Florence’s Wine Tasting Event at Vecchio Conventino

This weekend only, the public will be able to attend the ‘Florence Wine Event,’ one of the city’s oldest wine events in the field. November 18 and 19 will bring winemakers and producers from the surrounding Tuscan areas to Il Vecchio Conventino (Via Giano della Bella, 20) to showcase their vintages.  The fair is open Saturday 3 – 11 pm, Sunday noon – 9 pm.

Located at stands will be the wine producers who will be able to provide information about the blend of wine and the process of production and maturation as well as tempt wine connoisseurs with a variety of samples. If the visitor is tempted enough, there will also be bottles for sale, many of which are the result of organic production.

In order to have access to the tastings, the public must present their ‘drink card’ which they will receive upon paying the entrance fee of €15. Also included in the price are a brochure of the festival, a brand-new wine glass and a free glass of dessert wine.

The public can expect to savour wines such as Chianti, Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino. Other wines that will be available will come from the areas of La Lunigiana, La Maremma, the Valdarno area, Mugello and the surrounding hills of Florence.

The two-day event was organised in conjunction with ‘Due Mari WineFest’ from Taranto, meaning there will be a complete area dedicated to wine and other food delicacies from Puglia.

Another area will be representative of ‘Le Donne del Vino’ (Women Winemakers). Offering their products at the stand, these women have also recently written a book concerning their role in the industry. The book will be presented at 6 pm on Saturday 18.

Included in the entrance fee, the public will also be able to book onto a tour on Sunday 19 at 4 pm around the festival with journalist and critic, Leonardo Romanelli who will guide the visitor on three wine tasting experiences. The first will involve Syrah wine from producers in Cortona, Arezzo. Next up will be Trebbiano wine, one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. The experience will close with complementary glasses of Cabernet Franc.

During the tasting of each type, the public will be able to compare the same wine from various producers and discover the minute differences between each one. Booking is required and can be made by emailing info@florencewinevent.com. (karen gee)