By TORONTO/OTTAWA/MONTRÉAL, June 2026 – For the first time in its more than 55-year history, Vinitaly, the world’s leading international trade fair dedicated to Italian wine, is coming to Canada.
Organized by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with Veronafiere and Vinitaly, Vinitaly Canada take place from June 22 to 25, 2026, with events in Toronto, Ottawa and Montréal bringing together leading Canadian wine professionals, provincial liquor board buyers, wine agents, sommeliers, media and industry stakeholders.
The launch of Vinitaly Canada reflects the growing strategic importance of Canada for Italian wine. One of the world’s most sophisticated wine markets, Canada ranks among the leading export destinations for Italian wine, particularly in the premium and super-premium segments.
Recent import data further confirms Italy’s momentum in Canada. During the first four months of 2026, Italian wine imports reached CAD $218.8 million, up 10.3% over the same period in 2025. Italy’s market share rose from 23.45% to 27.01%, narrowing the gap with market leader France by nearly 50% to just CAD $23 million. These results reinforce Italy’s position as one of Canada’s fastest-growing wine suppliers and underscore its potential to reclaim the top spot in the near future.
“Bringing Vinitaly to Canada for the first time is a significant recognition of Canada’s role as one of the world’s most important and dynamic markets for Italian wine,” said H.E. Alessandro Cattaneo, Ambassador of Italy to Canada. “The remarkable growth of Italian wines in Canada is a tangible reflection of the strong and developing economic relationship between Italy and Canada. At a time when demand for authentic “Made in Italy” products is rising across all Canadian provinces, I am particularly pleased to note that wine remains Italy’s leading export product in Canada by sales value.”
Canada’s importance is also reflected in its record participation at Vinitaly’s international events. At Vinitaly Verona 2026, Canada brought the largest international buyer delegation to the fair, while Vinitaly USA 2025 attracted record Canadian attendance from importers, liquor board representatives, agents and retailers.
“Especially at this time, when the wine sector requires particular attention, it is important to provide a structured follow-up to the working group requested by the government and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The increased resources available to ITA (Italian Trade Agency) therefore mean greater promotional efforts and expanded development activities for the wine sector, including through Vinitaly, one of the industry’s most influential partners. At the main event in Italy, Verona Fiere and ITA bring together more than 1,000 strategic industry professionals. Abroad, through Vinitaly International—which is increasingly present in strategic regions for the wine industry—ICE brings companies to trade show pavilions, organizes business missions, and supports companies through its network of offices.
Leading producers also recognize how effective ITA Canada’s work is for the wine industry, thanks to projects and relationships built over the years, making it a point of reference for Italian exporters. This Vinitaly preview mission with ITA aims to promote and communicate to industry professionals and stakeholders in Canada—as well as across North America—the projects of Vinitaly in Verona and the now-well-established Vinitaly USA, a project developed primarily by Vinitaly and ITA with the support of the Chamber of Commerce.
Italian wine has enormous export potential despite a current slowdown, particularly in the United States, which must be offset with greater tools to support growth. In 2025, exports in the sector reached 7.8 billion euros. There are still many markets that offer significant growth opportunities as part of the “Sistema Paese” strategy. Through the “Diplomacy of Growth” outlined by Minister Antonio Tajani, and with the promotional tools made available by the Ministry of Agriculture at the direction of Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, we must support companies even more to make these opportunities easier to achieve.” – said Matteo Zoppas, President of ITA.
Building on this momentum, Vinitaly USA 2026, taking place in New York on October 26–27, is expected to welcome an even larger Canadian delegation. Since its launch, Vinitaly USA has become a strategic gateway connecting Italian producers with key North American buyers, importers, distributors and industry decision-makers. Complementing the flagship Vinitaly exhibition in Verona, the New York edition extends Vinitaly’s international reach, creating year-round business opportunities and reinforcing Italy’s leadership in the North American wine market.
“Canada in all its provinces continues to demonstrate an extraordinary appreciation for the diversity, quality and heritage of Italian wines,” said Carlo Angelo Bocchi, Italian Trade Commissioner to Canada. “The growth of premium Italian wines in Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta confirms that consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity and excellence. Vinitaly Canada represents a natural evolution of our efforts to create meaningful business opportunities while deepening the connection between Canadian professionals and the Italian wine sector. Scouting them is our mission and we are doing all over the 9 Provinces.”
According to Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere and Vinitaly, “Canada has established itself as one of the most dynamic and promising international markets for Italian wine. Following the record participation of Canadian buyers and wine professionals at both Vinitaly Verona 2026 and Vinitaly USA, the launch of Vinitaly Canada and the introduction of the VIA program in Canada represent an important step in strengthening wine education, trade relationships, and long-term business opportunities across North America. Next year, we will further intensify our commitment and activities in this market.”
A central highlight of Vinitaly Canada will be the debut of the prestigious Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) Certification Course in Canada. For the first time, 55 senior wine professionals from across the country will participate in the intensive certification program led by Sarah Heller MW, John Szabo MS and Stevie Kim, joining a global network of Italian Wine Ambassadors dedicated to promoting the richness and diversity of Italian wine.
The program has launched in Toronto on June 22 with the VIA course and an evening reception at Spazio Camera, featuring a presentation of Vinitaly USA New York 2026. On June 23, the course will conclude with examinations and a graduation ceremony attended by Federico Bricolo, alongside meetings with LCBO representatives and an industry dinner hosted by the Italian Trade Agency and emceed by Master Sommelier John Szabo.
The program continues in Ottawa on June 24 with a reception hosted by H.E. Alessandro Cattaneo, Ambassador of Italy to Canada, at the Residence of the Ambassador. The event will bring together buyers, trade professionals, media and industry stakeholders from the Ottawa and Québec markets for an evening celebrating the excellence of Italian wine, featuring a walk-around tasting and networking opportunities with representatives of the Italian wine industry.
The mission will conclude in Montréal with meetings with senior SAQ executives, further reinforcing the strong commercial relationship between Italy and Canada’s provincial liquor boards and highlighting the strategic importance of Québec as one of the country’s most influential wine markets.
As Italy continues to strengthen its position in the premium wine segment, initiatives such as Vinitaly Canada, Vinitaly Verona, Vinitaly USA and the Vinitaly International Academy are creating new opportunities for education, trade and long-term growth between Italy and Canada.
