“Our annual event aims to show the spirit of Naples, we want to bring our heritage to different cities and get to know their culture and art,” – Generoso di Meo
“Naples meets Tbilisi, in the name of art, culture and solidarity,” with this content, the prestigious DI MEO CALENDAR visited Tbilisi. The association “DI MEO VINI AD ARTE” holds an annual event in various cities of the world to introduce cultural heritage.
On October 19-20, Italian guests, along with the Association director Generoso di Meo, visited the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi. The event aimed to introduce Georgian traditions, culture and art. The overall sense of this initiative and its deeper meaning lie in the links woven between different cultural spheres, to contribute to a better mutual understanding.
The Di Meo winery, located in the province of Avellino, is one of the most celebrated Campania estates focusing squarely on native varietals. In the early ’80s, three siblings Erminia, Generoso and Roberto Di Meo acquired the historical estate from their parents, which includes 25 hectares and an 18th century farmhouse that was once a hunting lodge of the Caracciolo Prince. In addition to wine, the Di Meo brothers are supporters of the arts and have created a unique annual calendar that celebrates a different city each year in collaboration with important international photographers.
Numerous significant historical events link Naples and Campania to Georgia. An important point of contact is represented by wine, as recent archaeological excavations have also ascertained. It is no coincidence that the word for wine in western languages derives from the Georgian or, as linguists say, proto-Carthaginian, yvino. But there are many traditions that make the relationship between Naples and Tbilisi alive: the cult of love, the language of feelings, the propensity for emotion, the vocation for hospitality, the passion for poetry and conviviality, the love of football and the exploits of the great champion Kvaratskhelia, whose contribution was decisive in Napoli’s winning of the third Scudetto; and again, the common art of leavening (pizza and khachapuri), the funicular railway in the two cities, the positioning of Tbilisi and Naples on the 41st parallel. In addition, the first chair of Georgian Language and Literature in Europe was established at the Orientale University in Naples.
In the study conducted by “DI MEO VINI AD ARTE” director Generoso di Meo, it also emerged how much the two cities are united by elements of common culture: it is no coincidence that the Neapolitan nativity scene features, among the traditional characters, that of the Georgian woman, just as, for both, the passion for music is strong. If the tradition of Georgian polyphonic singing is the first case of the ‘intangible heritage of humanity’ accepted by UNESCO, Georgia is also the land of great opera singers who have performed at the San Carlo theatre and of young talents in whom the Neapolitan Opera House has invested, promoting their growth through its Singing Academy.
The 2025 calendar will feature the unique traditions and social and cultural similarities that firmly link Naples and Tbilisi to each other.
Once again this year, the photos of Massimo Listri, who signed the calendar from 2013, will offer a visual reading of the city. With his gaze, he has been able to give it an unexpected light, restoring in the calendar all the narrative power of the Georgian capital, a symbol of art, culture and dialogue between peoples.
Not only photos, but also tales and stories that tell of the points of contact between the city of Naples and Tbilisi. Thanks to the critical contribution of renowned scholars, the Calendar will investigate the most significant correspondences between Naples and Tbilisi: the Siren and the Panther.
The symbol of the birth of Naples is, in fact, the siren Parthenope, and its inhabitants are still referred to as Parthenopeans, while Georgians have long identified with the myth of Tariel, at the center of the beautiful poem ‘The Panther-skinned Knight’ by Šota Rustaveli, a national poet who lived in the 12th century, equivalent to Italian Dante.
All the above-mentioned ties, along with the closeness, warmth, and genuine mutual love between the Italian and Georgian people became the reason why “DI MEO VINI AD ARTE” chose Tbilisi for its next destination.
“When you walk through the streets of Tbilisi, you can feel the history. Tbilisi has its own vibe, a unique, ancient charm and the energy of modernity, which combine beautifully. Different cultural influences can be felt in Tbilisi, you can feel the era and also the Georgian hospitality,” says Generoso di Meo.
We sat down with him to find out more about his interesting family history, his work, the art of winemaking and his impressions related to Georgia.
-The story of the Di Meo Winery…
-The Story of the Di Meo Winery is a Journey of Heritage, Innovation, and Excellence in Irpinia. It started in the late 80’s when, with my siblings Erminia and Roberto Di Meo, we embarked on an extraordinary journey. We took over the historic family farm belonging to our parents, Vittorio and Alessandrina Di Meo, situated just a few kilometers from Avellino, in the picturesque town of Salza Irpina. This property, once owned by the esteemed Caracciolo Princes, has deep historical roots that add to the profound character and charm of the winery.
Our company has dedicated itself to producing premium wines and spirits, rooted in the rich viticultural tradition of Irpinia. Over the years, the Di Meo winery has evolved into a renowned point of reference in Campania and Southern Italy, celebrated for the exceptional aging potential of its Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo wines.
The Linea Tempo project has been a cornerstone of this achievement. Since the early 1990s, Roberto Di Meo has spearheaded this initiative, which showcases the unique longevity and character of the region’s signature wines. His expertise and dedication recently led to his appointment as the Italian Delegate at the Union Internationale des Oenologues (UIOE), reflecting the international acclaim our wines have received. Through Linea Tempo, we continue to honor our heritage while gaining recognition both nationally and internationally for producing wines of unparalleled quality and distinction.
-The purpose of your work…
-For over 23 years, I have led the cultural initiatives of our family’s legacy through the Di Meo Vini ad Arte Association. My work goes beyond the realms of winemaking, intertwining the heritage of our region with global cultural expressions. One of the most significant projects I oversee is our annual Di Meo Vini ad Arte calendar, which each year celebrates the connection between our home city of Naples and a different cultural capital from around the world.
This calendar is more than a collection of dates; it is an artistic journey that brings together art, architecture, and history from cities such as London, Milan, New York, Moscow, Madrid, Prague, Seville, Istanbul, Vienna, and Berlin, to name a few. Through the lens of renowned art photographer Massimo Listri, each edition offers a visual and cultural dialogue that highlights shared artistic values and unique local flavors. My role in this project is to curate and nurture these cultural exchanges, using art as a bridge that connects communities and celebrates the rich heritage of each city involved.
-The Calendar project…
The Di Meo Vini ad Arte project began as an inspired initiative 23 years ago within the walls of our family winery. Our first edition was launched at the winery itself, marking the start of a unique cultural journey that has since grown to span continents. This annual project—initiated with the desire to showcase the spirit of Naples and its connection to the world—has flourished, reaching celebrated venues in cities like New York, London, Moscow, Rome, Paris, and Vienna.
Through these annual editions, we have built an evolving cultural archive, enriched by each city’s contribution. This project not only honors our Neapolitan roots but also fosters a greater global understanding and appreciation of the art and culture that connects us all. Soon, a book compiling these remarkable past editions will be published, offering an enduring record of Di Meo Vini ad Arte’s two-decade journey to bridge cultures through the universal languages of art and tradition.”
-And again – why Tbilisi?
-Starting from the roots of wine culture, to go on to all the wonderful history of the Argonauts myth, and as the heart of cross road of silk route Geoegia and Tblisi have captured my heart. Also Naples and Tblisi are both on 41 parallel!
So being Georgia the heart of Caucaus and Tbilisi such a vibrant city. The people of Tbilisi and Naples have so much in common that I wanted everyone to discover and know more about the great Georgian history and culture.
This year, Di Meo Vini ad Arte proudly turns its focus to Tbilisi, Georgia—a Country that has long captivated my imagination. Known as the birthplace of wine, Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions reach back 8,000 years, marking it as one of the most historic wine cultures in the world. This rich heritage immediately resonated with me, as did Georgia’s fascinating history, including the legend of the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece.
As the vibrant heart of the Caucasus and a pivotal point along the Silk Route, Tbilisi offers a cultural wealth and spirit that is both timeless and dynamic. In my travels, I’ve come to appreciate how much Tbilisi and Naples have in common, both cities located along the 41st parallel and sharing a spirit of resilience, warmth, and hospitality. I wanted to honor and share these unique connections—Georgia’s extraordinary history, its people, and its enduring cultural contributions.
Through this year’s Di Meo Vini ad Arte calendar, I aim to bring the beauty and legacy of Tbilisi to light, allowing others to discover the remarkable bonds between Georgian and Italian culture. It is my hope that this edition will not only celebrate Georgia’s heritage but also inspire a deeper appreciation for the shared human stories that connect us across borders and time.
My fascination with Tbilisi goes beyond admiration; it’s a deep appreciation for the city’s spirit and the layers of history woven into its streets. Tbilisi has a truly unique vibe—a blend of ancient charm and contemporary energy that can only be felt when walking through its neighborhoods, meeting its people, and immersing oneself in its rhythms. This is why I wanted to bring Di Meo Vini ad Arte to Tbilisi: to encourage others to experience, firsthand, the beauty, energy, and unmatched cultural depth that this city has to offer.
From its expressive folk traditions to its contemporary arts scene, Tbilisi’s culture reflects the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of its people. This capital city has absorbed influences from various cultures and epochs, yet remains uniquely Georgian—vibrant, welcoming, and steeped in history. I hope that through this project, others will come to recognize and appreciate Tbilisi’s remarkable contributions to global culture and gain a deeper understanding of the rich and diverse heritage that makes Georgia a true cultural gem.
-Your opinion about Georgian wine…
As a wine enthusiast, I’ve always been intrigued by Georgia’s ancient winemaking heritage, though it’s my brother, Roberto Di Meo, who brings the true depth of expertise to our winery. Since the early 1990s, Roberto has been deeply involved in a project dedicated to the longevity of wine, earning significant recognition both nationally and internationally. Georgian wines, however, remain a rarity in Europe, so our exposure to this rich tradition has been limited.
During a recent visit, Roberto and I had the unique opportunity to taste wines directly from the tanks at Shilda Winery, and this experience was a revelation. For Roberto, it was fascinating to sample wines in their early stages, appreciating their potential and complexity even before aging. I tasted both the latest vintage and some from recent years, each revealing a remarkable character, shaped by traditional Georgian methods.
The wines were crafted with ancient techniques, fermented in large amphorae—known locally as qvevri—with extended maceration on the skins for white wines. This method, combined with Georgia’s unique terroir, produces bold, tannic flavors and an amber hue that’s unlike anything we typically see in European wines. These wines hold a strength and depth that both surprised and delighted us.
I am eager to return and delve further into Georgian winemaking, exploring how these traditional wines might evolve with complementary techniques. From this initial tasting, it’s clear that Georgia’s raw materials—the grapes, the soil, the craftsmanship—are rich and full of potential. With a blend of Georgian tradition and modern techniques, these wines could indeed reach even greater heights!
We also spoke to one of the honorary guests of the event, Attilio Impronta, who elaborated on his impressions about the event and the emotions caused by visiting Georgia.
“I am a friend of Generoso di Meo, and I always attend his events. I’m a member of a fan club of this iconic Calendar event. Every year, we choose a city in/or even outside Europe to visit and devote a calendar to its culture and art. Generoso always chooses an iconic place to visit in advance. On the one hand, it’s an amazing chance to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of others and also share yours, establish close ties and form a closer friendship with other people. It’s an annual tradition for us. Every year, we have an opportunity to visit different amazing places, which is a big honor and pleasure.
“We, as wine and art enthusiasts, found out that Georgia is the birthplace of wine and famous for its winemaking traditions, which made Tbilisi even more interesting for us. Wine, culture, art, everything is amazing here and all this brings our people closer to each other and makes our friendship stronger. DI MEO CALENDAR is an excellent opportunity to build bridges between nations and establish strong connections and partnerships in various directions,” he noted.
“For us, Italians, art is a big passion, part of our culture and even business at the same time. My sister owns a contemporary art foundation together with her husband, so my family is also closely connected to art. We just love it, and getting to know Georgian culture, art and traditions this time was a very pleasant and special occasion for us,” he added.
During their visit, the Italian guests also took a city tour. Attilio also shared his impressions regarding Tbilisi and its people:
“In Tbilisi, people are very friendly, and they delight in food and wine, just like we do, because for us, food is a part of the culture. Food is not only for eating, but to get together, spend time with loved ones… In Tbilisi, you can see the heritage of the town. It’s a very characteristic and spectacular city. Also, one can see that these free-spirited people are eager to leave behind the Soviet past domination and get closer to Europe, where it belongs. I could feel here that you truly have a European spirit. We are close to each other anyway, with the same aspirations. We’re excited after visiting this historical city, and we’re very eager to come back as soon as possible.”
Photos: https://www.dimeoviniadarte.it/
