#USA #New York #Amerigo Vespucci #Italian Wine #Vinitaly

Vinitaly USA: The Event Redefining Italian Wine in New York

The highly anticipated third edition of Vinitaly USA is set to take place in New York City on October 26 and 27, 2026. This significant event is a part of the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour, part of Italy's official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Veronafiere and Vinitaly are thrilled to announce the event's key details, confirming strong participation among leading Italian wineries eager to introduce their offerings to the American market.

On July 5, the Vinitaly team took a monumental step forward as they presented the event aboard the Amerigo Vespucci, the historical training ship of the Italian Navy, while it was docked at Pier 86 in New York City. This gathering was not only an introduction to Vinitaly USA, but also a vital opportunity for outreach among American wine professionals, highlighting the deep-rooted trade relationship between Italy and the United States.

A Growing Focus on the U.S. Market
The United States remains a crucial market for Italian wines, accounting for nearly a quarter of all Italian wine exports. At the event, approximately 40 selected buyers from major North American markets were in attendance to learn about the fair. With 250 exhibitors already confirmed, including renowned wine regions such as Asti DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino, and Prosecco DOC, Vinitaly USA is poised to sell out its exhibition space, which spans 118,000 square feet.

According to Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, during the presentation, "We are intensively working both in Italy and the United States to engage trade professionals in preparation for the 59th annual Vinitaly in 2027." He highlighted the strategic importance of the U.S. Northeast, which represents 19% of total Italian wine consumption by volume and 22% by dollar value.

This year’s edition promises to offer buyers two exciting days filled with masterclasses, wine tastings, and business sessions focusing on market insights. Vinitaly USA will also include experiences dedicated to wine tourism and premium extra virgin olive oil, showcasing authentic Italian cuisine—a true immersive experience of Italy’s rich gastronomic culture.

Elevating the Wine Experience
The launch event featured remarks not only from Bricolo but also from key figures including Erica Digiovancarlo of the Italian Trade Agency and Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International. The culmination included a distinct tasting session showcasing exquisite wines from various Italian regions, delighting all attendees with the quality and diversity of Italy’s wine offerings.

Following this successful presentation, Veronafiere continued its North American mission to Miami, where they gathered 35 additional distributors and buyers for another round of presentations. The event featured a intricate masterclass titled "Italy Beyond the Usual Suspects," led by Michelin Guide recognized sommelier Jacqueline Pirolo.

The Amerigo Vespucci World Tour exemplifies the united effort of the Italian Ministry of Defence, Italian Navy, and other governmental bodies, all dedicated to enhancing Italy’s economic footprint through cultural initiatives.

With the Vinitaly USA event rapidly approaching, there’s immense enthusiasm surrounding this opportunity for Italian wineries to strengthen their presence in one of the world's largest markets. As preparation continues, we anticipate that the event will not only celebrate Italian wine but also foster invaluable connections within the trade community, setting the foundation for future growth and collaboration between Italy and the United States.