Regional Institute of Wine and Oil

VINITALY 2026, SICILY LEADING WITH 164 WINERIES: ORGANIC PRODUCTION LEADING INTERNATIONAL ATTRACTION

From the land to the glass: panels and masterclasses for the island, a pioneer of technological progress and a gem of wine tourism.

From the Sicily to Verona, I'm already in turmoil 164 wineries on the island which will land at 58th edition of Vinitaly from April 12th to 15th. The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Mediterranean Fisheries of the Sicilian Region – led by Luca Sammartino – L'Institute of Oil and Wine (IRVO), the production realities of Assovini Sicily, of the Consortia Providi, Vitesi, Autonomi, Etna DOC – present in the collective in Pavilion 2 (Stand 96 H/I) – will offer an unprecedented program that will involve the public and professionals in in-depth panels and masterclasses dedicated to native wines.

The "Sicilia" brand attracts national and international buyers because the island is the largest organic vineyard in Italy. Its central location in the Mediterranean is an exceptional one, allowing the vineyards to express themselves with unmistakable generosity and character, expressed through a rich biodiversity of soils (volcanic, calcareous, and sandy). The temperature ranges and mild climate favor sustainable grape management, which ripen optimally in Sicily's extensive organic terroirs.

IRVO will give voice to the southernmost Italian region, home to millennia of winemaking history and boasting one of the highest cultural and landscape densities in Italy, with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A gem of European wine tourism, it's increasingly sought after by travelers who choose it for an authentic experience of beauty and history: wine tastings pair with extraordinary Sicilian cuisine in a setting rich in architecture, archaeology, villages, and wineries to explore.

Furthermore, profound technological evolution is increasingly intertwined with Sicily's winemaking identity: this new edition of Vinitaly will highlight the nationally leading progress of IRVO, which, with new cutting-edge platforms, is able to maintain a rigorous and intact control system and aims to enhance, through careful analysis and planning, the strategic value of Sicilian production. The goal is to make wine, as well as olive oil, the keys to the region's success.

International markets are closely monitoring the Sicilian supply chain: it's experimental, welcoming, and sustainable. The most discerning buyers are interested in turning wine beyond a pure business to be marketed in large-scale retail outlets, niche markets, or concept stores around the world, into a true taste experience. At Vinitaly, every wine becomes a journey that celebrates the virtues of its terroirs. Every Sicilian barrel holds a wealth of historical knowledge, becoming an ambassador of culture and a flagship of organic production. Every glass reveals the soul of small, native, often family-run vineyards. Every contemporary vine is also a living memory and a heritage to be passed down. Every sip of Sicily embodies research, innovation, and identity.