In 2025, the Consorzio Vini Valpolicella celebrates a milestone that few wine regions can clearly mark: 100 years since its official founding. To commemorate the centenary, the Consorzio is embarking on an ambitious global tour, beginning with its first-ever appearance at Wine Paris, one of the world’s largest trade fairs. The event, held from 3–5 February, draws over 50,000 attendees and offers a powerful platform to showcase Valpolicella’s heritage, innovation and international appeal.

At the show, the Consorzio will promote 36 wineries from across the region, underlining the diversity of styles and terroirs that define Valpolicella. Yet Paris is just the start. This global tour will continue throughout 2024, spotlighting Valpolicella in key international markets and culminating in Amarone Opera Prima—the region’s annual celebration—held 1–2 February in Verona. This year’s edition will debut the 2020 vintage of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG.

A heritage rooted in ancient soils

Valpolicella’s winemaking legacy is one of Italy’s oldest and most storied. Historical records trace viticulture in the area back to the 6th century, while the name itself dates to the 12th century. In Roman times, the poet Virgil was said to be fond of wines from this area—referred to as Rhaetic wines—an endorsement noted by Pliny the Elder.

More recently, literary legend Ernest Hemingway sang Valpolicella’s praises in his novel Across the River and Into the Trees, calling the wine “as friendly as the house of your brother, if you and your brother are good friends.”

Building on this dual legacy of ancient tradition and modern resonance, the Consorzio is currently pursuing UNESCO recognition for its signature appassimento technique—where grapes are dried before fermentation. An official dossier has already been submitted, marking the first step in registering the method as intangible cultural heritage.

Education and elevation: growing global expertise

Beyond celebration, the Consorzio’s centenary year is about investing in Valpolicella’s global reputation. One of its most impactful initiatives is the Valpolicella Education Program (VEP), a three-tiered study platform designed to train and certify professionals in the wines of Valpolicella.

The program now boasts 61 certified Valpolicella wine specialists across 24 countries, creating a growing international network of ambassadors. By offering structured education, the Consorzio is ensuring that the world understands not just the taste of Valpolicella wines—but the culture, geography, and craft behind them.

Sustainability and succession

As the Consorzio reflects on a century of winemaking excellence, it is also taking bold steps to secure the future. Representing more than 2,400 businesses—accounting for 80% of all production in the region—it has a responsibility to lead on sustainability, both environmental and economic.

Nearly half of Valpolicella’s 8,600 hectares are now cultivated under sustainable, organic or biodynamic methods, with a 16% year-on-year increase in certified vineyards recorded in 2023. The region is also aligned with Italy’s National Integrated Production Quality System (SQNPI), further ensuring environmentally responsible practices across its landscape.

Just as important is supporting the next generation. The number of Valpolicella wine businesses led by under-40s has nearly doubled in the last decade. In response, the Consorzio launched Gruppo Giovani—Italy’s first youth-focused initiative within a wine consortium. This group connects and empowers young producers, giving them a platform to shape the region’s future.

Eyes on the future

As it embarks on its centenary celebrations, the Valpolicella Consorzio is balancing tradition with innovation. Whether through global outreach, educational initiatives, or sustainable leadership, the region is demonstrating that it is not just resting on its historic laurels—it’s looking forward.

Young winemakers from Valpolicella will join the Paris delegation, reinforcing the message that this is a region with its eyes on the next 100 years. As the global wine community prepares to raise a glass, Valpolicella is showing it still has plenty of stories left to tell—and many new ones to write.