Wine tourism excellence: winners of the 2026 Best Wine Hospitality Manager competition announced.

The awards ceremony for the second edition of the national Best Wine Hospitality Manager competition took place today in the prestigious setting of the 50th edition of the Hospitality Fair - Il Salone dell'Accoglienza . The initiative, promoted by Wine Meridian and Wine Tourism Hub , aims to shine a spotlight on the professionals who, every day, determine the success of Italian wine tourism through their expertise, passion, and sensitivity.

In an era where technology and design often dominate corporate narratives, the competition chooses to put the individual back at the center. The second edition confirmed an extraordinary growth in the number of entries, demonstrating a sector that sees the professionalization of hospitality as its most important challenge. Rewarding human resources means recognizing that a brand's value lies in its people's ability to communicate it.

Lavinia Furlani , President of Wine Meridian and creator of the competition, reiterated during the ceremony how vital it is for wineries to invest in their employees.

"Human resources are truly at the heart of everything. We often talk about wine cathedrals and grand projects, but behind every memorable experience is a Hospitality Manager capable of transforming a winery into an exciting tourist destination ," said Lavinia Furlani . "It's crucial for us to recognize the value of these professionals, because they are the ones who create an authentic connection with the end consumer. Celebrating their talents with this award means giving space to often invisible but crucial skills, investing in the creativity and passion that make Italian hospitality unique."

The protagonists of hospitality: the 2026 winners

The competition explored eight different dimensions of hospitality.

• Salesperson: Elisa Zordan - Cascina Maddalena. This category is dedicated to those who excel at direct sales in the wine shop, turning every visit into a profitable experience for the company.

• Engagement: Marco Dall'Armi - Tenuta San Giorgio. Recognition for the professional who knows how to create a deep emotional connection with visitors, making the tasting a participatory experience.

• Narrator: Nello Gatti - Cantina Urbana. Award for those who master the art of storytelling to authentically give voice to the wine, the history of the winery, and the region.

• Creative: Giusy Gagliano - Cantine Settesoli - Mandrarossa. This category rewards those who design and create unique and original wine tourism experiences, making the most of available resources.

• Inclusive: Leonardo Zamboni - Mezzo Ettaro and Cristina Varchetta - Cantine degli Astroni. Recognition for those who successfully engage teetotallers and children, offering alternatives that overcome traditional barriers.

• Welcoming: Matteo Loda - Contadi Castaldi. Awarded for those who stand out for their warmth, courtesy, and attention to detail that makes guests feel instantly at home.

• Acclaimed: Federico Laurie - Tinazzi . A data-driven award given to the professional with the highest number of positive verified online reviews.

• Inspirer: Valentina Zanella - Cà Maiol. The special award is assigned directly by colleagues, chosen and voted for by other industry professionals for her unique qualities.

In addition to the category awards, important recognitions were awarded by the Wine Tourism Hub partners:

• Winedering Award: Mario Morello - Terra Antica

• Direct from Italy Award: Elise Hütterer - Tenute Manincor

• Wine Suite Award: Rachele Degrassi - Cesari

• Rewine Award: Danilo Verone - Bottega Botlé

The day concluded with a guided networking activity, “La Bussola dell' Hospitality Manager ” , a space for concrete discussion between professionals from all over Italy.

The event once again confirmed Hospitality's role as a privileged platform for dialogue for the Ho.Re.Ca world and the desire of Wine Meridian and Wine Tourism Hub to continue building an aware community , capable of growing Italian wine tourism in a structured, humane and sustainable way.