Secondo Lollobrigida, “This product has been viewed with skepticism and even criminalized for too long. We have chosen a different path: one that values a sector representing labor, environment, tradition, and conviviality. Defending wine means defending a vital part of our identity, our culinary culture, and the Italian Cuisine recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. We have backed this commitment with concrete actions, increasing support for the sector and driving investments in the wine industry to unprecedented levels, so that – he added – businesses can continue to innovate, grow, and compete while maintaining exceptionally high quality standards. The more than 500 Cities of Wine and 530 Italian Geographical Indications demonstrate how wine can also be a powerful engine for development and tourism. Every bottle invites you to discover a territory, a community, a story. Investing in wine means creating opportunities, jobs, and widespread wealth, while also enhancing the villages and inland areas that host some of our Nation’s most authentic excellences.”
Today’s award ceremony saw an unprecedented representation of Italian territory, with hundreds of wine-producing companies and mayors, reflecting the significance of the competition for local communities, administrations, and the production sector. The 2026 edition of the International Wine Competition Cities of Wine registered a total of 1,500 samples of wines and spirits entered for the Grappa Award.
In accordance with the regulations of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), which stipulate that a maximum of 30% of the samples in competition can be awarded, 62 Grand Gold Medals and 313 Medals were awarded in the overall rankings, in addition to many other recognitions in various special awards. The ceremony for the Grappa Award will take place on July 18 in Trento, at Palazzo Roccabruna.
