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Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening: A Celebration of Italian Wines in Austin, TX

The esteemed Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani proudly announces the arrival of the fourth edition of the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO), taking place on March 25, 2025, at The Branch Park Pavilion in Austin, Texas. This much-anticipated event will highlight the remarkable 2021 Barolo and 2022 Barbaresco vintages, featuring over 150 prominent producers from Piedmont showcasing more than 300 exquisite wine labels.

The Grand Tasting promises to unite industry professionals, wine enthusiasts, and media representatives to appreciate the elegance, complexity, and depth of these iconic Italian wines, showcasing the remarkable terroir of Langhe, Piedmont. Aligned with the initiative “Landmarks from Europe: Good Products Made with Respect, Respect Made with Good Products,” the BBWO aims to enhance the understanding of Barolo and Barbaresco wines, including Fontina DOP, in the U.S. market.

Following a successful Academy Roadshow through Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, the BBWO 2025 has gained remarkable momentum, expecting its largest attendance yet. The previous sessions saw over 200 industry specialists participating in sold-out events, led by Master Sommeliers and representatives from the Consorzio, who provided insights into the Langhe region's terroir, MGA classifications, and the celebrated 2021 and 2022 vintages. This positive feedback evidences a growing interest in Barolo and Barbaresco wines across the United States.

The U.S. market's significance shines through the 2024 bottling data, demonstrating encouraging trends for these distinctive denominations:

• - The Barolo DOCG saw a 6% increase in bottled wine in 2024 compared to the previous year. Notably, December 2024 recorded a remarkable 32% surge, indicating robust market enthusiasm for the 2021 vintage.
• - The Barbaresco DOCG maintained steady performance, consistent with other top-tier wine denominations.
• - The Langhe DOC Nebbiolo is noteworthy, having experienced an impressive 12% annual increase, further illustrating the region's vibrant growth.

Sergio Germano, President of the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani, expressed his excitement: "The Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening transcends a mere tasting event; it's a tribute to Piedmont’s rich winemaking heritage. We’re honored to bring this experience to Austin, presenting the exceptional 2021 Barolo and 2022 Barbaresco. The tremendous success of our Academy Roadshow exceeded expectations, captivating hundreds of industry professionals across various states, reaffirming the growing appreciation for our wines. The positive bottling statistics from 2024 reinforce that the market is ready to embrace these outstanding wines."

In this edition, the Consortium proudly collaborates with the Wine & Food Foundation as the official non-profit partner. A portion of proceeds from consumer ticket sales will benefit the Foundation, which is dedicated to providing educational programs, events, and scholarships that foster the careers of wine and food professionals, alongside offering crucial support to the community during challenging times.

Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, BBWO partners with Cork Collective, an initiative among Amorim, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, Rockwell Group, and BlueWell. This project emphasizes the potential of cork as a 100% natural, reusable resource often overlooked in the hospitality industry. A Cork Collection station will be available during the event, encouraging attendees to recycle their corks.

The Consorzio Di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani, established in 1934, represents over 600 wine producers across various appellations, focusing on the management, protection, and promotion of Langhe, Alba, and Dogliani wine classifications. To ensure high quality, the Consortium upholds stringent production guidelines throughout the winemaking process, from agricultural practices to market oversight.

As the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening approaches, anticipation builds for a celebration of taste, culture, and community in Austin, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world-renowned Italian wines that stand as symbols of quality and tradition.