Vinitaly 2009 and some fringe events

That time of year looms.  Vinitaly time.  [Cue "Jaws" theme.]  When the wine-obsessed from five continents descend upon [cue "Psycho" shower scene theme] descend on a perfectly pleasant Italian city [cue "DaVinci Code" theme], Verona.

I never watch the Oscars, but the Oscars do have an insidious way of seeping into your consciousness I guess.

Anyway, recently I lamented having to go to Vinitaly, which is something of a Victorian-style Duty if you're into Italian wine.  Nevertheless, I want to share some critical information with you about that big event and a couple of the Verona Fringe events that are far smaller, more focused and far far less crowded.  Also potentially much more interesting and rewarding.

The way things seem after a couple of days/nights in Verona

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Vinitaly Information

WHERE:	in Verona - Veronafiere - V.le del Lavoro, 8
WHEN:	thursday 2, friday 3, saturday 4, sunday 5, monday 6 april 2009
OPENING HOURS:	continuous from 9.30 a.m. until 6.30 p.m
TICKETS:	- Daily ticket: € 40 (online starting february 18th € 35) - Repeat Entry ticket - 5 Entries: € 80 (online starting february 18th € 70)
HELP PHONE:	+39 045 8298854
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
GETTING TO VERONAFIERE:	By car By train By air By taxi By bus

This info applies to civilians -- anyone who is not an exhibitor or journalist.

Click here for the Vinitaly website in English.

But wait!  There's more!

As a welcome break from the madness of the gargantuan Vinitaly, you might consider one or more of the fringe events that have grown up around the Big One.  Here are two.

Vini Veri

April 2-4 at Villa Boschi.  Natural wines featuring names like Giuseppe Rinaldi, Cappellano, Radikon, Paolo Bea and Castello Lispida.  Link here for more info.

VinNatur

April 5-6 at Villa Favorita.  Showcasing biodynamic wineries, this event is more international than Vini Veri -- France, Austria and other countries are well represented alongside generally lesser known Italian producers, often from the Northeast (Alto Adige, Friuli, etc.).  Well worth attending.  A highlight: natural Champagnes.
Link here for more info.

Villa Favorita.  Welcome to sunny Italy!