You don’t need a UNESCO certificate to tell you that Italian food is great. Italian cuisine is universally renowned for its fresh ingredients and wholesome recipes, while crowd-pleasing favorites like pizza and pasta are appreciated throughout the world for their simplicity, affordability, taste, versatility and comfort.
But, just in case you didn’t already appreciate the joys of Italian food, on 10 December 2025 Italy became the first country to achieve UNESCO status for its national cuisine.
While other UNESCO designations recognise a specific practice, such as the French gastronomic meal or the Japanese washoku, this is the first time an entire country has been recognised for the quality of its national cuisine rather than for a single tradition or recipe.
The Italian application for UNESCO status emphasised the links between traditional Italian food, culture and lifestyle, describing it as a convivial social ritual that brings families and communities together.
Of course, wine is an essential component of the Italian culinary tradition.
So, what does UNESCO status mean in practice?
What does UNESCO status mean in practice?
Aside from a massive boost to national pride, UNESCO status has certain other meaningful implications:
- it provides a cultural shield that helps to protect local traditions and prevent the erosion of artisanal practices
- it reinforces the concept that Italian cuisine is not only an economic asset but a cultural treasure
- it encourages Italy to safeguard regional customs, rural biodiversity, and educational pathways for future generations
- it increases global visibility, generating real value in the fields of tourism, hospitality, and cultural diplomacy.
What does UNESCO status mean for Italian wine?
According to Stevie Kim, founder of the Italian Wine Podcast: “UNESCO recognition for Italian cuisine will undoubtedly amplify interest in Italy’s wine culture. Italian food and Italian wine are inseparable. They share the same values: connection to land, commitment to quality, craftsmanship, biodiversity, and conviviality. The Italian wine community should be ready to harness this new found recognition.”
Stevie Kim, founder of the Italian Wine Podcast, on her travels around Italy
Many foreign consumers encounter Italian wine through cuisine. A UNESCO seal that triggers curiosity about Italian culinary traditions will indirectly elevate the appeal of Italy’s wines, its grape varieties, and regional identities. When a country is recognised for its unique and diverse food heritage, consumers will inevitably pay more attention to the stories that lie behind its wines.
Institutions and consortia can now align communication around a unified cultural message. Food and wine events abroad can highlight the UNESCO recognition as a banner of cultural authenticity and quality. Educational programmes that combine food and wine pairings gain another layer of authority. Regions that promote gastronomy and wine tourism have an even stronger narrative to attract visitors.
The award also creates a space where Italy can tell the story of that intricate relationship between its cuisine, its vineyards, and its national identity.
In short, UNESCO recognition of Italian food marks a historic moment. It celebrates a shared national treasure, clarifies the global understanding of intangible heritage, and offers new opportunities for Italian wine to shine alongside the cuisine that has shaped its international identity for decades.
The Italian Wine Podcast – bringing Italian food and wine together
The Italian Wine Podcast is a proud champion of Italian food and wine.
To celebrate the award of UNESCO cultural heritage status, here is a taste of some of our mouth-watering food and wine related content:
- Episode 734, Episode 740 and Episode 746: How to Pizza Tour of Napoli
- Episode 1908: Sicily, Recipes Rooted in Traditions with Melissa Muller
- Episode 2167: Vincenzo Russo Makes Spaghetti with Sardines
- Episode 2200: Giampiero Cordero at Ristorante Il Centro di Priocca
- Episode 2512: Scienza in the Mensa: Trattoria Tre Marchetti
The Italian Wine Podcast also has a weekly show, Wine, Food and Travel with Marc Millon, dedicated to wine, food and travel. Hosted by renowned author and communicator Marc Millon, it features Italian wine producers and personalities, exploring Italy’s beautiful wine regions, local specialities, culture, and the stories behind the food and wine, making each episode a journey into “la dolce vita” (the sweet life).
The Mamma Jumbo Shrimp YouTube channel, hosted by Stevie Kim, is a vibrant platform dedicated to making Italian food and wine accessible and fun, featuring travelogues exploring Italian vineyards, interviews with winemakers, deep dives into regional traditions, and cultural stories, all aimed at educating both experts and beginners about Italy’s diverse
