One of the main features that has always set next week's Vancouver International Wine Festival apart is the insistence that a winery principal be in attendance.
I often think that this is one of the most undervalued aspects of the festival. From a consumer point of view, what could be more interesting, educational and, above all, fun than to taste with the person who made the wine or owns the winery on hand?
Italy will be here in spades next week. Here's a short list of who to look for: Marilisa Allegrini, owner and CEO of Allegrini When not in Valpolicella, you might find her in Poggio al Tesoro in Bolgheri or in Montalcino at San Polo. But next week she's here. Don't miss: Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2010. Stefano Benini, international export director/family member, Marchesi de'Frescobaldi Met the 30th generation of the Frescobaldi family, who shaped one of the first Italian-American partnerships, in the wine business in Luce della Vite between the Frescobaldi and the Mondavi families. Don't miss: Frescobaldi Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Chianti
Rufina Riserva 2012.
Pio Boffa, owner, Pio Cesare This is one of Italy's most travelled and important influencers who's worked around the world and truly helped to modernize the industry. Must tastes: Ripasso Bosan Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC, Il Bosco Amarone Classico.
Luca Currado, ownerwinemaker, Vietti Another globetrotting family member, who's worked at Simi Winery, Opus One, Long Vineyards and Mouton-Rothschild. A true innovator. Taste: Roero Arneis 2014, Castiglione Barolo 2011. Stefano Leone, global export director, Marchesi Antinori A seasoned ambassador,
he oversees Antinori in 142 countries around the world. Look for Antinori Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico 2010.
Francesco Ricasoli, president, Barone Ricasoli The 32nd Baron of Brolio left a career as a successful photographer to buy back his family's business after more than 20 years of foreign ownership. Another major player, taste with him: Colledlia Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione 2011.
Riccardo Tedeschi, owner, Tedeschi Winemaker of this very hands-on, family-run winery, who blends modernity with a passion for indigenous varieties. Taste: Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella 2011.
Ruffino winemaker Gabriele Tacconi One of Chianti's foremost authorities comes to Vancouver for the first time. Taste with him: Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2010. Sergio Zingarelli, ownerproprietor, Rocca delle Macie Another globetrotting ambassador who very much put his family winery on the world map. Taste: Rocca delle Macie Roccato Toscana 2010. Francesco Zonin,
executive vice-president, Zonin 1821 One of Italy's major players, Zonin is the country's largest privately owned grower and producer. Taste: Zonin Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2013, Castello d'Albola Chianti Classico Riserva 2011.
If you're going to the Acura International Festival tasting room, you'll want to have a plan: it pays to know in advance where you want to go and what you want to taste. In addition to Italy there are also considerable California and contingents here this year. Also new, the Buy the Case program. If you do discover a wine you absolutely must have (to drink now or put away) you can order a case right at the tasting table and have it shipped free of charge to your local liquor store.
Other tips: Eat beforehand.
Wear comfortable shoes. Don't use aftershave or perfume. Take transit or a cab. And move away from the table so that others can taste without waiting. Cheers! See you there!
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. info@hiredbelly. com.
