Vinitaly. Oh boy...

The craziness starts tomorrow. Day #1 of Vinitaly.

Felt a little preparatory post was required.

The pictures above are from 2007...my 1st Vinitaly experience at the Coffele stand, and what an experience it was.

Here is a brief list of facts for those not familiar with the event:

1. Vinitaly is the largest wine show in the world

2. The 2008 show will include 4,300 exhibitors coming from more than 30 countries...and 150,000 visitors are expected (with 30% coming from more than 100 foreign countries)

3. The show is always held in Verona around the end of March/beginning of April and lasts for 5 days

4. It is the only show focused on the needs of all operators in the industy such as producers, importers, distributors, caterers, technicians, journalists and opinion leaders

5. Themeline for Vinitaly is "Another love story in Verona." Doesn't get more cheesy...I mean, romantic than that.

And last but not least...
6. It is the event that causes wine producers all over the world to go really quite mad in preparation. And in the case of Chiara and I, to go on a well...let's face it, a frivolous shopping spree thus expanding our wardrobes by unnecessary leaps and bounds.

Definitely more posts on Vinitaly to follow over the course of the next few days.

And yes, Robin Berben, Franz and Pete will be in attendance (btw, Franz is the guy with the enormous wine bottle on his nose and Pete is to his right in the photo above). And yes, those two girls with Alberto in the photo above are wearing silver wigs and full-body silver unitards. Ah...gotta love unitards.

Giddy Up!!!

- Zucca