Miami International Wine Fair (“MIWF”) celebrated its 10th anniversary as the leading wine trade expo in the country at the Miami Beach Convention Center. With the United States surpassing France as the largest wine consuming market in the world, America’s love affair with wine is backed by nearly 330 million cases sold nationwide in 2010. This year’s focus on growing the domestic and import industries in the United States results in MIWF opening its doors exclusively to members of the trade.

“This year’s edition has been altered to provide exhibitors with the most efficient use of their time,” said Jennifer Massolo, MIWF Executive Director. “Our main grand tasting event at the Miami Beach Convention Center will be trade only for the first time in the Fair’s history. In addition, the effectiveness of our Buyers’ Program has always been a reason why so many of our exhibitors return.”

Up by nearly 3.9 percent – a faster rate than American wines – the demand for imported wines in the United States is on the rise. Last year’s Fair trends coupled with 2011 projections indicate that $25 and under bottles, South American specifically, will see large growth. Further, the increasingly popular Chateauneuf du Pape, replacing Bordeaux, is already starting to ring true through exhibitor line-ups.*

Fair initiatives included “The Florida Room,” a pavilion dedicated to producers with local distribution, and a curated series of seminars segmented by exhibitors and industry interests, illustrate the organizers’ commitment to expanding wine sales regionally and nationwide.

Off the heels of last year’s success wherein 1,900 exhibitor meetings were secured, this year’s Fair see an increase with 70,000-square-feet of event space and more than 500 wine producers from 20-plus countries including Chile, Argentina, Spain and France.

About Miami International Wine Fair
The Miami International Wine Fair is owned and managed by VINTRADE LLC, a South Florida- based corporation established by David Bernad, and Madrid-based Emporio Ferial S.A., an international event planning and production company that organizes dozens of annual wine shows, including IBERWINE. For more information please visit www.miamiwinefair.com.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011