#Italian Cuisine #Vinitaly #Albania #Tirana #Albanian Wine

Vinitaly Preview: A New Era of Italian Wine in Albania

The much-anticipated debut of Vinitaly Preview in Tirana marks a significant milestone in the promotion of Italian wine culture across the Balkans. This event is slated for November 26, 2025, just after the successful Wine Vision by Open Balkan.

Organized in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Tirana and Alehandro Group—Albania's premier wine import and distribution company—the Vinitaly Preview aims to bridge the rich wine traditions of Italy with the growing interest in wine within Albania. Approximately eighty attendees, including buyers, trade experts, and media representatives, are expected to participate in this inaugural event.

Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This introduction in Albania not only advances our cultural initiative but also underlines Vinitaly’s global significance in the promotion and dialogue surrounding Italian wine. Albania's market reveals a striking affinity for Italian wine, which now holds a substantial two-thirds market share, showcasing the importance of Italian beverages in this region.”

On his part, Marco Alberti, the Ambassador of Italy to Tirana, highlighted the importance of hosting this event during the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, seeing it as an opportunity to further strengthen the robust ties between the two nations. “Quality, creativity, sustainability, and togetherness, such as those embodied in the Mediterranean Diet, are vital aspects of our food and wine culture,” he remarked.

Erjola Braha, CEO of Alehandro Group, also expressed her pride in partnering with Veronafiere and Vinitaly to organize this event. With aspirations for further collaborations to enhance Italian wine education in Albania, Braha noted plans for a Vinitaly International Academy initiative to promote genuine Italian wine experiences and knowledge across the country.

The Vinitaly Preview agenda includes insightful discussions addressing the bilateral wine dialogue, culminating in a masterclass led by Andrea Lonardi MW, the second Italian to obtain the prestigious Master of Wine title. This masterclass is expected to guide participants through the vast landscapes of Italian winemaking, focusing on notable grape varieties, regions, and wine classifications.

As part of the greater ‘Vinitaly Around the World’ tour, this Albanian event is a kick-off to various international engagements planned for 2025. The tour continues its journey through Asia, with events scheduled in Thailand and India in early December, followed by future engagements in Norway and Poland.

As the excitement builds for the 58th edition of Vinitaly in Verona set for April 2026, it is evident that Albania holds a vital role in enhancing the presence of Italian wine within the Balkans. The Vinitaly Preview is not only about wine but is a celebration of Italian heritage and culture—a unifying force that connects diverse communities through a shared love for exceptional beverages.

Ultimately, the introduction of Vinitaly Preview in Tirana is a promising leap forward for promoting Italian wine in a country where the appreciation for wine is rapidly evolving, and connections are being forged across borders to foster collaboration, understanding, and enjoyment of Italian wine culture.