The Irpinia and Sannio regions, guardians of a millennia-old winemaking tradition, are set to dominate the 57th Vinitaly (April 6-9, Veronafiere) with an unprecedented showcase: 111 wineries united across 3,000 square meters in the Campania pavilion, curated by the Irpinia Sannio Chamber of Commerce and the wine protection consortia. This thriving enological district, with 17,000 hectares of vineyards covering 68% of Campania’s wine-growing area, produces 35 million bottles annually, valued at €120 million. These figures reflect a dynamic sector driven by 300 vertically integrated businesses and a 7% export growth in 2024, reaching €29 million, with the U.S. as the leading market (30% of exports). Irpinia and Sannio are not just about numbers but a tapestry of excellence: DOCGs like Taurasi, Greco di Tufo, and Aglianico del Taburno, DOPs such as Falanghina del Sannio and Irpinia, and the IGP Benevento embody unique biodiversity, born from volcanic soils, intricate microclimates, and a cultivation history dating back to Roman times.
Leading this wine revolution are women, who represent 39% of agricultural entrepreneurs in Campania—Italy’s highest rate. “Our goal is to strengthen territorial identity through innovation and sustainability to counter global challenges, from U.S. tariffs to declining demand in critical markets like Germany and the UK,” explains Girolamo Pettrone, Commissioner of the Irpinia Sannio Chamber of Commerce. At the heart of their Vinitaly participation are two flagship projects: “Storie di Futuro” (“Stories of the Future”), which uses videos, social media, and influencers like Luciano Pignataro to spotlight innovative wineries, and “Dioniso”, a groundbreaking initiative developed with the Campania Aerospace District (DAC).
The latter employs drones, IoT sensors, and satellite data to monitor vineyards in real time, optimize water use, prevent diseases, and reduce pesticide use by 20%. “Dioniso allows winemakers to make data-driven decisions, turning climatic challenges into opportunities,” says Luigi Carrino, DAC President. Editorial highlights include the second edition of the “Guide to the Wines of Irpinia and Sannio”, curated by journalist Luciano Pignataro, to be debuted at Vinitaly and included as a supplement in Il Mattino. The guide, reviewing over 200 labels, serves as a compass to explore a region where 54% of Sannio wines and 84% of Irpinia wines are white, while Aglianico-based reds stand out for their structure. The collective’s program features thematic masterclasses (such as one dedicated to Taurasi Riserva 2015), tastings led by international experts, and a focus on wine tourism, with itineraries combining wineries, medieval villages, and archaeological sites. “We want wine to be experienced as a total immersion into culture and landscape,” emphasizes Teresa Bruno, President of the Irpinia Wine Consortium. Meanwhile, Sannio celebrates a 292% export surge to Spain, signaling growing appeal, despite a 48.5% drop in the UK linked to Brexit.
