Sicilia DOC Consortium Expands U.S. Presence at Vinitaly.USA in Chicago

The Sicilia DOC Wine Consortium is preparing for a prominent appearance at Vinitaly.USA, which will take place October 5–6 at Navy Pier in Chicago. This event, organized by Veronafiere-Vinitaly in partnership with the Italian Trade Agency, Italian Fairs, and the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, is considered a major platform for Italian wine promotion in the United States.

Camillo Pugliesi, Director of the Consortium, stated that their participation aims to strengthen ties with both American consumers and industry professionals. The Consortium plans to highlight the unique qualities of Sicilia DOC wines and emphasize values such as authenticity, quality, and sustainability—attributes that are increasingly important to U.S. wine buyers.

This presence in Chicago follows a series of promotional activities earlier this year. In May, the Consortium launched its annual U.S. Road Show, making stops in cities including Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C., and New York. The group also participated in the Nantucket Wine & Food Festival. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to raise awareness of Sicilian wines and culture through tastings, seminars, and public relations events.

At Vinitaly.USA, the Consortium will host its own stand featuring tasting sessions focused on native Sicilian grape varieties and modern winemaking styles. Attendees—including industry professionals, journalists, and opinion leaders—will have the chance to sample signature wines such as Grillo, Lucido, and Nero d’Avola. These wines are seen as key representatives of Sicilia DOC’s diversity and heritage.

The Consortium’s activities in Chicago are part of an ongoing promotional campaign in the U.S., supported by Colangelo & Partners. This campaign also includes press and trade trips currently underway in Sicily. These trips feature winery visits, cultural tours, meetings with local producers, and masterclasses led by Jeff Porter, a respected wine writer and critic for Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Recent research commissioned by the Consortium from Colangelo & Partners shows growing interest in Sicilia DOC among U.S. industry professionals. The study analyzed data from the past two years and found that Sicilia DOC is viewed as one of Italy’s most promising denominations for quality, authenticity, and growth potential.

The Consortium’s efforts reflect a commitment to expanding the international presence of Sicilian wines while sharing the region’s culture and history with new audiences. By participating in high-profile events like Vinitaly.USA and organizing educational initiatives both in Italy and abroad, Sicilia DOC continues to position itself as a leading force in Italian wine on the global stage.