Event Programme – 100 Distinction – The Best Cellars 2026 – Matera 23–24 October 2026
Matera, the first city in Europe chosen by the world’s top 100 producers.
The beauty of Matera, its renowned Sassi and its historic city centre will provide an exceptional setting for this year’s event, which has chosen Matera as the destination for celebrating excellence.
To facilitate access to the event, general travel and arrival information is available at the following link:
Event Programme:
23 October
09:30 | Palazzo Malvinni Malvezzi – Salone degli Specchi, Piazza Duomo
- Institutional welcome addresses.
- Conference: Food & Beverage in the Future of AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Admission is free, subject to prior registration at the following link:
16:00 | Palazzo Malvinni Malvezzi – Salone degli Specchi, Piazza Duomo
Awards Ceremony: presentation of the category awards and the „100 Distinction – The Best Cellars 2026” awards.
Attendance by invitation only.
20:30 | Traditional Dinner
Attendance by invitation only.
24 October 2026
11:00 | Opening Ceremony – Palazzo Malvinni Malvezzi, Piazza Duomo.
12:00 | ICC National Congress – Italian Culinary Consortium
Organised under the leadership of Carmelo Carnevale, President of the Italian Culinary Consortium.
11:30–15:00 | B2B Tasting Stands
A dedicated tasting session for business professionals, industry operators and B2B networking.
15:00–20:00 | Tasting Stands Open to the Public
Admission is free. Visitors may register at the reception desk located within the exhibition area.
MASTERCLASSES
15:00 | Agricola Pliniana – “Vini pieni di vite”
Masterclass presented by Simona Natale.
Registration: https://italia.zosimoratings.com/agricola-pliniana-la-masterclass/
15:00 | Cantine Terzini – “Magia di Abruzzo”
Masterclass presented by Tommaso Di Giacomo.
Registration: https://italia.zosimoratings.com/cantine-terzini-la-masterclass/
16:00 | Azienda Agricola Sciore – “Una passione vincente”
Masterclass presented by Ada Sciore.
Registration: https://italia.zosimoratings.com/vini-sciore-la-masterclass/
16:00 | Olio Fontanelle – “Olio di Puglia”
Masterclass presented by Pietro Perrone.
Registration: https://italia.zosimoratings.com/olio-fontanelle-la-masterclass/
17:00 | Tenuta Viglione – “Vini Biologici in Alta Murgia”
Masterclass presented by Antonisia Zullo.
Registration: https://italia.zosimoratings.com/tenuta-viglione-la-masterclass/
17:00 | Tenuta Cocci Grifoni – “Una storia di audacia e bellezza”
Masterclass presented by Marilena Cocci Grifoni.
Registration: https://italia.zosimoratings.com/tenuta-cocci-grifoni-la-masterclass/
19:00 | Zosimo Wine Critic Plenary Masterclass
Presented by Carmelo Sgandurra.
THE EVENT
This annual trade fair event arrives this year in Basilicata, on 23 and 24 October, in the majestic and beautiful city of Matera.
100 Distinction – The Best Cellars 2026 is an event created to celebrate only the finest excellences selected by Zosimo Ratings, with clear recognition of their production quality and value.
Present in 50 countries and published in nine languages, Zosimo Ratings is recognised as one of the most authoritative and independent rating agencies in the world of wine and food-sector excellence.
The event is a rich and dynamic festival, featuring a wide programme of meetings designed to connect producers with international delegates from the import, distribution and wine journalism sectors in a dedicated B2B environment.
WHY AWARD ONLY 100 COMPANIES?
Because we select only the very best.
Each company is carefully evaluated, with production standards that reflect outstanding quality. Every detail is assessed with precision, and only the top companies receive the prestigious “100 Distinction” recognition.
INTERNATIONAL DELEGATIONS
The 2026 edition will welcome numerous delegations from abroad, who will have the opportunity to experience the charm of a magical destination, cultural initiatives, and days filled with beauty, flavour and inspiration.
The event will create a powerful connection between producer and territory — a bond that only a travelling event can truly bring to life.
For each of our guests, we have selected special locations in the historic centres of Altamura, Gioia del Colle, Gravina in Puglia and Matera, allowing them to fully experience the cultural atmosphere and be enchanted by the territory.
WHY DID WE CHOOSE MATERA?
Because Matera is one of the most beautiful and desired cities in the world.
It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and with its famous “Sassi”, it captures the hearts of visitors from every corner of the globe. Its alleyways, homes, palaces, people and traditions make it a place of rare authenticity.
Because Matera is Matera — and only here can we truly tell the story of Italy’s beauty.
THE PRE-EVENT
This year, delegations are expected to arrive on 21 October. Minibuses will be available to accompany guests on cultural itineraries designed to discover the territory, its production heritage, tourism appeal, beauty and exceptional food traditions — a feast for the eyes, the palate and the soul.
The pre-event days will offer the opportunity to spend time together, share experiences and celebrate friendship, the endless source of all human relationships.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
This year, in addition to celebrating the ratings and evaluations of food and beverage products, the event will also honour individuals who have distinguished themselves through their work in promoting and supporting the sector, while making an important contribution to future generations.
Special awards will be presented for:
Best Oenologist
Best Agricultural Technician
Best Communicator
Best Maitre
A new award, “The New Generation”, has also been created to recognise and celebrate young talents under the age of 30 who stand out for their innovation and forward-looking vision.
Special attention will also be given to awards in the following categories:
Ethics
Label Design
Extreme Agriculture
THE GALA DINNER
On 23 October, in the setting of historic palaces and halls rich in history and culture, the magnificent Gala Dinner will take place.
It will be an intense and memorable moment, an occasion to experience unique emotions and to come together in an atmosphere of elegance, sharing and celebration.
THE MAIN EVENT
On 24 October, the tasting stands will be open to industry professionals, business representatives, journalists, importers and distributors, with dedicated business meetings.
The event will also welcome wine lovers from the general public.
From 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to meet the “100 Distinction – The Best Cellars 2026”.
An exclusive gathering in a city renowned throughout the world for its uniqueness and extraordinary beauty.
