Vinitaly at 50

For me, we have every reason to be proud that an Italian wine brand has reached the age of 50 and is known throughout the world. Even in a country like ours, specialized in whipping itself and praising other countries, we must have an iota of pride for a trade fair like this and, especially, for those who have been a part of Vinitaly all these years: producers, producer associations, trade journalists, sommeliers and even simple wine lovers. For once we should put all our wining aside, be they about the logistics, the high price of hotel rooms and entrance fees and the space available.

There is always room for improvement, for sure, but we really should celebrate Vinitaly’s 50th and appreciate the fact that not only has it won international credibility but it has also taken part taken part, often to great success, in other international events and even organized some of its own, allowing it to improve its own formula. Host city Verona has tackled some of the problems that have plagued Vinitaly in the past and created greater parking facility and is offering more services. We should never lose sight of the fact that we are playing on home ground and those who visit Vinitaly do so because they are interested in Italian wine. You will never hear a Frenchman complain about Vinexpo in Bordeaux and we should follow this example.

Among the over 3,000 exhibitors taking part in Vinitaly’s kickoff on April 10 will be, for the fifth year in a row, Doctor Wine. This year we will be located in pavilion 10, the one dedicated to Piedmont, which has been expanded and revamped. Our stand will be in section B3, just like the highway that leads to the great Chateaux in Bordeaux. As always, visitors to our stand will be able to sample wines from our dispensers and this year we will offer nine seminars involving over 120 wines. In Doctor Wine tradition, these will be free and each participant will be given a copy of our Ultimate Guide to Italian Wine 2016. One need only reserve a place on our website or, if any are left, directly at the fair. Unfortunately, places available are limited to only 27 per seminar and so, if you’re interested, it is best to move quickly. All information will be available on the Doctor Wine site as well as our Facebook page. I will be spending a lot of time at our stand should you want to see me about anything. You can tell me, for example what you think of the Doctor Wine magazine site, our wine guide and the world of wine in general and offer us all the advice you want. If I am not there, then you will find Stefania Vinciguerra, Iolanda Maggio and many other of our collaborators. Come and see us, you will be more than welcome at the Doctor Wine lair at the fair.

Here follows the list of seminars:

And the list of wineries available from the wine dispensers WineEmotion: