VERONA – Over 150 wines from Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia are being showcased and tasted together for the first time under the Open Balkan banner at the 55th Vinitaly. This is because not only business but also diplomacy and international cooperation come through the tasting of a glass of wine.
At the International Wine Hall (Pavilion D) of the international wine and spirits exhibition, taking place until April 5th at Veronafiere, producers from the three Balkan countries are presenting a selection of the best labels from different vineyards in the region, showcasing the identity and potential of a wine landscape that has increasingly caught the attention of critics and consumers worldwide in recent years.
The collective exhibit was officially visited yesterday at Vinitaly by the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, and the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovačevski, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani.
“Vinitaly has had the great ability to open up to friendly countries,” said Tajani. “Having the Balkans here with their products means having a broader vision and discovering new markets, with the aim of growing our wine sector.”
“Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia can be even more present here at the fair and in Italy in general,” commented Serbian President Vučić. “I am convinced that system collaborations like the Open Balkan collective can bring benefits in other fields as well, attracting more businessmen and bringing Italian industry to be more present in our regions. We are delighted to be here at Vinitaly, also because we have the opportunity to learn a lot about this sector.”
The Balkan team arrives at Vinitaly after the success of the first edition of Wine Vision by Open Balkan, the Belgrade fair dedicated to wine, food, and tourism, which last year saw the participation of over 350 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, effectively becoming the leading international event in Southeast Europe and setting new and high standards for the dissemination and promotion of Western Balkan wines.
