Vinexpo Americas promises ‘focused environment’ at Miami show
Although “clarity and continuity” are top of the agenda at Vinexpo Americas 2026, the trade show is ambitiously pursuing further geographical reach and a broader category range.
It may not be the most dramatic change of branding, but it is certainly significant. Last year, Vinexpo America held its two-day trade show at Miami Beach Convention Center; this year, from 29–30 April, it returns as Vinexpo Americas.
That additional ‘s’ reflects an expanded vision, emphasising that this is not a narrow focus on just the US and that the show instead serves North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Last year showed the first evidence of the shift, with the show moving from New York to Miami, a better hub for the Americas as a whole.
Grace Ghazalé, director of international events at Vinexposium, explains: “Miami brings together the right decision-makers from across the continent in one focused environment.
“For global producers, at a time when sourcing strategies are being recalibrated, maintaining visibility in the U.S. market is critical, while leveraging Miami’s position to develop distribution opportunities across neighbouring markets.”
A wider span
For organiser Vinexposium, the challenge is clear. Last year’s inaugural Miami edition established a show with international reach and of genuine use to the industry; Vinexpo Americas 2026 is seeking to build on that momentum.
Last year 2,106 trade participants from 46 countries attended the show. As a particular vindication of the relocation, 40% of these participants came from Latin America and the Caribbean, cementing its place as an international event.
That cohort took part in more than 1,000 pre-scheduled business meetings, making use of Vinexpo America to connect across the continent.
For the 2026 edition, 15 countries have already confirmed their participation at the international event: Argentina, Austria, Chile, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Republic of North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain and the US.
Moreover, Vinexposium is heartened by the US response to its other shows. The recent edition of Wine Paris, saw an uptick of 28% in visitors from the US, demonstrating that, even in challenging conditions, the country is committed to the global industry.
Three shows in one
Similarly to that edition of Wine Paris, Vinexpo Americas is now adopting a tripartite format, recognising that buyers and portfolios increasingly span several categories.
Vinexpo Americas is now the overarching show and also the name of one of its subdivisions, dedicated to wine distribution in the Americas.
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It is joined by Be Spirits, a dynamic event that showcases the worlds of spirits, beer, cider, sake and mixology. Having expanded its spirits offering to encompass everything from global brands to boutique producers, Vinexposium has recently given the section separate billing within its events, reflecting the importance and dynamism of the category.
One of the industry’s hottest topics will also receive its own space, with the debut of Be No Miami. This section will showcase alcohol-free innovation, while facilitating the conversations around wellness and mindful consumption that are transforming the global drinks industry.
With a single buyer badge granting access to all three areas, Vinexpo Americas 2026 will allow attendees to get the broadest possible overview of global and regional markets across multiple categories.
Thought leadership
The global beverage market is currently challenging, with the US in particular prone to fluctuations as tariff regimes develop.
According to SipSource/IWSA data, US wine depletions declined by 7.5% in 2025. There are, however, some indications that the situation is improving, given that the figure for the first nine months of the year was an 8.5% decline.
Due to that geopolitical volatility, Vinexop Americas is leaning into its capacity for thought leadership and important conversations. As well as bringing together business leaders and dignitaries, that means a full programme of The Academy, the show’s centre for discussion and expertise.
This year, its events take two complementary forms: one hour masterclasses to survey topics in-depth and 30 minute ‘Quick Talks’ to summarise perspectives on business strategy and market trends.
Across the programme, speakers will examine key challenges and opportunities for the global trade, make use of Americas-focused data from IWSR and provide strategic insight. The agenda has a local flavour too: Vinexpo Americas plays host to the exclusive event ‘Wine Talks Miami: Success in a (competitive) Florida Market’, hosted by Sarah Phillips McCartan, founder of Wine Talks Miami.
It is hoped that the extensive content programme will solidify Vinexpo Americas’ position not just as a meeting place, but as a centre for problem solving and expertise in the regional market.
“In a geo-economic and political environment marked by regulatory adjustments and shifting trade dynamics, the industry needs structured platforms that provide clarity and continuity,” concludes Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium.
“The United States remains a central market for the global wine and spirits industry, while Latin America and the Caribbean continue to gain strategic importance. Through its international portfolio, Vinexposium is committed to supporting long-term commercial engagement across the continent.”
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