Vins Extrêmes 2025: Heroic viticulture takes center stage at Forte di Bard.

The countdown has begun for the fourth edition of Vins Extrêmes , the international fair dedicated to heroic viticulture, which will take place on November 22 and 23, 2025, at Forte di Bard (Aosta). Two days to discover, taste, and discuss the wines produced in rugged and fascinating territories : steep slopes, high altitudes, terraces, and small islands. Organized by CERVIM - Center for Research, Studies, Safeguarding, Coordination, and Promotion of Mountain Viticulture, in collaboration with the Autonomous Region of Valle d'Aosta , the Chambre Valdôtaine , and the Forte di Bard Association , the event brings together producers, technicians, institutions, and enthusiasts around a vision of wine that places biodiversity and the cultural value of the territory at its heart. The heart of the event will be the tasting tables , open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, featuring over 50 wineries from 11 Italian regions —including 19 from the Aosta Valley—as well as from Albania, Germany, and Switzerland. Five heroic wineries will also be present : the Lavaux Vineyard and Wine Community (Switzerland), the Municipality of Pantelleria (Italy), the Consortium for the Protection of Abruzzo Wines (Italy), the Deputation of Lugo (Galicia, Spain), and the Syndicat des Vignobles de la Côte Vermeille (Banyuls, France). "The winemakers participating in Vins Extrêmes tell stories of courage, landscape protection, and local identity," says Nicola Abbrescia , President of CERVIM. "Promoting heroic viticulture, including through events like this, means strengthening a sustainable model of presence in the area, capable of addressing the environmental and social challenges of the coming years." ​ ​The inauguration will take place on Saturday, November 22nd at 10:00 a.m. , in the presence of local authorities and foreign delegations. At 11:00 a.m. , in the Sala Archi Candidi, the first issue of "Viticoltura Eroica" will be presented, a publication created by CERVIM to showcase the faces, territories, and challenges of the sector. The awards ceremony of the Mondial des Vins Extrêmes , now in its 33rd edition, will follow at 11:30 a.m .: 77 Grand Gold Medals and 221 Gold Medals will be awarded to the winemakers whose labels have distinguished themselves in the only international competition reserved for wines from heroic viticulture. All the award-winning labels will be available for tasting at a dedicated tasting table for the entire duration of the event. In the afternoon, there will be time for technical and sensorial exploration with two masterclasses , two journeys in the glass to discover unique production contexts: at 2:00 p.m. , Wines born on the terraces , led by Marco Rezzano, President of AIS Liguria, and at 4:00 p.m. , Wines of the islands , led by Alberto Levi, President of AIS Valle d'Aosta and CERVIM Ambassador. On Sunday, November 23, the program continues with a wine talk , guided tastings , and an institutional meeting . At 11.00 the debate Wine between present and future: evolving trends and consumption will be held, at At 2.00 pm, winemaker and wine consultant Roberto Cipresso will lead the tasting "Altitude wines" , while at 4.00 pm it will be the turn of Guido Invernizzi, speaker and AIS sommelier, with "A look towards the East: from the Balkans to the Caucasus ". At 3.00 pm, the Sala Archi Candidi will host the round table "Mountain agriculture, guardian of biodiversity, perspectives for sustainable development ", promoted by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the Valle d'Aosta Region and the IAR - Institut Agricole Régional . "I firmly believe that heroic viticulture, as well as mountain agriculture more generally, should be promoted by virtue of their close connection with the territory, in order to support all the workers who play a central role in the care and development of our Alpine economy on a daily basis", says Marco Carrel . Councilor for Agriculture and Natural Resources of the Aosta Valley Region –. Therefore, as part of this international fair, I have chosen to celebrate National Agriculture Day, continuing to reflect on the sector's most pressing issues."​ ​Roberto Sapia , President of the Chambre Valdôtaine, continues: " Vins Extrêmes represents an event of extraordinary importance for the Aosta Valley business sector, where our economic and productive community finds a platform of excellence to express its value. The two-day event will also be an opportunity for discussion, growth, and sharing experiences that demonstrate the ability of companies to interpret the territory in a contemporary way, while maintaining a strong connection with tradition." ​ ​Finally, Ornella Badery , President of the Forte di Bard Association, comments: "Bringing the excellence of heroic viticulture within the walls of the Fort, which speaks 360° of the mountains, requires a commitment to dissemination that sees us on the front lines all year round. Food and wine are areas that go well with culture and create opportunities to promote tourism for the entire area, which we are happy to help support."​ ​Entrance tickets can be purchased online on the event website until November 21st or on-site.

INFO IN BRIEF | Vins Extremes 2025

When : Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 Where : Forte di Bard (Aosta) Opening hours : 10:00 am to 6:30 pm Admission : A one-day ticket costs €25, while admission for both days is €40 . Participation in the masterclasses is by reservation, which can be purchased online or at the fair entrance for €20. Reductions are available for groups of more than 25 people and for AIS, FISAR, ONAV, and Slow Food members, upon presentation of a valid membership card for the current year: €20 for one day, €35 for two days. Parking : free