The Fourth Edition of the Esteemed Tasting Event Showcased a Diverse Array of Italian and International Food, Wine, and Spirits Companies at Palazzo del Ghiaccio.
MILANO – The Best Wine Stars event in Milan, which took place from May 20th to 22nd, drew an impressive crowd of over 4,500 attendees. Among them, 40% were buyers and 15% were journalists, all actively engaging in the event through the tasting of more than 800 labels and participating in numerous detailed sessions over the three-day event.
The event provided an opportunity for participating companies to connect with approximately 2,500 trade operators from Italy and 15 other countries. These included press representatives, buyers, distributors, importers, wine merchants, restaurateurs, and many wine enthusiasts, reaffirming the event’s appeal to a broad audience.
Endorsed by the Municipality of Milan, Best Wine Stars aimed to showcase the culture and history of the participating companies and their products through a series of meetings led by industry experts.
The Sala Piranesi hosted 15 sold-out talks and masterclasses, featuring a diverse range of participants including Borgoverde Soc Agricola S.S., Bulichella, Cantina La Lignite, Cantina Nepos Villae, Cardamaro, Champagne Jarry Héritage, Col Vetoraz Spumanti Spa, Consorzio Terre di Reggio Calabria, Fiorotto 1934, Formidabile, L’Astemia Pentita, Marisa Cuomo, Monviert, Rossi D’Angera, Sarandrea, Sibilla, Sirene, Tenuta Tosi, Terre del Dogado, Tonico Pugliese, and Varvaglione 1921.
The event was further enriched by the presence of digital narrator Adua Villa; Alessandra Piubello, a journalist for leading national and international wine magazines; Il Sole 24 Ore journalist Barbara Sgarzi; journalist and TV presenter Edoardo Raspelli; BarTales founder Fabio Bacchi; Radio Deejay speaker and wine expert Francesco Quarna; Marco Boldrini, a sommelier and owner of several Italian restaurants in the Netherlands; Paola Longo, owner of Enoteca Longo; Simona Geri, founder of The Winesetter; Stefania Vinciguerra, Editor-in-Chief of DoctorWine; Valentina Vercelli, a professional journalist who writes for La Cucina Italiana, Condé Nast Traveller, Slowine and Civiltà del Bere; and Antonietta Tummolo, Best Wine Stars Ambassador. These experts delved into various aspects of the wine and spirits world, presenting the different production realities and enabling attendees to expand their knowledge.
During the official unveiling of the “Venus and Bacchus” The Myths of Wine initiative, curated by Antonietta Tummolo, institutional representatives from the Basilicata Region, Alessandro Galella, the former councilor for productive activities, labor, training and sports, and recently appointed councilor for agriculture, and regional equality councilor Ivana Enrica Pipponzi, expressed their endorsement and commitment to the project. Their institutional support will be actualized in the 2024 edition of Best Wine Stars, particularly benefiting Lucanian wine companies, especially those led by women. These companies will have a dedicated space for the first time at a national level, adding further value to the event.
The Best Wine Stars Awards ceremony took place on Sunday, May 21st, with the participation of the exhibiting companies and numerous journalists. The awards were presented by entrepreneur, sommelier, and wine writer Adua Villa, who selected the winners for Best Sparkling Wine, Best White Wine, Best Red Wine, and Best Rosè Wine. Expert Fabio Bacchi was responsible for awarding the Best Herbal Liqueurs and Best Spirits prizes, while the Best Wine Stars team selected the companies for the Best Logo and the Best Label.
The Best Red Wine award was won by Tenuta di Artimino for its Grumarello 2017, DOCG, Carmignano Riserva, a red wine of exceptional elegance that showcases a lesser-known side of Tuscany within the DOCG Carmignano. Caruso & Minini claimed the Best White Wine award with their Arancino Orange Wine 2022, IGT Terre Siciliane, an Orange Wine that encapsulates culture, tradition, and passion in a unique Sicilian style. The Best Sparkling Wine award went to Mister Bio Wine Srl for their Ribolla Gialla Spumante Extra Brut, a company renowned for its commitment to environmental protection and traditional grape cultivation. Casa Vinicola Fazio was recognized with the Best Rosè Wine for their Anima Solis Rosato 2022, IGT Terre Siciliane, a rosé with a captivating and unconventional personality.
The Best Spirits award was bestowed upon Silvio Carta srl for its Gin per te, a gin that masterfully combines the wisdom of traditional flavors with the vigor of modern innovation. This gin offers a complex yet balanced taste, with a subtle savory note that hints at its Mediterranean roots. The mid-palate is dominated by its botanical body, which then gives way to the refreshing scents of the island, culminating in a long, slightly crisp finish. The Best Herbal Liqueurs award went to Albergian for its Amaro Albergian 2023, a pleasantly bitter, moderately alcoholic liqueur that embodies naturalness, merging ancient spice flavors with the biodiversity of Piedmont, a region recognized as a UNESCO heritage site.
Two companies were recognized for their exceptional branding and marketing efforts. The Best Logo award was claimed by Alta Marea Gin, a company whose name and imagery draw inspiration from the beaches of Sicily, the producer’s homeland. Ocone 1910 – Taburno Wine Country won the Best Label award for its Bozzovich Nero label, a restyling of the original poster by artist Bozzovich. The label features a sinuous and elegant female figure in true Art Nouveau style, encapsulating the seductive allure of the wine.
The Landini Prize was awarded to Antonella Lombardo – Vini Calabria IGT, presented by Mario Danieli, the Italian country manager of the Argo Tractors Group.
Enzo Carbone, Founder of Prodes Italia and organizer of Best Wine Stars, reflected on the three-day event: “We are extremely satisfied with the outcome, which validates the hard work put in over the previous months and resulted in the participation of numerous industry professionals. We are thrilled with the public’s response and the appreciation for the diverse content and leading contributions. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the companies that participated with such enthusiasm, showcasing their products and regions to the public.”
The team behind Best Wine Stars is already gearing up for their next venture as they prepare for the fifth edition. Their ongoing mission is to showcase both national and international wine and spirits producers to the public, with a continued focus on elevating the industry.
All the labels from the companies that participated in the event are available for purchase on the e-commerce platform, www.bestwinestars.com. Best Wine Stars is a project by the Prodes Italia group, a company with a longstanding presence in the fields of fine jewelry, design, and art.
