A Celebration of wine Excellence in the Heart of America

CHICAGO – The world of wines is preparing for a historic event. The International Wine Expo (IWE) in partnership with Vinitaly is gearing up for its 2023 edition, slated to be held on October 22-23 at the prominent CineCity Studios in Chicago.

Building Bridges Through Wine

IWE is much more than just an event; it is a stage for unmissable business opportunities, a hub for creating connections, and a medium to appreciate the world-class Italian wines. American buyers, eminent Italian producers, sommeliers, educators, and media are expected to join hands, fostering relationships through diverse activities ranging from exclusive tastings to master classes, expert panels, and the highly anticipated After-Hours Womxn in Wine event.

Reflecting on this year’s event, Maurizio Muzzetta, the President of Italian Expo, remarked, “Sometimes, dreams come true. The collaboration between Veronafiere-Vinitaly and Italian Expo stands as a testament to the enduring bond between Italy and the U.S., a dream I’ve nurtured for years.” Echoing his sentiments, Federico Bricolo, the President of Veronafiere, stated, “The U.S. being a global leader in wine consumption makes the IWE’s debut here momentous. The potential for marking an indelible impression of Italian wine in such a pivotal business epicenter is massive.”

A Prelude to the Grand Event

The Italian American Chamber of Commerce-Midwest will set the tone for the IWE with its Annual Gala on October 21. This prestigious event will honor the accomplishments of Bill Terlato, the CEO of Terlato Wines Intl., and Joe Perillo of Perillo Auto Group.

A Kaleidoscope of Wine Activities

The IWE’s itinerary is packed with enriching activities:

  • Master Classes: Four distinct sessions including a Decanter World Wine Awards class showcasing Italy’s 97-Point wines, and regional classes steered by a Master Sommelier alongside industry luminaries from renowned establishments.
  • Expert Panels: Discussions on Chicago as the nerve center of Italian hospitality, the evolving landscape of wine in travel, initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the wine sector, and the sustainable wine movement. The panels boast speakers from an array of esteemed organizations and brands.
  • Womxn in Wine Event: To be held on October 22, this event celebrates women-led Italian and Chicago wine brands. Attendees can relish award-winning wines, complemented by gourmet offerings from Vandalay Brands, and enrich their wine knowledge with a book signing session by Shelley Lindgren.

The Wine Market Landscape

The U.S. continues to be the top consumer of Italian wines. 2022 statistics reveal that Italy retained its number one position in exporting bottled still wines to the U.S., with exports worth a whopping $1.7 billion. This accounts for a staggering 31.8% of the total U.S. wine demand. The Midwest region, home to over 70 million individuals, plays a pivotal role in this consumption pattern, with its annual wine consumption nearing 800 million bottles.

The IWE 2023 in Chicago promises to be a landmark event, a confluence of tradition, taste, and trade, further strengthening the love affair between America and Italian wines.