From 5 to 7 October 2024, Voghera will be transformed into the international capital of Pinot Noir, hosting the fifth edition of ‘50 Shades of Pinot Noir’, a not-to-be-missed event for wine and wine lovers. Organised by the Movimento Turismo del Vino Lombardia, in collaboration with Ferrarieventi and Cadisass, the event has already conquered a prominent place on the wine and food scene, uniting Italian and international producers linked by a common love for this noble grape variety.
The Oltrepò Pavese is the beating heart of Pinot Noir production in Italy, with approximately 3,000 hectares of vineyards that make it the third largest area in Europe dedicated to this vine, after Burgundy and Champagne. This primacy is celebrated during the event, which aims to pay homage to the territory and its long wine-growing tradition, as emphasised by Carlo Pietrasanta, president of the Movimento Turismo del Vino Lombardia. Thanks to its temperate climate, the composition of the soil and the altitude of the hills, Oltrepò Pavese is an ideal habitat for the cultivation of Pinot Noir, which here expresses its full potential with wines of intense perfume and refined elegance.
The beauty of the area, with its rolling hills, historic villages and majestic castles, is at the heart of the event. The event is not only an opportunity to taste fine wines, but a real journey to discover the historical and cultural roots of the territory, a tale that weaves together tradition and innovation.
The event sees the participation of almost fifty wineries from all over Italy and renowned international wine regions. From Burgundy to Champagne, from New Zealand to Slovenia, without forgetting the excellences of our house: Lombardy, Piedmont, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche, Umbria, Campania, Puglia and Sicily. Each winery will bring its own unique style, with wines ranging from red to sparkling, rosé to white, offering a wide range of nuances to represent the essence and versatility of Pinot Noir.
Visitors will have the opportunity to taste these oenological excellences through a route of around fifty tasting points, and in Piazza Duomo it will be possible to purchase the official ‘50 Shades of Pinot Noir’ goblet, the symbol of this immersive experience.
In addition to the tastings, the event offers a rich programme of side events. Not to be missed is the talk show with the oenology experts ‘House of Wine’, who will comment on different interpretations of Pinot Noir together with the producers on Saturday 5 October at 6 p.m. at the Valentino Garavani Theatre. The talk show will be followed by an aperitif in the theatre foyer and an opera concert entitled ‘Vino e Lirica’, featuring famous opera arias dedicated to wine, thus offering a perfect fusion of art and wine.
Monday 7 October will be dedicated exclusively to professionals in the Ho.Re.Ca. (Hotellerie-Restaurant-Café) sector, who will have the opportunity to take part in a reserved meeting at the Istituto Tecnico Agrario Carlo Gallini, an educational excellence in the area. Here, from 10.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., tasting and networking sessions will be held, creating an opportunity to explore new opportunities in the wine sector.
The press conference presenting the event was held at Palazzo Lombardia, attended by Regional Councillors Elena Lucchini, Barbara Mazzali and Alessandro Beduschi, together with Voghera Mayor Paola Garlaschelli and President Pietrasanta.
Elena Lucchini, councillor for Family, Social Solidarity, Disability and Equal Opportunities, emphasised how ‘50 Shades of Pinot Noir’ represents a strategic showcase for the Oltrepò Pavese wine sector. ‘This event,’ he said, ’enhances the winemakers and companies of our territory, protagonists of a sector that knows how to innovate with increasingly sustainable production, contributing to strengthening the image of Oltrepò Pavese as an extraordinary tourist destination.
Barbara Mazzali, Councillor for Tourism, Territorial Marketing and Major Events, praised the initiative as an example of how wine and food tourism can promote an area rich in tradition and natural beauty. He described the Oltrepò Pavese as a place where ancient knowledge related to wine production and excellent local gastronomy are intertwined, with Pinot Noir as the undisputed protagonist.
Alessandro Beduschi, Councillor for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, highlighted how the event offers an experience that goes beyond mere tasting: ‘It is a journey through the history and passion of a territory that has made Pinot Noir an identity flag, demonstrating how precious the Oltrepò Pavese wine heritage is.
The mayor of Voghera, Paola Garlaschelli, also proudly emphasised the value of the event, inviting all wine lovers to discover the area‘s excellent wines. ‘It is with great pleasure that I invite wine lovers to the new edition of ‘50 Shades of Pinot Noir’, an event that celebrates the oenological excellence of our territory and the timeless charm of one of the world‘s best-loved grape varieties. Voghera, with its privileged location, represents the gateway to the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, the Italian home of Pinot Noir and of a renowned Metodo Classico sparkling wine, which has continued to bring prestige to Italy since 1865.’
‘50 Sfumature di Pinot Noir’ is not just a food and wine event, but a true homage to Pinot Noir and the Oltrepò Pavese territory. A unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of wine, discovering the passion, dedication and innovation that animate local and international producers. Voghera thus confirms itself as the world capital of Pinot Noir, ready to welcome visitors from all over the world to celebrate one of the most loved and prized grape varieties. An event not to be missed for those who wish to enjoy a complete sensory experience in the name of taste and culture.
