Istituto Grandi Marchi: International Events in Zurich and Cologne and the Recognition of Daniele Cernilli
From Cologne’s Wine Bank to Zurich’s Papiersaal, the Istituto Grandi Marchi continues to strengthen its international presence, bringing the excellence of Italian wine to two key European destinations.
The two events featured a programme of exclusive masterclasses, led by Christoph Nicklas and Christian Eder, showcasing 18 iconic wines from the member families – the group’s Historical wines – alongside dedicated tasting sessions for journalists, wine professionals and wine enthusiasts.
Beyond the tastings, these gatherings offered an opportunity to highlight the unique identity of Italy’s great wine-producing regions, encourage new relationships and further raise the international profile of some of the country’s most distinguished wine estates.
October also brought a particularly meaningful occasion with the presentation of the Istituto Grandi Marchi’s annual award to Daniele Cernilli, founder of DoctorWine, in recognition of his four decades of outstanding contribution to wine journalism and the promotion of Italian wine.
A leading figure at Gambero Rosso from its earliest days, and at the helm of the DoctorWine editorial project since 2011, Cernilli has been both a witness to and a leading voice in the extraordinary evolution of the Italian wine industry over the past forty years. From the growth of wineries and wine regions to the arrival of new generations of producers and the growing international recognition of Italian wines, his work has consistently helped shape the way Italian wine is understood and appreciated around the world.
The award was also an opportunity to reflect on the changing landscape of the wine industry and on the enduring importance of the relationship between producers and those who tell their stories. A dialogue that remains essential to preserving and communicating the identity, heritage and value of Italy’s wine-producing regions.
For the first time, the Istituto Grandi Marchi’s international award recognising outstanding contributions to wine communication has been presented to an Italian recipient. A distinction wholeheartedly supported by all the Institute’s member families, honouring one of the most respected voices in wine journalism and a career devoted to championing the quality, culture and identity of Italian wine.
In 2015, Cernilli was inducted into the Wine Writers’ Hall of Fame of New York’s Wine Media Guild. He was also named among the 50 most influential figures in the wine industry by Decanter magazine for three consecutive years.
