Almost all the winners of Vinitaly 2026 awards (Veronafiere 12-15 April) have been announced. These awards are made to people and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the promotion of Italian wine culture around the world, at the same time as consolidating and strengthening the positioning and appeal of Italian wine on international markets.
From the historic “Angelo Betti-Merit in Wine-Growing” award, established in 1973 and named after its creator on the occasion of Vinitaly's 50th anniversary (the winners will be announced on Sunday 12 in the afternoon), to the Vinitaly International Award, first held in 1996 to celebrate the 30th edition, through to the “Vinitaly Territory Ambassador”, introduced in 2025 as part of the Vinitaly Tourism event. New features at the 58th edition include the debut of the “Taste of Italy-Wine List Excellence” Award for restaurants, wine bars, and hotels in Italy and abroad that every day promote the culture of Italian wine. The prize-giving ceremonies are scheduled on the first and last days of Vinitaly.
There follows a list of all the award winners.
VINITALY 2026 AWARDS
Prize-giving ceremony during the inauguration: Sunday 12 April, Verdi Auditorium, Palaxpo 11:00-12:30.
VINITALY INTERNATIONAL AWARD (two sections)
Since the 30th anniversary of Vinitaly in 1990, this award has celebrated institutions, companies, and people distinguished in valorising and promoting Italian wine and wine culture on a national and international scale.
VINITALY INTERNATIONAL AWARD - ITALY: Lamberto Frescobaldi, Marchesi Frescobaldi.
Motivation: “One of Italy's leading winemakers, Marchesi Frescobaldi is an iconic brand known throughout the world for embodying the most authentic values of Made in Italy. Boasting more than seven hundred years of history and more than thirty generations, the family has always combined a passion for the land with a passion for culture. An identity-driven style that, under the guidance of Lamberto Frescobaldi, continues to keep up-to-date through projects such as "Artists for Frescobaldi" and "Frescobaldi for Gorgona" dedicated to the rehabilitation of inmates in Europe's only active prison island. This kind of commitment also extends into the entire sector and in 2022 culminated with the Presidency of Unione Italiana Vini, the association that brings together more than 900 companies, representing more than 50% of Italian wine turnover and 85% of its exports. In this role, Lamberto Frescobaldi demonstrates pragmatic, far-sighted leadership, guiding and directing the Italian wine sector in a complex geopolitical landscape towards horizons of growth.”
VINITALY INTERNATIONAL AWARD - ABROAD: Antonio Stopper, Stoppervini Sagl - Lugano.
Motivation: “The company has supported Italian wineries on German, Austrian, and Swiss markets for 101 years. It combines experience and vision, drawing on a deep understanding of European cultures and an ability to promote and support Italian winemakers through targeted strategies on their key markets. Under the guidance of Antonio and Edoardo Stopper, respectively the third and fourth generation, Stoppervini in Lugano is a landmark today for the promotion of Italian wine.”
VINITALY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Launched in 2025, this award is given to figures who have made fundamental contributions to the Italian wine sector. The award recognizes commitment, the promotion of native grape varieties, and professional impact in the world of wine.
Attilio Scienza
Motivation: “A central figure in the history of Italian wine, an internationally renowned academic, vine geneticist, agronomist, and narrator of the anthropology of wine, Attilio Scienza has opened new horizons in the study and understanding of wine as an expression of culture and in education, thereby defining key concepts such as terroir, identity, and tradition. As Chief Scientist of the Vinitaly International Academy since 2018, he continues to inspire producers, students and enthusiasts by translating scientific knowledge into narratives that ennoble Italian winegrowing and strengthen the positioning of Italian wine in the global scientific and cultural panorama, thereby opening new perspectives on the link between science, culture and wine storytelling”.
VINITALY 100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
Established in 2024, this award highlights the long history of the sector's protagonists
Valdo Spumanti Srl
Motivation: “One hundred years since its foundation, Valdo is a true example of entrepreneurial vision and foresight. From Abele Bolla's initial intuition to building a group active on major international markets, the company has transformed a family business into a global wine player. Guided by three generations of the Bolla family, Valdo has always anticipated and interpreted the evolution of the market: from expansion into Italian restaurants in the 1960s, to international development from the 1970s, through to the consolidation of a global presence across Europe, the Americas and Asia. While retaining its strong roots in the Valdobbiadene area, Valdo has taken its name and identity around the world, establishing itself as an ambassador of Prosecco on an international scale.”
Bardolino Wine Consortium
Motivation: “Founded in 1926 as Consorzio Bardolino, subsequently becoming Consorzio di Tutela del Vino Bardolino DOC in 1969, it is one of the oldest consortia in the Italian winemaking scene. From the definition of the Classic zone in the 1930s to DOC recognition in 1968, it has constantly accompanied the development and success of Bardolino. Boasting strong roots in the Lake Garda area, the Consortium has successfully promoted native grape varieties and the quality of its wine over time, thereby contributing to international sales. Celebrating 100 years of activity recognises the fundamental role played in the protection, valorisation and promotion of Italian wine excellence.”
WHAT'S NEW 2026: VINITALY BEST RESTAURANT FORMAT AWARD
Dedicated to chefs and entrepreneurs who help spread the culture of Italian cuisine throughout the world thanks to ingredients of excellence and innovation, thereby promoting the essential link between haute cuisine and Italian wines.
"OSTERIA GUCCI by Massimo Bottura"
Motivation: “Osteria Gucci is one of the few examples where Italian cuisine truly speaks an international language. It is not just a restaurant but rather a coherent project that combines fashion, aesthetics, and gastronomy into a recognizable identity. Massimo Bottura does not merely export dishes but a contemporary and cultural Italian philosophy. Being global while not becoming generic is a distinctive and identifying feature. Osteria Gucci demonstrates that the challenge is not to expand but to remain true to oneself everywhere, thereby becoming a reference model for Italian catering worldwide.”
WHAT'S NEW 2026: VINITALY 2026 AWARDS - TASTE OF ITALY-WINE LIST EXCELLENCE
This award celebrates Italian Cuisine - a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage - through the people who, in Italy and around the world, contribute with passion and expertise to the promotion of the value, quality, and culture of Italian wine through food and hospitality.
Prize-Giving Ceremony: Sunday 12 April, Verdi Auditorium, Palaxpo 16:00
ITALY AWARDS
La Ciau del Tornavento – Treiso (Langhe, Piedmont) - Chefs Maurilio Garola – Nadia Benech.
In the heart of the Langhe area and set among Barbaresco vineyards, La Ciau del Tornavento is an Italian restaurant of excellence led by Maurilio Garola and Nadia Benech. Alongside its Michelin-starred cuisine, it is also home to a wine cellar with over 65,000 bottles, focusing on Langhe wines. The wine list has won international awards, including the Wine Spectator Grand Award.
Motivation: “For having developed one of the biggest wine lists in Europe, thereby turning the selection and storytelling of wine into a true journey through Italian wine culture, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goes to La Ciau del Tornavento in Treiso, with chefs Maurilio Garola and Nadia Benech.”
Enoteca Pinchiorri, 3 Michelin stars, Florence - Giorgio Pinchiorri, Alessandro Toberli, Riccardo Monco.
In the heart of Florence, Enoteca Pinchiorri is a global symbol of wine culture founded by Giorgio Pinchiorri with chef Riccardo Monco. The wine cellar boasts over 100,000 bottles from the main wine-producing regions, with a focus on Italian wines. It has received the Wine Spectator Grand Award several times and offers a complete experience of territories and vintages.
Motivation: “For elevating the selection, service, and storytelling of wine to a form of culture and hospitality, thereby promoting Italy’s great wine heritage around the world, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goes to Enoteca Pinchiorri of Florence, with Giorgio Pinchiorri and Annie Féolde.”
Antica Bottega del Vino – Verona
In the historic centre of Verona, Antica Bottega del Vino has been an icon of Italian winemaking for over a century. The cellar holds thousands of labels and vintages, with a focus on Italian and Veneto wines, such as Amarone and Valpolicella. The wine list has also earned international recognition.
Motivation: “For its extraordinary contribution to promoting the culture of wine through catering and hospitality, transforming the selection and narration of great wines into a unique cultural and gastronomic experience, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goes to Antica Bottega del Vino, Verona.”
Ristorante Cracco 1 Michelin star, Milan - Chef Carlo Cracco.
In the heart of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Ristorante Cracco combines haute cuisine and wine culture under the guidance of Carlo Cracco. The extensive and carefully chosen wine list showcases Italian regions, producers, and vintages, earning international recognition.
Motivation: “For having successfully created a wine list of immense cultural value, thereby contributing to the spread and valorisation of Italy's wine heritage, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goes to Risorante Cracco in Milan and chef Carlo Cracco.”
Roscioli – Rome, Roscioli Family
In the heart of Rome, Roscioli combines a restaurant, delicatessen, and wine bar, becoming a landmark for Italian food culture. The wine list features thousands of Italian labels, as well as an international selection, offering a journey through the biodiversity of Italian wine.
Motivation: “For having made a significant contribution to the spread and promotion of Italian wine culture through catering and hospitality, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goers to Roscioli, Rome, and the Roscioli family.”
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INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
The awards will be presented during Vinitaly's international stages.
Babbo – New York - USA
Executive Chef: Tanya Bastianich Manuali
Wine Director: (formerly Joe Bastianich – now an in-house team)
Awards: 1 Michelin Star (in the past)
Babbo, founded by Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich in Greenwich Village, is an iconic Italian restaurant project in the United States that updated the perception of Italian cuisine in New York. It also stands out for its wine list with a strong focus on Italian wines, with a dynamic approach and a dialogue between dishes and regions, thereby helping to promote a contemporary vision of wine as a central element of the experience.
Motivation: “For helping to redefine the role of Italian wine in American dining, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goes to Babbo di New York, Chef Tanya Bastianich Manuali and the restaurant's wine team.”
Felix Trattoria – Los Angeles - USA
Chef: Evan Funke
Wine Director: Matthew Luczy
In the United States, Felix Trattoria, with Chef Evan Funke and Wine Director Matthew Luczy, celebrates Italian food and wine culture. The extensive and carefully chosen wine list explores Italy's main regions (Piedmont, Tuscany, Etna, Campania) and small producers, thereby promoting biodiversity and an authentic narrative of Italian wine.
Motivation: “For their commitment to promoting and valorising Italy’s wine heritage on the international restaurant scene, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goes to Felix Trattoria of Los Angeles, with Chef Evan Funke and Wine Director Matthew Luczy.”
Giulietta – Toronto - CANADA
Chef: Rob Rossi
Wine Director: Emily Pearce
Giulietta in Toronto, with Chef Rob Rossi and Wine Director Emily Pearce, is a landmark for contemporary Italian dining in Canada. The wine list highlights major regions and smaller denominations, thereby contributing to the diffusion of Italian wine culture.
Motivation: “For promoting Italian wine culture on the international restaurant scene, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goes to Giulietta, Toronto, with Chef Rob Rossi and Wine Director Emily Pearce.”
Fasano – São Paulo - BRASILE
Chef: Luca Gozzani
Wine Director: Manoel Beato
The Fasano restaurant in São Paulo, with Chef Luca Gozzani and Wine Director Manoel Beato, is a symbol of Italian dining in South America. The wine list - one of the most impressive in Latin America - offers a broad selection of Italian wines and is a landmark for wine culture in this continent.
Motivation: “For developing one of the most impressive selections of Italian wines in South America and unceasing commitment to promoting Italian wine culture, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goes to Fasano, São Paulo, with Chef Luca Gozzani and Wine Director Manoel Beato.”
8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana – Hong Kong - ASIA
Chef Patron: Umberto Bombana
Wine Director: Joseph Tsui
3 Michelin Stars
8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana in Hong Kong, guided by Umberto Bombana, is an ambassador of Italian cuisine in Asia. Alongside three Michelin stars, it also offers one of the most important collections of Italian wines in Asia, with a top-notch wine list dedicated to regions, vintages, and producers, thereby contributing to the diffusion of Italian wine culture.
Motivation: “For developing one of the most important wine programmes dedicated to Italian wine in Asia, the Taste of Italy–Wine List Excellence Award goes to 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong, with Chef Umberto Bombana and Wine Director Joseph Tsui.”
VINITALY TERRITORY AMBASSADOR AWARD
Prize-Giving ceremony on Wednesday 15 April, Vivaldi Meeting Room, Palaexpo, 12:99, as part of Vinitaly Tourism
Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari Estates
Motivation: “Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari embody an authentic and deep-rooted vision of Made in Italy: with the creation of the charming Relais Il Borgo del Cabreo, La Pietra del Cabreo and La Rietra restaurant in Greve in Chianti, they have turned a dream into reality, while respecting the territory and enhancing every nuance. Employing local craftsmen and locally sourced materials, they created a project that is much more than just hospitality, rather an effective expression of identity, tradition, and sustainability. Their work demonstrates that innovation does not mean forgetting one's roots but instead enhancing them with passion and responsibility. It is precisely this balance between excellence, respect, and authenticity that interprets the best values of Made in Italy: an inspiring model combining beauty, ethics and vision for the future.”