Wine Institute Launches First Global Buyers Marketplace in Napa Valley for International Wine Buyers 

Trade-Only Event will Feature 150 California Wines

October 6th – Wine Institute will host the first Global Buyers Marketplace in Napa, California on Mon., October 31 and Tues., November 1, 2022. The two-day trade-only summit will bring together more than 80 buyers and importers from 26 countries to taste wines from about 150 Golden State wineries, to increase the buyers’ global understanding of California’s commercial success and diversity of wine styles.  

This unprecedented summit will help global buyers—both in new emerging and established international markets—expand and diversify the selection of California wines on their restaurant wine lists, in their retail offerings and in their import portfolios. They will meet and network with prospective suppliers, new-to-market producers, and international colleagues, all during a celebratory time for many wineries as they bring in the last of their fruit for the 2022 vintage.  

Export Strategy

This initiative is part of a 10-year strategy to boost exports of U.S. wine to over $2.5 billion. In 2021, U.S. wine exports grew by 10.6%—the most significant gain since 2013—resulting in $1.4 billion in total revenue. California produces 95% of all U.S. wine exports, and it is the fourth largest wine producer in the world after Italy, France, and Spain.  

The Global Buyers Marketplace aims to increase the state’s export presence even further by educating buyers on the up-and-coming regions of California and connecting new and established wineries directly with buyers. The California Wine Export Program has 18 international offices and is active in more than 30 countries:

Summit Program

The Global Buyers Marketplace program will feature:  

• Two masterclasses led by expert educators Elaine Chukan Brown and Kelli A. White: “What’s New in California” and “California Wines, Rooted in Sustainability.”  
• Walk-around grand tastings.  
• Networking opportunities.
• Dinners at wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma County.    
• Optional regional tours that will include winery and vineyard visits, seminars and curated regional tastings following the Marketplace.

About Wine Institute’s California Wine Export Program  

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the administrator of the USDA Market Access Program (MAP) for California vintners representing 80% of U.S. wine production and 95% of U.S. wine exports. More than 195 California wineries exporting to 142 countries participate in Wine Institute’s California Wine Export Program. The program has 16 California Wine Institute representatives in key export markets worldwide who provide on-site support to wineries and help develop markets for California wines in more than 30 countries.

The California Wine Export Program, a public-private partnership supported by winery contributions and the USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP), features California as an environmental leader with distinctive wine regions, an ideal climate for growing world-class wines, an iconic lifestyle, and a culinary tradition rooted in locally grown products. In addition to marketing and promoting California wine overseas, Wine Institute conducts a comprehensive International Public Policy program focused on regulatory cooperation, removing trade barriers, and growing California wine exports. For more information go to calwinexport.com or DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com.  

About Wine Institute

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and by showcasing California’s wine regions as ideal destinations for food and wine travelers to the state.