Antica Cantina Leonardi takes Lazio wines to Seattle and New York

Antica Cantina Leonardi used eight wine dinners, lunches and tastings in Seattle and New York City to promote Lazio wines in the U.S. market in 2026. The campaign, part of the EU co-financed OCM Wine Promotion Project 2025/2026, focused on building trade relationships and spotlighting EST! EST!! EST!!! di Montefiascone DOC.

Why it matters: - Antica Cantina Leonardi is using U.S. market events to expand its international reach and build demand for Lazio wines. - The campaign targets wine professionals, importers, distributors and consumers in two major markets: Seattle and New York City. - The promotion centers on EST! EST!! EST!!! di Montefiascone DOC, a flagship wine that carries the winery’s regional identity.

What happened: - Antica Cantina Leonardi took part in the OCM Wine Promotion Project 2025/2026, co-financed by the European Union. - The winery organized eight promotional events in 2026. - The events included wine dinners, lunches and tasting sessions. - The activities took place in July, August and October 2026. - The events were held in Seattle and New York City. - The audience included wine professionals, trade operators, importers, distributors and private customers.

The details: - The tastings highlighted the winery’s wines with a focus on quality, authenticity and heritage. - The promotion gave special attention to EST! EST!! EST!!! di Montefiascone DOC and a selection of Lazio IGP wines. - Antica Cantina Leonardi is based in the Montefiascone area near Lake Bolsena in northern Lazio. - The winery describes its location as part of a territory shaped by natural beauty, historical heritage and favorable wine-growing conditions. - The estate says its long-standing tradition is tied to preserving and promoting local wine heritage while expanding into international markets. - EST! EST!! EST!!! di Montefiascone DOC is linked to a medieval legend from the 12th century. - The legend says German bishop Johannes Defuk sent his servant Martino ahead to mark good wines with “EST.” - Martino reportedly wrote “EST! EST!! EST!!!” on the door of the inn in Montefiascone after finding exceptional wine. - The wine has become a symbol of Montefiascone and a recognizable ambassador for the Lazio wine region. - More information about the winery’s promotion project is not provided in the source text.

Between the lines: - The campaign is as much about market access as it is about branding. - By pairing tastings with regional storytelling, Antica Cantina Leonardi is positioning Lazio wines as products with both commercial appeal and cultural value. - Direct engagement with trade buyers in key U.S. cities suggests the winery is aiming for relationships that can support longer-term export growth.

What's next: - Antica Cantina Leonardi is expected to keep using international promotion to support its broader internationalization strategy. - The winery will likely continue leveraging the EU-backed OCM program and local partnerships to reach overseas buyers and consumers. - The U.S. events may help build future commercial opportunities for Lazio wines in strategic markets.