Italian wine is reinforcing its challenge in the world’s most important market. From New York, within the framework of the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour and the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Independence, Veronafiere presented the third edition of Vinitaly.USA, scheduled for 26 and 27 October at Pier 36 and already approaching a sell-out. Indeed, the event is rapidly moving towards full capacity, with 250 exhibitors already confirmed and a strategy increasingly focused on strengthening business relationships, international buyer recruitment and commercial opportunities in a market that accounts for nearly a quarter of Italy’s wine exports.
Italian Wine Takes Centre Stage on Board the Amerigo Vespucci with Vinitaly.USA 2026
The presentation of the upcoming edition of Vinitaly.USA took place in a highly symbolic setting: the training ship Amerigo Vespucci, docked in the Port of New York as part of the North America Campaign 2026.
The initiative forms part of Vinitaly’s international communication and promotional campaign developed for the U.S. market, considered a crucial destination for Italian wine. The event was also included in the programme of the Vespucci World Tour, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Defence and the Italian Navy, produced by Difesa Servizi S.p.A. in synergy with numerous Italian institutions and with the support of ITA – Italian Trade Agency.
Around 40 selected buyers from the principal macro-regions of North America gathered on board the ship for a networking and presentation event dedicated to the exhibition that will take place in New York this October.
Vinitaly.USA 2026 Moves Towards a Sell-Out
Just over three months before opening, the third edition of Vinitaly.USA is already showing particularly strong figures.
A total of 250 exhibitors have already confirmed their participation, representing Italy’s principal wine regions, while the available 11,000 square metres of exhibition space are rapidly approaching full occupancy.
The Asti DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino, DOC Sicilia, Prosecco DOC and Vini dell’Elba Consortia have already joined the event, alongside Italia del Vino. The regional collective stands of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio and Sardinia have also been confirmed, while additional participations are currently being finalised.
Further strengthening Italy’s presence in the United States will be a delegation of 95 companies organised by ITA – Italian Trade Agency.
The United States Remains the Key Market for Italian Wine
Veronafiere’s American mission takes place during a particularly delicate yet strategic phase for the wine sector.
The goal is not only to promote the October event, but also to build long-term relationships with operators, importers and buyers, creating a stable platform capable of supporting Italian companies in consolidating their presence across the Atlantic.
“We are working both in Italy and in the United States, where we are developing a major incoming campaign that, starting from Vinitaly.USA, aims to engage operators also in view of the 59th edition of Vinitaly in 2027. The North East area of the United States is particularly strategic, accounting for 19% of total Italian wine consumption by volume and 22% by value,” stated Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, during the presentation of the third edition of Vinitaly.USA on board the Vespucci.
“In this complex phase, we are working alongside institutions to strengthen economic diplomacy and alongside companies for whom the U.S. market remains indispensable. For this reason, we are intensifying relationship-building efforts to expand networks and business opportunities. The next American edition of Vinitaly will offer selected buyers two high-level days with a programme including masterclasses, tastings, Vinitaly Tourism initiatives dedicated to wine tourism incoming, wine2wine sessions focused on market insights, and SolExpo, Veronafiere’s format dedicated to premium extra virgin olive oil. All of this will be combined with Italian cuisine, allowing professional operators to enjoy an immersive Made in Italy experience.”
An Expanding Programme Beyond Wine
The first previews of the programme confirm the intention to further expand the exhibition’s scope.
Alongside wine tastings and masterclasses, Vinitaly.USA will also focus on Vinitaly Tourism, the project dedicated to wine tourism, on wine2wine, with market analysis and industry insights, and on SolExpo, the format dedicated to quality extra virgin olive oil.
The offering will be complemented by the presence of Italian cuisine, with the objective of providing international professionals with an integrated vision of Italy’s agri-food excellence.
From New York to Miami: Veronafiere’s American Mission Continues
The New York event was preceded by greetings from Amerigo Vespucci Commander Nicasio Falica and speeches from Erica Digiovancarlo, Coordinating Director of the ITA-USA Network, Stevie Kim, Managing Director of Vinitaly International, and Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere.
The event concluded with a tasting dedicated to wines from the Asti DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino, DOC Sicilia, Prosecco DOC and Vini dell’Elba Consortia, as well as from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region, exclusive Vinitaly partners for the events organised aboard the Vespucci.
The North American mission will then continue in Florida, in Miami, where Veronafiere will present Vinitaly.USA to a further 35 operators, including distributors and buyers, at Macchialina, a restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide.
The event will also include the masterclass “Italy Beyond Usual Suspects”, led by Jacqueline Pirolo, co-owner and beverage director of the venue and Michelin Guide Florida Sommelier 2025.
The tasting will feature wines from Marche, Sardinia, Emilia-Romagna, Puglia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, highlighting the extraordinary diversity of Italy’s wine heritage.
