The Italian Trade Commission presented in January its first annual Industry Convention of Italian Wine in America during Italian Wine Week. The program kicked off with seminars at the Boston Wine Expo, was followed by a three day conference, at the Waldorf Astoria, Palace and Hilton hotels in New York City, and concluded in Miami, with a final day of tastings at the Intercontinental Hotel.
Italian Wine Week was exclusively attended by wine and food professionals from across the United States, including importers, wholesalers, distributors, educators and journalists. The program included a series of seminars, tastings and discussions covering a wide range of topics led by the country's top wine industry leaders.
The Grand Tasting of Italian Wines at the New York Hilton Hotel was the focal point of the convention drawing more then 2,500 industry professionals. More than 250 vintners exhibited during this event, with five regions (Abruzzo, Calabria, Lombardia, Toscana, and Veneto) showcasing some their most prominent wine producers.
Also in New York, the Italian Trade Commission unveiled the presentation of Distinguished Service Awards. Special recognition certificates were presented to industry professionals who have devoted their careers to the marketing, education and fostering of appreciation for Italian wines in America.
