Vinifera 2025: mountain-meets-sea mashup

February 27, 2025 - 0 comments

Vinifera 2025

On March 22-23, 2025, TrentoExpo will once again come alive with Vinifera, the wine festival that puts Alpine and Mediterranean winemaking in the spotlight. This year, the event is going bigger and bolder, welcoming over 100 winemakers from across the Alps, plus a special guest lineup—producers from the Mediterranean’s smaller islands. Expect a unique mix of mountain and coastal natural wines, each telling the story of its land, people, and tradition.

The idea behind Vinifera?

It’s all about celebrating the deep-rooted connection between vines, people, and landscapes. “The Alps and vines have shaped each other for centuries—defining traditions, economies, and breathtaking scenery. But honestly? We’ve often taken that bond for granted,” say the organizers. “Vinifera is here to remind us just how special it really is.”

So, what makes Vinifera stand out?

For starters, it’s all about wines from Alpine territories, ensuring an ultra-local, small-scale, artisanal focus. The winemakers selected are those who live and express their craft—overseeing everything from vineyard to sales, respecting their enviroment, enhancing biodiversity, and championing native grape varieties. There’s also a big emphasis on young winemakers and those involved in sustainability-driven farming groups.

A big highlight this year?

The addition of Mediterranean island winemakers, bringing their distinctive, sun-drenched wines from Pantelleria, Capraia, Ischia, Giglio, Ustica, Elba, Salina, and more. It’s an exciting mountain-meets-sea mashup, offering a fascinating look at how different landscapes shape wine.

Today, the world of wine is facing two major issues: the pursuit of recognition, particularly in terms of achieving the highest quality, without compromising the unique production methods that define it, and the challenge of climate change. Some winemakers, following the example set by many farmers working with other crops, are turning to ancient (and 'native') varieties, precisely because these plants have a greater ability to adapt to the changing environmental context.

But Vinifera isn’t only about wine. This year, thanks to APAS – the Pommelier and Cider Tasters Association, visitors can dive into a world of artisanal ciders alongside a lineup of farmhouse beers from Alpine brewers. Hungry? Slow Food Trentino is curating a tasty food section, packed with Alpine honeys, heritage grains, and even a seed exchange to celebrate the region’s agricultural roots. Not to mention two bookshops, a photography exhibition and DJ sets!

Vinifera also offers masterclasses. Wine writer Jacopo Cossater will take guests on a journey through the stories of five Alpine winemakers, while Matteo Gallello will lead a tasting tour of seven Mediterranean islands, weaving together their landscapes, people, and, of course, wines.

At its core, Vinifera is more than just a tasting event—it’s about bringing people together. “Wine is a social glue, a cultural bridge, a reason to gather,” say the organizers. “Vinifera, in one word? It’s a celebration.”