🍷 How to Find a Wine You’ll Truly Love (Without Overthinking It)

Raleigh, NC — February 2026 — Vitis House Wine School proudly hosted and collaborated on the Raleigh debut of the 2026 Simply Italian Great Wines Americas Tour, marking the city as one of three key U.S. markets — alongside Miami and Houston — selected to showcase the excellence and diversity of Italian wine.

Held at 1000 Social at The Exchange, the event brought together wine professionals, importers, distributors, sommeliers, media, and educators for a full day dedicated to Italian wine culture, education, and industry connection. The Raleigh stop introduced the tour to North Carolina for the first time, reinforcing the region’s growing importance within the American wine landscape.

The Simply Italian format — combining educational seminars with a large walk-around tasting — once again demonstrated its strength as a platform designed to promote Italian fine wines while building meaningful relationships within the trade.

Education at the Center of the Experience

Education remained a defining element of the Raleigh program, aligning closely with Vitis House’s mission to elevate wine knowledge through accessible, professional learning experiences.

Two guided masterclasses led by wine educators Doreen Colondres and Lyn Farmer welcomed strong participation from trade and media:

“The Italian Lifestyle Has a Unique Taste: Pinot Grigio delle Venezie D.O.C.”
“FederDoc Traceability and Regulation of Italian DOC Wines”

The seminars explored Italian appellation systems, traceability, and regional identity, offering attendees deeper understanding of Italy’s winemaking heritage and regulatory framework.

vitis house simply italian great wines americas tour

A Milestone for Raleigh’s Growing Wine Community

The event highlighted Raleigh’s rapid emergence as a dynamic food and wine destination in the Southeast. Professionals from across North Carolina and neighboring markets gathered in an atmosphere defined by collaboration, curiosity, and professional exchange.

“We are beyond proud that Raleigh was selected to host Simply Italian,” said Doreen Colondres, founder of Vitis House Wine School. “The energy in the room confirmed what we already know — this is a passionate and growing wine community eager to learn, connect, and engage directly with producers.”

Italy in One Room

The afternoon walk-around tasting showcased more than 60 wineries representing Italy’s most important regions, including Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany, Alto Adige, Abruzzo, Sicily, and beyond. Attendees had the opportunity to discover new producers while strengthening relationships with established consortia and import partners. Italian charcuterie, salads and pastas were provided to all attendees to pair the wine selection.

Looking Ahead

Following its successful Raleigh debut, the Simply Italian Great Wines Americas Tour continues to Miami and concludes in Houston, further expanding Italian wine education and trade engagement across the United States.

The Raleigh event stands as a milestone collaboration between international producers and the local wine community — demonstrating how education, partnership, and shared passion continue to shape the future of wine in emerging markets.