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About 4300 exhibitors from 30 countries (India is not
a part) are taking part in the 5-day even which was inaugurated on April
3. If the previous year's growth of 15% is an indication, this year over
170,000 visitors are expected to attend this mega event. About a fourth
of these will be international visitors.
The last year's event welcomed over 151,000 visitors,
about 38,000 being from 102 countries.
The show continues to focus its attention on the world
media. Apart from BRIC countries (Brazil, China, Indian and Russia), USA
and Japan are also the focus for the Conferences organised for the Press.
USA is a subject of focus not only because it will soon be the biggest
wine consuming nation in the world, but also because the falling dollar
is giving many headaches to the European producers including Italy and
France.
Vinitaly is also committed to moderate drinking. Supporting
the Art de Vivre Project, this European Project on Wine in Moderation
was the first such seminar to be presented.
The numerous tastings include a special tasting of 12
collectible Italian red wines from the legendary 1997 vintage, including
Solaia, Luce, Sassicaia, La Poja and Santa Cecilia. By no means comparable
to the legendary tastings held during the special 40th edition a couple
of years ago, they nevertheless showcase 8 regions.
Taste Italy, Taste and Dream, Trendy today, Big Tomorrow,
Tasting…express are but a few of the ongoing events that the regulars
find irresistible.
One of the features at the show is the International
Wine competition which has now stabilized at around 3500 wines submitted
for tasting. This year saw 3669 entries from 32 countries. It is regarded
as the most selective competition with only about 3% of the wines awarded.
The awarded wines not only get recognition and visibility
at Vinitaly, there have been many recent innovations including distribution
of award winning wines by the Isetan chain of department stores in Japan
and displays at the Munich airport.
Meeting several exhibitors on the first day, delWine
learnt that the opening day attracted bigger than usual crowds and they
found themselves busier than on earlier occasions. A record participation
is on the anvil.
Subhash Arora
April 4, 2008
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