During International Wine Expo’s two-day program and “After Hours” programming and events, a host of activities are scheduled to foster relationships between exhibitors, buyers and the public. Special attention is taken to coordinate the appropriate individuals for each activity, to ensure maximum participation, engagement and outcomes.
Saturday, October 21:
6:00 p.m.: Italian American Chamber of Commerce Midwest Gala
Sunday, October 22:
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Buyer Panel - LEARN MORE
The Future of Wine in Travel
Moderated by:
Justin Goldman - Deputy Editor - Hemispheres Magazine by Ink Global
Panelists:
Jonjie Lockman - Chief Executive Officer - Intervine, Inc.
Nicole Haarklau - Corporate Director of Food & Beverage Operations - Coury Hospitality
Tommy Panici - Business Development Director, Upper Midwest - Carnival Cruise Lines
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Campania Masteclass
Led by: Jim Bube - Master Sommelier & Wine Director, Hogsalt Hospitality
Wines to be tasted:
*Bellaria, Greco di Tufo DOC “Oltre” 2021
*il Poggio, Falanghina del Sannio DOP 2022
*la Guardiense, Falanghina del Sannio DOP 2022
*Cantina di Solopaca, Falanghina del Sannio DOP 2022
*Terre Stregate, Falanghina del Sannio DOP 2022
*Cantine Iannella, Falanghina del Sannio DOP 2022
Vinica, Zicorrà Aglianico 2018
Nativ, Taurasi 2018
12:30 p.m.: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Expo Floor Opens to Buyers
Special Guests:
Fulvio Calcinardi - Executive Director, Italian American Chamber of Commerce
Maurizio Muzzetta - President, Italian Expo
Federico Bricolo - President, Veronafiere
Thomas Botzios - General Consul of Italy in Chicago
Matteo Zoppas - President Italian Trade Agency
Lynn Osmond - President and CEO Choose Chicago
1:30 p.m. Friuli Venezia Giulia, the place to be! A journey of taste from the Alps to the Adriatic sea
Friuli Venezia Giulia, the place to be! A journey of taste from the Alps to the Adriatic sea
Presented by the Italian Region Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Regional Tourism Board PromoTurismoFVG
Led by renowned international chef and journalist, Fabrizio Nonis
Introduced by Sergio Emidio Bini, Councillor for Productive Activities and Tourism of the Region Friuli Venezia Giulia
Located in northern Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia is celebrated for its strong cultural identity that stands out on an international level. The region’s authentic products are created with a combination of tradition, innovation, and biodiversity. Thanks to its proximity to the mountains and the sea, Friuli boasts a unique microclimate and mineral -rich soil, which has enhanced the characteristics of typical food products and indigenous wine varietals.
During the celebration of regional specialties and presentation of its tourist attractions, guests will be introduced to the amazing Montasio Cheese, with a Protected Designation of Origin. Furthermore, a cooking demo will be led by Fabrizio Nonis to show its versatility: the recipe is “Frico” (Montasio cheese sublimated in a potato cake).
White autochthon regional wines Friulano and sparkling Ribolla Gialla will be pairing the tasting, companies (meet them at the Expo): Ribolla Gialla Spumante of wineries Ca’ Modeano, Colli di Poianis,Cozzarolo, Friulano 2022 of wineries Il Roncal, Talis.
3:30 p.m.: Decanter Masterclass - LEARN MORE
Decanter World Wine Awards 97-Point Rated Italian Wines
Led by: Michaela Morris
Opening Remarks: Clive Pursehouse - US Editor - Decanter
Wines to be tasted:
*Cantina Terlano, Rarity, Pinot Bianco, Alto Adige Terlano, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol 2010
*Mecori, Duo, Etna, Sicily 2021
*Carlo Giacosa, Ovello, Barbaresco, Piedmont 2020
*Ruffino, Romitorio Di Santedame, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Tuscany 2019
*Quintodecimo, Vigna Grande Cerzito, Taurasi Riserva, Campania 2016
*Tedeschi, Marne 180, Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto 2019
Michaela Morris is an international wine writer and educator. She was one of the first certified Italian Wine Experts through Vinitaly International Academy in 2015 and co-created the curriculum for VIA’s Italian Wine Maestro course. Michaela also holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma and has worked in various aspects of the industry, including importation and logistics.
4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.: Sardinia Masterclass 1 - LEARN MORE
Led by: Angelo Concas - National and international President; Sommelier, Journalist & Wine Judge - Epulae Accademia Internazionale Enogastronomica.
Angelo Concas will take attendees through an exploration of Sardinian wines. During the presentation, Angelo will weave in the history of food, experiential food and wine tourism, food and health. Netflix's "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" expores the mountain villages of Sardinia as one of the coveted "Blue Zones." Angelo will explore the longevity of Blue Zones and their strong link to the healthiness of the environment and food.
Wines to be tasted:
1st TAERRA Vermentino di Gallura Superiore D.O.C.G. Vintage 2022 - Aged in steel. Tani Winery - Monti (Olbia - Tempio Province).
2nd SELENU Vermentino di Gallura Superiore D.O.C.G. Vintage 2022 – Produced with botrytized Vermentino grapes. Tenute Gregu of Olbia (Olbia - Tempio Province).
3rd CLOS Vermentino di Gallura Superiore D.O.C.G. Vintage 2021 – Aged in steel for one year and in the bottle for six. 6,600 bottles produced. Atlantis Winery by the Sannitu Brothers – Berchidda (Olbia - Tempio Province).
4th ARAKENA Vermentino di Gallura Superiore D.O.C.G. Vintage 2021 - Aged in tonneaux for several months and one year in the bottle. Monti Vermentino Winery (Olbia - Tempio Province).
5th SIENDA IL DECENNIO Vermentino IGT Isola dei Nuraghi Vintage 2021 - Fermentation and aging in the same French oak barrel for 12 months, followed by another 12 months of bottle aging before being released. Production of 2,000 bottles. Vini Mura Winery – Loc. Azzanidò (Olbia - Tempio Province).
6th Cayenna Submariner Vermentino di Sardegna D.O.C. 2022. Aged for 8 months in tonneaux on fine lees at controlled temperature, with bâtonnage and one month of bottle aging.
6:00 p.m.: Doors Close to Buyers
6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Womxn in Wine Celebration - Millennium Hall [11 N Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602]
*Additional Purchased Ticket Required*
A celebration of Italian and Chicago wine and liqueur brands owned, produced and/or led by Womxn
Book signing and remarks by Shelley Lindgren of her newly released book: “ Italian Wine - The History, Regions, and Grapes of an Iconic Wine Country” (*book sold separately)
+Words by Lydia Richards of Hispanics in Wine and Joyce Dawkins of She Rocks It & Clink Fest and brand owners/producers Natalie Oliveros, Annamaria Sorrichio di Valforte, Molly Matelski and Julie Geils
Including Wines + Liqueurs by:
*Brunello di Montalcino from La Fiorita - Natalie Oliveros (in attendance - speaking)
*Barolo from Marziano Abbona - Chiara Abbona
*Pecorino, Rosè Cerasuolo, and/or Montepulciano from Barone di Valforte - Annamaria Sorricchio di Valforte (in attendance - speaking)
Falanghina del Sannio from Terre Stregate - Filomena Iacobucci
*Prosecco & Prosecco Rosé from Mmmm…Enjoy. - Molly Matelski (in attendance - speaking)
*Concord & Riesling from Love Cork Screw - Chrishon Lampley (possible attendance)
*Limoncello from Bellissimo - Julie Geils (in attendance - speaking)
*More will be added soon!
Food Provided by Vandalay Brands (subject to minor changes):
“Napolita” Station: Assortment of Neapolitan pizzas; Beef Arrosticini, caesar salad
Raw Bar Station: Assortment of sushi/vegetarian rolls, shrimp cocktail, ceviche
Carving Station: Wood Roasted Prime Rib, Smoked Turkey Breast, yorkshire pudding, rolls
Dessert Station: Mini cannoli, mini tiramisu, New Orleans-style beignets
Monday, October 23:
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: Buyer Panel:
Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Wine Industry
Moderator:
Jacy Topps - Assistant Editor - Wine Enthusiast, Host - Wine Enthusiast Podcast
Panelists:
Alicia Towns Franken - Executive Director - Wine Unify
Derrick C. Westbrook - Owner - Derrick C. Westbrook LLC, The Winemen & Juice 1340
Hannah Rose Olson - Co-Founder and CEO - Disclo & Chronically Capable
Lydia Richards - Founder- Vino Concierge, Co-founder - Hispanics in Wine, Co-Founder - Latinx Wine Summit
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Sardinia Masterclass 2 - LEARN MORE
Led by: Angelo Concas - National and international President; Sommelier, Journalist & Wine Judge - Epulae Accademia Internazionale Enogastronomica
Angelo Concas will take attendees through an exploration of Sardinian wines. During the presentation, Angelo will weave in the history of food, experiential food and wine tourism, food and health. Netflix's "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" expores the mountain villages of Sardinia as one of the coveted "Blue Zones." Angelo will explore the longevity of Blue Zones and their strong link to the healthiness of the environment and food.
Wines to be tasted:
SAEPRUS Sparkling Wine Classic Method Brut Nature Vintage 2020. Disgorged in April 2023. Sparkling wine produced from red Cannonau grapes vinified as white. Castiadas Winery - Castiadas (SU).
SAPORORO Nasco from Cagliari D.O.C. Vintage 2021 - Aged in steel. Locci Zuddas Winery – Monserrato (Cagliari).
SU'NICO Bovale Marmilla Red IGT Vintage 2021 - Aged in 1st and 2nd passage barriques and tonneaux for 12 months, with a minimum of 2 months of bottle aging. Su’entu Winery - Sanluri
SEI MURA Carignano del Sulcis D.O.C. Reserve 2020 - Aged in French oak barriques and tonneaux for 12 months, then in the bottle for at least 6 months. Giba Winery – Giba (SU).
100/ KENT’ANNOS Vintage 2020 - Sardinia Mandrolisai Red Superiore DOC - Blend: Cannonau, Muristeddu (Bovale Sardo), Monica. Aged in oak barrels for 12 months, followed by several months of bottle aging. Mandrolisai Winery - Sorgono (Nuoro).
ALBERTO LOI Reserve 2019 Cannonau di Sardegna D.O.C. – Aged partly in 1,200-liter oak barrels for 12 months and partly in third-pass oak barriques for eight months. Then, it is blended and aged in concrete tanks for about two years. Additional bottle aging for about six months. Alberto Loi Winery - Cardedu (Nuoro).
FESTA NORIA Fortified Red Wine, obtained from native red grapevine vines cultivated in a traditional bush vine system (vigna latina) on the coast of the lower Sulcis. Aged in small third-pass oak barrels for several years. Santadi Winery - Santadi (SU).
Angelo Concas: Journalist - Card n° 087289 National Order of Journalists (Rome). Sensory Analyst specialized in food and wine. Professional sommelier, food and wine expert. Editor-in-chief of Epulae News, online international food and wine and tourism information magazine. National manager for Experiential Food and Wine Tourism of Fijet Italia ((Fédération Internationale des Journalistes et Ecrivains du Tourisme). Association founded in Paris in 1954). International judge at world wine competitions.
12:30 p.m.: Expo Floor Opens to Buyers
12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Sustainable Wine Roundtable Panel
"How can wine businesses turn sustainability into opportunity?"
Moderator:
Tom Owtram - General Manager, Sustainable Wine Roundtable
Panelists:
Caine Thompson - Managing Director at Robert Hall Winery and Head of Sustainability - O'Neill Vintners & Distillers
Emily Kern - Environmental & Sustainability Manager - Treasury Wine Estates
Madeline Matthews - Sustainability Manager - Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
Patrick Spencer - Executive Director - Cork Quality Council
1:30 p.m.: A Trip to Wines, Food and Unesco patronages in Friuli
A Trip to Wines, Food and Unesco patronages in Friuli Presented by the Chamber of Commerce of Pordenone-Udine and the
Regional Touristic Board PromoTurismoFVG Led by renowned international chef and journalist, Fabrizio Nonis Introduced by Giovanni Da Pozzo, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Pordenone-Udine and Promos Italia (Italian Agency for Internazionalisation). Located in northern Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia is celebrated for its strong cultural identity that stands out on an international level. The region’s authentic products are created with a combination of tradition, innovation, and biodiversity. Thanks to its proximity to the mountains and the sea, Friuli boasts a unique microclimate and mineral -rich soil, which has enhanced the characteristics of typical food products and indigenous wine varietals. During the celebration of regional specialties and presentation of its touristic attractions through a trip of Unesco Patronages, guests will be introduced to the amazing ham Prosciutto di San Danele, with a Protected Designation of Origin. Furthermore, a cooking demo will be led by Fabrizio Nonis to show its versatility: the recipe is Tagliolini al San Daniele.
White autochthon regional wine Friulano and Prosecco will be pairing the tasting, companies (meet them at the Expo): Prosecco DOC of winery Colutta; Friulano DOC of wineries Colli di Poianis, Tarlao.
3:00 p.m.: Ospitalità Italiana “Quality Seal” Award Presentation
Ospitalità Italiana is an initiative of the Chamber of Commerce System which, since 1997, has guaranteed consumers quality standards on certified hospitality and restaurant businesses. The certification analyzes the level at which the company reaches in four (4) areas of investigation, weighing and assigning to each company involved the level achieved with respect to the standards required by the Ospitalità Italiana rating. Those areas are:
Quality of Service: Expresses the level of quality offered by tourist facilities
Promotion of the Territory: Discusses the facility's ability to "connect" the customer with the area in which it is located
Identity: Cross-references the consistency between the offer declared by the structure (on its website, in promotional tools, on social media, etc.) with the offer actually used by customers
Notoriety: Expresses the level of customer satisfaction with the facility, through a multi-channel survey (from social media to guides)
The rating is the result of constant comparison with trade associations with which the most appropriate ways to respond to the needs of businesses are established, at a national or local level.
5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.: Veneto Masterclass
Led by: Richard Hanauer - Wine Director - Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Wines to be tasted:
Fongaro, Lessini Durello Riserva DOC Brut Metodo Classico Spumanti 2015
Azienda Agricola Gorgo, Custoza DOC San Michelin 2022
Domini Veneti, Soave Classico DOC 2022
Domini Veneti, Bardolino Chiaretto Classico DOC 2022
Domini Veneti, Appassimento Rosso Veneto IGT 2022
Domini Veneti, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore La Casetta 2019
Domini Veneti, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2019
Domini Veneti, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Riserva Mater 2015
6:00 pm: Exhibition area closes
6:15 p.m.: KEYNOTE PANEL, open to Everyone:
Chicago - The Epicenter of Italian Hospitality
Moderator:
Chasity Cooper - Chicago-based Writer & Wine Culture Expert, Principal - Cheers to That, LLC
Panelists:
Cassandra Sakai - Corporate Director of Beverage Operations - Gibsons Restaurant Group
Richard Hanauer - Wine Director - Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Joshua Schonfeld - Partner & Chief Operating Officer - Vandalay Brands
Additional Services:
Unable to exhibit at IWE, looking for additional services, consultation, promotions or one-on-one support? Contact us directly at info@ItalianExpo.us to learn about the many other services we offer.