Italy meets Ireland at Borsa Vini Italiani Dublin

The Italian Trade Agency’s wine trade tasting, Borsa Vini Italiani Dublin, returns on 23 January, as diverse wines target the Irish market.

The trade tasting promises to be one of the most exciting events in the calendar for lovers of Italian wine in Ireland. More than 30 producers will be showcasing nearly 200 wines during the day. The event’s organisers are particularly excited to reach buyers, as most of the companies are seeking representation on the Irish market.

With hundreds of indigenous grape varieties used to make wine – estimates usually place the number above 500 – Italy has a range that few wine producing countries can rival. The tasting will cover the length of the country and the breadth of its production, with 13 regions represented. Everything from Piedmontese Nebbiolo to Sicilian Inzolia will be on show. Many of the producers will also be on hand to explain their products.

For the Italian Trade Agency, Borsa Vini Italiani Dublin has been a key tool in reaching the Irish drinks trade. Beyond the more obvious comparisons – fine produce, lush scenery and rugby – Ireland and Italy share a love of wine.

According to Drinks Ireland’s 2022 market report, wine is Ireland’s second favourite alcoholic category. The only drink that is drunk more is beer. That means that wine even beats home-grown industries such as whiskey in terms of annual consumption.

Italy is a key part of that story. The country’s wines are among the top five most consumed in Ireland, accounting for more than 1 in 10 bottles sold. Excepting a pandemic spike in 2020, as drinkers stayed home and wine sales boomed, Italy grew its exports to Ireland every year since 2015. Moreover, the report indicated that sparkling wine, including ever popular Prosecco and fashionable, Emmy-partnering Franciacorta, grew its market share by 15%.

With the Christmas rush now passed, buyers can look to new selections for the year to come. This may be particularly important in purchasing Italian wines. The 2023 vintage, which is beginning to appear on the market, was relatively small, but had many of the conditions for high-quality wine.

January’s tasting follows a successful edition in London last October. The tasting allowed UK importers and distributors to discover a number of undiscovered gems, many of whom were new to the UK market. With Borsa Vini Italiani Dublin, the Italian Trade Agency hopes that Irish drinks professionals will likewise take the opportunity to explore the full range of Italy’s wine production.

Trade professionals can register for the tasting on 23 January at The Davenport Hotel, Dublin through this link and view the exhibitor’s catalogue here.

Click here to register and for more information