The Consorzio joins I.E.E.M.’s Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour with two events dedicated to the wine trade, focusing on territory as a driver of value and on the identity of Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie in a market accounting for approximately 42% of the Denomination’s exports.

Verona, October 5, 2026 – Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie returns to the United States with two new events dedicated to promoting and increasing awareness of the Denomination in one of its key international markets. The Protection Consortium is taking part in the Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2026, I.E.E.M. – International Event & Exhibition Management’s format dedicated to the promotion of Italian wine, with two masterclasses scheduled for today, October 5, in Chicago and tomorrow, October 6, in Houston.

The United States accounts for approximately 42% of DOC Delle Venezie’s total exports, confirming its essential role for the Denomination and its international development. Building on this well-established presence, the Consorzio continues to invest in activities aimed at American wine professionals, trade and media, with the goal of complementing Pinot Grigio’s strong recognition with a deeper understanding of its origin, identity and production system.

This is the framework for the two masterclasses entitled “The Italian Lifestyle has a unique Taste”, each aimed at an audience of approximately 40 wine professionals and experts. The sessions will begin with an introduction to the territory of Northeastern Italy – Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and the Autonomous Province of Trento – before exploring the history, key figures and positioning of the DOC, as well as the identity of Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie and its distinctive profile of freshness, versatility and moderate alcohol content.

The first masterclass will take place today, Monday, October 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Morgan’s on Fulton in Chicago, as part of a full day of masterclasses and a walk-around tasting dedicated to Italian wine. The session will be led by Mary Ross, Advanced Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator, an internationally recognized wine professional and journalist whose bylines include the Chicago Tribune, Decanter and the Daily Herald. Her extensive experience provides a valuable perspective on the evolution and positioning of Pinot Grigio in the U.S. market.

“It’s as hard to imagine the hospitality industry without Pinot Grigio as without your cell phone. Both were introduced to the U.S. in the early 1980s and shot to success – easy to buy, easy to use, easy to enjoy,” says Mary Ross. “Especially Delle Venezie DOC, Italy’s top Pinot Grigio brand, earned consumer confidence for its clean, refreshing flavors and its versatility in pairing with not only Italian, but the world’s cuisine. Today, Pinot Grigio is the U.S.’s second favorite white wine and, even with the general softness in wine sales, remains an indispensable category for retailers and restaurateurs and a favorite among consumers.”

The tour will continue tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6, in Houston, where the Consorzio’s masterclass will open the day’s program from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Post Oak. The session will be led by Aldo Bove, a U.S.-based wine professional, who will guide attendees through the territory, identity and different expressions of Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie.

By connecting wine with its place of origin, the masterclasses will highlight the Denomination as a driver of value, offering the U.S. wine trade a broader understanding of a territory that finds a shared expression in Pinot Grigio. The tasting will accompany this journey through different expressions of the DOC – from white and Ramato to sparkling styles – showcasing the broad range of faces and the different interpretations found within the Denomination.

“Promotion in international markets allows us to consolidate our presence and, above all, to create value around the Denomination by communicating its territorial and cultural identity,” says Stefano Sequino, Director of Consorzio DOC Delle Venezie. “The United States, which accounts for approximately 42% of our exports, is a fundamental market for us. Events such as these allow us to communicate the values and style of Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie to traders and, through them, to consumers. Activities developed within the framework of the OCM Promotion program therefore play a strategic role and need to be strengthened to consolidate the position of Italian wine in international markets.”

The two U.S. events are part of the Consorzio’s broader international promotion strategy, aimed at strengthening the connection between origin, recognition and value of the Denomination. DOC Delle Venezie covers approximately 27,000 hectares across Northeastern Italy and, with around 230 million bottles, today represents 85% of Italian Pinot Grigio and 43% of global Pinot Grigio production.