D'Opera – Quality Heritage of Europe 2026: Parmigiano Reggiano and Valpolicella wines, time as a value

Two products that are symbols of Italy's agricultural and food heritage. As they evolve and mature, they not only maintain their characteristics intact but also acquire complexity, depth, and value.

This is the underlying theme of the second year of D'OPERA – Quality Heritage of Europe , the three-year program co-financed by the European Union dedicated to promoting Parmigiano Reggiano and Valpolicella wines. After a stop in Düsseldorf at ProWein —with an off-site walk-around tasting and two workshops at the fair at the Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini Valpolicella stand, led by Claudia Stern (Vinum) and Bettina Meetz (trainer at the Accademia Parmigiano Reggiano)—the 2026 calendar continues with three events in France and Italy aimed at industry professionals, trade press, and enthusiasts, in collaboration with Signorvino.

On Tuesday, March 24 , at the Signorvino store on Place St. Michel in Paris , two masterclasses for the press and industry professionals, led by wine critic Gabrielle Vizzavona and Fabrice Gour , a consultant specializing in French market development for the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, and a walk-around tasting open to the public will explore the history, territories, and production methods of the two PDOs in an international context. The focus of the meeting will be the role of time as a distinctive element in the maturing of Parmigiano Reggiano, as well as in the evolution of Valpolicella wines.

On Wednesday, April 8th, at the Signorvino headquarters in Milan 's Garibaldi district, sommelier and wine communicator Adua Villa and taster and expert "battere" Alessandro Stocchi will guide professionals and the press on a sensory journey through five wines and three different ages in each workshop. The first session is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and will be accompanied by a dish prepared by the Signorvino kitchen; the second session will be held at 3:30 p.m.

"Parmigiano Reggiano has developed one of its distinctive characteristics over time, through the maturing process that defines its aromas and structure," says Nicola Bertinelli , President of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. "Pairing it with Valpolicella wines allows us to convey the value of the PDO designations and the unique connection with their territories of origin to an ever-wider audience."

The tour will conclude on Tuesday, June 9th in Rome , at the new Signorvino venue in the historic center, with a format reminiscent of the Milanese one: two workshops, at 11:30 am and 5:30 pm, dedicated to exploring the aging and pairings of Parmigiano Reggiano and Valpolicella wines. From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, a walk-around tasting, also open to the public, will offer the opportunity to experience firsthand how time contributes to the sensory richness and complexity of both these excellent products. Registration is available at the following link: www.eventbrite.it/e/dopera-a-roma-vini-della-valpo​licel​la-pa​rmigi​ano-r​eggia​no-ti​ckets​-1984​56322​5029.

"The second year of the D'OPERA project represents an important step in consolidating the dialogue on two iconic products of the Italian appellations," says Christian Marchesini , President of the Consortium for the Protection of Valpolicella Wines. "The 2026 meetings will focus on the value of time, an element shared by our wines and Parmigiano Reggiano ."

D'OPERA is a three-year program co-financed by the European Union that aims to increase awareness of Valpolicella wines and Parmigiano Reggiano through training activities, tastings, and informational events, highlighting the region, production methods, and certified quality.