With a view to expanding business opportunities in new markets and considering the interest of many wineries in this small yet affluent country, on November 20th 2023, I Vini del Piemonte has scheduled the first edition of Barolo & Friends in Luxembourg.

Given the size of the market, the event format has been designed to encourage one-to-one interaction between operators and producers: after the customary market introduction for participating wineries, there will be a long tasting led by by the 2023 WSET Educator Davide Buongiorno with the presence of the producers, followed by a light luch and a walk-around tasting.

The walk around tasting will be aimed at the trade (buyers, sales agents, sommeliers, distributors, and journalists) – with approximately 50 operators expected – and will conclude with a final invitation-only opening for selected private amateurs.

This initiative is intended for Piedmontese wineries seeking importers, as well as for those already imported, aiming to promote themselves in this strategic European market.

PROGRAMME:

• 10.50-11.20: Seminar for producers on the wine market in Luxembourg
• 11.30-13.00: Long tasting for operators led by the 2023 WSET Educator Davide Buongiorno
• 13.00-14.00: Light lunch
• 14.00-17.30: Walk-around tasting for the trade
• 16.30-17.30: Walk-around tasting for selected private amateurs

MARKET INSIGHTS:

• Luxembourg is a small but high-value market: topping the IMF’s list in 2023 for GDP per capita, with 1 in 15 residents being millionaires, the earning potential in this market is significant.
• The high GDP of the country favors premium wines with a preference of 57% for red wines, 32% for whites, and 11% for rosés. 47.2% of the population is foreign, creating a diverse and stimulating market.
• Connection with Italy: 7% of residents have Italian origins, making Italian wine highly sought after.
• Despite a small local wine production (90% being still and sparkling white wines), two-thirds of which are consumed domestically, Italian wine ranks second in imports.
• Imports increased by 20% in 2022, representing 13% of the imported wine.