The event brought together 68 Italian wineries showcasing 288 distinct labels, supported by the Italian Trade Agency. Beyond the walk-around tastings, the program emphasized professional development through masterclasses on Tuscan borderlands and the technical nuances of Amarone. A remote session led by Master of Wine Sarah Heller further underscored the focus on specialized education, which drew 17 sommeliers from Kyrgyzstan who traveled at their own expense to attend.

Strategic networking defined the event, with 21 international delegates from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and various Kazakh cities participating in targeted B2B sessions. The competitive aspect of the industry was highlighted by the second Italian Sommelier Challenge, won by Leonid Kirsanov of St. Petersburg’s La Vue Restaurant, who secured a scholarship for the 2027 Vinitaly International Academy in Verona. According to ITA Almaty Director Filippo Covino, the initiative successfully bridged the gap between Italian producers and a regional market that is increasingly receptive to high-quality imports.