A new research initiative is casting fresh light on the origins of one of Italy’s most treasured cultural products: wine. Titled “Radici: The Echo of Origins,” the project seeks to explore and enhance the deep historical and cultural roots of Umbrian wine, tracing its journey from ancient times to the present day.
Led by Umbria Top Wines, the regional wine cooperative representing local wineries and consortia, the project brings together experts from across disciplines to examine when and where wine first took root in Italy. Emerging evidence suggests that Umbria, perhaps even predating the Etruscans, may have been a birthplace of early Italian viticulture.
The initiative is supported by scholars from institutions such as the University for Foreigners of Perugia, the University of Perugia, the 3A Technological Agrifood Park, the Wine Museum of Torgiano, and AIS Umbria. Together, they aim to offer a comprehensive analysis that spans botanical, agronomic, historical, and archaeological perspectives.
“This is not just a publication, but a declaration of belonging and an act of collective memory,” explains Gioia Bacoccoli, coordinator of Umbria Top Wines, in a press release. She emphasizes the project as both a scholarly and cultural mission, aiming to inspire new ways of engaging with the region’s wine heritage—from storytelling and tourism to sustainable marketing strategies.
The work will culminate in a printed and digital volume, “Radici, The Echo of Origins,” featuring scientific essays and rare iconography. It intends to serve as a foundational resource for researchers, wine professionals, and cultural enthusiasts, deepening the understanding of wine as a symbol of identity and tradition.
“This research is a first step,” says Luigi Mundula of the University for Foreigners of Perugia, in a prss release, “into understanding wine not just as a product, but as a living cultural heritage, woven into the land, festivals, and memories of Umbria.”
The project is part of the CSR Umbria 2023–2027 promotional framework, under measure SRG10, which supports quality product marketing.