According to data shared by the Italian Wine Union (UIV), Italian wines now hold a dominant position among imported wines in the U.S., capturing 38 percent of the import market. For the Italian wine sector this is a powerful signal of recognition and influence overseas. The evening was described by UIV President Lamberto Frescobaldi as a valuable opportunity to engage with people who feel a deep connection to Italy and who remember the country of their roots with affection.
Italian-American restaurants play a substantial role in nurturing this bond. With tens of thousands of Italian-style eateries across the U.S., the American dining scene fuels demand for Italian wine while also supporting a $95 billion annual turnover in the restaurant sector. For Italian wine exporters, the 2024 figure of nearly 2 billion euros in U.S. exports — equating to around 345 million bottles shipped — underscores how significant the American market has become.
The presence of the Italian alcohol industry federation Federvini at the gala, in partnership with VeronaFiere and the VINITALY exhibition, reinforced a message of international cooperation. As Federvini’s Chiara Soldati noted, being part of events like this is about building bridges, weaving together experiences, cultures and common values. She emphasized that at a time of global change, growing and sustaining international relationships matters not only for competitiveness, but also for promoting a model of growth that respects diversity and open markets.
For U.S. wine consumers and Italian producers alike the takeaway is clear: Italian wine is more than just a successful export. It is a symbol of transatlantic memory, identity, and exchange. The Italian wine sector’s success in the U.S. is not just about numbers, but about the deeper connection between two nations and the power of cultural ties that span oceans.
