Merano - Last Friday (November 7, 2025), the Kurhaus in Merano became the shining center of the international wine and gourmet world. As part of the 34th Merano WineFestival, the prestigious gala award ceremony for „The WineHunter Stars“ took place. The award honored eight outstanding personalities whose passion and commitment have had a lasting impact on the world of enogastronomy and made it shine.
Eight stars for wine, enjoyment and communication
The list of award winners reflected the diversity of the industry. The WineHunter Wine Producer Star went to the world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli, whose brother Alberto accepted the award. Bocelli's ability to preserve the wine tradition of his Tuscan homeland (Bocelli 1831) as a symbol of Italian excellence was honored. Celebrity chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo received the „Food Star“ for his charismatic way of bringing Italian cuisine to a wide audience; the award was collected by Matteo Pastrello (Villa Crespi).
Other awards went to key figures in the wine world. The influential US critic James Suckling was honored as a „Communication Star“ (represented by Aldo Fiordelli). Franco Bernabei, known as „Mister Sangiovese“, received the „Winemaker Star“. For their journalistic merits Eleonora Cozzella (Il Gusto) and Alessandro Regoli (WineNews) award. Sebastien Ferrara, sommelier at the three-star restaurant Enrico Bartolini, received the „Wine Manager Star“. Posthumously, the artist Riccardo Schweizer (represented by daughter Barbara) was honored with the „Wine Artist Star“ for his iconic wine labels (e.g. for Franz Haas).
Culinary journey from Campania to Georgia
Following the festive ceremony, the guests were treated to an exquisite gala dinner, which was designed as a „journey of taste“. The evening offered a culinary tour of discovery through the regions of Campania, Abruzzo, Calabria and South Tyrol, complemented by a special gastronomic excursion to Georgia.
The opening course in the foyer consisted of specialties from Caserta, such as buffalo mozzarella and regional cured meats. Refined courses followed, including a Georgian „Pkhali“ (vegetable trilogy) with wine from the amphora and a pasta course from Abruzzo with saffron (Zafferano dell'Aquila DOP) and scampi. The main course was a cube of black pork from Calabria with Tropea onions and ‘Nduja, accompanied by two interpretations of the Gaglioppo grape. The final course was a dessert celebrating the Campania apple variety „Mela Annurca“.
