New York – October 16, 2026 -- The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) is deploying complimentary cork-branded pedicabs at New York's leading wine events, starting October 18, as it expands its U.S. "Drink Responsibly. Choose a Bottle with a Natural Cork" campaign.
The campaign recasts the phrase traditionally tied to alcohol consumption as a message about quality, sustainability and closure selection. APCOR argues that natural cork is renewable, recyclable and essential to a zero-waste approach.
Wine on Wheels Grand Tasting opens the pedicab program on October 18
The activation launches at City Winery's Pier 57 location during the Wine on Wheels Grand Tasting. The event was founded by sommelier and disability advocate Yannick Benjamin. It brings together more than 75 sommeliers, 150 wines and offerings from 40 New York City restaurants.
Attendees can ride APCOR pedicabs carrying the campaign slogan to local transit hubs, including the 14th Street and 8th Avenue MTA subway station.
Vinitaly.USA gives the fleet access to 300 exhibitors on October 26-27
The pedicab tour continues at Vinitaly.USA at Pier 36 on Monday, October 26 and Tuesday, October 27. The event is the country's leading tasting dedicated to Italian wines, and this is its New York City debut. More than 300 exhibitors and an anticipated 1,000-plus trade professionals are expected. The fleet will provide free transit on site throughout both days.
Cork Collective runs on-site recycling at pedicab events
APCOR has partnered with the hospitality-driven Cork Collective to host a recycling program at the wine events featuring the pedicabs. Cork Collective repurposed natural corks collected from top New York City restaurants this year, including a 7,200-square-foot recycled cork pathway at Brooklyn's Marlboro Houses.
Pedicabs move to partner restaurants after the October events
After each October event, the pedicabs will appear at select Cork Collective partner restaurants. They will offer free rides to nearby subway stations for patrons who buy wines sealed with natural cork from select wine lists.
APCOR also lists partnerships with upcycling cork artists, including Kanye Tomiwa.