Welcome to Episode 1769, where we present the session recordings from the wine2wine Business Forum 2023. In today's episode, we delve into 'The Sunshine State of Wine: Exploring the Italian Wine Business in the Florida Market' with Erin DeMara & Marilyn Krieger. Italian Wine Podcast is proud to be a media partner of wine2wine Business Forum and we are pleased to present this series of market focus sessions, recorded during the Forum held in Verona in November 2023. wine2wine Business Forum is an international wine business event, held annually in Verona, Italy since 2014. The event is a key annual reference point for wine producers and wine professionals from around the world, providing an opportunity to network, develop and expand their wine business worldwide. Abstract: Florida is a very important wine market for nearly every wine producing region in the world, especially Italy. Florida offers opportunities for large and small producers alike, but the challenges can be myriad. Navigating this state and these markets requires skill, experience, energy, and patience. This is one of the largest and fastest growing areas in the U.S., not only in population, but in wine consumption. However, Florida is much more than Mickey Mouse and Miami Beach. The cultures, demographics, and markets are as varied as they are vastly spread apart. They stretch from the Latin-influenced metropolis of Miami to Orlando and Disney World in the heart of the state to the Riviera of the Panhandle, which crosses into a second time zone. This session will explore the demographics and regions of the Florida market, as well as the opportunities both on- and off-trade for Italian wine producers: who are the wine drinkers in Florida, where they live, where they buy their wine, how we can sell more Italian wine to them, and which Italian wines might have the best success. These investigations will not be an exhaustive list but will seek to give a better understanding of wine business in “The Sunshine State.” More about today’s presenter: Erin DeMara is a twenty-nine-year professional of the wine and restaurant industries. Currently in his seventh year with 1821 Fine Wine and Spirits, an Italian-focused importer, he manages the portfolio of 100+ wines and spirits within Florida, USA. Erin is a Certified Wine Educator by the Society of Wine Educators and an Italian Wine Ambassador and Educator by VinItaly International Academy – the only wine professional in America to hold both titles. He is also a Certified Spirits Specialist, a Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers, and an awarded member of the Guild of Sommeliers. Connect: Instagram: www.instagram.com/wineknowfl/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/erin-demara-38006110/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Thanks for tuning in! Listen to more stories from the Italian Wine Community here on Italian Wine Podcast!