Vinitaly 2007 – March 29 – April 2 – Verona

Vinitaly 2007, held at the Fair of Verona, is five days of full immersion in Italian wines, traditional foods and Olive Oil. Vinitaly has long been the marquis wine tradeshow in Italy however in recent years the organizers have expanded their vision of quality. The fair hosts 4,200 wineries in 80,000 sq meters, about 800,000 sq ft. This year, the fair has organized a meeting with top Italian chefs. An entire area is dedicated to both traditional and contemporary recipes with the top names of the Italian culinary art. Wine is passion; wine is about expertise passed down from generation to generation; wine is about the tight bond between the land and the family.

The production of quality Olive Oil is the same. Olive Oil does not receive the same attention as wine but it is equally a work of art. Vinitaly has opened its doors to the producers of Olive Oils. There are some great Oils in Italy. Each region has different soil and weather. This changes the taste of the Olive Oil as much as it influences the wine. Hopefully future years will also include an area for the regional honey producers and even cheeses. Sure, it would become a much larger show and there are already tradeshows in Milan dedicated to these products but natural products, made by true masters with the passion for their art should have an opportunity to get together and take the visitor on a trip into quality, and experience without precedence.

But how do you, the non industry professional, get into this exclusive tradeshow? Most of the wine distributors and importers receive numerous invitations, many more than they could use. If you maintain a good rapport with your local wine store, they should be able to provide you with a pass. Most likely it is too late to find a hotel in Verona however both Brescia and Padova will have hotel accommodations. You can catch a train, which I highly recommend, or rent a car. It will take about 40 minutes from either destination. If you are a bit more adventurous I would suggest an Agriturismo at any of the wineries in Franciacorta or other areas of Veneto. Again, train or car will get you to the fair, but the stay will be much more interesting.

This is a tradeshow I highly recommend, at least once in your life, for any wine lover. Lodging at a winery will simply make this experience more incredible.