Simply Italian Great Wines Americas Tour kicks off 2026 with three stops in the United States: on February 23 it will land for the first time in Raleigh, then move to Miami on February 25, and finally close the tour on March 2 in Houston, a stop organized in collaboration with Taste of Italy.
The event is created by I.E.M. – International Exhibition Management, which continues its mission of promoting Italian wine around the world in all its richness and diversity, with the key support of its American branch I.E.E.M. – International Event and Exhibition Management. The event’s format—featuring trade workshops, B2B meetings, tastings, and guided seminars—offers participating wineries a concrete opportunity to gain visibility by meeting directly with the local trade.
Three important venues will host the tour: 1000 Social at The Exchange in Raleigh, Amara at Paraiso in Miami, and the Hilton Post Oak in Houston.
Why export to the USA
The United States remains the world’s largest wine market, both in terms of consumption and imports of Italian wine.
In North Carolina, imports are up 21.6% in value despite tariffs, driven especially by demand for sparkling wines and white wines. Interest is also rising in wines linked to health and sustainability, such as organic, biodynamic, and low-sugar, low-sulfite products. Raleigh stands out for its rapidly expanding food scene, with consumption leaning toward premium categories and supported by wine and food tourism.
In Florida, a major tourism hub, demand focuses on fresh, light wines and sparkling wines, in line with the climate and local consumption habits. Red wines still play an important role in dining contexts, while whites and sparkling wines dominate in coastal areas. Forecasts indicate moderate growth in Italian wine imports, driven by tourism and increasing attention to quality, with the premium segment as the main engine of value.
Texas shows strong dynamism thanks to a young and affluent growing population. The wine market, still developing, offers ample opportunities for international producers. Houston is emerging as a vibrant food and wine center, with rising demand for structured reds, Prosecco, and aromatic whites, increasingly associated with urban lifestyle and cultural events. Imports are expected to grow further, with Italy confirming its position as a key player thanks to increasingly sophisticated consumers.
“In this moment of great global uncertainty, it is crucial to continue being present in international markets, especially the American one, which remains the leading market for our wine exports and requires a strategic approach. The many challenges (from trade tariffs to shifting consumer preferences, the euro/dollar exchange rate, etc.) call for careful analysis and the ability to seize strategic opportunities that can arise even from crises. Thanks to the Simply Italian tour, which reaches both established and emerging markets, the opportunity to present directly to the local trade gives companies a significant competitive advantage, contributing to strategic planning and strengthening relationships for the future,” said Marina Nedic, Managing Director of I.E.M., together with Giancarlo Voglino.
