The charm and strength of Made in Italy lit up the American capital during the fourth edition of Italian Design Week, an internationally renowned event that brought together representatives from the institutional, diplomatic and business worlds, transforming Washington into a showcase of excellence for Italian talent.
During the closing gala dinner, the official toasts were made with two symbols of Sardinian creativity: Akènta Cuvée and Akènta Sub, wines produced in Alghero by Cantina Santa Maria La Palma, one of Italy’s most important and dynamic wine cooperatives.
During the event, the winery itself received the “Champions in Wine Making” award, given to companies that excel in the production of high-quality wines with a special focus on environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Akènta Sub, an underwater wine from Sardinia, aged at a depth of 40 metres in the sea off Alghero, and Akènta Cuvée, an elegant expression of Vermentino di Sardegna, together with Vermentino Aragosta and Cannonau Le Bombarde, accompanied the evening dedicated to Italian excellence around the world.
A symbolic choice, capable of portraying an Italy that innovates while respecting nature, combining territory and sustainability, tradition and future.
A recognition that celebrates the work of the 300 winegrowers who are members of the Alghero cooperative and their vision of agriculture that enhances the land while respecting it, transforming daily work into a model of collective and responsible enterprise.
The Italian Design Week event in Washington was curated and conceived by entrepreneur Roberta Marcenaro Lyon (Imark) to promote dialogue between Italy and the United States through design, culture, business and innovation.
Among the protagonists of the evening was Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, who was honoured for promoting Made in Italy around the world. “This is the best time to invest in Italy,” she said, ‘because our country, with its Made in Italy products, can be not only an emotion, but a concrete opportunity for growth.
Alongside her were prominent figures such as Italian Ambassador to the US Marco Peronaci, Ita Airways President Sandro Pappalardo, Ferrovie S.p.A. President Tommaso Tanzilli, Federturismo President Marina Lalli, chef Paco Morales and numerous representatives of Italian excellence in the fields of design, culture, technology and hospitality.
‘Receiving an award such as “Champions in Wine Making” is a great honour for us,’ said Cantina Santa Maria La Palma, ‘because it represents recognition of our commitment to producing wine that is good, authentic and sustainable, the result of the work of hundreds of Sardinian families who believe in the value of cooperation and in the future of their territory.’
With its toasts at Italian Design Week in Washington, Cantina Santa Maria La Palma has brought the essence of Alghero and Sardinia overseas, combining the international appeal of Made in Italy with the depth of a land that continues to inspire: a true “wine island”, ready to tell its story and present itself anywhere in the world.
