“At Vinitaly, Italy’s largest wine fair, more than 4,000 producers will present their wines to thousands of trade members and consumers from April 10 to 13 in Verona, as the event celebrates its 50th anniversary.

“OperaWine is a microcosm, or distillation, of Vinitaly, presenting 100 Italian wine producers selected by Wine Spectator for their high quality, historical significance and regional prominence. Taking place on April 9 this year, OperaWine kicks off the fair and has become a focal point for anyone interested in the country’s wines.

“‘I believe OperaWine has become the highlight of Vinitaly and a great showcase for the best Italian wines,’ said iconic vintner Piero Antinori, whose winery is returning to pour again in 2016. The full list of participating wineries has just been revealed.

“The event, a partnership between Vinitaly and Wine Spectator, debuted in 2012 as a way to spotlight the breadth and quality of Italian wine. Because the country’s diversity, heritage and achievements in wine cannot be summed up in such a small group of producers, each year the list changes, with new participants replacing some of the previous attendees.

“In 2016, eight producers are first-time participants: Binomio from Abruzz, Vincenzo Ippolito from Calabria, La Tunella from Friuli/Venezia-Giulia, Elvio Cogno from Piedmont, Bellenda from Prosecco, Schola Sarmenti from Puglia, and Castello d’Albola and Il Palagio from Tuscany. Wine Spectator congratulates these wineries on their achievements.

“Among the returning participants are other newer stars and leaders in emerging regions around Italy, along with blue-chip producers such as Antinori, Biondi-Santi, Aldo Conterno, Frescobaldi, Gaja, Masi, Ornellaia, Planeta, Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia) and many more.

“A full list of the 2016 OperaWine participants can be found below.

“For more information, visit http://www.operawine.it.”

2016 OperaWine Winery Participants and the Wines They Are Pouring
ARNALDO CAPRAI Montefalco Sagrantino 25 Anni 2010
ELVIO COGNO Barolo Ravera 2006
CASTELLO DI VOLPAIA Chianti Classico Riserva 2012

See attached for full list of participants.