A celebration of much more than wine
There is something truly special about returning to Vinitaly for the second year in a row—this time also as a contributor to Italia Living. For me, it is far more than a wine fair. It is a celebration of everything I—and the world—love about Italy: beauty, authenticity, craftsmanship, and that unique ability we have to transform everyday moments into something meaningful and joyful.
Walking through the fair, I was once again struck by its incredible scale. Vinitaly is vast—an entire universe of pavilions, each dedicated to a region, each telling its story through wine, spirits, and even water. It feels like traveling across Italy in just a few hours. Every stand is alive with conversation, connection, and discovery—some recreating elegant cocktail bars, others charming countryside osterias, and others still refined living rooms. Each space invites you in, making the experience not just about tasting, but about living.
What I love most is how each pavilion reflects the personality of its people—elegant, vibrant, warm, bold… just like Italy itself. And then there is the music of voices: Italian dialects blending with languages from across Europe and beyond. A symphony of cultures, all united by curiosity, a love for Italian heritage… and of course, a shared passion for wine.
As always, my heart was full seeing Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia shining with elegance and excellence—the lands where I come from.
One of my first stops was Mionetto, where I reconnected with Monia, who leads hospitality in Valdobbiadene, in the heart of the Prosecco hills. There is something almost poetic about this place—the softness of the landscape, the light dancing across the vineyards. Mionetto was among the pioneers in bringing Prosecco to the world, and when I brought my American guests there last September, they experienced not just the wines, but the soul of the territory. They fell in love with it.
Their beautifully restored estate is both refined and welcoming. And meeting Sergio Mionetto himself—still so passionate in his 80s—was truly special, a moment I will always cherish. And since I don’t drink much wine, I must confess: I absolutely love their non-alcoholic Spritz—so much that I went back twice for it during Vinitaly.
I also visited Herita Marzotto Wine Estates, which includes Santa Margherita Gruppo Vinicolo—a name deeply connected to my hometown of Portogruaro. The vision of Umberto Marzotto continues to inspire: innovation rooted in deep respect for the land. Despite their global success, they remain closely tied to their origins. They still have a home in Portogruaro, right next to what was once the Marzotto family residence—today the Villa Comunale—which is also featured in the iconic Santa Margherita label, where it all began.
Another meaningful stop was at Paladin, who supported my Giada Live project during COVID through Bosco del Merlo. Founded in 1962 in Motta di Livenza, Casa Paladin includes estates such as Bosco del Merlo, Castelvecchi, and Castello Bonomi. Bosco del Merlo is just steps from where I grew up, in a land shaped by Adriatic breezes and Alpine influence.
I had visited a few years ago and met Francesca Paladin, part of the new generation. Women like Francesca and her cousin Martina are playing a key role in shaping the future of the company. At Vinitaly, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with the family and capturing a beautiful moment with one of the Paladin brothers—continuing a legacy built on passion.
One of my favorite discoveries this year was Villa Sandi—refined, elegant, and perfectly balanced between history and innovation. At their stand, I enjoyed a beautifully crafted non-alcoholic cocktail, which made me reflect on an evolving trend: today, around 30–40% of people—especially younger generations—are consciously reducing alcohol consumption. And yet, the ritual, the beauty, and the experience remain.
You may remember my visit to Ferrari Trento, part of Gruppo Lunelli, renowned worldwide for its Trentodoc sparkling wines and its mastery of the Metodo Classico. This year, the line was so long I couldn’t even stop by to say hello—which, in a way, says everything.
At the Calabria pavilion, I stopped by the national RAI Radio booth to greet my dear friend Umberto Labozzetta. With over 40 years in the Italian radio and music world, he is a true reference point, as well as a lecturer at the Università Cattolica. With him, everything becomes engaging—we laughed, met new people, and even created a spontaneous musical moment.
Calabria welcomed me with its signature warmth—passionate, genuine, unforgettable. And who knows… if you see me performing there soon, now you know where that inspiration began.
Vinitaly is not just a fair—it is a major cultural and economic event, attracting celebrities and key figures from across Italy’s political and business worlds. The Italian wine sector is worth over €14 billion, with exports exceeding €7–8 billion annually.
At the Veneto pavilion, I attended several presentations and had the pleasure of meeting again Alberto Stefani, always kind and approachable, along with Luca Pavanetto. I was also delighted to see my dear friend Luca De Carlo, who, as always, combines professionalism with a wonderful sense of humor.
At the Lazio pavilion—home of Cinecittà Studios—I couldn’t help but smile at the unmistakable Dolce Vita atmosphere, a reminder of how deeply storytelling is woven into Italian identity.
After hours of walking, I finally stopped for something to eat—because even if I don’t drink much wine, Vinitaly certainly works up an appetite. On my way out, I was drawn to a striking sight: a Lamborghini Huracán Polizia. As the daughter of a police officer, I felt an immediate connection. These extraordinary cars are used for organ transport—a powerful symbol of Italian excellence in service of life.
As I left Vinitaly, one thought stayed with me: beyond the wine, it is the territory that makes it all so special.
A world waiting to be discovered—wineries nestled in Palladian villas, rolling hills, and small villages where time seems to slow down. Just a short drive from the great cities of art—especially Venice—you find a completely different rhythm of life. One that invites you to pause, breathe, and savor every moment… one sip at a time.
And if you feel like experiencing it for yourself… perhaps you will join me on my next journey.
Something special is coming this September.
So what is my takeaway from Vinitaly this year?
It’s not just about wine. It’s about passion, people, and a way of living.
Love,
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music special From Venice with Love, which aired nationally in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him, at a concert benefitting his foundation. Her albums include And I Love You So, Italian Signorina, My Lullaby, and From Venice with Love. Giada is also a Tiramisu expert and has done cooking demos on television shows around the country making the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also been a co-host for several years for the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7 in New York.