Press Room

January 10, 2010 New York, NY, ― From January 23-27th, New York’s Italian wine experts and trade authorities will gather at the 3rd annual VINO 2011 to explore, taste, and consider the future of America’s favorite wine region at the largest annual Italian wine symposium in the United States.

Italy produces more wines, in an unmatchable abundance of varietals, blends and styles, than any other nation. The country’s intense push towards improving quality has resulted in the doubling of wine imports to the US over the past ten years, netting from $420 million in 2000 to $1.2 billion in 2009. Several hundred reasons for that explosive growth will be available for tasting and discussion during programs aimed at expanding wine knowledge and generating profit-making programs for the trade.

A dynamic, consumer-oriented Shop & Dine Italian Wine Week program incorporating wine-by-the-glass programs at participating restaurants, and special tastings at retailers will precede the official event, and run from January 19 – February 2nd. The official VINO 2011 will kick off with the MEET & GREET - VINO 2011 DIRECT program featuring wines new to the US market and available through the Italian Trade Commission’s Import and Distribution Solution for importers, wholesalers and retailers in attendance. Attendees will also explore well known and rising star wines of Italy through 14 dynamic seminars, the Grand Tasting featuring over 200 producers, and other event components.

Italian Trade Commissioner Aniello Musella remarked, “We are delighted that America has continued its love affair with Italian wines. Clearly, consumers here are comfortable with the wide choice, exceptional value for the quality and food-friendliness of our wines with a whole range of cuisine, not just Italian. How Italy can

sustain its popularity as the number one imported wine in this country will be the premise of our dynamic Vino 2011 program bringing together insight from our many producers as well as top experts in the media and wine
industry. This year, our 3rd, we have collaborated with the Fruili Venezia Giulia, Lombardia, Puglia, Toscana, and Veneto regions, with BUONITALIA and VinItaly as valued participants. Together, we will explore the future of Italian wines in the U.S. “

Press and trade members who wish to attend any of the events or tastings, must pre-register online. The complete VINO2011 program is available online at www.italianmade.com/VINO2011