In an exclusive interview with Winemag.it, the producer from Tramin explains the reasons for stepping back from his role as Vice President of the Bolzano-based organization. The well-known producer’s move overshadows the Wine Summit, which runs until September 8.
Martin Foradori Hofstätter has submitted his resignation as Vice President of the Alto Adige Wine Consortium. He remains on the Board of Directors. It is a decision that is sparking debate, coming in the early hours of the Alto Adige Wine Summit 2025, following months of internal tension and disagreements over management and the strategic vision of the organization. At the heart of the conflict are the role of the Consortium, priority issues for the South Tyrolean wine sector, and a lack of dialogue with members.
THE REASONS FOR FORADORI-HOFSTÄTTER’S RESIGNATION
In an exclusive conversation with winemag.it, Foradori appears calm and relaxed as he confirms the rumors. However, stepping down from the position of Vice President of the Alto Adige Wine Consortium is a formal move. “Mine is not a retirement,” explains Martin Foradori Hofstätter, “but a resignation. I did it to finally start a discussion I have been waiting for for a long time. It is about the operations, the present, and above all, the future of the Consortium. I acted in the interest of the members.”
There is also room for an ironic comment: “Not long ago,” he explains, “I was told in an email that the only role of a vice president is to fill in for the president when they are busy. Nothing more, nothing less. If there are people with greater skills and experience, it is natural and right to give them the space they deserve.”
A DECISION THAT MAKES WAVES DURING THE WINE SUMMIT 2025
Stepping down from the position of Vice President comes at a delicate time, right during the Consortium’s flagship event. And Foradori is aware of this: “They are already accusing me of wanting to make a scene, but my decision changes nothing regarding the splendid setting offered by the Wine Summit 2025. In reality,” he clarifies, “I had been waiting weeks for a clarifying meeting, but it never happened. So I decided to shake things up. It’s not in my nature to bury my head in the sand, and I have never shied away from a debate. I am sure that at the next board meeting, I will be blamed, as on other occasions, for the ‘how’, but no one critically analyzes the ‘why’.”
Regarding the possibility of a change of heart, the producer remains cautious. “I have no time to waste on trivialities,” he remarks, “there are much more important things in life. Times are tough and require strong, clear answers. If things don’t change, I still have a company to run, a family to spend time with, and I play many sports. Plus, I’ve just become a grandfather for the second time. And I’m sure my grandchildren will also be happy if their grandfather spends more time with them.” The dispute is only just beginning.
Foradori-Hofstätter resigns from the Alto Adige Wine Consortium. https://www.vinialtoadige.com/it/home/1-0.html. https://www.hofstatter.com/it/.
