The News
Consorzio Asti DOCG announced Asti Week will take place in Chicago from April 20 to 26, featuring 16 restaurants. The event highlights Asti DOCG and Asti Spumante DOCG wines with special pairings, menus, or by-the-glass selections. Participating restaurants include contemporary American, Italian, Asian, and Mediterranean concepts.
The Asti DOCG “Asti Week” returns to Chicago from April 20–26 with 16 restaurants pairing Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante against international dishes. Organized by Consorzio Asti, the event marks the brand’s first U.S. city‑wide celebration outside New York and positions the low‑abv wines as versatile partners for diverse dining settings.
Asti Week focuses on a niche segment rather than the broader market. Chicago’s on‑premise wine sales grew 5.2 % YoY in 2025, outpacing the national average of 3.8 %. That growth signals an appetite for premium and specialty wines in full‑service venues—a demographic that Asti Week targets through curated menus instead of mass distribution. The 16‑venue footprint is far smaller than Chicago Restaurant Week’s 200‑plus participants, underscoring a strategy of concentrated influence over sheer volume.
Low‑alcohol wines are increasingly common; 43 % of U.S. restaurants now offer low‑alcohol options versus 29 % in 2021. Yet only 12 % of upscale venues carry Moscato d’Asti. The program aims to raise that figure by showcasing the DOCG’s distinctive flavor and price point to leading chefs and sommeliers.
Distributors can use this event to strengthen Moscato d’Asti’s DOCG standing in premium channels. Since the wines target fine‑dining, they should prioritize boutique merchants and high‑end restaurants that value a 5 % ABV for health‑conscious guests. Bars might add Asti DOCG to their rotation, but because it is a single‑brand line with limited shelf life, they’ll treat it as a specialty item rather than a staple.
Restaurant buyers see the 16 venues as a manageable pilot. Chefs can test pairing with spicy Asian dishes, seafood, and desserts—scenarios highlighted by Consorzio Asti’s marketing narrative. If successful, the model could be replicated in nearby markets that share similar dining profiles.
Asti Week’s modest scale, low‑abv positioning, and focus on fine‑dining are designed to lift the 12 % uptake of Moscato d’Asti among upscale venues in Chicago’s premium market.
Original Press Release
Following the success of last year's New York edition, Asti Week returns to the United States, expanding its reach with a new destination: Chicago. From April 20 to April 26, 16 restaurants across the city will take part in a week-long culinary celebration highlighting the versatility of Asti DOCG wines alongside a diverse range of international cuisines.
Organized to showcase the unique character and food-pairing potential of Asti wines, the initiative will bring together some of Chicago's most dynamic dining establishments—from contemporary American and Italian kitchens to Asian and Mediterranean concepts. Each participating restaurant will feature special pairings, curated menus, or by-the-glass selections centered around Moscato d'Asti DOCG and Asti Spumante DOCG, offering diners an opportunity to experience these iconic wines in new and unexpected culinary contexts.
"Asti Week was created to showcase how versatile and approachable Asti wines are at the table." said Giacomo Pondini, Director of Consorzio Asti DOCG "Alongside their aromatic character and refreshing profile, they are also known for their naturally low alcohol levels—5% for Moscato d'Asti and 7% for Asti Spumante—a feature that strongly resonates with today's growing interest in lighter, more mindful drinking. Choosing Chicago for the second edition was a natural decision: with its vibrant and diverse restaurant scene, we believe it provides the ideal stage to highlight the unique qualities of Asti wines."
Throughout the week, participating restaurants will highlight Asti wines through creative pairings designed to complement a wide spectrum of flavors—from seafood and spicy dishes to desserts and modern fusion cuisine. The initiative aims to encourage exploration, inviting both wine enthusiasts and curious diners to discover how Asti wines enhance a variety of dining experiences.
Chicago marks the second U.S. city to host the program, following last year's successful edition in New York. By partnering with restaurants representing multiple culinary traditions, Asti Week continues to emphasize the global appeal of Asti DOCG wines and their ability to pair seamlessly beyond traditional Italian cuisine.
Event details can be found here: ASTI WEEK CHICAGO; while here the list of the participating restaurants:
Il Girasole Trattoria, Indian Garden, Mano A Mano, Mercato by Lino's, Nora, North Pond, Osteria del Pastaio, Piccolo Sogno, Robert's Pizza, Rooted, Sakana, Tank Kitchen & Bar, The Dining Room at Kendall College, Uvae Chicago, Void, Volare.
About Asti DOCGAsti DOCG wines originate from the historic winegrowing region of Piedmont in northwestern Italy. Produced primarily from the Moscato Bianco grape, Asti Spumante DOCG and Moscato d'Asti DOCG are celebrated worldwide for their aromatic character, natural sweetness, and lively freshness, making them among the most distinctive sparkling wines of Italy.
Asti Week: astiweek.com Consorzio Asti DOCG: astidocg.it/en/
Platinum Media LLCArianna Restivo: arianna@platinummedia.agencyVirginia Cademartori: virginia@platinummedia.agency
Sources consulted (web research):
- From New York To Chicago Asti Week Returns For Its Second Edition Wit…
- York Chicago Asti Week Returns 155800516
- Astiweek site
- Choose Chicago Reveals Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 Participating Res…
- Chicago Restaurant Week 2026
Source: PR Newswire