Program, platform and key players defined for the International Fair taking place in Milan from May 16 to May 18
Milan, May 5, 2026 – Following the announcement of its seventh edition and the official recognition as an International Trade Fair supported by Regione Lombardia, Best Wine Stars 2026 enters its most anticipated phase: the one leading up to its opening to the public, with the full program, key participants, and all the experiences that will enliven Palazzo del Ghiaccio from May 16 to 18.
The event, conceived and organized by Prodes Italia, confirms its role as a benchmark for the wine, spirits, and food sectors. Held under the patronage of the Municipality of Milan and ICE – Italian Trade Agency, it offers an increasingly structured and international format.
OVER 1200 PRODUCTS AND THEMATIC AREAS FOR A COMPLETE EXPERIENCE
More than 1200 products will be available for tasting, presented by Italian and international companies within an exhibition route divided into thematic areas: Wine Italy, International Wine, Organic, Spirits and Food.
A format designed to help visitors navigate territories, productions and trends, offering an immersive experience that combines tasting, discovery and direct interaction with producers.
DIGITAL PLATFORM AND PROGRAM: THE OPERATIONAL CORE OF THE EVENT
The official platform visit.bestwinestars.com is already live, developed to support event management and facilitate connections be among exhibitors, buyers, media and industry professionals.
Through the platform, visitors can access all useful information to plan their visit: from the complete exhibitor list, including logos, company profiles and product categories, to the products available for tasting and the list of accredited buyers. The platform also serves as a networking tool, thanks to features for agenda management, direct messaging between operators, and appointment scheduling, making the meeting between supply and demand more effective.
The full calendar of masterclasses, tasting rooms and talks is already available online, allowing visitors to organize their experience in advance over the three-day event. Online accreditation is also available.
Among the most anticipated events, on Monday, May 18, a talk organized by Best Wine Stars in collaboration with Italia a Tavola magazine will feature Michelin-starred chefs such as Salvatore Butticè and Claudio Sadler, alongside marketing directors from leading wine companies such as
Marchesi Antinori and other prominent industry figures, offering a high-level discussion on the role of wine in contemporary dining.
There will also be cross-sector experiences such as “Discovering Parmigiano Reggiano: the value of time”, a guided tasting journey through different aging stages paired with a selection of wines, highlighting the dialogue between Italian gastronomic excellences.
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026
12:30 – 13:15
Vertical tasting of Fiorduva by Marisa Cuomo. Four vintages suspended between sea and rock on the Amalfi Coast
Tasting company: Cantine Marisa Cuomo Srl
Speakers: Adua Villa, Mattia Asperti
13:45 – 14:30
A Cuor Leggero: the new face of alcohol-free wine by Colli Ripani
Tasting company: La Cantina dei Colli Ripani
Speakers: Adua Villa, Giambattista Marchetto, Cecilia Guglielmi – Sales Manager, Marco Pignotti – Winemaker at Cantina dei Colli Ripani
15:00 – 15:45
CUSTOZA CONTEMPORARY BLEND
Tasting company: Consorzio Tutela Vino Custoza DOC
Speakers: Adua Villa, Costantino Gabardi – Taster and Consultant
16:15 – 17:00
From north to south: Italy to drink. A journey through wines that preserve land and memory Tasting companies: Tenuta Il Finale, Fenoglio Matteo, Donblasi – Tenuteblasi srl
Speakers: Adua Villa, Stefania Vinciguerra, Cesare Tonelli – Winemaker at Tenuta Il Finale, Matteo Fenoglio – High-altitude winegrower and producer, Mirco Blasi – Managing Director of Donblasi – Tenuteblasi srl
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026
12:45 – 13:30
“The Awakening of the Vine”. When Barbera d’Asti transforms
Tasting company: Cantina Barbera Sei Castelli
Speakers: Adua Villa, Valentina Vercelli, Enzo Gerbi – Winemaker, Monica Meneghelli – Project Curator
14:00 – 15:30
Limoncello Lab. Blind Tasting. “A journey into one of Italy’s most traditional liqueurs conquering the world”
Tasting companies: Casoni, Drupa, Lemoner–Caffo, Luxardo, Nazionale Spirito Italiano, Pallini, Sarandrea, Villa Massa–Compagnia dei Caraibi, Vol 0 Meregalli
Speaker: Fabio Bacchi
16:00 – 16:45
Roots of Stone. The awakening of Murgia wines
Tasting company: Cantina Luca Gentile
Speakers: Adua Villa, Sara Missaglia, Nicola Laricchiuta – Winemaker at Cantina Luca Gentile
17:15 – 18:15
Discovering Parmigiano Reggiano: the value of time
Tasting companies: Assaggiatori Parmigiano Reggiano, Coronea, Beghel, Tenuta Micoli
Speakers: Adua Villa, Alessandro Stocchi – Head of the Parmigiano Reggiano Tasters Association
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026
11:00 – 12:30
Wine in restaurants: opportunity for all or practice left in the drawer?
Moderator: Alberto Lupini – Editor-in-Chief of Italia a Tavola
Speakers: Salvatore Butticè – Chef patron of Il Moro restaurant in Monza, Enrico Chiavacci – Marketing Director at Marchesi Antinori, Ottavia Giorgi di Vistarino – Owner of Conte Vistarino winery, Luca Montanaro – Restaurant Manager at Moebius (one Michelin star, Milan), Paolo Porfidio – Winemaker and Sommelier, Founder of Somm Is The Future, Emanuele Rabotti – President of the Franciacorta Consortium, Claudio Sadler – Chef patron of Ristorante Sadler (one Michelin star, Milan), Luciano Sbraga – Deputy General Director of FIPE and Director of the Research Center and Development Policies Department
BWS VILLAGE AND MIXOLOGY ARENA
The BWS Village area is confirmed as a key meeting point for buyers, press, and industry professionals, fostering networking and business opportunities. On Monday, May 18, complimentary tasting kits will also be distributed.
Among the new features is the Mixology Arena, scheduled for Monday, May 18, where top bartenders from selected Milan cocktail bars will perform live cocktail making sessions for a selected audience of journalists and professionals. Participating bartenders include Loris Melis (MaG), Emanuele Cosi (Backdoor43), Carlo Dall’Asta (Iter), Francesco Bonazzi (Tripstillery), Angela Mountassier (Flow Milano), and Beatrice Cremonesi (The Blind Tiger – Leggiuno, Lake Maggiore).
Creations will feature spirits from exhibiting companies, interpreted through contemporary mixology.
The experience will be led by Fabio Bacchi, guiding the audience through products and storytelling in a fully immersive format.
BEST WINE STARS AWARDS 2026
Among the most anticipated moments of the event, the Best Wine Stars Awards Ceremony, taking place on Sunday, May 17 at the Parterre of Palazzo del Ghiaccio, will be accessible by invitation to press and buyers, as well as to participating exhibitors.
The morning will begin at 9:00 AM with a coffee break, followed by the awards ceremony starting at 9:30 AM.
During the ceremony, the 2026 quality awards will be presented by a jury composed of leading industry professionals:
– Best White Wine and Best Deal, awarded by Valentina Vercelli, journalist for La Cucina Italiana and Condé Nast Traveller
– Best Red Wine and Best Rosé Wine, awarded by Stefania Vinciguerra, professional journalist and Editor-in-Chief of DoctorWine and the Guida Essenziale ai Vini d’Italia
– Best Sparkling Wine, awarded by Adua Villa, writer, digital storyteller, sommelier and entrepreneur
– Best Spirit and Best Herbal Liqueur, awarded by Fabio Bacchi, founder of BarTales and Roma Bar Show
– Best International Excellence, a new category for 2026 dedicated to international producers, judged by Sara Missaglia, journalist, wine educator and sommelier
Alongside the category awards, special recognitions will also be presented:
– Best Green Project, awarded by Camilla Manzato, Founder of VineRespect
– Best Vinum Innovation, awarded by Adua Villa
– Best Hospitality Project, awarded by Andrea Guolo, Director of ItalianWineTour
In addition, the following awards will be assigned:
– Best Logo, Best Label and Milano Wine & Spirits Explorer, awarded by Prodes Italia
– Best Buyer Selection, curated by international buyers
EXHIBITORS
3exp Wine For Mixology_Puglia | Acerle Valdobbiadene_Veneto | Agricola Le Querce_Toscana | Al Spirits_Emilia Romagna | Aldegheri Family Winery_Veneto | Amaro 30 Nodi_Calabria | Aqvo_Liguria | Arche’ Srl_Sicilia | Arciera_Lombardia | Assaggiatori Parmigiano Reggiano_Emilia Romagna | Attanasio Giuseppe_Puglia | Az Agr La Quinta Terra Di Couelle Anne Claire_Toscana | Az. Agr. Quattroquarti_Friuli Venezia Giulia | Az. Agr. Villa Sorbo – Vini Vulcanici_Campania | Azienda Agricola Antonio Buccoliero_Puglia | Azienda Agricola Belluogo_Puglia | Azienda Agricola Campo Al Noce_Toscana | Azienda Agricola Casal Dell’arco_Abruzzo | Azienda Agricola Fontana Reale_Campania | Azienda Agricola Ganaghello Di Losi Società Agricola_Emilia Romagna | Azienda Agricola Il Castello Ll_Lombardia | Azienda Agricola Le Lagore_Liguria | Azienda Agricola Mesina Giovanni Battista_Umbria | Azienda Agricola Sartori Michele_Trentino Alto Adige | Azienda Agricola Tre Pile_Piemonte | Azienda Di Dio Liboria_Sicilia | Baglio Reale Srls_Sicilia | Benante 1960_Veneto | Berlingeri Tartufi_Abruzzo | Bragaglia_Toscana | Caelum S.R.L._Piemonte | Cammisuli Wine Brothers_Sicilia | Cantina Barbera Sei Castelli_Piemonte | Cantina Beghel_Trentino Alto Adige | Cantina Bello_Campania | Cantina Castioni_Lombardia | Cantina Delaiti_Trentino Alto Adige | Cantina Famiglia Pillan_Veneto | Cantina Luca Gentile_Puglia | Cantina Orzaia_Friuli Venezia Giulia | Cantina Puianello_Emilia Romagna | Cantina Sassarini_Liguria | Cantina Tulone_Sicilia | Cantine Domenico Russo_Puglia | Cantine Marisa Cuomo Srl_Campania | Cantine Stoli_Calabria | Čarga_Slovenia | Casa Vinicola Ettore Sammarco_Campania | Casata Bassi Parolo_Lombardia | Casata Merge’ + Sesto 21_Lazio | Cerbero_Marche | Cocoah!_Lombardia | Colja Wine_Slovenia | Colle Uncinano_Umbria | Consorzio Tutela Vino Custoza Doc_Veneto | Coravin_Paesi Bassi | Coronea_Lombardia | Daria Spirito Ottanta_Friuli Venezia Giulia | Dello Scompiglio_Toscana | Distilleria Alpe_Val D’aosta | Distilleria Delaurenti_Piemonte | Donblasi – Tenuteblasi Srl_Puglia | Dottori Zandegiacomo Srl_Friuli Venezia Giulia | Erzinio Salumifico Ciociaro_Lazio | Famiglia Ciccone Lo Conte_Campania | Famiglia Crema Societa’ Semplice Agricola_Molise | Farnulla Wines_Toscana | Fattoria Dell’agresto Di Gasparri Giacomo E Andrea Societa’ Agricola_Toscana | Favara Srls_Lombardia | Fenoglio Matteo_Piemonte | Feudo Stagnone_Sicilia | Gagiablu_Toscana | Gin Todi_Umbria | Horatio Winery_Campania | Infusi Di Calabria Società Benefiti_Calabria | Koglot Wines_Slovenia | Kraljič_Slovenia | La Cantina Dei Colli Ripani_Marche | La Rocca Tartufi_Marche | Le Canà_Marche | Macelleria Sant’ambrogio_Lombardia | Maria Faretra_Puglia | Marlus Di Zambello Marco_Piemonte | Maro Wine_Slovenia | Merlotta Società Agricola_Emilia Romagna | Montemiglietto_Piemonte | Monviert_Friuli Venezia Giulia | Natiia Wine Relais_Veneto | Oleificio Lu Trappitu_Sicilia | Orobicum Srl_Lombardia | Palazzo Prossedi_Lazio | Palmieri Domus Vinaria_Campania | Paradiis Winery_Friuli Venezia Giulia | Perruccio Srl_Puglia | Petrucca E Vela_Lazio | Pippo Greco_Campania | Podere Casaccia – Sine Felle_Toscana | Podere Gamberaio_Toscana |Sartieri 1931_Lombardia | Sciore_Campania | Soc. Agr. Albatreti Di Salvioni Gaetano & C._Toscana | Somm’a4 Metodo Classico_Puglia | Tenuta Cappellina_Toscana | Tenuta Di Trecciano_Toscana | Tenuta Dodici_Toscana | Tenuta Fanton_Abruzzo | Tenuta Gualtieri Srls_Molise | Tenuta Il Finale Societa Agricola A Rl_Piemonte | Tenuta Massanova Di Davide Massanova_Campania | Tenuta Micoli_Abruzzo | Tenuta Monacelli – Lecce_Puglia | Tenuta Roletto_Piemonte | Tenuta Santa Rosa_Sardegna | Tenuta Solar_Veneto | Tenuta Stante_Abruzzo | Tenuta Stella_Veneto | Tenute Bongiorno Società Agricola Srl_Emilia Romagna | Tenute Ca’ Dei Boz_Veneto | Tenute Manduano_Puglia | Tenute Marino Abate_Sicilia | Tenute Polini_Marche | Terre Del Bíscol_Veneto | Terre Di Giorgio_Toscana | Terre Di Masciulli_Abruzzo | Tessuto – Bevi Italiano_Lombardia | The Strong Digestive_Lombardia | Torre Del Pagus_Campania | Ulibbo – Sicilian Liqueur_Sicilia | Valbreda_Veneto | Valentina Cubi_Veneto | Vallerosa_Marche | Viconari_Marche | Villa Santo Stefano_Toscana | Vinea Ventis Franciacorta_Lombardia | Vinstrip_Veneto | Vinuci Srl_Trentino Alto Adige | Vosca_Friuli Venezia Giulia | Watnext Industries Srl_Liguria | Winebroker Srl_Mondo | Zeus Factory – Botanical Hunters Srls_Lombardia
VISITOR INFORMATION
Palazzo del Ghiaccio – Milan
May 16–17, 2026 – 12:00 | 20:00
May 18, 2026 – 10:00 | 18:00
Access is reserved for industry professionals upon accreditation; the public can attend by purchasing a ticket online.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase products directly during the event.
👉 More info and registration:
https://visit.bestwinestars.com/it/
PARTNERS AND MEDIA PARTNERS
Partners: AGIVI, ASSOENOLOGI, AssoDistil, Consorzio Nazionale Grappa, Assaggiatori Parmigiano Reggiano
Buyers Partner: Strive International Consulting Ltd., Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hungary, DANITACOM
Media Partner: I Grandi Vini, Italia a Tavola, Wine Meridian, DoctorWine, BarTales, Vino News 24, ItalianWineTour, EventiMilano.it, Gazzetta di Milano, Mixology Mag, Vinerespect, Enologonline, Wine Tales Magazine
Technical Partners: LezRent, I Macoritti, Watnext Industries Srl, Enduro Republic, Vinstrip
