Vinitaly.USA: a positive wind for the Italian Wine in the United States from the Windy City
Over 250 Italian companies, more than 2,000 buyers and international operators expected, 16 masterclasses, and 35 discussion sessions: the second edition of Vinitaly.USA (October 5-6, Navy Pier) confirms Italian wine’s central role in the US market in Chicago, as well as the commitment of the Italian exhibition system to the sector’s internationalization.
Organized by Veronafiere–Vinitaly, in collaboration with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, Fiere Italiane, and the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest-Chicago, the event brings together leading brands, regional collectives, and consortiums, representing over 2,000 Made in Italy labels.
“Vinitaly.USA is Italian wine’s answer to tariffs and the resulting context of concern and uncertainty,” commented Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. “This second edition strengthens Veronafiere’s foothold in this strategic, far-from-saturated market, which holds new potential for growth for Italian wine.”
Data from the Uiv–Vinitaly Observatory confirms the sector’s economic weight, with over $2.2 billion in annual Italian wine exports to the USA, a total economic impact of over $10 billion generated for the American economy, and a 38% share of the US market held by Italian wines, making them the leader among foreign labels.
Specifically, every dollar spent on Italian wine in the United States generates $4.5 in value for the local economy, underscoring the deep and reciprocal connection between the two countries.
For Adolfo Rebughini, General Manager of Veronafiere: “Vinitaly.USA represents a fundamental starting point for a long-term strategy, also supported by new integrated promotional tools like Vinitaly Tourism, which positions wine tourism as a strategic asset for the development of Italian wine and the promotion of the beauty of our territories.”
The two-day event in Chicago combines B2B meetings, training, and promotion, thanks to the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum, the Vinitaly International Academy, and the new Vinitaly Tourism project, which unites wine and territory in a single enhancement strategy.
The program includes focuses on Canada, the USA, and Mexico, as well as technical sessions dedicated to tariffs, consumption trends, and wine hospitality. Also present at the event is SOLExpo, the Veronafiere exhibition dedicated to Italian extra virgin olive oil, which brings 21 products from 13 companies across six Italian regions to Chicago.
