2010 Fair Scheduled for October 16 – 17, at Miami Beach Convention Center
MIAMI BEACH, FL (October 2009) – The 8th Annual Miami International Wine Fair set a resounding tone of optimism for the beverage industry as per capita consumption of wine continues to rise in the United States. Reaffirming its position as the country’s leading wine trade show and Florida’s largest consumer wine tasting event, the Fair attracted more than 6,700 attendees – an increase of 11.6 percent from 2008 – to the Miami Beach Convention Center on September 26 – 27, 2009 in benefit of Educate Tomorrow. A diverse group of 400+ wine producers, occupying 65,000-square-feet of exhibitor-square-footage sold more volume of wine than in previous years.
“We are very proud of our accomplishments in these challenging times,” said David Bernad, Founder and President of the Miami International Wine Fair. “We’ve seen a record number of exhibitors from around the world coming to Miami to promote their wines, as well as key buyers from every state looking for exciting new products to add to their portfolios. With an estimated 28% increase in cases of wine sold as a result of the Fair, we couldn’t be more excited about next year’s edition.”
Presenting more than 1,500 wines from 20 countries, the 2009 Miami International Wine Fair welcomed an Austrian pavilion for the first time, in addition to booths and seminars featuring organic wines by Romero & Miller, AMG Wines and Tree of Life. Sopexa and Côtes Du Rhône (France) increased their booth-size by 25 percent, reaping the benefits with a steady flow of traffic and interest; and ProMendoza, showcasing over a dozen wineries from Argentina, used the Fair as an outstanding platform to promote the success of Malbec, Argentina’s signature grape varietal and America’s fastest growing import.
Florida Grove and Miami Winery, as well as Marquee Artisan Wines (Australia, Argentina, Italy, Spain, California and Portugal), were widely appreciated by trade, who found keen interest in their quality and value. With a substantial increase of buyers purchasing more bottles at reduced price-points, Fair organizers estimate an overall rise of approximately 39 percent in sales from 2008.
“Eight outstanding years in a row for the Miami International Wine Fair, and Marquee Selections is proud to be a part of it for our seventh year,” said Christopher Cribb of Marquee Artisan Wines. “The buyers program, seminar series, and related events and dinners provided us with many outlets to launch our newest project, Quattro Leoni, from Piedmont, Italy. In a tough economy for all parties, this event was a booming success!”
Ranging from “Wine Tour de France” to the ever-popular “Sushi & Sake” by SUSHISAMBA dromo,” 11 seminars took place throughout the “wino weekend.” Ancillary happenings included wine dinners sponsored by Sopexa and the French Ministry of Agriculture at Smith & Wollensky, with an after-party at Louis of Gansevoort South on Friday, September 25; and by Castilla La Mancha at Texas de Brazil with post-festivities at Aerobar on Saturday, September 26, 2009.
Complementing the Miami International Wine Fair’s vast selection of wine and spirits, local restaurants and culinary groups generously provided signature bites. Participants included: 3030 Restaurant, A Fare to Remember, Ariston, Atrio @ Conrad, Blue Martini, Cafe Books and Books, El Rancho Grande, Feverish Ice Cream, Gordon Biersch, Giardino Salads, Gusto Vino & Caffe, Izzy’s Cubi Thai, Jason’s Deli, Kitchen 305, Kung Fu Sushi, La Taverna 115, Maya Tapas & Grill, Maxine’s Bistro & Bar, Moonchine, Ocean Prime, Old Lisbon, Really Good Cookies and Susie Stallings.
About Iberwine
Iberwine is the first fair to focus on Spanish, Portuguese and Ibero-American wine on an international platform. Organized by Emporio Ferial S.A., its mission to internationalize Spanish wines and open new channels of business in Miami has been achieved in collaboration and with the support of the government of Spain.
About Educate Tomorrow
Educate Tomorrow is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide one-on-one educational mentors to foster care children that are turning 18 and aging out of the system. Believing that education is the catalyst that will help these young adults reach their greatest potential, it seeks to work with organizations throughout the nation to implement the proven methods of one-on-one mentoring and to promote education as the path to independence and self-sufficiency for disadvantaged youth in this country. For more information please call 305.374.3751 or visit www.educatetomorrow.org.
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 wine shows year-round, including Iberwine. The 9th annual edition of the Fair will take place October 16 – 17, 2010, drawing thousands of consumers and trade guests to the Miami Beach Convention Center. For more information please call 1.866.887.WINE or visit www.miamiwinefair.com.