Vinitaly brings Italian producers together with importers, buyers and distributors from around the world. Its regional halls provide a direct view of Italy’s diverse wine landscape, from established denominations to smaller native varieties. 

Hillebrand Gori exhibits at Vinitaly to connect these opportunities with beverage logistics. Producers can discuss samples, cellar-door sales, eCommerce orders and routes into new markets. Importers can explore how newly sourced wines could move from Italy into a regular supply programme.

The next Vinitaly takes place from 11 to 14 April 2027. This guide reviews the latest edition and the role of eShipping.

What is the focus of Vinitaly?

Vinitaly is an international trade fair dedicated to Italian wine. Verona becomes a meeting point for producers from across Italy, alongside buyers, importers, distributors, institutions and wine professionals.

The event combines regional discovery with international business development. Buyers can compare denominations, native varieties and commercial opportunities in one location.

The 2026 edition also expanded areas for no and low alcohol wine, spirits, wine tourism and production technology. This wider programme reflected how Italian beverage businesses are developing new categories and routes to market.

How many visitors and exhibitors attended Vinitaly?

The official Vinitaly 2026 closing report recorded 90,000 attendees and 4,000 exhibiting companies. International attendees represented 26% of the total, with participants from 135 countries.

The fair also hosted more than 1,000 selected top buyers from over 70 countries, including established and developing wine markets.

Vinitaly 2025 welcomed 97,000 attendees and more than 4,000 companies. The 2026 attendance total was therefore about 7% lower, while country representation increased by five.

Why is Italy so important to the global wine sector?

Italy combines production scale with regional diversity and strong international demand. The latest OIV State of the World Wine Sector report confirms Italy as the world’s largest wine producer in 2025, with 44.4 million hectolitres.

Italy was also the largest exporter by volume, at 21 million hectolitres. Export value reached €7.8 billion, placing the country second behind France.

Vinitaly gives Italian wineries and international importers a concentrated opportunity to discuss demand, market entry and regular supply.

How has Prosecco developed over the past five years?

Prosecco illustrates the international reach of Italian wine. The Consorzio di Tutela Prosecco DOC reported more than 500 million certified bottles in 2020.

By 2025, production had reached 667 million bottles, an increase of at least one-third in five years. Final export figures show that 82% was destined for international markets.

That international profile creates needs ranging from buyer samples to palletised orders, LCL sea freight and regular container programmes.

How is Vinitaly positioned alongside other major wine fairs?

Vinitaly’s defining strength is its deep connection to Italian wine. The regional structure allows importers to explore Italy by place, denomination and producer while meeting international trade partners in Verona.

Wine Paris combines a strong French base with a fast-growing international exhibitor mix. ProWein has a broad trade-only range across global wine and spirits markets. Vinitaly is more locally anchored, while using its scale and buyer programme to connect Italian producers with the world.

Event choice should reflect sourcing priorities, target markets and the depth of producer access required.

Which discussions shaped Vinitaly 2026?

The 2026 programme balanced Italian wine heritage with changing commercial priorities. Tastings explored native varieties and regional identity, while business sessions examined new markets and evolving demand.

Key themes included:

• International market development and stronger buyer matching
• No and low alcohol wine from production through to consumption
• Wine tourism as a sales and relationship-building channel
• Sustainability, resilience and clearer environmental communication
• Spirits, mixology, packaging, technology and the next generation of producers

Vinitaly Tourism added research and practical sessions. Xcellent Spirits gained a dedicated hall, while Vinitaly Bio and Raw Wine expanded the production styles represented.

What did Hillebrand Gori bring to Vinitaly?

At Pavilion Enolitech, Booth A9, Hillebrand Gori demonstrated how beverage logistics can support the commercial opportunities created in Verona. The team discussed small international orders, winery visitor purchases, online sales and trade samples.

Live demonstrations showed online booking, tracking and the eShipping eCommerce plug-in for international order fulfilment on eligible routes.

Beverage specialists also explained documentation, customs, compliance and packaging for small quantities of wine. 

Take a look at how eShipping works here.

How can eShipping support Vinitaly opportunities?

eShipping is designed for very small quantities of wine, beer and spirits. Uses include competition samples, bottles for potential buyers, tasting orders and purchases made by international winery visitors.

The specialist team can support documentation and customs formalities, assess route requirements and arrange protective packaging where needed. Digital tracking provides visibility from collection to delivery.

For Italian wineries, eShipping can also support direct-to-consumer and online sales. This complements the growing role of wine tourism, allowing an experience at the winery to continue after an international visitor returns home. Route availability and local alcohol rules should always be confirmed.

What should happen after Vinitaly?

After the fair, importers can review samples, pricing and portfolio fit. Producers can prioritise leads and identify markets with the strongest commercial potential.

The next discussion should connect expected volumes with Incoterms®, labels, duties, documentation, lead times and quality protection. Small orders may suit eShipping. Regular case volumes may use LCL sea freight, while larger orders may require full-container transport.

The wider wine trade events guide can support planning across the annual fair calendar.

How can Hillebrand Gori support opportunities from Vinitaly?

As a logistics partner specialised in wine, beer and spirits, Hillebrand Gori supports Italian producers and the importers sourcing from them. Support can begin with a sample, winery purchase or online order through eShipping.

As demand develops, services can extend to customs guidance, LCL consolidation, full-container transport, temperature protection and digital visibility. Global reach, local Italian expertise and beverage-specific support can help connect the first tasting in Verona with a practical journey to market.