A summer Tuesday in New York turned into a sensory journey through the most authentic Italy. On July 15, in the elegant setting of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, the first educational event of House of Made in Italy took place — the cultural and promotional project that, for an entire year, will transform Manhattan into a showcase of Italian excellence.
The true stars of the technical seminar were Italian PDO cheeses and wines, presented and tasted in front of a selected audience of over 50 professionals, including chefs, sommeliers, importers, restaurateurs, and food and wine journalists. The event was organized by I Love Italian Food and the Istituto 100% Italiano, with the support of ITA – Italian Trade Agency, Coldiretti, Filiera Italia, and Granterre.
The day began with institutional greetings from Silvia Meloni for I Love Italian Food, Carmen Damiani-Hacker for the Columbus Citizens Foundation, Raimondo Lucariello on behalf of the ICE New York Office, and Luigi Scordamaglia, representing Coldiretti and Filiera Italia via remote connection.
The core of the event was a technical-educational seminar that guided participants through the meaning and value of the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification — a symbol of authenticity, traceability, and strong territorial identity.
Through expert storytelling, guided tastings, and educational materials, participants explored some of the finest examples of Italian dairy excellence: Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, Asiago Fresco, and Piave Vecchio, each paired with a selected PDO wine to enhance its sensory profile.
The seminar was led by two expert voices: Robert Campana, founder of the Stop Italian Sounding project, presented the cheese modules, focusing on production areas, processes, and guided sensory analysis; Paola Pavan, Italian Wine Ambassador and wine expert based in New York, guided the audience through the wine tastings and the logic behind each pairing.
“At a time when tariffs between the United States and the European Union threaten to undermine the competitiveness of our most iconic products, offering a training opportunity like this means strengthening awareness and knowledge of true Made in Italy,” said Silvia Meloni, Vice President of I Love Italian Food and Coordinator of the Istituto 100% Italiano. “Highlighting certified origin and product quality is not only a cultural act, but a strategic one.”
To conclude the seminar, a convivial moment allowed guests to deepen the themes discussed, enjoy new tasting combinations, and connect with other professionals in a relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
This event officially opens the cultural calendar of House of Made in Italy, a project that will continue through July 2026, bringing to New York a series of initiatives, meetings, and events dedicated to promoting Italian culture — from food & wine to design, from fashion to sport — building concrete bridges between Italy and the United States.
House of Made in Italy is a project by I Love Italian Food and Columbus Citizens Foundation, presented under the patronage of Italian Trade Agency, with the support of Coldiretti and Filiera Italia.
Sponsors: Agriform, Mulino Caputo, Casa Modena, Ciao Il Pomodoro di Napoli, Filicori Zecchini, Acetaia Giusti, Granterre, Lurisia, Monini, Parmareggio, Effeuno, Il Newyorkese, Marino PR, La Gazzetta dello Sport, and Istituto 100% Italiano.
