Only Wine 2024: An Ovation to Italy's Young Producers and Small Wineries

Posted by Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 4/30/2024

Only Wine 2024: An Ovation to Italy's Young Producers and Small Wineries

For over a decade, Only Wine has flourished, marking its eleventh year with another triumphant celebration in the charming town of Città di Castello, in Umbria, Italy. From April 27 to 29, 2024, the 11th edition unfolded within the historic walls of Palazzo Vitelli a Sant'Egidio, welcoming 145 wineries and 4 wine consortiums from Italy and its neighboring countries to showcase their diverse array of over 400 wine labels to avid wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests (MASAF), alongside the Umbria Region, GAL Alta Umbria, and the Municipality of Città di Castello, the event was made possible.

Set against the backdrop of the magnificent 16th-century palace, once home to the renowned local figure Paolo II Vitelli, the event provided an enchanting atmosphere for attendees who, predominantly composed of the Gen Z demographic, immersed themselves in the realm of wine. The palace's sprawling green gardens offered a picturesque setting for tastings, where guests reveled in the opportunity to sample a wide selection of wines of rich diversity and quality under the radiant spring sun, making each day of the event a truly unforgettable experience.

Only Wine's dedication has consistently leaned towards sustainability and quality, core values that drive the meticulous selection process aligned with contemporary wine standards. In addition to this, the foremost objective remains to provide a platform for fledgling producers and small wineries to help them showcase their wines to an audience of wine enthusiasts and professionals who can procure directly onsite.

Among the highlights were the presence of wine consortiums such as the Consorzio Tutela Vini Oltrepò Pavese, Sannio Consorzio Tutela Vini, Consorzio di Tutela Vini Roma Doc, Consorzio del Vinosanto Affumicato dell’Alto Tevere, and the newly-established Associazione Cantine Altra Umbria. Five Coldiretti wineries were present for the first time. Additionally, the inclusion of winemakers from beyond the Italian borders, including regions like Champagne, Slovenia, Albania, Switzerland, and Austria, brought a unique cultural exchange and premium quality to the table.

Wines from Albania

The task of curating the wine selection fell into the capable hands of Francesco Saverio Russo, a wine enthusiast esteemed for his expertise, Pietro Marchi, the President of Associazione Italiana Sommelier Umbria, and Chiara Giorleo, a distinguished food and wine critic with a DipWSET certification.

The 11th edition of Only Wine was outlined with thematic routes which served as a testament to the vast diversity and passion that define the world of Italian wine. It was a meeting place that fostered a vibrant and youthful atmosphere of the appreciation and elevation of the wine culture. A round of applause is due to the organizers, the small wineries, with special recognition to the young producers who are injecting the wine world with boundless passion and enthusiasm, for their participation in the 11th edition of Only Wine. We eagerly anticipate what the future holds for 2025!