The transformation of the wine-growing landscape, the relationship between man and land, the role of contemporary architecture, and the new environmental challenges of wine production. These are the themes at the center of Wine Cultures and Landscapes: The Meaning of the Land and the Voice of Architecture, the exhibition that will open on Friday 22 May 2026 at Ca' Scarpa, Treviso, with a public inauguration at 18 pm.
The exhibition, curated by JK Mauro Pierconti and organized by Benetton Studies and Research Foundation Together with the Order of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects, and Conservationists of the Province of Treviso, it will be open to visitors from May 23 to August 2, 2026. The project proposes a multidisciplinary investigation into the world of wine, intertwining local history, agricultural practices, architectural design, and cultural reflection.
Before the official opening, at 15 pm in the auditorium of Palazzo Bomben, a round table discussion will be held The revenge of wine, conceived as a moment of discussion on the present and future of the wine sector. Speakers will include Fabio Piccoli, editor of "Wine Meridian," Diego Tomasi of the Consortium for the Protection of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG, agricultural historian Danilo Gasparini, agronomist and oenologist Umberto Marchiori, and Attilio Scienza, professor emeritus at the University of Milan.
The Prosecco landscape through two centuries
One of the exhibition's central sections is dedicated to the evolution of the hilly territory of Conegliano Valdobbiadene. The historical-geographical section, curated by Massimo Rossi of the Benetton Foundation, reconstructs the changes that have occurred over the last two hundred years in the areas of San Pietro di Barbozza and Colbertaldo.
Through the analysis of the maps of the Napoleonic Land Registry of 1812 and the comparison with contemporary aerial images, the visitor will be able to observe the progressive transition from the traditional mixed cultivation to the monoculture of viticulture that developed especially in the second half of the twentieth century.
This evolution concerns not only land use, but also the social, economic, and productive transformations that have reshaped the landscape of the hills now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
New agricultural practices and sustainability
The second part of the exhibition focuses on the testimonies of those who work daily in the wine sector: agronomists, producers, scholars, scientists, and oenologists.
The focus is on new agricultural practices related to environmental sustainability and production quality. Among the topics addressed are biodiversity, water management, climate change, and the progressive reduction of chemical fertilizers.
Particular attention is paid to the revival of traditional techniques such as green manure, an agricultural practice that involves sowing specific crops that naturally enrich the soil and encourage the presence of insects and microfauna.
According to the exhibition's layout, the key concept becomes that of "living soil": a fertile ecosystem capable of supporting the growth of vines without invasive interventions.
Accompanying the stories and analyses are photographs by Arcangelo Piai and Georg Tappeiner, which document the shapes, geometries, and characteristics of the vineyard landscapes of Conegliano Valdobbiadene.
Architecture as the language of wine
A significant part of the exhibition addresses the growing role of architecture in building the identity of wineries.
The section curated by Filippo Bricolo of the Bricolo / Falsarella studio reflects on the relationship between the winery, landscape, and hospitality. Through hand-drawn drawings, photographs, and thematic essays, the architect explores how spaces dedicated to wine can become tools for cultural narration.
Among the topics discussed were the value of the brolo—a traditional open space that connects visitors to the vineyard—and the importance of light and shade in production and maturation environments.
The cellar experience is thus interpreted not only as a functional place, but as a sensory journey capable of engaging the body and perception.
Seven contemporary wineries from around the world
The dialogue between wine and architecture continues in the final section of the exhibition, curated by Francesca Chiorino and Roberto Bosi of the international magazine «Casabella».
The exhibition presents seven wineries built over the last twenty-five years in different parts of the world, selected for their relationship with the landscape, production, and visitor reception.
The selected projects include:
- Dominus Winery in the United States, designed by Herzog & De Meuron in 1998
- Bodega Propiedad de Arínzano in Spain, signed by Rafael Moneo in 2002
- Gantenbein Vineyard in Switzerland, created by Bearth Deplazes in 2006
- Quinta do Portal in Portugal, designed by Álvaro Siza in 2008
- Vik Winery in Chile, by Smiljan Radic, 2014
- Château Margaux in France, developed by Foster + Partners in 2015
- Antinori / Guado al Tasso in Italy, designed by Fiorenzo Valbonesi asv3 in 2023
Photographs, sketches, and design materials will allow us to observe how contemporary architecture has interpreted the relationship between wine production and landscape over the years.
Young architects and exhibition design
The exhibition project was developed through a dual curatorial approach. Alongside the work of Bricolo / Falsarella, the overall exhibition design was entrusted to Kopio Office + Bovo, a group of young designers selected through a call for applications for architects under 35 in the province of Treviso.
The project integrates materials normally used in vineyards and agricultural contexts, transforming them into narrative elements capable of interacting with the contents of the exhibition.
The graphic design, by Iknoki studio, also aims to convey the idea of a constantly changing landscape through a dynamic and layered typographic construction.
Meetings, insights and tastings
Throughout its opening period, the exhibition will be accompanied by public meetings dedicated to the themes of viticulture, territorial protection, sustainability, and wine tourism.
Each event will conclude with a tasting, designed as a moment of direct experience and dialogue between the public and industry professionals.
Information
Wine Cultures and Landscapes: The Meaning of the Land and the Voice of Architecture
Ca' Scarpa, Via Canova 11, Treviso
23 from May to August 2 2026
Friday: 15-19
Saturday and Sunday: 10-13 and 15-19
