The event saw the finest producers, distributors, industry journalists, fine wine retailers, politicians and enthusiasts from over twenty countries gather to debate and defend the cultural and economic interests of the wine sector. Participants were able to sample wines from both prestigious and lesser-known regions in tasting sessions that were accompanied by sumptuous meals prepared by the Villa d’Este’s best chefs. The event was enhanced with seminars, conferences and musical interludes that were in tone with the overall theme.

Maserati and its test drivers were present during the entire event with an array of models on display in the villa’s grounds. These were made available to the symposium’s select guests for a test drive. All the Maseratis generated a stir and the reaction after the test drives was always a positive one with praise heaped on the prestigious materials used on the cars’ interior, their elegant bodyshape and top drawer performance.