Vinitaly.USA 2025 Opens in Chicago, Strengthening the Bridge Between Italy and the United States
Italy's premier wine showcase returns to Chicago, uniting producers, industry professionals, and institutions to celebrate Made in Italy excellence.
CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The second edition of Vinitaly.USA officially opened yesterday at Chicago Navy Pier, reaffirming the enduring partnership between Italy and the United States. The fair has established itself as the largest and most important Italian wine fair in the United States, bringing together more than 2,250 exhibitors, over 2,000 labels, and a rich program of 20 high-level masterclasses, tastings, and talks featuring influential media partners including Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Gambero Rosso, and Decanter.
Organized by Veronafiere-Vinitaly in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Fiere Italiane, and the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest–Chicago, the fair presents a comprehensive panorama of Italian excellence. Visitors can experience the country's vast oenological diversity through the participation of major producers and regional collectives representing Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Piedmont, Sardinia, Umbria, Veneto, and Sicily, as well as consortia such as Prosecco DOC, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, Asti DOCG, Valpolicella, Brunello di Montalcino, Custoza, Chiaretto, Bardolino, Lugana, and Garda.
The opening ceremony brought together Italian and U.S. representatives, reflecting the event's broader cultural and diplomatic significance. Among those present were Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere; Marco Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States; Marco Rago, Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Maurizio Muzzetta, President of Fiere Italiane USA LLC; Domenico Mauriello, Secretary General of Assocamerestero; and Robert Allegrini, President of the National Italian American Foundation. The ceremony also featured contributions from Luigi Scordamaglia of Filiera Italia, Giordano Emo Capodilista of Confagricoltura, Tommaso Battista of Copagri, Carmelo Troccoli of Fondazione Campagna Amica, Marzia Varvaglione, President of CEEV, and Lamberto Frescobaldi, President of Unione Italiana Vini, who joined via video link.
The participation of Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida further underscored Italy's institutional commitment to its wine sector, emphasizing how Italian wine embodies biodiversity, heritage, and human craftsmanship. The minister's remarks framed wine as a cultural expression of Italian heritage - a product deeply rooted in territory, history, and community.
What resonated throughout the opening was a sense of shared purpose: that Italian wine's enduring success stems from its authenticity and its power to connect people, cultures, and traditions across borders.
Italy remains the world's top wine exporter by volume and second by value after France. In 2024, the value of Italian wine exports reached €8.1 billion, up 5.5% compared to 2023, with the United States maintaining its position as the largest destination market at approximately €1.9 billion, a growth of 10.2%. In the first seven months of 2025, exports to the U.S. remained stable at €1.1 billion, despite signals of slowing sell-out volumes and pressure on average prices.
Italian wine continues to stand out for its resilience, sustainability, and authenticity in a global landscape marked by geopolitical uncertainty, climate challenges, and shifting consumption patterns. Although tariffs, trade barriers, and international competition present significant obstacles - including the recent 15% increase on European wines and spirits in the U.S. - they also create opportunities to strengthen the distinct identity and global prominence of Italian wine. In this context, Vinitaly.USA plays a vital role in supporting trade, fostering connections with American consumers.
The sector's next goal is to strengthen its relationship with the American audience, who is becoming increasingly attentive to health and sustainability. The message is that wine, enjoyed in moderation, is an extraordinary food - part of a balanced and culturally rich way of life. Beyond taste, it represents an opportunity for connection and understanding - a bridge between Italy and the United States.
Following the inauguration, the ITA – Italian Trade Agency Business Forum brought together leading figures from both sides of the Atlantic, including Massimo Tuzzi of Terra Moretti, Francesco Ganz of Ethica Wines, Bill Terlato of the Terlato Wine Group, Diva Moretti Polegato of Villa Sandi, and Matteo Zoppas, President of ITA. The forum explored key market dynamics shaping the future of Italian wine in the U.S.
Speakers noted that tariffs remain a constant reality, though the industry has adapted effectively. Competition has expanded well beyond Italian restaurants, as diverse cuisines - from Asian to Korean to Peruvian - create new spaces where Italian wines can find a home. Engaging younger consumers has become a central objective, as the next generation increasingly values sustainability, authenticity, and cultural depth. Participants also emphasized the importance of unity within the Italian wine sector, advocating for joint efforts to promote the category as a whole rather than focusing solely on individual denominations.
The discussion also addressed broader market trends. While producers and importers have managed to absorb much of the impact of tariffs, the global wine industry is currently navigating an environment of oversupply and slower consumption growth. Nonetheless, some categories continue to perform strongly - Prosecco, for example, has grown by 10% through July 2025 - demonstrating the continued vitality of Italian exports.
As the event continues, Vinitaly.USA 2025 reaffirms the vitality of Italian wine in the global marketplace and its role as a pillar of Italy's cultural diplomacy. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared passion, Italy and the United States continue to strengthen their bond - one glass at a time.
Media contact:
Carlotta Ribolini
cribolini@colangelopr.com
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SOURCE Vinitaly.USA