Between the 8 and 13 May 2023, the Wine Consortium of the EU4Business: connecting companies (EU4BCC) project organized a study visit for SMEs to the Northern Italian Wine ecosystem.
This activity brought together SMEs of the EaP countries involved in the project (Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine) and the EU countries operating in the wine sector.
Participants learnt about the regional market of Friuli Venezia Giulia through 9 meetings with experts. Innovative production methods were showcased, such as the grafted vine plants or the newest pruning methods. Moreover, participants had a closer look at the retail chain from several points of view, both the equipment and the wine shop. The participants visited 3 different kinds of wineries: a woman-led and family business winery, a fascinating historical villa and an Italian cooperative.
On 12 May, B2B meetings took place with selected Italian counterparts and buyers interested in discovering the products of the EaP wineries.
The participants have actively taken part in all activities and were highly satisfied by the meetings and shared their feedback:
”The opportunity to participate in the study visit to Italy allows us to feel alive and to show to our compatriots, the whole world that despite the war our activity has not stopped, we continue to grow, to learn new things, to gain new experiences that will allow us to come back strongly.”
KHALUPENKO Mykola, KURIN WINERY (Ukraine).
”I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of this study visit on vine. The knowledge, insights, and experiences gained during this time have undoubtedly enriched my understanding of the vinification process and the wine industry. I am genuinely grateful to everyone involved in organizing and facilitating this visit for their unwavering commitment to our education and growth.”
RUKHADZE Giorgi, LLC WINERY, George Grey Winery (Georgia).
”I would like to express my gratitude to the fellow participants of the study visit. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences brought together in this event created a stimulating environment for learning and networking. The discussions we had, both during the organized sessions and informal gatherings, have broadened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the winemaking sector. I am truly thankful for the meaningful connections I have made and the potential collaborations that may arise from these interactions.”
JRAGHATSPANYAN Artashes, JRAGHATSPANYAN WINERY Llc (Armenia).
”I would like to extend my appreciation to the winemakers, viticulturists, and professionals who welcomed us into their establishments. Their passion for winemaking was evident in every interaction, and their willingness to share their expertise and experiences was commendable. I am grateful for the valuable insights they provided, which will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on my own work in the field.”
NAZARIA Aliona, JAVGURVIN GRUP Ltd (Moldova).
”I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the study visit and B2B events in the field of vine. It has been an incredibly enriching and inspiring experience, and I am truly grateful for the knowledge and connections I have gained during this event.”
HASANOV Ramil, AGRO-AZERINVEST Ltd (Azerbaijan).
" thank you again for the invitation to the (B2B) meeting on Friday, it was an interesting experience. I am in contact with some distributors in northern Italy who I will contact in the next few days in order to understand if they are interested in developing a project with the producers I have met. Thanks again and good luck.”
Alessandra Pocaterra, AIS Sommelier, trustee of Aspi (Italian Professional Sommellerie Association) for Genoa and the Province, member of the Women of Wine Association.
