As part of the VINO 2015 Italian Wine week conference on the wines of Southern Italy, the Italian Trade Commission has announced the recipients of its Wines of Italy Distinguished Service Awards-Hall of Fame, honoring professionals in the wine industry who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the understanding, appreciation and sales of Italian wines in the United States.
At an awards luncheon to be held February 4, 2015 at the Waldorf Astoria New York, 17 honorees – including 3 from Banfi – will be inducted into the Italian Trade Commission’s Hall of Fame for their outstanding leadership, contribution and lifelong dedication to the appreciation, education and marketing of Italian wines in the U.S.
From Banfi Vintners, the new inductees include:
Harry Mariani
President Emeritus
Sharron McCarthy
Vice President Wine Education
Roberto Strollo
Advisor, Cru Artisan Wines
“Over the years, a growing number of Americans have devoted their professional life to the promotion and sale of Italian wine in the United States. They have done so with such passion and drive that they have generated the momentum that inspired countless others to follow suit. Their efforts have helped to make Italian wines America’s number one imported table wines and have helped raise the image of Italian wines in the marketplace to unparalleled levels.” said Pier Paolo Celeste , Italian Trade Commissioner – Executive Director for the USA.
“We have been giving this recognition for a long time now, as we realize that the efforts of many of these pioneers in the Italian wine business have never been formally acknowledged by the Italian wine industry. Thus, in 2009, the Italian Trade Commission decided to create and present the Distinguished Service Award. The award recipients have been truly a Who’s Who of the Italian wine industry in the United States” continued Mr. Celeste.
“The Hall of Fame is the highest level of the award. Since its creation, the award was presented to only 23 other individuals, who represent the pioneering spirit of Italian wines in the U.S. Their efforts helped to pave the way for introducing consumers in the U.S. to the wines of Italy. These individuals are truly exemplary ‘goodwill ambassadors’ for Italian wines in this Country,” concluded Mr. Celeste.
VINO was created in 2009 by the Italian Trade Commission to bring together all the different interests within the Italian wine business, to raise greater awareness for Italy’s range of wines and their marketing potential, to foster business relationships between Italian wine producers and buyers in the U.S. and to address trends and transitions in the wine business. More than 2000 wine industry professionals are expected to attend VINO 2015. For information, programs and for a full list of Distinguished Service Hall of Fame recipients, please visit www.italianmade.com/vino2015.
