Borsa Vini reflects on successful journey to Dublin

More than 30 Italian producers from across the country are celebrating success in reaching buyers and sommeliers at Borsa Vini Dublin.

The Italian Trade Agency is reporting a successful promotion effort earlier this year, as winemakers reflect on positive networking experiences at Borsa Vini Dublin 2024. More than 30 producers showed their wines, as well as spirits and other products, in the Irish capital.

The day’s tasting saw members of the Irish wine trade sampling a huge range of Italian produce. For instance, buyers could sample both Piedmontese Nebbiolo and Sicilian Inzolia under the same roof.

The event, which took place in January, welcomed a large number of key figures in the trade, including buyers, distributors, sommeliers and retailers. The tasting was particularly important as a majority of the wines presented were seeking representation on the Irish market, meaning the assembled professionals had many opportunities to uncover a hidden gem.

Among the highlights were a particularly broad selection of Tuscan wines. The region, which consistently ranks in the top three for Italian wine exports, proved its ability to provide both value and prestige. However, with such a variety of producers on display, it was impossible to reduce the day’s tasting to standout bottles.

Borsa Vini Dublin 2024 also allowed visitors to sample Italian spirits. Offered alongside the wines were liqueurs and grappas, demonstrating the breadth that the European country can offer export markets.

Ireland’s market, according to data from Drinks Ireland, is challenging for wine producers, but nonetheless has untapped potential. Ireland enforces the highest excise rates in the EU, adding to the cost for the average consumer. It also has a thriving beer industry, which accounts for more than 40% of consumption and is key competition for the wine trade.

However, wine is the second largest drinks category in the country, accounting for just over a quarter of total alcohol consumption. Within this, Italy is the fifth most popular producing country. In 2022, it grew its market share to 10.4%, meaning that around one in ten bottles of wine sold in Ireland come from Italy.

The Dublin event continued an active programme of Borsa Vini tastings. Last summer, it brought a selection of wines to the Science Museum, London, to offer the UK wine trade a chance to taste Italian produce. At that event, 54 producers showcased their wines. There were also two masterclasses, focusing on Italian sparkling wines and indigenous grapes respectively.