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Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
The Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo Brings the Wines of Abruzzo to Canada with Events in Calgary and Vancouver
A series of trade, media and consumer events will spotlight the region's native grapes and winemaking excellence in two major Canadian cities this June VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo is proud to announce a series of exclusive promotional events taking place in Canada this June, aimed at deepening awareness and appreciation of Abruzzo's distinguished DOC wines. These events will be held in Calgary on June 13 and Vancouver on June 16, targeting key trade professionals, media, and wine enthusiasts. Representing the Consorzio throughout the Canadian tour will be President Alessandro Nicodemi and Communication Manager Davide Acerra, who will lead educational and networking initiatives focused on the region's native grape varieties and vibrant wine culture. In Calgary, the event will be hosted at The Ranchmen Club, where a focused masterclass will welcome approximately 30 guests, including trade operators, HoReCa professionals, sommeliers, and members of the media. The session will offer a deep dive into the Abruzzo DOC, showcasing the region's native grape varieties and distinctive terroir through a guided tasting of representative wines. The program in Vancouver will take place at The Vancouver Club and will include a full day of activities designed to engage trade, media, and consumers. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a B2B session connecting Abruzzo producers with Canadian stakeholders such as importers, agents, and monopoly buyers. Additional activities will include a media cocktail lunch with around 20 journalists, bloggers, and influencers, a masterclass for approximately 35 trade and HoReCa professionals, sommeliers, and agents, and a walkaround tasting open to both trade and consumers, with over 100 attendees expected. Together, these events will offer a comprehensive exploration of the diversity and quality of Abruzzo's wines. The Consorzio will also use this occasion to officially announce the appointment of Barbara Philip MW as the Canadian Ambassador for the campaign. As a Master of Wine and a respected voice in the Canadian wine industry, Barbara will support ongoing efforts to promote Abruzzo wines across the country. These events mark an important milestone in the Consorzio's international campaign to elevate Abruzzo's wines on the global stage, bringing a taste of central Italy to Canadian wine lovers and professionals alike. About The Charming Taste of Europe Europe, a place with timeless charm, is the birthplace of some of the highest-quality products in the world. The Charming Taste of Europe is a special project that introduces exquisite specialties to the United States and Canada, such as Italian and French wines, and fresh kiwis from Greece, that showcase Europe's charm, beauty, culture, history, art, heritage and unmistakable tastes. The mission of the Charming Taste of Europe, co-funded by the European Union, is to increase awareness of the merits and quality standards of select European wines and fresh fruits with promotional activities in the competitive markets of the U.S. and Canada. The Charming Taste of Europe is promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo, the Association of Imathia's Agricultural Cooperatives and Union Des Vins Doux de Bordeaux. These European agricultural products, famous around the world for their outstanding qualities, will continue to be promoted with initiatives and events for consumers, journalists and trade professionals. For more information visit To Follow The Charming Taste of Europe Campaign: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European union or the European research executive agency (Rea). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo Brings the Wines of Abruzzo to Canada with Events in Calgary and Vancouver
A series of trade, media and consumer events will spotlight the region's native grapes and winemaking excellence in two major Canadian cities this June VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo is proud to announce a series of exclusive promotional events taking place in Canada this June, aimed at deepening awareness and appreciation of Abruzzo's distinguished DOC wines. These events will be held in Calgary on June 13 and Vancouver on June 16, targeting key trade professionals, media, and wine enthusiasts. Representing the Consorzio throughout the Canadian tour will be President Alessandro Nicodemi and Communication Manager Davide Acerra, who will lead educational and networking initiatives focused on the region's native grape varieties and vibrant wine culture. In Calgary, the event will be hosted at The Ranchmen Club, where a focused masterclass will welcome approximately 30 guests, including trade operators, HoReCa professionals, sommeliers, and members of the media. The session will offer a deep dive into the Abruzzo DOC, showcasing the region's native grape varieties and distinctive terroir through a guided tasting of representative wines. The program in Vancouver will take place at The Vancouver Club and will include a full day of activities designed to engage trade, media, and consumers. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a B2B session connecting Abruzzo producers with Canadian stakeholders such as importers, agents, and monopoly buyers. Additional activities will include a media cocktail lunch with around 20 journalists, bloggers, and influencers, a masterclass for approximately 35 trade and HoReCa professionals, sommeliers, and agents, and a walkaround tasting open to both trade and consumers, with over 100 attendees expected. Together, these events will offer a comprehensive exploration of the diversity and quality of Abruzzo's wines. The Consorzio will also use this occasion to officially announce the appointment of Barbara Philip MW as the Canadian Ambassador for the campaign. As a Master of Wine and a respected voice in the Canadian wine industry, Barbara will support ongoing efforts to promote Abruzzo wines across the country. These events mark an important milestone in the Consorzio's international campaign to elevate Abruzzo's wines on the global stage, bringing a taste of central Italy to Canadian wine lovers and professionals alike. About The Charming Taste of EuropeEurope, a place with timeless charm, is the birthplace of some of the highest-quality products in the world. The Charming Taste of Europe is a special project that introduces exquisite specialties to the United States and Canada, such as Italian and French wines, and fresh kiwis from Greece, that showcase Europe's charm, beauty, culture, history, art, heritage and unmistakable tastes. The mission of the Charming Taste of Europe, co-funded by the European Union, is to increase awareness of the merits and quality standards of select European wines and fresh fruits with promotional activities in the competitive markets of the U.S. and Canada. The Charming Taste of Europe is promoted by the Consortium for the Protection of Wines of Abruzzo, the Association of Imathia's Agricultural Cooperatives and Union Des Vins Doux de Bordeaux. These European agricultural products, famous around the world for their outstanding qualities, will continue to be promoted with initiatives and events for consumers, journalists and trade professionals. For more information visit To Follow The Charming Taste of Europe Campaign: Website: Facebook: @CharmingTasteofEU- Canada Instagram: @charmeu_canadaYouTube: The Charming Taste of Europe Hashtags: #thecharmingtasteofeu and #charmeu Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European union or the European research executive agency (Rea). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Media Contact:Bianca Panichibpanichi@ SOURCE The Charming Taste of Europe View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
10-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Tariffs And Trade Winds: Vinitaly 2025 Reshapes Italian Wine Strategy
Vinitaly 2025 has just wrapped, and while the pavilions were filled with wine, espresso, and handshakes as always, there was no mistaking what dominated the conversation this year: U.S. tariffs. Vinitaly is Italy's largest international wine and spirits trade fair, held annually in Verona, bringing together producers, buyers, importers, and industry professionals from around the world. Though this is, at its core, an Italian wine trade fair, the real gravitational pull came from across the Atlantic. Importers, producers, retailers, journalists—everyone, everywhere—seemed to have the U.S. front and center in their minds. That's because America holds a major slice of the pie when it comes to Italian wine exports, and on April 2, the Trump administration's announcement of a sweeping 20% tariff on select categories of Italian wine sent a ripple effect through the global marketplace. Markets shifted. Distributors recalibrated. Strategic meetings turned tactical. But if you were expecting panic in Verona, you'd be mistaken. The tone at Vinitaly was not fear—it was focus. Within hours of the announcement, producers large and small were adjusting pricing, working through customs codes, and exploring new models. What could have been a crisis became, for many, a moment to move. This year, Vinitaly wasn't just a showcase of Italian excellence. It was a high-functioning nerve center of global trade—one that revealed both the fragility and the agility of the wine industry in a fast-moving world. As the dust settled and the conversations deepened, one theme became clear: the industry wasn't waiting to see what would happen next—it was already acting. From major importers hedging inventory to producers reassessing strategies on the ground in Verona, the response to the tariffs offered a snapshot of how quickly and cohesively the wine world can mobilize when the stakes are high. A Unified Response from the Consorzio Within 24 hours of the announcement, the Chianti Classico Consortium stepped forward with a clear message, aiming to strike a balance between concern and confidence. 'We are particularly concerned about the repercussions that the 20% tariff could have on our exports,' said Giovanni Manetti, President of the consortium. 'But we must have faith in our leaders, and we producers will work together to shoulder the burden. We believe American consumers will remain loyal to our wines, to the Black Rooster, and to the unique region behind every bottle.' That message of solidarity and swift action wasn't limited to producers alone. On the U.S. side, importers were already responding in real time, making decisive moves to buffer the impact and keep wine flowing through the system. Importers Move First to Protect the Pipeline While the immediate cost of the tariffs lands on wine at the point of entry, the ripple effects quickly spread through the entire three-tier system—especially for importers, who serve as the critical link between European producers and U.S. distributors. With margins already tight and contracts often locked months in advance, many importers had to make quick, high-stakes decisions. In anticipation of the President's April 2 announcement, several—among them Wilson Daniels and Banville Wine Merchants—chose to hedge their bets, securing significant inventories of European wines and ensuring that shipping containers were en route to the U.S. before the new tariffs could take effect. At an annual producer dinner hosted by Banville during Vinitaly, the atmosphere was more than celebratory—it was grateful. Producers like Klaus Gasser of Cantina Terlano and Claudio Farina of Azienda Agricola Farina openly praised Banville CEO Simone Luchetti for his swift action, which allowed their wines to remain in circulation without immediate pricing disruptions. For some larger firms, the move meant locking in nearly a year's worth of inventory. Banville secured three to four months' worth—enough to buy time, maintain momentum, and avoid passing costs downstream. Still, not all importers had the capital or logistical flexibility to make similar moves, highlighting the uneven impact the tariffs could have across the U.S. wine market. Inside the Numbers: The Pressure of the Three-Tier System For Banville's Luchetti, acting fast wasn't just about protecting margins—it was about protecting relationships. Vinitaly became a critical moment to reaffirm trust with producers and assure them that Banville was not only prepared, but committed to navigating the challenge side by side. 'Hope and pray is not a strategy,' Luchetti said. 'We hope these tariffs don't close anyone's doors—but we're not standing still.' Securing early shipments was only one piece of the puzzle. Ensuring access to U.S. warehouse space—particularly in New Jersey, where Banville operates—was equally essential. 'Relationships here are key,' he emphasized. 'You need the logistical infrastructure in place long before the container hits the water.' While some in the industry have suggested that producers, importers, and distributors can simply split the cost burden of tariffs across the chain, Luchetti cautions that the U.S. three-tier system leaves very little room to maneuver. 'The margin for wholesalers or importers is not that big,' he said. 'The American system makes it impossible to divide things up evenly when you're already operating on razor-thin margins.' To illustrate the complexity of that system, Luchetti points to one of Banville's long-standing partners, Slovenian producer Domaine Marjan Simčič. A bottle of his Rebula white wine typically retails for about $22 in the U.S.—but is sold to Banville for just $2.66. Once the importer, distributor, and retailer apply their respective markups, the bottle reflects a 728% increase from winery to consumer. Before anyone gets upset about that, you have to understand the structure. Wineries are already selling at their lowest viable price. There is no room to offer a discount. And the three-tier system isn't going anywhere. This is just the reality of the American wine industry. Ultimately, the burden of the tariff falls squarely on the importer the moment the container arrives in the U.S. port. Whether or not that cost is passed along to the consumer—and how—is a calculation that varies case by case. But the financial pressure starts long before the bottle ever hits the shelf. Why America Dominated the Conversation—at an Italian Fair Though Vinitaly is firmly rooted in Italy, it has always been global in its impact. The United States remains the single largest market for Italian wine exports, accounting for more than $2 billion annually—nearly a quarter of Italy's total wine export value. The significance of that footprint can't be overstated. Even before tariffs, the Italian wine sector was already navigating razor-thin margins, inflationary pressure, rising logistics costs, and the ever-present conversation of lower demand for alcohol. Now, the sudden imposition of tariffs—at the height of buying season—has triggered an industry-wide scramble to reassess pricing models, renegotiate contracts, and in some cases, entirely reimagine market strategy. Producers Adapt with Measured Optimism Badia a Passignano Antinori estate getty Renzo Cotarella, CEO of Marchesi Antinori, acknowledges the tariffs as a challenge—but not an insurmountable one. While a 20% duty at the point of entry is far from ideal, Cotarella estimates that the actual impact on shelf price could be closer to 6–7%, provided there's no compounding markup downstream. For wines positioned at a higher price point, he sees the added cost as something that can be absorbed—albeit with sacrifice—across the supply chain, from producers to importers and distributors. His outlook is measured: the situation isn't welcome, but it's manageable, and there remains hope that the tariff rate could ultimately be reduced. 'Certainly, these tariffs, coming right during Vinitaly, have not helped to frame the event in a positive light,' Cotarella said. 'I believe that, in some ways, there has been too much discussion about them, and we've missed an opportunity to celebrate wine for what it truly is: for the pleasure it brings, for the moments of joy it creates, and for the friendships it fosters.' For Cotarella, the structure of Antinori's U.S. operations offers a layer of stability. With its own import company in place, the group can manage much of the impact internally—at least up to the distributor level. Still, he emphasizes that tariffs create a negative effect across the board. While larger, more diversified companies may be better positioned to absorb the blow, Cotarella cautions against viewing this moment as an opportunity to gain market share at the expense of smaller producers, calling that mindset a fundamental misstep. Beyond Logistics: Reaffirming the Value of the U.S. Market Giuseppe Vajra of GD Vajra shares a similarly grounded perspective. Like Antinori, Vajra's family estate has its own U.S. import company, offering a degree of control and insulation from short-term volatility. But beyond logistics, Vajra is deeply attuned to the emotional and cultural dimensions of the American market. 'We love American wine lovers,' he says, 'and we suffer when some colleagues say that 'the future is elsewhere' or that 'America is the past.'' For Vajra, the U.S. remains a place of curiosity, connection, and enduring passion for wine. At the same time, he cautions against letting fear or division define the industry's response. 'The tariff-retaliation dynamic reveals that in a community, no one can stay unscathed by passing all onus to the others,' he notes. 'Instead, I hope we stay united, supportive, and focused on what we do best—offering something meaningful to people's lives.' He added that this is no time to move slowly or freeze like a deer in the headlights. The priority, he emphasized, is taking action—decisive, practical steps to keep business moving forward. A Panoramic Perspective: Terra Moretti's Strategic Patience As the CEO of Terra Moretti, Massimo Tuzzi oversees a portfolio that spans some of Italy's most iconic wine estates—including Bellavista in Franciacorta, Petra in Suvereto, Teruzzi in San Gimignano, and Sella & Mosca in Sardinia. That range gives him a panoramic view of the Italian wine landscape and a sharp sense of how small shifts in pricing can ripple across categories and regions. For Tuzzi, the concern isn't just about short-term strategy—it's about pricing psychology. 'Once you lift the bar on price,' he says, 'it's very, very unpredictable. That price rarely goes back down.' Sella & Mosca's Vermentino, which typically retails around $14.99 in the U.S., is particularly vulnerable to subtle increases. A $1 jump at retail may seem minor, but Tuzzi warns that it sets a new expectation—one the consumer ultimately bears. 'The real potential fallout is that retailers and restaurants may raise prices by just one or two dollars,' he says. 'But the likelihood that they lower them again is very slim.' Still, Tuzzi isn't advocating panic. In fact, he's an advocate for measured response rather than immediate reaction. 'Many producers and importers want answers now,' he says. 'But I'm very much against reacting before we have all the elements on the table.' He recommends using the moment wisely—monitoring developments, protecting margin where possible, and avoiding knee-jerk decisions. 'Keep calm and take time to think through the elements in front of you,' he advises. 'This is a moment to think—not just move.' A Window of Reprieve—and a Call for Clarity That philosophy gained added weight on Wednesday, April 9, when the Trump administration unexpectedly announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs—excluding those on China—offering the Italian wine world a brief but meaningful window to gather information, reassess, and prepare. With continued uncertainty on the horizon, the consensus across producers, importers, and institutions seems to echo a single, unifying strategy: move quickly when needed—but think even faster. Back to What Matters In the end, while strategy, pricing, and policy will always play a role, the soul of the wine industry lies elsewhere—in connection, culture, and the shared joy of the product itself. As Renzo Cotarella put it: 'So, enough with tariffs. If they are confirmed, we will work to navigate them. But let's focus on what really matters: promoting wine, encouraging its responsible consumption, and continuing to ensure that it is seen as a fascinating, enjoyable product to be shared with friends on the right occasions.'
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Landmarks Presents: The Barolo & Barbaresco Academy Series, Set To Take Over The Southwest
The Academy Series will kick off in February 2025, showcasing Barolo and Barbaresco wines in six major southwestern cities AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani proudly announces the Barolo & Barbaresco Academy Series, a flagship initiative of the fourth edition of the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO). For the first time, this program will visit six cities across three southwestern states, hosting seminars and tastings in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and Denver, Colorado. The initiative is part of the European communication campaign "Landmarks from Europe: Good products made with respect, Respect made with good products" which aims to raise awareness of PDO and DOCG products in the U.S. and Canadian markets. Kicking off in February 2025, the Academy Series offers wine professionals and enthusiasts an exclusive opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Led by Consorzio representatives, renowned Master Sommeliers, and Wine Experts speakers, the sessions will offer an in-depth exploration of the Langhe region. Attendees will gain insights into the human stories that have shaped the area, from the legacy of the Barolo Boys to the influence of international investors, and how these factors have been defining Langhe's identity. The discussions will also delve into the natural elements that make this region unique, including its terroir, soil composition, the concept of MGAs (Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive), and key data from recent harvest reports. With registration fully booked in all cities, the Academy's success highlights the growing interest in Piedmont wines across the Southwest. "I am extremely proud of the remarkable success of the Academy Series. These cities are emerging as key players in the U.S. wine scene, with Texas leading the way thanks to its vibrant market and growing appreciation for premium wines," said Sergio Germano, the newly elected President of the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani. "It is a privilege for the Consorzio to collaborate with renowned local wine experts to showcase Barolo and Barbaresco wines to such an enthusiastic audience, fostering an even greater admiration for our wines." Academy Dates, Locations, and Hosts: Dallas | Monday, February 3, 2025, | 55 Seventy, 6130 Berkshire LaneHost: Steven McDonald, MS (Wine Director at Pappas Bros Steakhouses) Houston | Tuesday, February 4, 2025 | The Texas Wine School, 2301 Portsmouth StreetHost: Steven McDonald, MS Austin | Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | Jeffrey's, 1204 W Lynn StreetHost: Austin Farina (Wine Director at Jeffrey's) San Antonio | Thursday, February 6, 2025 | The Texas Wine School, 2810 N. Flores StreetHost: Ali Schmidt (Wine Director at Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group) Phoenix | Monday, February 10, 2025 | Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E Telawa TrailHost: Jodi Bronchtein (Wine Director at Wrigley Mansion) Denver | Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | Birch Road Clubhouse (The Highlands), 3845 Lipan StreetHost: Maddy Jimerson, MS (Wine Director at Casa Tua, Aspen) The Academy Series anticipates the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening on March 25, 2025, at The Branch Park Pavilion in Austin, TX. The event will bring together wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media for a day of insightful tastings, and curated food pairings, showcasing the latest releases of the 2021 Barolo and 2022 Barbaresco vintages from over 160 renowned producers as a preview for the US market. About the Consorzio Di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani: Founded in 1934 and representing over 600 wine producers across multiple appellations, the consortium is committed to the management, protection, and promotion of the Langhe, Alba, and Dogliani wine denominations. The Consortium ensures high quality by a set of formal production guidelines for the entire winemaking process, from agronomy to market surveillance. The Consortium continues to perform periodic sampling of wine products on the market to prevent fraud and to protect the wines' authentication and reputation. Barolo & Barbaresco are registered trademarks in many countries throughout the world. Contact:Carlotta Ribolinicribolini@ Morgana Germanettomgermanetto@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Landmarks from Europe
