Vinitaly and Gambero Rosso head to Chicago to promote Italian wine

The first edition of Vinitaly USA, in collaboration with Gambero Rosso and ICE (Italian Trade Agency), is ready to kick off. The event, aimed at promoting Italian wine, will take place on October 20th and 21st in Chicago. This B2B event is designed to connect Italian viticulture with the U.S. wine sector through tastings and a rich lineup of events. Gambero Rosso will be present alongside the wineries awarded in the 38th edition of the Vini d’Italia 2025 guide, featuring in masterclasses and a walk-around tasting.

The Italian wine market in Chicago

The event, organized by Veronafiere and Fiere Italiane at the Navy Pier exhibition center, will feature importers, distributors, restaurateurs, large-scale retailers, opinion leaders, analysts, influencers, and wine industry media. Organized in collaboration with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, it will bring a qualified and authoritative presence of importers, distributors, and buyers to Chicago, ensuring the success and development of business for the participating companies at a particularly delicate and complex time for the U.S. market.

Key organizations involved in promoting Made in Italy will also be attending, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Italian Embassy in Washington, the Consulate General in Chicago, Assocamerestero, and top industry organizations such as the Italian Wine Union, Federvini, Confagricoltura, Coldiretti, and Filiera Italia. Institutional representatives from the regions of Veneto and Umbria, as well as regional collectives from Lazio, Sardinia, Campania, Calabria, and Friuli Venezia Giulia, will also be present. The goal is to gather a wide range of importers (including the National Association of Beverage Importers, Terlato Wine Group, Banville Wine Merchants, Winbow Imports, Opici Wines and Spirits, Winesellers Ltd), distributors, large retailers, and restaurateurs, providing an overview of Italian wine.

Gambero Rosso's Events

The extensive schedule includes around 30 events over two days, with masterclasses, tastings, and market insights. Gambero Rosso will host a walk-around tasting of the Tre Bicchieri wines and two masterclasses: the first will focus on the special awards from the new edition of the guide, the "best of the best," while the second will highlight the "first-time Tre Bicchieri" – wines that have achieved the guide’s highest recognition for the first time in 2025.
The Chicago event marks the international debut of the Tre Bicchieri 2025, kicking off a rich global tour with over 20 events scheduled worldwide. Gambero Rosso's participation is the result of an agreement between Gambero Rosso, Veronafiere, and ICE to strengthen the promotion of Italian wine globally.

Forum and market focus

Alongside Gambero Rosso's events, there will be a full program of discussions, such as the forum hosted by ITA-Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with NABI (National Association of Beverage Importers) on the topic “Between Tradition and Innovation: The Future of Italian Wine in the U.S. Market.” Additionally, the Vinitaly International Academy will host sessions (October 19th, 20th, and 21st), alongside guided masterclasses led by experts from Wine Enthusiast and Decanter.
Michaela Morris will lead the iconic tasting of the six wines awarded at the World Wine Awards. There will also be a focus on Orient Express La Dolce Vita, showcasing wines selected from Vinitaly Verona exhibitors for luxury travel experiences in Europe.