CONSORTIUM FOR THE PROTECTION OF SICILY DOC WINE: A RICH PROGRAM OF TASTINGS IN ITALY AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS IN 2026

The Consortium for the Protection of DOC Sicilia wines presents the program of tastings and educational events that will bring the appellation to Italy's main cities and strategic international markets throughout 2026. A calendar of masterclasses, tastings, and events aimed at trade and consumers, designed to showcase DOC Sicilia as an authentic expression of a unique region for its biodiversity, winemaking culture, and ability to interpret new global consumer trends.

" Tasting and training events represent a fundamental strategic tool for promoting the richness and variety of the Sicilia DOC ," says Camillo Pugliesi, Director of the Consortium for the Protection of Sicilia DOC Wines . " They are opportunities for direct interaction with professionals and consumers, allowing us to convey not only the quality of our wines, but also the values that define the Sicilia DOC's identity, from protecting biodiversity to sustainability, and the appellation's ability to play a leading role on international markets with a strong and recognizable identity ."

In Italy, the program will kick off at the end of February 2026 with " Sicilia DOC Experience: Harmonies and Contrasts ," a 12-stop tour of major cities, organized in collaboration with sommelier and taster associations. The format includes in-depth masterclasses on the native grape varieties protected by the Sicilia DOC, led by authoritative voices in the winemaking and wine communication world, and aimed at operators, professionals, and opinion leaders.

The Consortium has already launched similar activities in Canada and the United States , key markets for the growth of the appellation, where a comprehensive program of masterclasses, tastings, and in-store tastings will be organized. In Canada , masterclasses are planned for sommelier students in Quebec and Ontario, with the aim of expanding and deepening their knowledge of the grape varieties, terroirs, and styles of Sicilia DOC wines. The program aims to train over 50 future professionals, combining educational activities with in-store tastings at select points of sale of the Canadian state monopolies SAQ and LCBO, to strengthen brand awareness and stimulate consumer interest.

In the United States , the Consortium will strengthen its presence through high-profile trade events aimed at top buyers and enriched with pairings with local cuisine. The Sicilia DOC in Tour event will also return, with the Annual New York Industry Tasting, as well as a roadshow of educational seminars in Denver, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Rounding out the promotional program for industry professionals in the US are events aimed at a retail audience, with training activities dedicated to the staff of major US retail chains.

With this rich calendar of events, the Consortium for the Protection of Sicilian DOC wines confirms its commitment to structured and coherent promotion, combining education and the story of the region, strengthening the denomination's positioning in Italy and around the world as a contemporary expression of an authentic wine-growing continent.