Verona in the Great Wine Capitals Network

Verona is the only Italian city that is part of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network, a global network of leading wine capitals and their world-renowned wine regions. Since 2016, Verona has represented Italy within the network, strengthening its international profile in both the wine and wine tourism sectors. Membership enables the city to showcase the excellence of the Verona region, celebrate its wine heritage, and foster collaboration between institutions, businesses, and professionals in tourism and the wine industry.

Founded in 1999, the Great Wine Capitals network brings together eleven cities united by a strong winemaking tradition and globally recognised wine regions:

Adelaide (Australia), Bilbao Rioja (Spain), Bordeaux (France), Hawke’s Bay (New Zealand), Lausanne (Switzerland), Mainz (Germany), Mendoza (Argentina), Porto (Portugal), San Francisco Napa Valley (USA), Valparaíso Casablanca Valley (Chile), and Verona (Italy).

Through the network, Verona participates in international projects focused on wine tourism development, sustainable growth, and the exchange of best practices across wine regions and industry stakeholders.

Best Of Wine Tourism Awards

One of the flagship initiatives of the Great Wine Capitals network is the annual Best Of Wine Tourism Awards, which recognise excellence in wine tourism across member regions. The awards highlight wineries, restaurants, hospitality venues, and tourism operators that excel in hospitality, innovation, sustainability, and in creating authentic experiences that showcase their local territory.

Winning businesses receive international visibility within the Great Wine Capitals network and join a global community dedicated to wine tourism excellence. All participants are also included in the official guide “Verona Wine and Olive Oil Tourism”, which presents the finest wine and olive oil experiences in the Verona area.

The awards are divided into seven categories:

• Architecture and Landscape
• Art and Culture
• Innovative Experiences
• Accommodation and Hospitality
• Sustainability in Wine Tourism
• Food and Wine Experiences
• Wine Tourism Services

Participating in the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards offers local businesses valuable international exposure, enhanced reputation, and recognition within the global wine tourism industry.