UNPARALLELED GROWTH AND DEAL-MAKING AT THE 7th ANNUAL MIAMI INTERNATIONAL WINE FAIR
75 Percent Growth in Exhibit Space, Industry Attendance Doubled,
 More Than $18 Million Estimated in Prospective Sales

Miami, Florida (November 10, 2008) – The 7th Annual Miami International Wine Fair presented by Infiniti, featuring Iberwine’s first U.S. appearance, reaffirmed its position as one of America’s leading wine tradeshows and consumer tasting events in the country.  Joined by partner Emporio Ferial, organizers of Iberwine,  more than 2,000 consumers and 4,000 trade professionals - an industry increase of nearly double from 2007 - flocked to 70,000-square-feet of pure “wine country” at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Hall C, from October 25 to 27, 2008. 

The increase of approximately 75 percent in exhibitor square-footage from 2007 is a key indicator of the 2008 Miami International Wine Fair’s prospects.  Despite the current economic climate, show management estimates that 300,000 nine-liter wine cases will be sold as a direct result of the business deals generated by the fair, which translates into more than $18 million in sales. 

“One of the resounding successes of this edition was the creation of the Buyer’s Program,” said David Bernad, Miami International Wine Fair Co-Founder and President.  “We flew 130 carefully selected importers, distributors and retailers to Miami from every state in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, which accounted for more than $500 million in purchasing power.” 

With more than 1,200 wines from 19 countries, the Miami International Wine Fair secured a record number of 400-plus wine producers.  Iberwine’s presence attracted more than 200 wineries from Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, Spain and

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Uruguay.  Andalucía, Aragon, Castilla y León, Castilla La Mancha, Cataluña, Comunidad Valenciana, Pais Vasco and other wines from Spain were among those most widely appreciated by buyers, who found keen interest in their quality and value.   

“This year, the fair surpassed our most optimistic expectations and we are excited to further develop our relationship and begin working on the 8th edition of the Miami International Wine Fair,” said Carlos Falcó (Marqués de Griñón), Co-President of Iberwine.  “As a winemaker, I’ve spent more than 25 years promoting at shows in five continents and this has definitively been one of the best experiences.”

Italy, the world’s largest wine exporter to the U.S., showcased more than 90 wineries, while France, Australia and the United States participated in strong numbers.  Exhibiting for the first time was Chateau Indage Ltd., one of the largest producers in India, and Romanian wineries Terra Romana, Prahova Valley and Byzantium. 

"The Miami International Wine Fair is a jewel among other wine fairs that I have attended,” said Leo B. Fox of World Shippers & Trades Co.  “As an importer and buyer of wines, the selection of wines and vendors was excellent." Michael A. Schaefer, buyer for Wonderful Ethnic Wines said: “The fair proved to be a tremendous success for our company as we enjoyed the unique opportunity to establish relationships with a wide range of wine producers from a variety of regions.”

Commissioner Deede Weithorn of the City of Miami Beach; Iberwine co-presidents Carlos Falcó and Massimo Galimberti; and JP Miquel, Former Chair and Current Board Member of the American Red Cross, endorsed the Fair during opening ceremonies on Saturday, October 25, 2008. 

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Celebrity Chef Nathan Lyon (A Lyon in the Kitchen, Discovery Channel) conducted culinary demonstrations, and 14 seminars, ranging from the acclaimed “Spain vs. the Rest of the World” seminar presented by Pancho Campo M.W. to “Sushi & Sake” by SUSHISAMBA dromo,” took place throughout the three-day event.  Ancillary happenings included wine dinners sponsored by the governments of Castilla la Mancha and Aragon at Smith & Wollensky, with an after-party at Opium Gardens on Saturday, October 25; and dinner at Vix at Hotel Victor, with festivities on the rooftop and cocktails courtesy of St. Germain and NAVAN Natural Vanilla Liqueur on Sunday, October 26, 2008.

Sponsors of the 2008 Miami International Wine Fair & Iberwine included Infiniti, the City of Miami Beach, Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, and Chateau Indage.  For a complete list, please visit the website at www.miamiwinefair.com.

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 Miami International Wine Fair