guests at the awards ceremony.
- Voloorto, a volunteer initiative supported by Sens, aimed at engaging citizens in actively preserving the biodiversity of the Rome Botanical Garden.
Mediterranean Rhythms and Enogastronomic Experiences
Adding to the enchanting atmosphere, the evening featured captivating dance performances that showcased the vibrant rhythms of southern Italy’s traditions. Skilled dancers brought the stage to life with the passionate steps of pizzica and tarantella, offering the audience an immersive cultural experience that perfectly blended the pleasure of wine with the richness of Mediterranean heritage.
With a packed schedule of tastings, workshops, and exclusive encounters with leading industry figures, The Best Italian Wines 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for wine enthusiasts and professionals alike.
