John Szabo, Master Sommelier and award-winning author, in concert with Volcanic Wines International (VWI) are proud to announce the return of the ‘International Volcanic Wine Conference (IVWC)’, which will take place in New York City on June 21st 2023. The event follows the highly successful previous editions, held in March 2018 and in June 2019, and Szabo’s acclaimed book on the subject, ‘Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power,’ published in 2016.
Volcanic Wines International was established in 2018 in order to promote the establishment of a Volcanic Wines Movement and provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally. The first two editions of International Volcanic Wine Conference (IVWC), organized by Volcanic Wines International were a catalyst and facilitator in bringing together the world’s volcanic regions. The success of the events has led to the creation of a “Volcanic Wine Brand,” defined as a unique category of wines produced under some of the most extreme viticultural conditions on the planet. Volcanic Wines International also plans to establish the volcanic wine brand as a premium category of high-quality wines with a true sense of place.
“Wines from volcanic soils have captured the attention of wine media and industry professionals as well as educated wine lovers in recent years,” commented Gino Colangelo, president of Colangelo & Partners. “They have been featured in countless influential publications – The New York Times, The Guardian, Decanter, Wine & Spirits Magazine, The Drinks Business, Gault Millau and JancisRobinson.com among others -, while sommeliers have embraced their distinctive characteristics.”
A first-of-its-kind, the 2018 conference brought together producers from all over the world, helping raise the profile of volcanic wines. It was held exclusively for qualifying wine trade and media, with 300 industry professionals in attendance at the event. During the conference, guests were able to sample wines from over 50 wineries representing 16 different volcanic wine regions, and engage with some of the world’s leading volcanic wine experts.
The 2019 edition brought together over 60 wineries from 30 different wine regions and attracted more than 300 attendees among distributors, importers, sommeliers, journalists, influencers and wine consultants.
“The pandemic has forced us to momentarily suspend our in-person events, but our work of research and of understanding of the complex world of volcanic wines has never ceased,” said award-winning author and Master Sommelier John Szabo “This year’s conference will be the perfect opportunity to introduce new volcanic regions and continue our mission to define and elevate the volcanic wines category in the eyes, and palates, of industry professionals and wine lovers.”
The first and second editions have also represented the ideal opportunity to host eight Masterclasses led by John Szabo MS, as well as eminent professors and regional representatives. Sponsored by the participants, these tasting seminars aimed at educating the audience about the nuances of volcanic wines and deepening the knowledge of the most unique volcanic regions of the world, highlight what differentiates each and every area and what unites them. They also provide participants with the unprecedented opportunity to taste a vast collection of wines from volcanic soils, with producers on hand to further explain their unique attributes.
Additional details regarding the 2023 conference, including confirmed participants and seminar schedules, will be announced in the following months.
