Over a Thousand Winemakers Gather to Celebrate Italy’s Viticultural Heritage and Craftsmanship at BolognaFiere
BOLOGNA – In the heart of Italy’s rich gastronomic landscape, BolognaFiere prepares to unfold the red carpet for the 12th edition of the Independent Winemakers’ Market (Mercato dei Vini dei Vignaioli Indipendenti), a prestigious event hosted by the Italian Federation of Independent Winemakers (FIVI). This anticipated gathering is scheduled from November 25th to 27th, 2023, promising to be a beacon for over 1,000 winemakers from every Italian region.
FIVI’s annual event, now in collaboration with BolognaFiere, has become much more than a market; it is a cultural statement and an identity hallmark for the participating winemakers. This is not merely a commercial showcase but rather a symposium of passion, community, and the authentic Italian spirit of winemaking.
The market serves as an ideal platform for winemakers to engage with each other and the public, creating a space reflective of their cellars—a place to share their craft and the stories encapsulated in each bottle. Lorenzo Cesconi, FIVI’s President, asserts that this event is not just another date on the calendar but the pinnacle gathering for Italian wine producers, celebrating wines that are not only Italian by geography but by their essence—wines that embody the identity and vocation of their territory.
The 2023 edition also celebrates the creative partnership with Corraini Edizioni and the celebrated illustrator Guido Scarabottolo, whose artwork for the event pays homage to the diversity of the winemakers. His inspiration springs from the iconic bottles painted by Giorgio Morandi, echoing the infinite variations and the rich individuality of the winemakers’ produce.
This year, the expansive BolognaFiere will offer 30,000 square meters across four pavilions to accommodate the impressive number of participating winemakers. With additional space dedicated to food and related services, the event is set to deliver an unparalleled experience for both exhibitors and visitors.
Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere, highlights the city’s emerging reputation as a hub for sustainable and high-quality wine events, with the Independent Winemakers’ Market joining the ranks of successful initiatives like the Slow Wine Fair.
Attendees can expect the same beloved format—a three-day exhibition with a casual arrangement of stalls reflecting Italy’s regional diversity, accompanied by specialized masterclasses that spotlight the unique terroirs and specialties of independent Italian winemakers.
The FIVI, established in 2008, proudly represents over 1,600 independent producers who champion the full production cycle from grape cultivation to bottling and direct sales. These vintners, tending over 15,000 hectares of vineyards, are the heart of the Italian wine identity—embodied by “Ampelio,” their emblematic figure carrying a grape basket that casts a bottle-shaped shadow.
BolognaFiere’s Independent Winemakers’ Market stands as a testament to the dedication of FIVI and its members, showcasing not just wine but a lifestyle, a commitment, and a passion for the land that continues to shape Italy’s oenological narrative.
