The 13th edition of Real Italian Wine & Food (RIWF) will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 11am to 6pm at The Royal Horticultural Halls in London, bringing together over 70 producers from across Italy to showcase a diverse range of wines and artisanal foods for trade professionals.
Masterclasses with Wine Experts
The 2025 event will feature two exclusive masterclasses led by Walter Speller, MW and Italian editor for JancisRobinson.com, offering valuable insights into Italy's emerging wine regions. The sessions will take place at:
- 1:30pm – "Calabria on the radar – indigenous whites and reds"
- 4:30pm – "Sicily's indigenous varieties"
These in-depth explorations will highlight Italy's lesser-known but increasingly exciting wine territories that are gaining serious attention for their quality and uniqueness. Previous RIWF events have featured similar expert-led sessions, including a 2024 masterclass on Sardinian wines conducted by Peter McCombie MW, establishing a tradition of educational opportunities that allow attendees to deepen their appreciation of Italian wine culture while networking with producers and importers.
Sicilian Indigenous Grape Varieties
Sicily boasts an impressive array of indigenous grape varieties that reflect the island's rich viticultural heritage spanning over 2,500 years. The island is home to more than 65 native varieties, with approximately 34% of Sicily's vineyards being organic due to the favorable Mediterranean climate that minimizes disease pressure. Among the most significant indigenous varieties are:
- Nero d'Avola: Often considered the "King of Sicilian indigenous grapes," this red variety accounts for 16.23% of Sicily's vineyard plantings. It produces full-bodied wines with deep color, notes of wild strawberry, sour cherry, and red plum, varying in character depending on soil composition.
- Nerello Mascalese: Grown predominantly around Mount Etna, this red variety creates light-bodied wines with wild strawberry and cherry flavors, complemented by volcanic minerality and often compared to fine Pinot Noir.
- Catarratto: Sicily's most planted white grape, accounting for nearly one-third of all vineyard plantings. It produces vibrant wines with citrus, tropical fruit, and orange blossom notes.
- Grillo: An indigenous crossing of Catarratto and Zibibbo, this versatile white variety was historically used in Marsala production but now creates modern, expressive wines that showcase Sicily's diverse terroirs with excellent structure, acidity, and complex flavors.
- Frappato, Perricone, Carricante, and Inzolia are other significant native varieties that contribute to Sicily's diverse wine landscape.
Calabrian Wine Showcase
Calabria, the rugged "toe" of Italy's boot, is emerging as an exciting wine region known for its distinctive indigenous varieties. The region's wines will be highlighted at the upcoming West London Wine School masterclass on June 25, 2025, led by Calabrian wine evangelist Giusy Andreacchio. This tasting will showcase eight wines made from local varieties, focusing on Greco Bianco for whites and Gaglioppo for reds, produced with minimal intervention techniques that emphasize terroir expression.
Calabria's wine identity centers around its native grape varieties, with over 90% of production dedicated to red wines. Key indigenous varieties include Gaglioppo (the region's flagship red grape), Greco Bianco, Magliocco Dolce, Magliocco Canino, Greco Nero, and Nerello Mascalese. These grapes thrive in Calabria's diverse terroir, characterized by abundant sunshine, varied altitudes, and mineral-rich soils across notable wine regions like Cirò, Melissa, Donnici, and Pollino. The region's winemaking philosophy increasingly focuses on traditional methods and native varieties, with pioneering producers like 'A Vita and Terre del Gufo leading a quality renaissance that's capturing international attention.
For Guests Staying at Hotel Indigo London Paddington
Hotel Indigo London Paddington offers a boutique stay with modern comforts and easy access to the RIWF venue. Guests can travel to The Royal Horticultural Halls via the Circle or District Line from Paddington Station to Victoria Station, followed by a short walk to the venue. Total travel time is approximately 15–20 minutes. Whether you're returning after a full day of tastings or preparing for a morning of masterclasses, the hotel’s central location, comfortable rooms, and proximity to excellent dining options make it a perfect base for your RIWF experience.
