Viva Vino LA made its grand return to Los Angeles for a second year of distinguished and educational dinners, wine tastings and seminars.
The premiere Italian wine festival was presented by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, The North American Sommelier Association and Please the Palate. It showcased Italy’s vibrant, historical and thriving wine culture.
“Viva Vino provides a comprehensive and intimate introduction to Italian wines and territories in a city already brimming with experienced wine consumers and retailers,” says Alessia Botturi of The North American Sommelier Association.
In California’s flourishing wine market, Viva Vino LA has given people the opportunity to expand their knowledge of native Italian wines. As the first of its kind on the West Coast, the festival has become a vital opportunity to bring awareness to the culture of Italian winemaking.
Carlo Ferrini, acknowledged as one of the best winemakers in the world, including 2008 Best “Winemaker of the World” by Wine Enthusiast, was a featured speaker. He operates in his native Tuscany, where he is a consultant winemaker to some of the most prestigious Tuscan wineries.
During the seminar “Conversation with the Winemaker” Ferrini discussed his new project, Domodimonti in Marche.
Dr. Francesco Bellini, passionate winemaker of Domodimonti Natural Wine and his wife Marisa have one objective—to produce wines as naturally as possible with the least amount of additives.
Marisa Bellini says of her wine, “This natural approach to the cultivation and conservation of vines typically exceeds the rules and regulations of organic farming. Focusing on specific aspects of sustainable vine growth—including water conservation, soil improvement, erosion control and the latest in Integrated Pest Management techniques—these wines are testament to the continuous drive of producing natural wine.”
A special dinner at Ado Restaurant in Venice, with dishes prepared by Italian Master Chef Antonio Mure’, was a well-received highlight.
Allison Levine, founder of Please The Palate, was implemental in planning this year’s event. The wine dinners are a favorite aspect for her.
“Dinners are about sharing food, wine and friendship. Including a renowned Italian chef, such as Ado Muse, ensures the wine pairing will be remarkable,” Levine says. “Having illustrious winemaker Carlo Ferrini in attendance heightens the experience. Both the tasters and the maker can experience that warm, personal connection. That is priceless.”
The showcase event was the Grand Tasting. Consumers gathered to taste hundreds of Italian wines from 78 Italian wineries. The wine was as diverse as the people in attendance.
Shannon Paradzik said, “The Grand tasting was a wonderful event with a great vibe. The wines were wonderful and there were so many it was hard to choose. One of the standouts for me was the Caiarossa. A complicated wine for a complicated woman.”
Chrystal Baker attended the festival for the first time.
“I was impressed by the number of sophisticated selection of wines. The level of each vendor’s pride in his product struck me the most, and no one hesitated to answer any and every question that came to mind,” Baker said.
The event was a true inspiration and infused Los Angeles with the warmth and love of that embodies the Italian culture.