The Theme of of 2026: “Fair Wine”

What truly matters when producing a wine?

For many years, Slow Wine, through its projects and events, has highlighted the fundamental role of choices made in the vineyard and the importance of sustainable practices: tangible proof of a commitment to the environment, a vision for a better future for our planet and the desire to establish a more harmonious relationship with nature.

A wine that merely tastes good is not enough. It must also be a clean wine, one that reflects the producer’s determination to protect the planet rather than exploit its resources. But it must be a fair wine too, one which not only avoids exploiting natural resources but also does not exploit vineyard workers and contributes to the development of the local community.

What is a fair wine?

When we buy or evaluate a wine for being “fair” we must understand that it is not simply a product, but also a driver of inclusion and social development. In 2026, the fifth Slow Wine Fair will make social issues related to wine and its production the focus of reflection.

This will be an opportunity to explore the role of viticulture as a tool for:

Integration of foreign workers
Low inclusion leads to excessive turnover and a lack of professionalism in vineyards. This weakens the socioeconomic fabric, creates labor shortages and encourages unsustainable agricultural practices.

Inclusion of women and young people
We must promote greater participation of these groups and support more equitable and sustainable models.

Local regeneration
Wine can also serve as a way to stem depopulation and to economically and socially regenerate areas unjustly considered marginal.