Hello All,
I've enjoyed searching and reading old posts on buying wine in Italy and getting it home (thanks Dean and Robert for packing suggestions). Many of the posts on saving $$ on buying wine in Italy are from a time when the Dollar/Euro exchange rate was much more favaorable. When I view prices from some of the Italian Enotecca's that have web sites, I am finding that I can actually purchase them cheaper ('97 - '04 vintages at least) here in the US. I'd be interested in hearing from recent travelers on any suggestions, or if I should just hope to try to focus on finding some gems that are not available in the US. I'll be traveling with my daughter, so "our" plans will not be centered on wine, but I am hoping to have an opportunity to get in at least one winery visit while she is in a Cooking Class.
A few questions:
- I think I remember an old post indicating that wineries that offer direct sales to visitors charge the same price as the Enotecca's (presumably not to annoy their distributors/outlets). Is this the case for most wineries?
- Do wineries and enoteccas charge VAT on their sales?
- Any recommended enoteccas in the Pienza/Montepulciano area to seek out that have better prices/selections than most?
Thank you!

Steve

Hi Steve.

The questions you ask vary greatly from area to area, from winery to winery, from connection to connection. For example, in terms of pricing at enoteche versus the winery itself, it could be that you as a tourist might receive the same pricing at both places. I have even seen individuals at the wineries charged more than at local wine shops, for the reason you suggest, so that the local wine shops won't be undercut. Of course it is different if you are going to a vineyard or winery and you are accompanied by friends of the wine maker, then you might get a completely different price picture.

Enoteche will charge IVA on your order, since they are a retailer. The winery is obliged to charge the IVA as well, whether or not that actually happens will be evidenced by whether you get a receipt or not.

You can of course purchase wine from Italy in the states from wineries which have established distibutor/importer contacts for the specific state where you live. Because of the complex nature of exporting wine to the United States (50 different sets of rules regarding distibution and importation of wines and spirits), many of the best small wineries just simply either 1) just don't bother or 2) export only to states where they can get through the beaurocratic stuff successfully.

I used to live in California and believe that you guys have an easier time getting good wine from outside the US. So I think your strategy is a good one -- buy a few very select wines which do not export to the US. Don't worry about whether or not you are paying an extra Euro or two at the enoteca versus the winery, because in reality, it's not worth your time. If you want to go to a winery for the sake of enjoying that experience, then by all means do it for that reason.

I cannot give you suggestions for the best wines of southern Tuscany since I live in Piedmont. If your plans include coming to this region (the number one wine region of Italy), then I will be happy to help you with some suggestions.

I like to bring wine home from abroad. It has nothing to do with saving money or whether it's a wine I can find in the USA. It's all about the memory of the place and time I bought it. To pick out a bottle in an exotic place then drink it at home a year later brings back all the wonderful memories of my vacation. They say nothing can bring back memories as strongly as the sense of smell (and in this case, also taste).

quote:

Originally posted by Patrick, Arkansas:
I like to bring wine home from abroad. It has nothing to do with saving money or whether it's a wine I can find in the USA. It's all about the memory of the place and time I bought it. To pick out a bottle in an exotic place then drink it at home a year later brings back all the wonderful memories of my vacation. They say nothing can bring back memories as strongly as the sense of smell (and in this case, also taste).

Truly a wonderful sentiment!

Patrick, I couldn't agree more. Well said.

Diana, Patrick and all,

Thank you for the feedback. Had the opportunity to spend a few days in the Piedmont area about 20 years ago. It is certainly on my list for a return visit, but not on this trip unfortunately.

Patrick: I completely agree with your comments, and bringing home items which evoke fond memories will always get the priority spot in the suitcase. I think that experiences and memories are an essential element (and benefit) of Slow Travel. Since most of the wines I buy in the US are from Italy, I may consider the "second suitcase" option to bring home some additional old favorites in addition to the new memories. Reading older posts from Dean and Robert about bringing home 18-24 bottles at an average savings of $20-30 per bottle seemed like an interesting "bonus" on top of a wonderful trip, and probably invoked some envy on my part. Perhaps it may be just my male version of coming home from shopping and saying those words I dread to hear from my wife..."Honey, guess how much money I saved you today!".

I'll be traveling with my daughter (about to turn 21) on this trip. The primary reason for the travel is to attend a family event in Sweden, but I can't make the trek all the way to Europe without spending at least a week in Italy. Our plans and events will be centered around making memories for her, as well as introducing her to the Slow Travel philosophy. She had the opportunity to visit Europe on her high school senior class trip in 2005 (it was a small school), visiting about 15 countries in 18 days. When I asked her about Pisa (one of their few stops in Italy), she said "I think that's where we saw the Pope". After hearing that, I knew that a Slow Travel, stop and smell the poppies/sunflowers trip was in order. The opportunity for Dad to bring home some extra wine is merely a potential side benefit.

As always, thank you to fellow ST'ers for suggestions, feedback and a dose of perspective when needed!

Steve

quote:

Originally posted by Patrick, Arkansas:
I like to bring wine home from abroad. It has nothing to do with saving money or whether it's a wine I can find in the USA. It's all about the memory of the place and time I bought it. To pick out a bottle in an exotic place then drink it at home a year later brings back all the wonderful memories of my vacation. They say nothing can bring back memories as strongly as the sense of smell (and in this case, also taste).

I also find this true with Olive Oil--which lasts a lot longer than the wine and memories flash with each tablespoon or slice of bread or tomato or drizzled steak.

Steve, where in North County?

Hi Jane, we're in San Marcos, near the CSUSM campus.

Steve

Steve, next time there is a San Diego get-together, you should come.

Steve,

What a great trip for you daughter. My mother took me to Europe for 6 months when I was 16 and it was life changing.

Patrick and Jane... a really agree that the smells and taste can bring back great memories.

Steve.... if you are trying to bring back a lot of wine just remember that the weight limits on baggage has changed. Also, there is a new wine tour company based out of Siena that is spectacular. We have toured with them privately for many years and they have a wonderful passion for the land, owners and wine. You can get a better description on our web site or their site is http://www.smallvineyardstravel.com/

Have a wonderful trip.

quote:

Originally posted by jfraz:
....if you are trying to bring back a lot of wine just remember that the weight limits on baggage has changed.

I'd say "may have changed" rather than "has changed".

I generally fly Northwest and, as far as I can see, the weight limit for international coach flights is still the same as it has been for years: 2 checked bags, 50 pounds each. They don't mention a weight limit on carry-on bags. Just max. dimensions.

My take- sometimes things that are limited or unavailable here are available from wineries.

Example- Tour Of Ceuso in western sicily

ceuso

we were offered their flagship wine not in the current release of 2004 but their 1999 which was much more ready to drink (same price)!

We also had a tour with the winemaker,enologist and one other family member!

Montalcino- In 2005 some of the famous 97's were still availbale in wineries, I bought 6 bottles of Poggio Antico brunello.

Have a price point in mind and take it from there. RR

In terms of value for money, the forthcoming markdown of several 2003 vintage 'brunello' to IGT (the table wine determination) looks promising from Banfi, Antinori and Frescobaldi among other notables.

quote:

Originally posted by jeremiahisrael:
In terms of value for money, the forthcoming markdown of several 2003 vintage 'brunello' to IGT (the table wine determination) looks promising from Banfi, Antinori and Frescobaldi among other notables.

I've been dissapointed by the large makers esp. Banfi. RR

"After hearing that, I knew that a Slow Travel, stop and smell the poppies/sunflowers trip was in order."


You sound like a very wise dad. Have a stellar trip with your daughter! What memories you both will have. Buon Viaggio. Barb Cabot

Hey there. We used to bring home lots of wine and plot ways to pack it, ship it - ah, the good ol' days pre-euro. Like you, we've been discouraged by exchange rate and buy wine here in the U.S. from a company in NYC. On occasion we bring home a bottle or two or three of something rare or special from Italy but no more the suitcases full.

Although I do agree that wine is a wonderful memory of idyllic days and vistas, my suggestion is to make more time for enjoying the wine while in Italy. Some things get lost in translation.

And jfraz, thank you for the link to the tour company. I am contemplating a trip next spring without car rental and a tour out of Siena might be great fun.

Have any of you wine enthusiasts had a chance to taste the wines of Villa Chiarini Wulf yet?
I had my first taste of their signature white Flora (14° )yesterday and it was very special. Prices are much lower than the big Tuscans so keep in mind the next time you are in the N. Lazio area. www.villachiariniwulf.it

quote:

I've been dissapointed by the large makers esp. Banfi. RR

I am not a wine buff but I generally avoid brunello brands as my limited experience is of overpriced product. As an aside, we generally look out for Yarden white wines (Yarden is a Golan Heights winery) but we now find these hard to get. I have been told that producers in the Alto Aldige objected to the quantity (i.e. the quality ) of Yarden gewurstraminer being imported into Italy. Equivalents from the Alto Adige are nearly twice the price. Good white around Cortona is Fontarca. Seems to exist only in the enoteche rather than the supermarkets.

quote:

Originally posted by Bags packed:
[1]Although I do agree that wine is a wonderful memory of idyllic days and vistas,
[2]my suggestion is to make more time for enjoying the wine while in Italy.

My suggestion is to do BOTH [1] and [2] above! Make plenty of time to enjoy it while in Italy AND bring some home to spur the memories a year later.