The protagonists of international wine tourism and viticulture gathered in Verona to celebrate the excellence of the sector, participating in the traditional annual meeting that rewards the best wine tourism experiences in the world. On this occasion, the prestigious “Global Best Of Wine Tourism Awards 2025” crowned several initiatives that stood out for quality, innovation and attention to sustainability. Among the winners of this edition, the Agriesperienze ticinesi stood out, awarded as the best food and wine experience in the sustainability/environment category, marking an important milestone for the Centro di Competenze Agroalimentari Ticino.

This recognition follows the conquest of the title of “Regional Best of Wine Tourism 2025” obtained last October 9 in Lausanne, again in the sustainability category. The aim of the Agriesperienze, born in 2023 at the instigation of the Department of Finance and Economy of the Canton of Ticino, is to propose authentic food and wine activities, capable of describing the territory and its natural and cultural wealth. The project responds to the need for more responsible tourism and attention to local realities, a trend that has attracted growing interest in recent years.

A model of experiential tourism

Agri-experiences aim to involve visitors in activities related to the land and the seasons, such as harvesting vegetables, making cheese, making wine, or simply walking to discover the beautiful landscapes of Ticino, accompanied by local experts. Offering a range of activities that go from learning about typical products to interacting with animals and producers, these experiences aim to spread a genuine image of Ticino agriculture, thus promoting a model of tourism that, in addition to meeting the expectations of the visitor, also supports local agricultural communities.

“The strength of these experiences is the authenticity and direct contact with local producers,” said Angelo Trotta, director of the Ticino Tourist Agency, highlighting how Agriesperienze represent a bridge between agriculture and tourism. “These initiatives help promote our cultural and gastronomic heritage, while offering an enriching experience for the visitor and concrete support to local farmers.”

Patricia Carminati, president of the Guides of Italian Switzerland, expressed her enthusiasm for the award received: “It is an honor and a thrill. The Agriesperienze do not only offer landscapes or wine, but an all-round experience that allows participants to better understand the products and crafts of the territory, creating an emotional bond with our reality.” Sibilla Quadri, director of the CCAT, also shared her satisfaction for the recognition: “It is an extraordinary surprise. This award reflects the passion and dedication of all the actors involved, from the agricultural sector to the tourism sector, who together have created a unique experience.”

A prestigious international network

The “Global Best Of Wine Tourism” award is given by the Great Wine Capitals network, which brings together cities from all over the world famous for their wine regions. The initiative was created to promote economic growth and the development of wine tourism, promoting international collaboration, sustainability and innovation. Every year, a jury of experts selects the best tourist experiences by category, evaluating aspects such as the connection with the territory, the originality and the quality of the services offered. In the sustainability and environment category, Ticino stood out for the genuine and integrated approach of the Agriesperienze, which won over the international jury thanks to the balance between environmental enhancement and cultural promotion.

A link between city and countryside

In addition to ensuring responsible tourism, the CCAT project aims to reduce the gap between city and countryside, allowing visitors and citizens to come into direct contact with the agricultural world and appreciate its complexity and beauty. The initiative is also part of a broader framework of regional economy projects, aimed at strengthening the Ticino agri-food sector through intersectoral collaborations with tourism, catering and retail of local products.

For more information on Agriesperienze and to book, visit the official website www.agriesperienze.ch.

With this prestigious award, the Agriesperienze Ticino confirm themselves as a model of sustainable tourism and testimony to the cultural and landscape richness of Ticino, representing an invitation to discover the territory in an authentic and responsible way.