Prosecco DOC Culminates Chef Residency in UK
News related to:Prosecco DOC Consortium · 2 min read
MILAN, Oct. 1, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Prosecco DOC Consortium concluded its Chef Residency 2026 with a final stop in the United Kingdom, marking a pivotal moment in the promotion of Prosecco DOC as a global ambassador of Italian culinary excellence. The initiative, which brought together some of the world's most influential chefs and young hospitality professionals, aimed to deepen the cultural and gastronomic ties between Italy and the UK.
Chef Bethany Hipwell, a prominent figure in the UK’s culinary scene, was the guest chef for the final residency. Hipwell, who has held senior positions at Michelin-starred Hambleton Hall and currently leads The Two Pigs, a top gastropub, was hosted in the Prosecco DOC Dreamland from 6 to 8 October. During this time, she immersed herself in the Prosecco DOC region, visiting wineries and engaging with local stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s unique characteristics and traditions.
From 9 to 12 October, House of Mediterraneo hosted a series of masterclasses and educational activities. These events, led by Chef Hipwell, focused on dialogue, research, and experimentation. Young hospitality professionals from around the UK participated, exploring themes related to contemporary cuisine, menu development, and the enhancement of quality ingredients. The program aimed to foster a dialogue between different cultures and highlight the versatility of Prosecco DOC in enhancing a wide range of dishes.
The residency culminated on 12 October with an invitation-only dinner. This event showcased the results of the shared journey between the Prosecco DOC region and the UK culinary world. Chef Hipwell’s leadership and innovative approach were evident as she guided participants in creating dishes that celebrated the meeting of different cultures. Prosecco DOC served as a symbol of hospitality, dialogue, and conviviality, reinforcing its role as a global ambassador of the Italian lifestyle.
The Prosecco DOC Consortium highlighted the significance of the UK market, noting that it is the second-largest market for Prosecco DOC after the United States. In 2025, exports accounted for 82% of the 667 million bottles produced, with the UK alone consuming more than 100 million bottles a year, representing around 20% of the total exports. This strong market presence underscores the importance of initiatives like the Chef Residency in maintaining and enhancing the global appeal of Prosecco DOC.
Giancarlo Guidolin, President of the Consortium, emphasized the importance of such initiatives.
The Chef Residency 2026 is part of the broader efforts by the Prosecco DOC Consortium to promote and protect the unique characteristics of Prosecco DOC. The Consortium continues to build a distinctive brand identity, finding authentic expression through communication activities that span food and wine, art, culture, history, cinema, design, and sport. Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé are versatile and adaptable, enhancing every type of dish and increasingly representing memorable moments of conviviality, inspired by the Italian art of living well.