Vinitaly.USA

The inaugural edition of Vinitaly.USA, the biggest Italian wine expo in the USA, will take place at the iconic Navy Pier in Chicago, IL on October 20 and 21. This historic event will connect over 300 Italian producers of wine and spirits with over 1500 buyers from North America. Exhibitors will be showcasing over 500 Italian wine and spirits brands, including a special Tre Bicchieri section with newly awarded wines. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with approximately 800 buyers and media professionals during the B2B portion, as well as participate in Masterclasses, Seminars, and Activations, such as the Decanter 97 Point Masterclass and the State of the Industry Panel.
Vinitaly.USA is the first American edition of Vinitaly, the largest wine expo in the world taking place in Verona, Italy, since 1967. Vinitaly hosts over 4,000 exhibitors annually and attracts around 150,000 visitors per edition, bringing together producers, importers, distributors, restaurateurs, technicians, journalists, and industry critics.
SCHEDULE

Please refer to vinitalyusa.com for the most up-to-date program.
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)
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Women in Wine & Spirits Roundtable - Moderated by: Joanna Sciarrino, Editor-in-Chief- VinePair
10:45 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.: Tre Bicchieri Masterclass: 'Best of the Best”
12:00 p.m.: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Expo Floor Opens to Buyers
Anticipated in attendance: Italian Trade Agency President and Executives, Assocamerestero Executives, Veronafiere Executives, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Foreign Affairs, US Ambassador to Italy, Italian Consulate, Chicago and Illinois Government Officials
EXPO FLOOR OPEN 12:30 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. TO QUALIFIED TRADE MEMBERS
12:45 p.m.- 02:00 p.m.: Lazio Masterclass
02:15 p.m.- 03:30 p.m.: Friuli Masterclass
03:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.: "Inside the Editor'sMind:Mastering the Pitch & Building your Personal Brand in Wine and Spirits"
03:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.:“Ospitalità Italiana” Award Ceremony
Ospitalità Italiana is an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce System which, since 1997, has guaranteed consumers quality standards on certified hospitality and restaurant businesses.
03:45 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.: Umbria Masterclass
04:00 p.m. - 06:30 p.m.: Business forum “Bridging Tradition and Innovation” - The future of Italian Wine in the U.S. Marke - Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with Vinitaly Chicago, National Association of Beverage Importers
06:00 p.m.: Doors Close to Buyers
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]
Monday, October 21:
08:45 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.: Vinitaly International Academy (Exams)
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: State of the Industry Panel
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Sardegna Masterclass
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Decanter 97-Point Masterclass
Led by: DIPWSET IV Decanter Judge, Michaela Morris, with introduction by Clive Pursehouse, US Editor
Michaela Morris is an international wine writer and educator. She was one of the first certified Italian Wine Experts through Vinitaly International Academy in 2015 and co-created the curriculum for VIA’s Italian Wine Maestro course. Michaela also holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma and has worked in various aspects of the industry, including importation and logistics.
EXPO FLOOR OPEN 12:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. TO QUALIFIED TRADE MEMBERS
01:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Award Ceremony to Italian Wineries - Details coming soon
01:15 p.m. - 02:00 p.m.: Valtellina Masterclass: “Taste of the Alps: Valtellina Wine and Storico Ribelle Cheese”
Led by: Master Sommelier & Wine Director, Hogsalt Hospitality
02:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.: Tre Bicchieri Masterclass: “Beginner Tre Bicchieri”
03:45 p.m. - 04:30 p.m.: Lazio Masterclass
04:00 p.m. - 06:00 p.m.: Vinitaly International Academy (Pinning Ceremony)
06:00 pm: Exhibition area closes

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, United States