#Italy #Verona #Italian Wines #Vinitaly #OperaWine

Celebrating the Best of Italian Wine: OperaWine 2026

On October 5, 2025, during the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum held in Verona, Italy, the esteemed American wine magazine, Wine Spectator, announced its much-anticipated selection of 150 Italian wine producers for the upcoming OperaWine 2026 event. Scheduled for April 11, 2026, the event not only marks the grand opening of Vinitaly but also showcases some of the most exceptional wineries from Italy.

Senior Editor Alison Napjus, in the presence of notable figures including Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency, and Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, revealed the names of this year's selected producers. This announcement occurred on the first day of the wine2wine forum, which aims to promote knowledge and networking within the wine industry.

A Rich History of Collaboration

OperaWine has been a hallmark of the Vinitaly event since 2012. This event represents the only tasting event organized by Wine Spectator outside of the U.S., highlighting a fruitful collaboration that has grown stronger each year. The 2026 edition promises to be exceptional, with a lineup that includes 25 wineries making their debut and 20 returning after a hiatus.

The Selection Process

Napjus elaborated on the rigorous selection process utilized to curate the OperaWine list. Each year, the challenge lies in recognizing the multitude of exceptional Italian wineries deserving a spotlight. To accommodate more wineries, the event's participation criteria have been expanded from 130 to 150 for the 2026 edition. Wineries are categorized into three segments: 31 Legacy Icon wineries, 69 Classic wineries, and 50 New Voices that highlight innovation within the industry.

New Voices: A Fresh Perspective

The 2026 theme centers around 'New Voices', focusing on estates founded since 1990 that exhibit fresh approaches to quality and innovation. This dynamic adjustment ensures that OperaWine remains at the forefront of the evolving Italian wine scene, maintaining its relevance and appeal among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

Notable Participants

Among the prestigious producers invited to participate this year are renowned names such as Antinori, Castello di Ama, and Donnafugata, representing various Italian regions renowned for their wine heritage. Each participating winery brings its unique story and future vision, enhancing the diversity and richness of Italy's wine production landscape.

Conclusion

With the OperaWine 2026 event drawing near, anticipation builds within the wine community. The gathering of these 150 Italian producers is set to offer an unmatched experience for tasting and discovering some of the finest wines Italy has to offer. For a complete list of the selected wineries, interested parties can visit the Vinitaly website to explore the exciting lineup that awaits at this prestigious event.