In a unique appearance together, for the first time in the United States, the 18 members of the Grandi Marchi – Institute of Italian Fine Wines, Alois Lageder, Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari Tenute, Antinori, Biondi Santi s.p.a., Ca’ del Bosco, Carpenè Malvolti, Donnafugata, Gaja, Jermann,  Lungarotti, Masi, Mastroberardino, Michele Chiarlo,  Pio Cesare, Rivera, Tasca D’Almerita, Tenuta San Guido, and Umani Ronchi -- will showcase their wines on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, in a day of events at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, as follows: 

• 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Wine Tasting, Press Conference and luncheon - Media only            
• 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Walk-around Grand Tasting, trade & media (complimentary)
• 5:00 p.m.:   Walk-around Grand Tasting - American Express Premium Access Program
• 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Walk-around Grand Tasting, open to the public (entrance fee)
• 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.: Gala Black-Tie Dinner at  Biltmore Hotel for Cellar Club members and guests. Silent auction with proceeds benefiting the United Way of Miami-Dade

Walk-around Grand Tasting: $40 for the general public;  $25 Premier and Cellar Club members and $20 for AmEx Premium Access Program . Tickets can be purchased at the door or RSVP to  International Event & Exhibition Management at (877) 217- 9867 or by e-mail, RSVP@iem.it .  Entrance fee for accredited media and trade professionals is complimentary.

Gala Dinner    $250 per person for the general public and $195 per person for Premier and Cellar Club members – RSVP (305) 913-3203, ext. 2092 or at the door, space permitting.

The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables. 
For additional  information   visit www.istitutograndimarchi.it or www.iem.it.
For media coverage and interviews, contact: Paulina Blanco/Larry Carrino(305) 573-0658 bcpr@brustmancarrinopr.com