This year Vinitaly International, the ambassadors of Italian wines abroad, is focusing some lavish attention on North America and specifically the U.S.A. Events and classes aimed at increasing both recognition and knowledge of Italian wines will be held throughout the year.

On the heels of a stellar year for the export of Italian wines, Vinitaly’s tour across the oceans is set to touch down in several US cities as well as in Canada and China. 2015 saw an estimated 5.4 million euros worth of sales of Italian wines abroad and of those sales 1.4 million were in the United States alone.

Vinitaly’s US events will begin in San Francisco at Winter Fancy Food (January 17-19) and will continue on to New York City (February 7-9). Other dates in both New York and Chicago are being organized for the months of May and June.

This year the Vinitaly International Academy, started in February 2014 as an educational project, will be offering Executive Wine Seminars organized by Director Ian D’Agata. In San Francisco two seminars will be held. One advanced level seminar will focus on the Grignolino grape variety and the sub-zones of Chianti and Etna, while a beginner level seminar will concentrate on lesser-known Italian artisanal wines. In New York executive seminars will revolve around wine consumption while dining in Italian restaurants. Others in Miami will take a closer look at the Carmignano wine region of Tuscany.

For more information regarding dates, seminars and other events held by Vinitaly International visit their website Vinitaly International. 

Article written by – Liana Bicchieri