Wine is language, vision, identity, a bridge between past and future that generates fresh perspectives. And the future is the most comfortable environment for Pasqua Wines, the winery that has been bringing a message of disruptive creativity and oenological know-how to the wine world for 100 years, by reinterpreting one of the areas most rooted in traditional wine-making practices, that of Verona. Celebrating this anniversary means continuing to imagine what the future holds for the next one hundred years, seeking new connections, horizons and languages.
Like the ones of contemporary art: over the last eight years, Pasqua Wines interacted with various artistic disciplines and collaborated with over thirty artists to define an incisive positioning, a distinctive identity and a precise voice.
“Art and wine share a fundamental value, that of creativity” explains CEO Riccardo Pasqua. “The process at the genesis of projects is similar: an intuition or a new look at reality is transformed into a path made of research, reflections, attempts, up to the final result”.
The winery continues to explore its ties with the art world with ‘Ode al Futuro’ project, the first note of which is a book, published by Rizzoli, followed by a museum itinerary, set in the hometown Verona, at Giardino Giusti, during Vinitaly.
‘Ode al Futuro’ is a book on a head-to-tail basis, designed to be read from both sides, reflecting Pasqua Wines view of wine and the concept of creativity: an open dialogue, which can be approached from several perspectives. Five chapters, five different approaches to describing five of the winery’s most iconic labels: the textual interpretation is entrusted to the writer, scriptwriter and director Filippo Bologna, who narrates each wine in the language of a literary and cinematographic world, while the aesthetic dimension to as many artists from all over the world; Michael Mapes (USA), Sofia Crespo (Portugal), Gaia Alari, Enzo and Giuseppe Ragazzini (Italy).
Enzo-Ragazzini
Gaia Alari
Michael Mapes
Giuseppe Ragazzini
Sofia Crespo
The site-specific installation was created by the Foll.ia studio along the entire south wing of the Giardino Giusti building. The exhibition unfolded in several exhibition rooms: the first two made the five chapters of the book tangible, relating the wines to the works dedicated to them. The third was transformed into an Infinity Room, where a high-tech interactive digital installation projected the five interpretations in different scenarios and contexts, immersing the spectator in a totalising experience. Pasqua Wines unveiled ‘Ode to the Future,’ with a free public exhibition (April 5–9).
“I believe that art, today more than ever, has the role of making us look up from the everyday and creating stimuli to continue planning for the future, without forgetting today but looking at it with creativity and confidence. This is also the message of all the investments in art, in Italy and worldwide, that we have confirmed this year” explains Riccardo Pasqua.
The palimpsest of events proposed by the winery for Vinitaly was also enriched with ‘Sips of Art. When fine wine meets art’, a circuit of events, tastings and music that took place in the spaces of the city, offering a reflection on wine, culture and art with Verona’s cultural institutions: Book Tasting (April 5–6, 4–5 PM) at Achille Forti Gallery and ‘The Lesson of the Canary’ (April 5, 6–9 PM) where artist Enrico Mitrovich transformed four historic boutiques with installations.
To mark the milestone of its centenary, at the opening ceremony of the 57th edition of Vinitaly, Veronafiere S.p.A. President Federico Bricolo presented Umberto Pasqua and Pasqua Wines with the Vinitaly International Award in the Italy category. The award recognises the winery’s 100-year commitment to quality, innovation, and the balance between tradition and creativity. Established in 1996, the accolade honours individuals and companies that have shaped the global wine industry – a testament to Pasqua Wines’ role in redefining Veronese winemaking
The accolade follows Pasqua’s 2024 “Innovator of the Year” title from Wine Enthusiast, which was the first Italian winery to have achieved the distinction.
From left to right: Federico Bricolo – President Veronafiere, Francesco Lollobrigida – Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Umberto Pasqua – President Pasqua Wines, Luca Zaia – President Veneto Region, Maurizio Danese – CEO Veronafiere.
Photo credits: Pasqua Wines