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Castello Banfi rings the closing bell on the NASDAQ - on behalf of Vinitaly and the American Cancer Society

Cristina Mariani-Mayowner of Castello Banfi, the internationally renowned Tuscan wine company, is set to ring the closing bell at the NASDAQ stock market.

Ms. Mariani-May was joined for the ceremony by Marilisa Allegrini, owner of the Veneto-based winery of the same name, by Giovanni Mantovani, CEO of Verona Fiere and organiser of Vinitaly and Vinitaly World Tour, as well as by representatives of the American Cancer Society.

Castelo Banfi rings the NASDAQ closing bell

The closing ceremony is the decisive moment in a series of events marking the presentation of a donation of 45,000$ in favour of the American Cancer Society promoted by Vinitaly, an organisation dedicated to the international promotion of Italian wines and the organisation of the world's largest wine fair.

In a brief address to traders on the floor of the largest stock market trading floor in the US, Ms Mariani-May comments: 'In Italy, wine is rarely consumed away from meals and a meal is not complete without a glass of wine. This integral part of Italian culture becomes a serious business if it is exploited as a commercial key for international trade'.

Ms. Mariani-May, thanking Vinitaly for its efforts in supporting and communicating the quality of Italian wine around the world, concluded with a toast to fellow Italian producers, including Ms. Allegrini, who "cross traditional boundaries from vineyards to communication, captivating the world with talent and quality."

Ranked number one among imported wines in America last year, Italian wine grew even during the recent economic crisis, accounting for 32.5% of the total wine imported to the market in the first half of 2010, allowing Italy to distinguish itself from its international competitors.