00:00 VINITLI is more than a fair, it's an expression of Italian tradition and identity.
00:06 What we do is try to convey the message of why we are Italian and why we are so special
00:12 in making wine.
00:13 The event is a chance for producers, exporters and buyers to taste the best in the business.
00:19 In addition to 4,000 Italian wineries, where brands from 30 countries including China.
00:25 Shanghai based industry expert Michelle Yu says women are playing an increasingly important
00:30 role.
00:31 We are very happy to see more and more winery owners from China, they are women actually.
00:38 Italian people are quite open to discover the wine from all over the world.
00:43 Yes, I'm quite happy to see the face and the feedback of the professional in Italy.
00:51 Wine professionals also had the opportunity to learn from their Chinese counterparts.
00:55 A mixology masterclass of the spirit Baiju explored its heritage production and flavor.
01:02 The key for Baiju taste is not to drink too much because the alcohol level is normally
01:06 more than 50%.
01:09 Actually in China we all consider smelling is the key to Baiju, not the palate.
01:15 Organizers say the four day event attracted top buyers from the US, UK, Canada and China.
01:21 Despite the strong turnout at VIN Italy this year, the industry isn't without its challenges
01:26 such as climate change and higher production costs.
01:28 However, the Italian government has pledged to help the sector adapt to protect both its
01:33 economic and cultural importance.
01:37 Leonardo Pizzolo is the owner of Abruzzo winery Valeriani.
01:41 He says in the past 20 years, due to warmer weather, his harvest has been brought forward
01:46 one month.
01:47 Which is enormous if you think in the next 50 years what can happen.
01:54 The only way for us to fight this climate change is to find out a place to put the vineyard
02:00 in a higher altitude.
02:03 It's a challenge for winemakers worldwide and a theme sure to be discussed at the next
02:07 industry event, Wine to Asia in Shenzhen in May.
02:11 Hermione Kitson, CGTN, Verona.
