The Wining Hour: Slow Wine is a movement that focuses specifically on wine production and consumption, advocating for a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to winemaking and wine appreciation. Each year, a Slow Wine Guide is published, highlighting wineries and regions that are in harmony with the philosophy. Slow Wine incorporates certain components, including an emphasis on quality, sustainability, local and artisanal production, transparency, wine education and collaboration. Asolo Prosecco, for example, is one region that truly embodies the Slow Wine Movement. Asolo Asolo, appro ..read more

The Wining Hour: Asolo is a small town located in the Veneto region of Italy, about 50 kilometers northwest of Venice. Said to be the “Pearl of the Province of Treviso” and the “City of a Hundred Horizons” due to its stunning, panoramic views of the Venetian plain, the Dolomites, and the Alps.  In fact, Asolo is known to be one of the most pristine and attractive towns in all of Italy, and recognized for its beautiful medieval architecture, stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and rich cultural heritage. There is no wonder why Asolo became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in ..read more

The Wining Hour: Slow Wine refers to a coalition that strives to emphasize quality over quantity and to promote sustainable and organic practices in winemaking. Slow Wine is a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship, encouraging consumers to savor and appreciate wine as more than just an alcoholic beverage, but as a reflection of culture, terroir, and tradition.  Central to the ethos of the Slow Wine Coalition is the concept of terroir, or the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography that imbues each wine with its distinctive character. By honoring and respecting the terroir, wi ..read more

The Wining Hour: Chianti, in Tuscany, Italy, is one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Most people are familiar with the rolling hills of Tuscany and the wine that historically came in a fiasco, the classic straw baskets that encased the wine to protect the thin glass bottles during shipping and to help them stand upright. This month, my “Wining Hour” features two elegant wines from Cantina I Veroni in Chianti Rùfina.  The Territory: Chianti Rùfina The Chianti region spans across the Tuscan provinces of Arezzo, Florence, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena.  The Chianti Classi ..read more

The Wining Hour: Okay, I confess. We all know that Italian wines hold a special place in my heart. However, I also have a thing for both the region and the wines of Valpolicella, which is nestled in the heart of the Veneto region in northern Italy.  Here’s why. Valpolicella is more than its captivating landscape of rolling hills, valleys and gentle slopes, where history, tradition, and natural beauty converge. Valpolicella also refers to the exceptional wines of the region. Valpolicella Vineyards in Verona, Veneto, Italy Speaking of exceptional wines, my heart is leaning towards a certai ..read more

The Wining Hour: Some call it an Aperitif. Others refer to it as an Aperitivo. An aperitif or aperitivo is an alcoholic beverage, typically served before a meal, with the purpose of stimulating the appetite. It is often enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink to awaken the taste buds, cleanse the palate and prepare the stomach for the meal to come.  Aperitifs are a significant part of many cultures, especially in European countries like Italy, France, Spain and Greece, where the ritual of enjoying an aperitif before a meal is deeply ingrained in the social and culinary traditions. They serve as a ..read more

The Wining Hour: Ok, ok. I know it’s been a while. This summer has been chock-full of events (both personal and business), as well as lots of travel. Basically, my summer has been non-stop! Nevertheless, as summer is winding down, I thought it would be a good time to jump back in and share a few Wining Hour highlights with you.  Events & Happenings Great Wines of the World NYC Tasting James’s Suckling’s (NY) Great Wines of the World is a two-day walk-around tasting that affords the opportunity to literally discover and taste some of the best wines in the world! The event features ove ..read more

Trento DOC is a prestigious Italian sparkling wine that beautifully captures the essence of the Trentino region in the Italian Alps. With a long-standing tradition of winemaking dating back to the early 20th century, Trento DOC has gained recognition as one of Italy's finest sparkling wines. I recently attended a seminar by the Trento DOC Consortium, which provided some insight into the history, terroir, production process, and unique characteristics of Trento DOC, showcasing why it has become a symbol of elegance and quality. History The story of Trento DOC begins in the early 1900s with Giu ..read more

Have you ever ordered a glass of Chiaretto di Bardolino…or, perhaps a just a glass of Bardolino? Are you familiar with wines of Bardolino? What is your experience with wines from this area? These are two wines made from the grape known as Corvina. Corvina is not a new discovery, and certainly has a story to be told. In fact, Corvina has a long-standing history and tradition in Verona, Italy. Let’s delve into the Corvina grape, the region of production and the wines. Corvina Corvina Grapes Corvina is an Italian red wine grape.  It has small berries with a thick skin.  Corvina, sometim ..read more

Recently, I had the honor of joining The Italian Trade & Investment Agency (ITA), as they hosted Dining with Bacchus. Bacchus is the God of Wine & Pleasure, and this event did not fall short in living up to that name! Dining with Bacchus was a sensational Italian wine & food tasting dinner designed to educate key industry players on Italian wines and their adaptability to various culinary pairings. This event was in conjunction with the recent celebration of World Week of Italian Cuisine (Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo). The Italian Trade Agency is the Governmental agen ..read more