The world of Tuscan wine is experiencing mixed emotions on the eve of two major industry events: BuyWine in Lucca on February 5-6 and PrimAnteprima in Florence on February 14. While almost all industry operators expect tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump, recent data offers a reason for cautious optimism.
Tuscany’s wine sector closed 2024 with promising numbers: 2.6 million hectoliters of production and a strong export performance. Between January and October last year, the export of still DOP wines recorded a 4.8% increase in volume and a remarkable 10% rise in value. These figures contrast with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs imposed by the United States, a key market for Italian wines.
BuyWine and PrimAnteprima: Showcasing Tuscany’s Excellence
The 15th edition of BuyWine, held at Polo Lucca Fiere, will bring together 210 selected Tuscan producers and 164 importers from 37 countries. The largest delegations come from Canada, the United States, Scandinavia, and China, with growing interest from Asian markets such as India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Buyers will have the opportunity to taste nearly 1,400 labels, including 500 organic wines, representing 50 of Tuscany’s 58 denominations.
Following BuyWine, Florence will host PrimAnteprima on February 14 at Palazzo Medici Riccardi. This exclusive event for the specialized press marks the official start of Tuscany’s Wine Previews Week, providing a first taste of the region’s upcoming vintages. Organized by the Tuscany Region in collaboration with the Florence Chamber of Commerce, PromoFirenze, and Fondazione Sistema Toscana, PrimAnteprima serves as a crucial platform for introducing the latest developments in Tuscan winemaking.
A Week of Premier Wine Events in Florence
Beyond PrimAnteprima, Florence will host several key wine preview events: Chianti Classico Collection (February 17-18 at Stazione Leopolda), Chianti Lovers & Rosso Morellino (February 19 at Fortezza da Basso), and L’Altra Toscana (February 20 at Palazzo degli Affari). These gatherings will highlight the diversity and quality of Tuscan wines, offering professionals and enthusiasts alike an exclusive opportunity to explore the region’s latest releases.
As the industry prepares for a crucial week, the looming threat of U.S. tariffs remains a point of concern. However, the resilience of Tuscan wine producers and the steady growth of international markets offer a glimmer of hope. For now, the glass appears half full.