I just want to alert those who’ll be in Italy in late May that Sunday May 25th, 2008 is Wine Day in Italy. Yes, it really is. You probably thought that every day was wine day but no, it’s Sunday 5/25.

What is wine day? It is a promotion where wineries and vineyards that generally are not open to the public are “cantine aperte” and invite you in to sample their wines, olive oils, cheeses and more—with the hope and expectation that you’ll buy some. So you sit and sip and chat (in English usually) and if you are like me, you can’t believe how you deserve to be in such a beautiful place. Some of the vineyards are spectacular. And of course, you are under no obligation to buy.

My husband and I discovered Wine Day several years ago by chance and had a marvelous day visiting gorgeous estates with breathtaking views along the Chianti road south of Florence.

Since then we have visited white wine country in the Veneto north of Venice and we have driven the Prosecco Road from roughly near Asolo to or towards Conigliano stopping at various wineries, sampling their fare, and enjoying their hospitality. Great fun!

Some communities may have wine-related events going on Saturday the 24th too. Check newspapers and local notices.

If you are in Italy that weekend, consider renting car, leaving the big city behind and heading out to the countryside where wine and good company await you. As you drive, look for “Cantine Aperte” signs. And do have a designated driver, of course.

If your Italian is passable, see http://www.movimentoturismovino.it/cantine_aperte.html

Enjoy,
WV Cyndy

Sounds fabulous, Cyndy! Probably too late for this year if someone doesn't already have a trip planned, but it's a date to keep in mind for the future.

And those of us at home away from Italy should plan to break out our best bottle of Italian wine to celebrate vicariously!

- Roz

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And those of us at home away from Italy should plan to break out our best bottle of Italian wine to celebrate vicariously!

I really like how you think, Roz!

It's the least we can do, after all, to support Italian wine

jan

Yes, indeed, our UMBRIA Sagrantino area wineries are all open with tastings and snacks. It is a very festive event in the entire small area of Sagrantino D.O.C.G. wines.

Mary

We're in the Montalcino area that day.

We leave for Italy on 20th May and will be in Montalcino for a week. Thanks for the advice and I will check out the website. 3 years since we have been to Italy. I'm probably more nervous than excited at this stage and I have no idea why. Will be good to revisit Montalcino.

I was in Montepulciano last year on the Cantine Aperte weekend and had a great time. If you're anywhere in Tuscany that weekend search out the tourist info and get a copy of the map of wineries they publish. It seems like most the wineries (Chianti, Vino Nobile, Brunello and others) are open. Montepulciano had an open wine tasting on the square Saturday evening (buy a glass for 2 euros and refills were 1 euro each). They also had local cheeses and cold cuts. Later in the evening there was entertainment. Overall, a great time.

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As you drive, look for “Cantine Aperte” signs.

Depending on where you are, that may or may not work as a stategy. Some of the vineyards are hidden and not all of them in the area participate. Better to have the name and address of at least one cantina to start with, then there will be maps to the others. On the website this page shows which regions have cantinas participating. When you click on the "cantine aperte" line, it takes you to a page with an Acrobat file you can access the brochure and map for that region. Click "scarica il file" for the mappa Cantine Aperte 2008 for that region.

We went last year and the procedure was to purchase a glass from the first winery you visit for 5 euro and then all the tastings at all the vineyards are included in that price. It is a nice way to discover little-known wineries.

Thanks Valerie.

I guess after all that wine, I forgot about the 5 euro starter glass.