On March 27th, 2018 Master Sommelier and award-winning author John Szabo, will hold an “International Volcanic Wines Conference” (IVWC) in New York City.  In 2016 Szabo published a book titled: “Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power”.  Through the IVWC, Szabo wishes to create a volcanic wine movement in the US.

This follows similar pioneering initiatives already in action in Europe such as “Vulcanei” in Italy in which last year (May 6th and 7th, 2017) over 200 volcanic wines from more than 50 Italian producers were presented and tasted (www.vulcanei .wine).

Szabo would like to provide educational and promotional opportunities for volcanic wine producers internationally, with an eye to the North American market.  His conference will act as a sponsor to ultimately combine the world’s volcanic regions and create a “volcanic wine brand”: an exclusive class of wines produced within volcanic viticultural settings.  The IVWC aims also to classify its “volcanic wine brand” as premium high quality wines with a true sense of place, thereby increasing their perceived value.  However, volcanic soils and perceived value are not guarantee of excellence in the bottle…  There is much more than this.  Szabo’s work will certainly be heavy and complex, and will be meaningful the greater the number of quality vinous participants.  Moreover, objectivity is crucial to make the IVWC a reference in global volcanic wine, rather than simply another business and marketing initiative.

Within the IVWC, participants will discover the exceptional features that characterise volcanic wines, with involvement of expert insight and wine producers from different areas such as Soave, Campania, Basilicata, Sicily, Santorini, Tokaj, Badacsony, Somló, Washington State.

The IVWC confirms that world-wide attention concerning quality wines produced on volcanic soils is fermenting and increasing.  This is certainly excellent for wine aficionados and companies.