A short history of Slow Wine
From 1982 to 2026, Slow Food and wine have shared a love story spanning more than 40 years. Through publications, events, founding documents and close collaboration with producers, Slow Food has built and strengthened a vibrant and forward-looking network. Here are the key milestones in the history of Slow Wine.
From 1982 to 2022: Slow Food and wine, a 40 year love story
The history of Slow Wine: the 80s and 90s
1982 – Carlo Petrini and a group of friends founded the Libera e Benemerita Associazione degli Amici del Barolo
Before Arcigola, and long before Slow Food, our roots were already deeply intertwined with the vineyards. For the occasion, the association published its own wine catalogue, combining technical tasting notes with storytelling and foreshadowing the concept that would later inspire the Vini d'Italia guide.
17 March 1986 – The methanol scandal shook the Italian wine industry
This marked the lowest point in the history of Italian winemaking: twenty-three deaths and a devastating blow to the credibility of Italian wine, which at the time seemed potentially fatal. At the same time, it represented the beginning of a profound awakening and renewal across the entire sector.
1988 – The first edition of Vini d’Italia was published
Arcigola Slow Food and Gambero Rosso published the first edition of the Vini d’Italia guide, which would go on to become one of Italy’s most influential wine publications.
1992 – The first edition of Guida al Vino Quotidiano was released
This guide highlighted the best Italian wines for value for money, helping both novice and experienced readers choose quality wines for everyday enjoyment.
The beginning of the new millennium
2004 – The Wine Bank was founded
Wine Bank was established within the University of Gastronomic Sciences campus in Pollenzo. Its mission is to preserve and promote Italy’s wine heritage through educational programs and the safeguarding of wines intended for long-term aging. Over the past two decades, the Wine Bank has organized hundreds of tastings both at its headquarters and throughout Italy.
2007 – Vignerons d’Europe in Montpellier
During the Salon du Goût et des Saveurs d’Origine, held in Montpellier to mark the centenary of the revolt of the Languedoc winegrowers, the first edition of Vignerons d’Europe brought together hundreds of European winemakers. Together, they discussed the challenges posed by an increasingly globalized world and examined the wine crisis not only in economic terms, but also in terms of its impact on identity, culture and rural communities.
2009 – The second edition of Vignerons d’Europe
Held in Montecatini Terme and Florence, the second edition led to the publication of the Manifesto of Vignerons d’Europe. The document defines the role of winegrowers as guardians of the environment, consumer health, local communities, their territories and wine as an authentic expression of culture.
From 2011 to today: a guide is born
2011 – The Slow Wine Guide is launched
The Slow Wine Guide was created with the aim of shifting the focus from wines and scores to wineries, producers and territories, offering detailed insights into winemaking styles and agronomic practices.
Rather than describing the many aromas a wine may express, the first edition of Slow Wine sought to provide a clear and reliable guide to identifying the labels that best reflect their grape varieties and places of origin.
2012 – The first Slow Wine Tour begins
With the publication of the first English-language edition of the Slow Wine Guide, the Slow Wine Tour was launched, making its debut in New York City, Chicago and San Francisco. In the following years, additional stops were added in the United States and in countries including Germany, Denmark, Japan and Canada.
2017 – Slow Wine Slovenia is launched
For the first time, the guide expanded its work beyond Italy, focusing on the Slovenian region of Primorska, home to appellations bordering the Italian areas of Collio and Carso.
2018 – Slow Wine USA is launched
Following the successful Slovenian experience, Slow Wine began reviewing wineries in California, with a first guide featuring 50 producers. In subsequent years, coverage expanded to Oregon, Washington and New York, bringing the total number of wineries featured to nearly 300.
2020 – The Slow Food Manifesto for good, clean and fair wine is presented at BolognaFiere
At BolognaFiere in Bologna, Slow Food presented its Manifesto for good, clean and fair wine: a ten-point position statement designed to inspire discussion, reflection and further exchange among producers and wine professionals.
2021 – The Slow Wine Coalition is launched
Slow Wine Coalition brings together all the key players in the wine supply chain. Its mission is to drive a wine revolution based on environmental sustainability, landscape protection and the social development of rural communities.
2022 – Slow Wine China is launched
From Ningxia to Xinjiang, from Shandong to Hebei, from Gansu to Yunnan, and from Shanxi to Sichuan, Shaanxi and Tibet, the world of quality Chinese wine reveals its most promising territories, where remarkable wines are taking shape.
2027 – The sixth edition of Slow Wine Fair
From 21 to 23 February 2027, Slow Wine Fair 2027 will return to BolognaFiere in Bologna for its sixth edition.
And the story of Slow Wine is still being written.