#United States #New York City #Volcanic Wines #IVWC #John Szabo

The International Volcanic Wines Conference 2026

The anticipation is building for the International Volcanic Wines Conference (IVWC) 2026 as it gears up to commence on June 10, 2026, in New York City. This prestigious event will culminate an extraordinary union of wine aficionados, producers, and educators from around the globe to delve into the captivating world of wines cultivated in volcanic soils.

Marking its fifth installment, the conference stands as a pivotal assembly focused on volcanic terroirs, where the robust characteristics of these extraordinary regions are celebrated. As the wine industry continues to embrace the Volcanic Wine Movement, this conference solidifies its place at the forefront of wine innovation and appreciation. Attendees can expect an exciting array of presentations, including panel discussions and guided tastings crafted specifically for professionals and media representatives. This will offer an unmatched chance to explore the unique qualities of volcanic wines and the regions that produce them.

Among the highlights of the conference is the Volcanic Wine Awards (VWA), presented in collaboration with JancisRobinson.com. The awards will be overseen by John Szabo MS, Co-Founder of VWI, along with Tara Q. Thomas, Managing Editor, and Samantha Cole-Johnson, Senior Editor US at Jancis Robinson. The awards will include a rigorous blind tasting led by a panel of esteemed sommeliers and retailers. Each wine will be assessed not just on its appellation, grape variety, and vintage, but on its reflection of the region's unique character. Awards will categorize wines as Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with the most outstanding selections crowned as Best in Show. Only those winning wines will be showcased during the conference, ensuring that attendees experience the crème de la crème of volcanic wines.

As John Szabo MS expressed excitement over the event, he noted, “We’re particularly thrilled to reunite worldwide volcanic wine producers in NYC for another day of high-level learning and a celebration of these unique places. Hosting the second annual Volcanic Wine Awards with JancisRobinson.com is an incredible opportunity to honor the top selections in the category.” According to Szabo, the inaugural edition of the awards in 2024 yielded fascinating insights and robust discussions, and he is confident that the upcoming event will elevate that experience further.

Gino Colangelo, President of Colangelo Partners and a partner in Volcanic Wines International, shared his perspective on the importance of these wines, stating, “Today’s wine drinkers value authenticity and a sense of place. There's no better representation of that than volcanic terroir.” He emphasizes that this sense of connection to the land is crucial for producing wines that resonate with consumers.

As the date approaches, invitation details for exhibitors, participants, and those wishing to attend will be available via VWI's official communication channels. Expect an influx of wine lovers eager to connect, learn, and explore the multifaceted world of volcanic wines.

Volcanic Wines International (VWI) spearheads initiatives aimed at defining the Volcanic Wine Movement while promoting educational opportunities for producers worldwide. The organization is committed to positioning volcanic wines as a premium category, emphasizing their unique quality and authenticity.

Join us on June 10, 2026, in New York City, for a day dedicated to celebrating and learning about the exquisite offerings from volcanic terroirs!