The Italian wines roadshow by Gambero Rosso concluded its Mumbai edition recently on an exciting note. Held at the Jio World Convention Centre in May, the event welcomed over 50 Italian wine producers, showcasing the unparalleled heritage and innovation of Italy’s wine industry.
From insightful masterclasses to exclusive networking opportunities, the roadshow provided a platform for Indian wine importers, distributors, sommeliers, retailers, hoteliers, and educators to immerse themselves in the world of Italian wines.
“Our successful return to India, marked by over 323 attendees, signals a new era of wine appreciation and knowledge among Indian professionals and connoisseurs,” stated Marco Sabellico, Editor-in-Chief of Vini d’Italia Guide.
The inaugural ceremony of the event was graced by dignitaries such as Luigi Salerno, Director and Head of International Operations, Gambero Rosso SpA and Marco Sabellico, the Consul General of Italy, Walter Ferrara, and representatives from Consorzio Prosecco DOC, along with other esteemed VIPs.
The celebration commenced with the prestigious Top Italian Restaurants Awards ceremony, where Italian culinary excellence was recognised and celebrated. Notable winners included Celini, CinCin, Cecconi’s, all from Mumbai, honoured for their exceptional contributions to Italian cuisine.
The exhibition featured exhibitors showcasing over 100 premium brands, including some of the Italian finest wines. Hoteliers, restaurateurs, importers and sommeliers had the opportunity to explore exquisite wine selections and engage in meaningful discussions.
The masterclasses offered an unparalleled journey through Italy’s winemaking heritage, each spotlighting its regional diversity and iconic varietals. The Prosecco session, led by Marco Sabellico, showcased sparkling gems like Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2024 Brut and Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut.
The Wines of Northern Italy masterclass explored refined whites and reds from Piedmont to Friuli Venezia Giulia, concluding with the iconic Barolo and Amarone. Central Italy’s session celebrated indigenous varietals with vibrant Lambrusco, Sangiovese, and the prestigious Super-Tuscans.
The final masterclass explored the vibrant wines of Southern Italy and its islands, featuring bold Primitivo from Puglia and terroirs like Mount Etna, perfectly pairing with Indian cuisine’s rich spices.
The Vini d’Italia Guide 2025 is the result of a year of work by an expert team of tasters who have travelled across Italy interviewing producers and visiting wineries. It reviews 2,647 wineries and a total of 25,231 wines, awarding the classic scores ranging from 1 to 3 Glasses according to the quality of the label. The guide is available on Apple and Amazon.