Slow Wine Fair and SANA: a new collaboration

Slow Wine Fair, taking place from February 23 to 25 at BolognaFiere, is now in its fourth edition. Over the years, it has aimed to showcase lesser-known wines and outstanding excellences, shed light on key industry challenges, and give space and voice to countless producers who see wine not just as a commercial product, but as a means to connect with a territory, enhance a landscape, restore balance with the land and the community they live in, and foster a synergistic relationship with their collaborators.

This year, these efforts have intensified, and the collaborations have grown even stronger—one example being its concurrent scheduling with the new SANA Food format, dedicated to out-of-home dining.

11 reasons to visit it

1. Topic: when packaging makes a difference

Yes, it’s an important but often underrated topic. Packaging is frequently overlooked when purchasing, yet it plays a crucial role in fostering a better environment. After focusing on soil health in the previous edition, Slow Wine Fair 2025 broadens the conversation on wine’s environmental impact by addressing packaging and logistics. The goal? To explore innovations and partnerships that can lower wine production’s economic and environmental costs. This debate will engage producers, consortia, industry professionals, and wine lovers, offering a 360-degree perspective on sustainability in the wine world. Check out the discussions, conferences, and presentations at Sala Reale Mutua, Arena Demeter, and Casa Slow Food.

2. Producers: 1,200 wineries! Over 50% certified organic—An incredible selection of wines to taste

Numbers matter, but when they reflect quality, passion for one’s work and land, and respect for the environment, they become even more significant. Around 1,200 wineries from Italy and abroad will be exhibiting, with over 50% certified organic or biodynamic. Each has been carefully selected by Slow Wine experts (yes, Slow Wine Fair handpicks its exhibitors!). Visitors can taste wines produced with sustainable farming methods that respect the environment, aligning with the principles of the Good, Clean, and Fair Wine Manifesto.

3. Beyond borders: over 150 international wineries from 28 countries

Slow Wine Fair’s international presence keeps growing! This year, 157 winemakers from 28 countries (besides Italy, the highest number ever) will be showcasing their wines. Attendees will have the chance to taste selections from world-renowned regions like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Rhône, Loire, Mosel, and the Rhine, alongside discoveries from lesser-known countries like Japan, Georgia, Bolivia, and Chile.

4. Words matter: the largest natural wines event in Italy!

Slow Wine Fair 2025 is set to be the biggest gathering of natural wine producers in Italy. While “natural wine” can be a tricky term to define, it undeniably signals a certain level of quality and philosophy. With specialized distributors such as Arké, Elemento Indigeno, Velier-Triple “A”, and collectives like Junge Wilde Winzer, Natural Wine Association, Vi.Te – Vignaioli e Territori, and Demeter, plus many independent winemakers, more than 200 wineries fit into this category. In short, it’s going to be an incredible celebration!

5. Taste to learn and discover: masterclasses and guided tastings

For wine enthusiasts and industry professionals, Slow Wine Fair offers 17 masterclasses and guided tastings, providing a deep dive into the vast Italian and international wine scene. From Catarratto vineyards in Sicily to the discovery of Bobal in Spain’s Manchuela, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, refine tasting skills, and discuss pressing issues such as:

• The protection and promotion of native grape varieties
• The defense and advocacy of organic and biodynamic farming
• The preservation of historic vineyards, villages, and communities

6. Recognitions: the Terroir Wine List and Slow Spirit Award

Restaurant and wine service professionals rarely receive the recognition they deserve. Winemakers do an incredible job in the vineyard and cellar, but they need someone to tell their story and showcase their work. The Terroir Wine List and Slow Spirit Award, organized in collaboration with Milano Wine Week and now in its third edition, aims to celebrate sommeliers, restaurateurs, and wine shop owners who stand out for their dedication, curiosity, and ability to communicate the complexities of wine. With 13 categories—8 regional and 5 thematic—the award ceremony will take place on February 24 at Sala Reale Mutua, celebrating establishments where wine is not just a commercial product but a true passion. Check out all the details!

7. Not just Slow Wine Fair: the synergy with SANA food

One of the major highlights of the 2025 edition is its collaboration with SANA Food. This synergy enhances the visitor experience, offering a unique chance to meet top-tier producers from both the food and wine & spirits sectors, making for an even richer and more meaningful event.

8. Beyond wine: dedicated areas for Amari, Spirits, Ciders and Coffees

The Fiera dell’Amaro d’Italia returns, organized in collaboration with Amaroteca and ANADI – Associazione Nazionale Amaro d’Italia, alongside a dedicated spirits area that embraces the world of mixology. In the Mixology Lab, exhibitors will showcase their spirits, highlighting local ingredients from sustainable agriculture, low-impact production methods, and organic fertilization techniques. Meanwhile, Drink Factory bartenders will craft exclusive cocktails for attendees to enjoy.
For the first time, the event will also host a space for the Slow Food Coffee Coalition, where five roasters will guide visitors through high-quality coffee tastings. Plus, five cider producers from Trentino, Veneto, Poland, and Sweden will also be present.

9. Food matters too: eating well at Slow Wine Fair

Anyone who regularly attends major wine events knows that finding good food can be a challenge—but not at Slow Wine Fair 2025! This event carries the Slow name for a reason, offering 14 food trucks serving regional specialties, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

10. Not just producers: a strong presence of distributors

With the arrival of new distribution companies, Slow Wine Fair has grown even more. Some of the prestigious names participating include Arké, Associazione Vi.Te – Vignaioli e Territori, Classica, Ceretto-Terroirs, Diwine, Elemento Indigeno, Ellenikà, Etica Distribuzione, Gemma, Kippis, PR Comunicare il Vino, Tannico, Teatro del Vino, Velier-Triple “A”, Vignaioli Rock, Vino.3, WineSoul, and Wine Wins.

11. Regions, wines, food, stories: regional tasting spaces

Slow Wine Fair 2025 is a journey through Italy’s viticultural biodiversity. From Lombardy’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Lugana tastings, to Lazio’s amphora-aged whites, indigenous varietals, and Mediterranean wines, to the DOP wines of Emilia-Romagna, and Calabria and Sardinia’s Slow Food Presidium pairings, visitors will find a wide range of experiences in the regional and institutional booths.