The 33rd edition of the prestigious Merano WineFestival, hosted by "The WineHunter" Helmuth Köcher, returns to Merano from November 8 to 12, 2024.
Renowned for blending tradition with innovation, this year’s festival will address the pressing question, "Quo Vadis Vino?"—or "Where is wine heading?" The event, which once stood as the "good living room" of Italian wine, has evolved into a platform for emerging trends, sustainability, and the future of viticulture and winemaking.
A Look into the Festival’s Key Themes and Challenges
The 2024 edition of the Merano WineFestival focuses on tackling the challenges faced by the wine industry today. Climate change, sustainability, declining consumption, and the rise of new markets and consumers all set the stage for the festival’s comprehensive program. The summit, titled "Breath and Cry of the Earth", will feature six key meetings from November 8-9, in collaboration with the International Viticulture and Enology Society. The discussions will delve into climate adaptation strategies for viticulture, the role of resistant grape varieties (Piwi), sustainable agriculture, and innovations in winemaking.
At the end of the summit, a "Manifesto" will be crafted, outlining the contributions and proposed solutions to guide the evolution of the wine and food sector. This manifesto will provide a roadmap for how the industry can adapt and thrive in response to these challenges.
Focus on Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines
The festival will begin on November 8 with “Bio & Dynamica & More,” highlighting 160 Italian producers specializing in organic, biodynamic, and sustainable certifications such as Sqnpi and Equalitas, as well as showcasing Piwi, amphora-aged, and even “underwater” wines. These certified productions represent the forefront of sustainable winemaking, with a growing demand for environmental responsibility and authenticity in wine production.
In the GourmetArena, 130 companies will present a variety of food, spirits, beer, and even local delicacies at the Slow Food Earth Market, reinforcing the festival’s dedication to sustainability beyond wine.
Exclusive Masterclasses and the "Intrecci di Vite" Series
Wine enthusiasts and professionals alike will be treated to exclusive masterclasses and events throughout the festival. One of the most anticipated series, “Intrecci di Vite,” will take place in the stunning Castello Principesco of Merano. This four-part series will offer in-depth conversations with iconic figures from the Italian wine industry, including:
- Maurizio Zanella (Ca' del Bosco) and Vittorio Moretti (Bellavista) discussing their contributions to Franciacorta (November 9).
- Donatella Cinelli Colombini (Brunello di Montalcino) and Baron Francesco Ricasoli (Chianti Classico) showcasing two of Italy’s most revered wine regions (November 10).
- Silvio Jermann and Hans Terzer (San Michele Appiano), renowned for their excellence in Italian white wines (November 10).
- Riccardo Cotarella (Assoenologi) and Renzo Cotarella (CEO of Marchesi Antinori) presenting their industry-leading perspectives (November 11).
International Flair and Awards
The festival will welcome 330 Italian wineries and 110 international wineries, providing an international stage for wine excellence. On November 12, the festival will culminate in the “Catwalk Champagne & More” event, showcasing 120 Champagne Maisons and Italian Classic Method producers, reinforcing the global prestige of sparkling wines.
Throughout the event, participants will enjoy award ceremonies, including the WineHunter Award Platinum and the WineHunter Stars, recognizing excellence in winemaking. Notable figures like rock star Gianna Nannini, entrepreneur Oscar Farinetti, and wine expert Riccardo Cotarella will be among those honored for their contributions to the industry.
Special Events and Culinary Showcases
The festival will also be packed with dynamic events, including a sabre-throwing ceremony at the scenic Ponte delle Terme, the masterclass “Bolla contro Bolla” with Oscar Farinetti, and an exploration of underwater wines with Andrea Radic. November 10 will highlight the Qvevri wines of Georgia, boasting over 8,000 years of winemaking history, along with a special tasting of Supertuscans with Emanuele Trono and Stefano Quaglierini.
Food will play a major role in the GourmetArena, where top chefs from the Campania region will present their gastronomic creations. Esteemed names like Gino Sorbillo, Franco Pepe, and Lino Scarallo will join forces with local talent, promising a culinary experience that complements the wine offerings.
The Future of Wine and Sustainability
The Merano WineFestival has grown far beyond its roots as a showcase for fine Italian wines. It now stands as a key forum for discussing the future of wine, from organic and biodynamic trends to innovations in production methods like amphora aging and underwater maturation. The festival’s commitment to sustainability is evident not just in its wine selections, but also in its broader discussions on how the industry can address the global challenges it faces.
As Helmuth Köcher and the team at Merano WineFestival continue to push the boundaries of what wine festivals can achieve, 2024 promises to be a year of deep reflection and forward-thinking strategies that will influence the industry for years to come.
Source: WineNews