Presented to the press in Milano the next edition of Vinum
MILANO – In the heart of Alba, between the waning days of April and the dawn of May, an extraordinary journey of taste, culture, and emotion beckons wine enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike. Vinum, Italy’s grandest open-air wine library, celebrates its 46th edition, transforming the city into a vibrant tableau of enological excellence. Over the course of seven days—spanning from Thursday, April 25th, to Sunday, April 28th, Wednesday, May 1st, and from Saturday, May 4th to Sunday, May 5th—participants will have the opportunity to indulge in more than 700 wine labels. These selections, meticulously curated by the Italian Sommelier Association, offer a deep dive into approximately 400 producers, pairing their finest vintages with the delectable street food of Langa. This celebration is more than a festival; it is a homage to tradition and passion, showcased through the culinary artistry of Alba’s boroughs under the auspices of the Giostra delle Cento Torri.
Set against the backdrop of the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato hills—a landscape so stunning it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014—Vinum is not just an event but a cultural phenomenon. Here, wine connoisseurs, gourmet enthusiasts, and lovers of art and culture converge to experience the essence of Lower Piedmont.
The 46th edition of Vinum is poised to remain true to its roots while embracing innovation and sustainability, adhering to the international ISO 20121 standard. This year’s edition is particularly exciting with the inclusion of wines from the Valle d’Aosta region in the tasting lineup and a special segment dedicated to the interplay between wine and music, dubbed “Notes of Wine.”
The Venues
From 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily, Vinum welcomes wine tourists and aficionados to explore its rich enological offerings. Palazzo Mostre e Congressi “G. Morra” in Piazza Medford will spotlight “The Great Red Wines of Langhe,” featuring iconic Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG wines, thanks to a collaboration with the Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani Protection Consortium.
A conference at Palazzo Mostre e Congressi “G. Morra” on Saturday, April 27th, will delve into Maitrank, a traditional local beverage from Arlon, Alba’s twin city, highlighting its wine-based, aperitif qualities.
Furthermore, the Palazzo will host the “Art Opportunities” exhibition by Artestruttura (Mondadori), accessible throughout the festival’s duration, enhancing the cultural richness of Vinum.
Vinum Lab and Vinum at the Table
For those eager to deepen their understanding of wine, the Mudet’s Sensory Analysis Room (inside the Courtyard of Maddalena) will host Vinum Lab. These thematic workshops aim to teach the basics of proper wine tasting, with sessions on wine and cheese pairings and a “blind” journey through Piedmont’s finest wines.
At the Castle of Roddi, Vinum presents an enriched gastronomic journey led by internationally acclaimed chefs. This unique dining experience will feature a selection of Piedmont’s finest DOC and DOCG wines, alongside an array of Vermouth, allowing guests to explore over 100 labels with guidance from the Italian Sommelier Association.
VINUM’s Outdoor and Family-Friendly Offerings
Vinum complements its rich program with outdoor events and gourmet walks, including tours of the prestigious vineyards of Barolo and activities for sports enthusiasts. For families, the “Vinum Kids” area within the Courtyard of Maddalena offers a playful and educational space dedicated to exploring the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato.
Tasting passes and event experiences for Vinum can also be purchased online, providing easy access to this immersive cultural and gastronomic adventure.
Statements from the Organizers
Alba’s Mayor, Carlo Bo, and the Tourism and Events Councilor, Emanuele Bolla, anticipate another successful tourist season kicked off by Vinum, praising the event’s ability to transform Alba into a grand open-air wine library. Liliana Allena, President of the Alba Fair Organization, emphasizes the event’s commitment to offering experiential and educational opportunities, alongside traditional tastings and street food, in the beautiful setting of the Castle of Roddi. The President of Piemonte Land of Wine, Francesco Monchiero, concludes by highlighting Vinum’s pivotal role in promoting Piedmont’s rich enological heritage, attracting wine lovers from Italy and beyond.
Vinum stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Piedmont’s wines, offering a window into the soul of this storied region through its flavors, landscapes
