The Italian Trade Commission Highlights the 20th Annual 'A Tasting of Wines From Italy'

For the 20th year, the Italian Trade Commission is hosting its annual "A Tasting of Wines from Italy" at exclusive trade events in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montréal. This year's anniversary event features wines from all over Italy, with a spotlight on Southern Italy including the regions of Calabria, Campania, Puglia and Sicilia.

« Canadians have been loyal consumers of Italian wine products for decades and Canada currently ranks 5th in global market sales of Italian wines, » said Pasquale Bova, Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Commission, Canada. "We are very excited to be marking the 20th year of "A Tasting of Wines from Italy" where not only will we be showcasing the finest wines that Southern Italy has to offer, but will also be presenting wines to accommodate every taste and price range."

In Vancouver and Calgary, over 43 producers will be participating representing 16 regions and more than 200 brands. In Toronto and Montréal, 98 producers will be on site representing 16 regions and over 480 brands.

Italy ranks #1 in wine sales in Canada followed by the US and then France. In 2014, Canada imported $425-million (CAD) worth of Italian wines. Québec is the largest consumer of Italian wines at 36 percent, followed closely by Ontario at 31 percent and Alberta and British Columbia account for 15 percent and 10 percent, respectively.*

Open to the trade, the tasting events will take place in:

*Source: Statistics Canada