During Vinitaly USA’s two-day program and “After Hours” programming and events, a host of activities are scheduled to foster relationships between exhibitors, buyers and the public. Special attention is taken to coordinate the appropriate individuals for each activity, to ensure maximum participation, engagement and outcomes.

Sunday, October 20:

09:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m.: Vinitaly International Academy lectures & exercises (VIA Room - Studio B) - LEARN MORE

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Women in Wine & Spirits Roundtable - LEARN MORE (Seminar Room - Studio C)

  • Moderated by:

  • Joanna Sciarrino, Editor-in-Chief - VinePair

  • Korinne Munson, Sr. Director, Public Relations at Winebow Imports and Host of Winebow Imports’ Women in Leadership Wine Symposium

  • Patty Hines, Global Senior Category Merchant, Wine - Whole Foods

  • Rachael Lowe - National Director of Beverage - Levy

  • Marilisa Allegrini - owner of Villa Della Torre, San Polo and Poggio al Tesoro

  • Sarah Pierre - Owner - 3 Parks Wine Shop and Atlanta Cohost of Let’s Talk Womxn

  • Elisabetta Nonnino - CEO, Nonnino Distillers

  • Francesca Bardelli - Web Communication Manager, Nonnino Distillers

10:45 a.m.- 11:45 a.m.: Tre Bicchieri Masterclass: 'Best ofthe Best” (Masterclass Room - Studio A) - LEARN MORE

  • Led by Giuseppe Carrus, Editor in Chief, Gambero Rosso

  • Focusing on wines that will receive special awards in the 2025 edition of the guide

  • LIMITED SPACE: This Masterclass will have fewer spaces available. Most wines in this class will not be available for tasting at the Walk-Around area.

    • Calatroni - OP M. Cl. Pinot Nero Pas Dose’ - Poggio dei Duca 2019

      • Sparkler of the Year

    • Giovanni Avanzi RGC Valtenesi Chiaretto Antitesi2023

      • Rose’ of the Year

    • Maurgeri – Etna Bianco Sup. Contrada Volpare 2023

      • Up and Coming Winery

    • Lis Neris – Friuli Isonzo Pinot Grigio Gris 2022

      • Solidarity Project Award

    • Resistenti Nicola Biasi – Vin de la Neu 2022

      • Soustanible Viticolture

    • Belisario – Verdicchio di Matelica Cambrugiano Ris. 2021

      • Cooperative of the Year

    • Colterenzio – A.A. Sauvignon Gran Lafoa Ris. 2021

      • White of the Year

    • Cantina Sociale Settecani – Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro 7Bio 2023

      • Best Value for Money

    • Torre a Cona – Chianti Colli Fiorentini Molino degli Innocenti Ris. 2019

      • Red of the Year

    • Mario Fontana – Barolo del Comune di Castiglione Falletto 2019

      • Grower of the Year

    • San Leonardo – San Leonardo 2019

      • Winery of the Year

    • Feudo dei Sanseverino – Moscato Passito al Governo di Saracena 2015

      • Meditation Wine of the Year

12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. : Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (Stage - Main Expo Floor)

EXPO FLOOR OPEN 12:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. TO QUALIFIED TRADE MEMBERS

12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Gambero Rosso – Exclusive Preview: 2025 Tre Bicchieri Walk-Around Tasting (Expo Main Floor)

  • The American preview of the Tre Bicchieri from the upcoming 38th edition of the Guida Vini d’Italia 2025, the highest recognition in Italy's leading wine ranking.

  • Each day, guests will enjoy over 80 unique wines, divided by region.

  • This is a particularly special tasting, as most of the wines offered at Vinitaly.USA are different than those that are presented during the "Tre Bicchieri U.S. Tour"

  • List of producers coming soon!

12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Lazio Masterclass - Details coming soon (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Led by Richard Hanauer, Wine Director, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Family Heritage Tourism (Seminar Room - Studio C)

2:15 p.m. - 03:15 p.m. “The Wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia” Masterclass (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Led by Chris Tanghe, MS, Director of Education, GuildSomm International; Host, the GuildSomm Podcast

    • Talis Wine - Pinot Grigio Talis Friuli-Venezia Giulia DOC 2023

    • Sturm - Pinot Grigio Collio DOC 2023

    • I Feudi di Romans - Pinot Grigio - Friuli Isonzo DOC 2023

    • Colluta Wines - Friulano Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2023

    • Bucovaz - Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2023

    • Drius - Sauvignon Blanc Collio DOC 2022

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - "Inside the Editor's Mind: Mastering the Pitch & Building your Personal Brand in Wine and Spirits" (Seminar Room - Studio C)

  • Unlock the secrets to getting your stories published and your name recognized in the competitive world of wine and spirits. Join an exclusive panel featuring top editors alongside influential independent journalists and recognized talent. Discover what editors are really looking for— from subject matter and style to the preferred ways of being pitched— and learn how to make your mark in prestigious awards. Don’t miss this chance to step inside the editor’s mind and learn how to stand out in the crowded media landscape.

    1. Moderated by Clive Pursehouse - North American Editor, Decanter

    2. Henna Bakshi - Editor, Eater Atlanta

    3. Joanna Sciarrino - Editor-in-Chief, VinePair

    4. Tom Hyland - Freelance Writer, Editor and Photographer

    5. Regine T. Rousseau - CEO, Shall We Wine

    6. Marie Cheslik - Founder & Sommelier, Slik Wines

    7. Stacy Ladenburger - Editor & Communication Manager, GuildSomm

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Calabria Masterclass - (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Led by Jill Zimorski, MS

4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Business Forum “Bridging Tradition and Innovation: The Future of Italian Wine in the U.S. Market,” Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with Vinitaly.USA, National Association of Beverage Importers (Stage - Main Expo Floor)

Institutional Address

  • Minister Francesco Lollobrigida (MASAF)

Institutional Address and Opening Remarks 

  • Pres. Matteo Zoppas, Italian Trade Agency (ITA)

  • Adolfo Rebughini, GD Veronafiere

  • Amb. Riccardo Guariglia (Secretary General MAECI)

  • Annamaria Barrile (Confagricoltura)

  • Ettore Prandini (Coldiretti)

Panel 1 – Key Architects of Italian Wine in the U.S. Market: Insights from Leading Importers

  • Bill Terlato (Terlato Wine Group), Lia Tolaini-Banville (Banville Wine Merchants)

  • Mod. Robert M. Tobiassen (NABI)

 

Panel 2 – Italian Wine Producers' Perspectives

  • Lamberto Frescobaldi (Unione Italiana Vini), Matteo Lunelli (Ferrari Trento), Massimo Tuzzi (Holding Terra Moretti), Alessio Planeta (Planeta)

  • Mod. Stevie Kim (Managing Partner Vinitaly)

 

Panel 3 – Unlocking Opportunities: Italian Wine Growth in the Heartland – A Midwestern Focus

  • Lee Schlesinger (Winesellers), Maria Megna (Winebow), Stefano Francini (Opici Wines & Spirits)

  • Mod. Robert M. Tobiassen (NABI)

 

Closing Remarks & Networking

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Umbria Masterclass (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Led by Jacopo Cossater

07:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Vinitaly.USA Event Women in Wine & Spirits Event- Millennium Hall [11 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602] - LEARN MORE

Following last year’s sold-out reception, we can’t wait to welcome ~250 attendees to enjoy remarkable Women Owned wines, spirits and cocktails paired with exquisite food, live music, custom activations and personal remarks from iconic and emerging women producers and leaders in the industry.

Location: Millennium Hall underneath Chicago’s historic “The Bean” (Cloud Gate sculpture) in Millennium Park

Featured producers include:

  • Dr. Micaela Pallini, President of famed Rome-based Pallini (dal 1875); Micaela is also the President of one of the largest federations for wine & spirits, Federvini (Lazio)

  • Marilisa Allegrini, an icon of the Allegrini family and owner of three estates in Italy, Marilisa has chosen to highlight wines from her Montalcino estate, San Polo (Toscana)

  • Roberta Bricolo, owner of the organic Azienda Agricolo Gorgo, passed down from her parents, specializing in Corvina and Custoza, among other classic Veronese styles (Verona)

  • Alicia Lini, fourth-generation producer at Lini 910, Lini has transformed Lambrusco into a high-quality, highly sought after wine (Emilia-Romagna)

  • Chiara Lungarotti, CEO of Lungarotti, which has been a leader in Umbrian wine since the 60's, is a Councilor of Federvini and of Unione Italiana Vini (Umbria)

Emerging brands:

  • Giovanna Caponi, President of the family owned Le Palaie, has embraced wine tourism, operating a beautiful hospitality estate in Tuscany, with growing international exportation of their signature bordeaux-style blends and refreshing whites (Toscana)

  • Maria Faretra, owner of Azienda Agricola Maria Faretra, launched her brand earlier this year with her innovative Temèria Malbech Rosé (Puglia)

Additional Features:

  • Elena Fucci, owner of Azienda Agricola Elena Fucci, is leading the charge in the tiny region of Basilicata, producing world-class Aglianico and more recently, the amphora-vinified version (Basilicata)

  • Chiara Soldati, CEO of La Scolca, creators of the famed “Gavi dei Gavi” (Piemonte)

Monday, October 21:

8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vinitaly International Academy - Exams (VIA Room - Studio B)

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. State of the Industry Panel (Seminar Room - Studio C)

  • Dr. Micaela Pallini, President - Federvini

    1. Dr. Liz Thach, President - Wine Market Council

    2. Kaleigh Theriault - Director of Beverage Alcohol Thought Leadership - NielsenIQ

    3. Adam Teeter - CEO - VinePair

    4. Melanie Mann - Global Principal Category Merchant, Wine - Whole Foods

    5. With additional data supplied by SOMM and WSWA’s SipSource

10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Sardegna Masterclass (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Led by Serafin Alvarado, MS: Director of Wine Education at Southern Wine & Spirits

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Decanter 97-Point Masterclass (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Led by DIPWSET IV Decanter Judge, Michaela Morris, with introduction by Clive Pursehouse, North American Editor, Decanter (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Featuring:

    • Monte Rossa, Cabochon Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy 2016

      • Award: Platinum

    • Muzic, Valeris Friulano, Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2022

      • Award: Platinum

    • Gini Sandro E Claudio, La Froscà, Soave Classico, Veneto 2021

      • Award: Platinum

    • Casale Del Giglio, Anthium Bellone, Lazio, Lazio 2023

      • Award: Best in Show

    • Cantina Terlano, Terlaner Primo Grande Cuvée, Alto Adige Terlano, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2021

      • Award: Platinum

    • Florio, Vergine Riserva VR1898, Marsala, Sicily 1998

      • Award: Platinum

Expo Floor Open 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to qualified trade members

12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Gambero Rosso – Exclusive Preview: 2025 Tre Bicchieri Walk-Around Tasting

  • The American preview of the Tre Bicchieri from the upcoming 38th edition of the Guida Vini d’Italia 2025, the highest recognition in Italy's leading wine ranking.

    1. Each day, guests will enjoy over 80 unique wines, divided by region.

    2. This is a particularly special tasting, as most of the wines offered at Vinitaly.USA are different than those that are presented during the "Tre Bicchieri U.S. Tour"

    3. List of producers coming soon!

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Awards Ceremony for Italian Wineries (Stage - Main Expo Floor)

1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Valtellina Masterclass: “Taste of the Alps: Valtellina Wine and Storico Ribelle Cheese” (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Led by Jim Bube, Master Sommelier & Wine Director, Hogsalt Hospitality

    • Embark on a sensory journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Alps with a curated tasting of elegant Valtellina wines from six renowned producers. These exquisite wines will be paired with various ages of the famed Storico Ribelle cheese, a culinary treasure dating back to the 16th century, including a rare 14-year aged offering. This masterclass, presented in collaboration with the Bitto Storico Salvaguardia Consortium and guided by expert sommeliers and winery representatives, offers a unique opportunity to explore the distinctive qualities of these traditional Alpine products.

    • Producers include: Agricola Vitari, Alberto Marsetti, Arpepe, Coop. Agricola Triasso e Sassella, La Spia, and Tenuta Scerscé

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Tre Bicchieri Masterclass: “First Time Tre Bicchieri” (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Led by Giuseppe Carrus, Editor in Chief, Gambero Rosso

    1. Highlighting labels that have received top recognition for the first time

    2. LIMITED SPACE: This Masterclass will have fewer spaces available. Most wines in this class will not be available for tasting at the Walk-Around area.

      • San Cristoforo - Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero ND, Metodo Classico (Lombardia)

      • Bava - Alta Langa Extra Brut Bio 2019, Metodo Classico (Piemonte)

      • Cimarelli - Castelli di Jesi Verdicchioi Cl. Selezione Cimarelli Ris.2022 (Marche)

      • Cantina Produttori Cormòns – Collio Bianco Uve Autoctone 2022 (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)

      • Tenute Gregu – Vermentino di Gallura Sup. Pitraia Monogram 2021 (Sardegna)

      • Fattoria Moretto – Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Monovitigno 2023 (Emilia Romagna)

      • Tenuta Hans Rottensteiner - A. A. Santa Maddalena Cl. V. Premstallerhof 2023 (Trentino Alto Adige)

      • Torre Zambra – Villamagna 2022 (Abruzzo)

      • Podere 414 - Morellino di Scansano V. Bersagliere Ris. 2018 (Toscana)

      • Masseria Borgo dei Trulli – Primitivo di Manduria Mirea 2022 (Puglia)

3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. “Ospitalità Italiana” Awards Ceremony (Stage - Main Expo Floor)

  • Ospitalità Italiana is an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce System which, since 1997, has been awarding hospitality and restaurant businesses for the level of quality they offer to costumers, both in Italy and abroad. After analyzing four different areas of investigation in each company involved (from quality of service to customer experience), the Italian American Chamber of Commerce - Midwest will offer them a reward during Vinitaly.USA.

3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Hidden Gems of Italy: Discover Friuli-Venezia Giulia with its Beauties and Flavors (Seminar Room - Studio C)

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Lazio Masterclass (Masterclass Room - Studio A)

  • Led by Ken Fredrickson, MS: Co-Founder & Partner, High Road Wine & Spirits of Illinois; Co-Founder, The Italian Spirits Company

4:00 p.m. - 06:00 p.m. Vinitaly International Academy - Pinning Ceremony (Seminar Room - Studio B)

5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. “Ospitalità Italiana” Awards Ceremony (Stage - Main Expo Floor)

Special Sections throughout the fair:

  • Gambero Rosso – Exclusive Preview: 2025 Tre Bicchieri walk-around tasting

  • The American preview of the Tre Bicchieri from the upcoming 38th edition of the Guida Vini d’Italia 2025, the highest recognition in Italy's leading wine ranking.

  • Each day, guests will enjoy over 80 unique wines, divided by region.

  • Chicago Restaurant Pop-ups such as: Volare (Sardegna region), Elio's Pizza on Fire (Sicilia region), Il Milanese (More Than Grapes importer section)

  • Special releases and networking meet-ups

Monday, October 21: Closing Party

Following the B2B buyer’s portion of our expo, we look forward to welcoming ticketed trade and public attendees to experience the wines during a fun and engaging event.

  • Derrick Westbrook Wine + Music Experience

    1. DJs and live music

    2. Chef/Restaurant Pop-ups

    3. Various Activations

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