Italian wine remains a cornerstone of trade and cultural connection between Italy and the United States, despite the challenges posed by ongoing 15% tariffs introduced in August. The topic took centre stage on Monday at Vinitaly.USA, part of the wine2wine Business Forum in Chicago.
According to data from the UIV–Vinitaly Observatory, Italian companies record an annual turnover of more than $2.2 billion, while their U.S. partners generate over $10 billion from the transatlantic trade.
“Italian wine is not only a symbol of food and wine excellence, it is also an economic pillar of relations between Italy and the U.S.,” said Federico Bricolo, president of Veronafiere, which hosts the Vinitaly fair.
Despite most wine consumed in the U.S. being domestically produced (around 70%), wine from Italy holds the largest import market share at 38%, ahead of Australia, New Zealand, France, and Chile. Each dollar spent on Italian or European wine in the U.S. generates $4.50 in value for the American economy, the Observatory reported.
The U.S. wine industry is supported by a vast network: over 1,000 importers, 1,000 distributors, and 2,000 retailers handle Italian and European wines nationwide. The Italian restaurant sector alone is worth $95 billion annually, with more than 62,000 establishments, according to IBISWorld.
Prosecco on 41% of American wine lists
Italian wines are also a staple of the wider U.S. dining scene. Prosecco appears on 41% of restaurant menus, while Tuscan reds remain highly popular among consumers. In 2024, Italian wine exports to the U.S. reached nearly $2.3 billion, equivalent to 354 million litres—around 470 million bottles.
The U.S. remains the top market for Italian wine, accounting for 24% of Italy’s total wine export value. Italy’s wine ecosystem comprises around 530,000 companies and 800,000 employees, making it one of the country’s most vital industries.
According to Wine America’s 2025 Economic Impact Report, wine contributes $144.4 billion to the U.S. economy annually. Italian wine alone generates almost $19 billion of that figure.
