It’s a big deal in Europe and perhaps not so well known in the U.S., but the Milan Expo 2015 is redefining the concept of a World’s Fair. Some 144 countries are participating, including America, but the standout exhibition is far and away the “VINO- A taste of Italy” the first such pavilion dedicated entirely to wine.

Stevie Kim, doyenne of Italian Wine and the driving force behind VINO – A taste of Italy at Expo Milano

Designed by star architect Italy Rota, the exhibit is a compelling emotional journey through the history and production of wine to its evolution and realization in modern times using a variety of interactive station.

Tastings will be held at the exhibition giving visitors a chance to sample the immense diversity of Italian wine connected via an app (VINO- Vinitaly Wine Club). The app allows visitors to access detailed information about the wines being sampled with the added feature of enabling purchase online.

The wine exhibition is the brainchild of the supremely creative and indefatigable Stevie Kim, also Managing Director of Vinitaly who guided the concept, design and development. She, along with technical director Ian D’Agata did the yeoman’s job of curating the wines for the show—not a simple job in a country with more than 600 native varietals and some 175,000 producers.

The Vino Pavilion is particularly relevant today as there has been a veritable explosion of interest around the world in Prosecco and Moscato, both of which are Italian grape varieties and wine styles

So, if you find yourself in Italy between now and Oct. 31, make plans to visit Milan and check out the Fair and the Vino