New York – September 20, 2026 -- More than 600 importers, distributors and HoReCa operators have registered for the third edition of Vinitaly.USA, set for October 26-27 at Pier 36 on Manhattan's Lower East Side, with organizers Veronafiere and the ITA – Italian Trade Agency now extending buyer recruitment into Canada and Mexico.
Exhibition space sells out at 118,400 square feet
The full exhibition floor at Pier 36 is officially sold out, with Italian participation reaching 300 exhibitors and approximately 2,500 wine labels on display. Regional groups including Friuli Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Sardinia and the Enoteca Regionale dell'Umbria are represented alongside consortia such as Asti DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino, Prosecco DOC, Lugana DOC and Delle Venezie DOC.
Buyer registration tops 600 more than a month before the event
Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, said the pre-event registration figure marks a significant early result, noting that many of the buyers are engaging with the Italian wine sector for the first time. "The fact that more than 600 buyers have already registered more than a month ahead of the event is a significant initial result," Bricolo said, adding that the United States remains the primary non-EU market for Italian wine.
U.S. survey finds 79% of tourists view Italy as an authentic food and wine destination
The "U.S. Market and Wine Tourism Report," produced by the Italian Food and Wine Tourism Association based on a CAWI survey of 750 U.S. tourists, found that 47% are considering an Italy trip with at least one wine tourism experience within 24 months. Sicily (82%), Tuscany (81%) and the Amalfi Coast (67%) rank as the most-considered regions, while 66% of respondents said pairing wine experiences with historic cities increases Italy's appeal.
wine2wine forum to address trade education across four tracks
The wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum will run across the two-day event, structured around Train the Trade, Sharpen the Method, Deepen the Expertise and Activate the Experience, targeting buyers, importers, distributors, retailers and hospitality professionals. SOL Expo will run parallel initiatives promoting Italian extra virgin olive oil to the HoReCa channel, alongside Vinitaly Tourism programming.
Wine Spectator to unveil OperaWine 2027 selections on October 26
On the opening day of Vinitaly.USA, Wine Spectator will announce the wineries selected for Vinitaly OperaWine 2027, scheduled to take place at the Gallerie Mercatali in Verona on Saturday, April 10, 2027.