June 17, 2026 — Abruzzo wines drew strong interest in New York during the 2026 edition of Move the Passion, the international event promoted by the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo. Held across several Manhattan venues, the initiative featured tastings, masterclasses, trade meetings and consumer events, attracting more than 4,000 attendees over the course of the programme.
Events took place at Hall des Lumières, New York Vintners and Arlo Soho Rooftop, confirming the growing attention of the US market towards Abruzzo’s wine production.
Part of The Charming Taste of Europe — the European Union co-funded programme promoting quality European food and wine culture — the initiative was held during the first week of June and brought together trade professionals, journalists, buyers, restaurateurs, influencers and wine consumers.
Among the highlights was a masterclass focused on Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, led by Alison Napjus, Senior Editor and Tasting Director at Wine Spectator. More than 70 qualified attendees — including journalists, sommeliers, importers and wine professionals — took part in the session.
The trade-only walk-around tasting also generated significant interest, offering direct opportunities for exchange between producers and the American market. Twenty-eight Abruzzo wineries participated: Agricola Olivia, Azienda Tilli, Biagi, Buccicatino, Cantina Orsogna, Cantina Valle Tritàna, Cantine Mucci, Cantine NAE, Casal Thaulero, Cascina del Colle, Castorani, Ciavolich, Citra, Colle Moro, Contesa, Crea, Fratelli Barba, Lidia e Amato, Mastrangelo, Nicodemi, Pasetti, Talamonti, Tenuta I Fauri, Tenuta Terraviva, Tenuta Tre Gemme, Torre Zambra, Valori and Vignamadre.
The networking events also saw strong participation. The gala dinner at Hall des Lumières welcomed members of the wine trade, media representatives, buyers, hospitality professionals and institutional guests, including Giuseppe Pastorelli, Consul General of Italy in New York.
Representatives from leading American wine and food publications, as well as key figures from New York’s restaurant and wine sectors, also attended the initiative.
The event was developed across three prestigious Manhattan venues, each offering a different perspective on Abruzzo wine culture. Hall des Lumières hosted the immersive experiential programme, combining videomapping installations, tastings and entertainment. New York Vintners focused on educational and technical activities dedicated to wines and territories, while Arlo Soho Rooftop offered a more contemporary setting combining wine, music and social experiences overlooking the New York skyline.
“The response from both the public and industry professionals exceeded expectations,” said Alessandro Nicodemi, President of the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo. “The United States remains the leading export market for Abruzzo wines, and the level of participation we saw in New York confirms the growing recognition of Abruzzo not only for the quality of its wines, but also as a territory and a brand.”
Nicodemi also highlighted how Abruzzo wines are becoming increasingly visible across several US cities, including Boston and Denver, where the region is gaining greater presence in wine lists, promotional initiatives and among wine professionals.
This was the first time Abruzzo wines were presented in New York through an initiative of this scale, combining trade activities with consumer engagement. The project forms part of the broader international promotional strategy developed by the Consorzio Tutela Vini d’Abruzzo in key global markets.
Over the past decade, the presence of Abruzzo wines in the United States has continued to grow steadily, both commercially and in terms of international recognition for the Abruzzo wine region and brand.
