The countdown is on. For the first time ever, the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum will take place outside of Italy, landing at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier on October 5–6, 2025. Over two days, the program will showcase masterclasses and sessions that dive deep into the current challenges and future opportunities of the global wine industry. One of the standout features this year comes from the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), which is presenting three flagship masterclasses. Each one reflects ITA’s mission as a connector and facilitator for Italian wine internationally, especially in key markets like the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Startup Italy: Young Producers and the Future of Italian Wine in the U.S.
Moderated by Juliana Colangelo IWA and Barbara Fitzgerald IWA, this session shines a spotlight on Italy’s next generation of winemakers. Expect fresh ideas, native grapes, sustainable practices, and innovative storytelling designed to resonate with U.S. consumers.
Featured producers include Maria Faretra (Maria Faretra winery), Stephanie Cuadra (Lasorte Cuadra), Cecilia Longo (Terre Rosse Vallania), Federico Veronesi (Podere Guardia Grande), Marco Iuppa (Iuppa), and Marco Lazzaroni (Terre Lazzaroni).
Decoding the U.S. Market: Importing, Policy, and Promoting Italian Wine
Breaking into the U.S. market is no small feat. Success depends not only on navigating the three-tier system but also on understanding the regulatory and policy landscape. This interactive masterclass brings together four leading voices: Bill Terlato (Terlato Wine Group), with decades of experience importing, distributing, marketing, and producing luxury Italian wines. Ted Campbell (Winebow), representing one of the most influential Italian portfolios in the U.S. Roger Murry (Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP), offering insights into trade and policy advocacy. Kristen Reitzell (Jackson Family Wines), exploring consumer engagement, communication, and branding.
Moderated by Stevie Kim, the session underscores ITA’s unique role in bridging Italian producers with U.S. stakeholders across business, policy, and communication.
Vini Rari: Beyond the Ordinary
In a partnership between Gambero Rosso and the Italian Trade Agency, Marco Sabellico, Senior Editor of Vini d’Italia, will lead one of the most exclusive tastings of Vinitaly.USA 2025. The VINI RARI masterclass will showcase 10 extraordinary wines, some produced in fewer than 500 bottles per year. This sensory journey highlights Italy’s artisanal side, rediscovered grape varieties, and bold winemaking choices, right in the heart of Chicago.
wine2wine Side Bar: Conversations off centre stage
Adding even more energy to the event, the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum Side Bar will bring the Italian Wine Podcast team directly onsite to interview speakers, producers, and industry leaders. These fast-paced conversations will capture the insights, stories, and personalities behind the masterclasses, creating exclusive content for both attendees and the podcast’s global audience.
Why It Matters
Through these masterclasses and initiatives, the Italian Trade Agency reinforces its mission: to help Italian producers understand market trends, connect with decision makers, and overcome barriers to growth in North America, as Matteo Zoppas, President of the Italian Trade Agency, explains:
“The Italian Trade Agency is committed to supporting the international growth of Italian wine through high-level trade platforms like Vinitaly. With wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum Chicago, we are creating a space where Italian producers and U.S. stakeholders can connect directly. Our mission is to help Italian wineries, from historic estates to new startups, navigate the complexity of the U.S. market and ensure that Italian wine continues to thrive as a global symbol of excellence, tradition, and innovation.”
👉Stay tuned to the Italian Wine Podcast for full coverage of wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum Chicago. We’ll bring you exclusive interviews from the Side Bar, behind-the-scenes insights, and expert perspectives on the future of Italian wine abroad.
CLICK HERE to see the full program.
