VINO2016 - Italian Wine Event Starts Today In New York

NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Italian Trade Commission is pleased to announce the 5^th edition of the leading Italian wine event ever staged in the United States, VINO 2016. Maurizio Forte, Italian Trade commissioner inaugurated this morning the event that will run until February 9^th.

Over 200 producers from key viti-cultural areas will convene for VINO2016 at the Hilton to present over 1000 wine, spirits and craft beer labels where two full days of Grand Tastings and a dedicated Meet&Greet Expo, a section exclusively for new to market wineries seeking US representation, will serve as the event's foundation. What is more, a series of 11 master classes, tastings, workshops and demonstrations presented by 45 award-winning industry journalists, wine experts and trade professionals who will deliver unparalleled hands-on market insight covering topics spanning US market trends, and even historical insights.

This year's celebration of Italy's wine falls under the Italian Extraordinary Taste campaign recently launched by the Italian Trade Commission under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Economic Development.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, in his mayoral proclamation, underscored the importance of VINO saying: "During VINO 2016, we celebrate the festive spirit and good taste that define both New York and Italy…I am delighted to applaud the Italian Trade Commission, its partners, and all those associated with this event for strengthening the ties between New York and Italy while uniting people of all backgrounds in this celebration of Italian craftsmanship."

Trade figures for the first 11 months released by the US Department of Commerce for 2015 confirm Wines of Italy in leadership position with exports to the US boasting a 32% increase in respect to the same period last year equal to 1.427 billion dollars. Italy's performance is bolstered in part thanks to the steady performance of Italian sparkling wines and their growing popularity in the US market registering in that category alone a 27% growth from the same period in 2014.

Maurizio Forte, Italian Trade Commissioner notes, "VINO has evolved into the leading industry event in the United States. We have created a virtual yearly crossroad for trade, press and educators that ultimately strengthens trade relations and positively impacts both the US consumer and perception of Italian wine in America."  

SOURCE Italian Trade Commission