Glasses of wine and the sounds of a piano: among this year's new features was the Benvenuto Vermentino Show, a television-style talk show that welcomed guests into the special atmosphere of the themed Archaeological Museum.

Numerous expert panels followed, interspersed with tastings of ten wines, expertly conducted by AIS sommeliers, led by Attilia Medda. "Every year the event strives to enrich itself with innovative elements, and this year we conceived a sort of show where a host brings together people with a story to tell," explains Luigi Chessa, director of Promocamera. "Clearly, these aren't "random" guests, but stakeholders: the Chamber of Commerce, the administration of the Olbia and Alghero airports, wineries, and consortium presidents, because they are the ingredients that create synergy and cooperation and bring a region to the fore. When you work as a team and everyone puts their expertise to work for the region, moments of excellence are highlighted. Those who come from outside, and on this occasion there are many, perceive this cohesion."

The event, conceived and organized by the Sassari Chamber of Commerce and the Promocamera Special Agency, the Municipality of Olbia, and the Consortium for the Protection of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG, is now in its eleventh year. It attracts tourism and enthusiasts. "Benvenuto Vermentino is more than just an event; it's a regional promotion strategy that highlights one of our absolute excellences," says Stefano Visconti, re-elected president of the Sassari Chamber of Commerce. "For Northern Sardinia, promoting a production chain like winemaking, which combines tradition and internationally recognized quality, means directly investing in the competitiveness and, indeed, the internationalization of our economic system. At the same time, it is a highly effective tool for regional marketing, linked to the growth of Northern Sardinia as a tourist destination." Creating quality, certifying it, and staying within the supply chain: this was the message from Secretary General Pietro Esposito, who, speaking after greetings from Olbia's Tourism Councilor, Marco Balata, emphasized the importance of collaboration between supply chains and promotion, starting with territorial identity. This message was emphasized by Silvio Pippobello, CEO of Geasar and Sogeaal, also present as a Vermentino DOCG producer with the young Tenute Altavera winery.

It's important to collaborate and maintain our own identity because what those who come here seek is to arrive and get to know an island and its people," he said. "To deseasonalise, we are ready to create influxes; if we distance ourselves from the beaches and the sea, we have many other resources. Just a few days ago, I was talking to some Americans, many of whom I hope will arrive thanks to our new flight from New York, who have settled in Berchidda. A conscious choice because they wanted to integrate as much as possible into our way of life." Among the testimonials, the experiential tourism of the Santa Maria La Palma winery in Alghero—recounted by president Mario Peretto—which, with Akenta Day, a boat party celebrating the emergence of underwater sparkling wine, hosts an event that draws hundreds of people to the sea and thousands to the city. The Consortia are also present at the talk. "The work of protecting the product, producers, and consumers is complicated, but it pays off," said Marco Piro, president of the Consortium for the Protection of Vermentino di Gallura DOCG. "Remember that in the last five years, in Gallura alone, the area under vine has increased by 10% and the shelf price of Vermentino has increased by 34%."

© Riproduzione riservata