BIBENDA|ROME MARCH 28 2025
Rome, Saturday, March 22, 2025
The 44th Forum on the Culture of Oil and Wine took place in Rome at the headquarters of the Italian Sommelier Foundation at the Hotel Rome Cavalieri, with the extraordinary presence of the President of the Republic.
“The honor granted to us by the President is a recognition of the commitment made over the years by the Italian Sommelier Foundation and Bibenda to the cultural growth of Oil, Wine, and the Products of the Land,” these were the words of Franco M. Ricci on Saturday morning while awaiting the arrival of the Head of State.
30 Sommeliers in uniform were lined up along the President’s path, accompanying his steps to the entrance of the Hall, where 1,200 people were eagerly awaiting. As soon as his arrival was perceived, an almost magical, surreal silence suddenly fell over the large hall, yet it spoke volumes: respect, emotion, and deep sentiment. Until the spontaneous, joyful applause erupted when the distinguished guest stepped into the room.
Everyone stood to listen to the National Anthem sung by Francesco Grollo, a tenor from Treviso, who has been dedicated to the correct interpretation of Il Canto degli Italiani.
“Michele Novaro composed it to be sung with great energy. Only in this way does the anthem acquire solemnity and strength from the very beginning, and those who listen to it can feel this intensity. It is not possible for everyone to give it their own interpretation,” said Grollo.
Immediately after the execution of the Anthem, the President of the Republic took his seat.
On stage, Elisabetta Salvatori narrated “The Tale of Oil”, an original composition created specifically for the 44th Forum.
Following this, the opening address by Franco M. Ricci.
The conference provided a moment for reflection and discussion on the value of the Italian agri-food sector. Among the speakers: Angela Velenosi, producer of Oil and Wine, on “The World of Oil”, Daniela Scrobogna, Head of Education at the Italian Sommelier Foundation, with “Learning About Wine and Oil”, Angelo Gaja, an icon of Italian wine, with “The Journey of Wine, the Ultimate Cultural Beverage”. Finally, the speech by the President of the Republic, who at the end of his address greeted the audience and the Oil Producers present at their stations.
Speeches, videos, and images from the 44th Forum on the Culture of Oil and Wine are now available online on the Bibenda website.
Following the conference, the tasting counters were opened, featuring over 200 Oils from the 200 companies awarded the 5 Gocce Bibenda 2025, as well as the Cinque Grappoli Wines from the wineries that received both prestigious recognitions.
During the day, two additional key moments marked the 44th Forum:
At 2:00 PM, new Sommeliers were inaugurated from the 76th Course in Rome, the 1st Course in Capena, and the 2nd Course in Fermo.
At 5:30 PM, as every year, the special class “Oil for Children” took place.
This exclusive initiative by the Italian Sommelier Foundation presents Oil to these young learners. Since the first time these events were organized, we have been surprised by the curiosity sparked by this topic, which stimulates the pure and highly attentive senses of children, true prodigies of learning.
Over time, this has become an unmissable moment of flavor and play, where more than 70 children, aged 5 to 11, tasted and listened to the most beautiful message that Oil can convey. The Educators of the Italian Sommelier Association of Oil introduced the Cultivars and Processes, the Most Suitable Regions, and the Different Types, making it an engaging and educational journey into the world of Oil.
