Trifter

With an assortment of reds and whites perched on the edge of thought, visitors can expect nothing short of spectacular while experiencing the fascinating lure of some of the most flourishing vineyards of the world. Whether exploring the city on foot, gondola, or water taxi (vaporetto), Venice allows sightseers to discover the Venetian lifestyle one breath at a time. For starters, try one of the many food and wine activities for an experience unlike any other. In the countryside of the Veneto, Venice being its capital, the attraction of such surreal natural beauty among history makes for a perfect destination. Reportedly, the most visited region of Italy, approximately 60 million tourists flock amongst its landscape every year. A geographical wonderland, the climatic characteristics makes for a uniquely perfect craft of vinification (winemaking). Famous for creating bold palates, there are twenty wine-producing regions of Italy and more than one million vineyards in cultivation… thus springing to life the phrase, Wine Country.

Popular Italian Rosso (Red)

• Chianti
• Barolo
• Lambrusco
• Bardolino
• Valpolicella

Popular Italian Bianco (White)

• Soave (A Veneto Favorite)
• Pinot Grigio
• Gavi
• Friulano (also known as Tocai)
• Prosecco
• Asti

Indigenous to the flair of rich cuisine, simply said… wine is delicious. Blends of inky plum, wild mushrooms, hints of lavender, earthy cedar, and rustic fruitful perfumes yields an international market that’s world-renowned. But if your knowledge is lacking the essential wine-enthusiast ammunition, the process of selecting grape varietals can be a little bit tricky. This is perfectly normal, so no worries. In fact, The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry acknowledges more than 350 of Italy’s grape varieties, beside some 500 already in circulation… proving a very broad appeal.

With a surplus of luscious reds and whites to choose from, even the masters of literary genius had to create the book, Italian Wine for Dummies. Like many, who are not experts at grapevine growing, trying to decipher various wine regions while hyper analyzing supermarket shelves, can be somewhat overwhelming. That’s why surefire way to determine your favorite flavor is to cleanse the palate with a glass of Prosecco and entice your senses with a taste of this country’s finest vineyards.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. While some maintain an austere tasting-status, and we’ve all seen them with their pinkie fingers in the air… any wine-lover meandering through the countryside of Veneto, understandably recognizes why it’s one of the most visited regions of Italy to date. From the chime of church bells echoing through the piazzas to the warmth of painted sunsets… the clichés of Italy arouse an ongoing celebration where the spirits of Venice never run dry. So, if you plan on vacationing in Venice or other regions of the country, be sure to check out cellartours.com and italyandwine.net/venice-tour.htm for wonderful information on luxury and semi-private wine tours of Italy. But remember, you don’t have to be in Italy to experience the adventures or misadventures of a winery, just visit allamericanwineries.com to locate one in your area.

Bestselling author and celebrity chef, Maria Liberati, is hosting a weeklong Mediterranean culinary food and wine cruise in November 2008, so now is the perfect time to start planning that European getaway. Visit localwineevents.com/Veneto-Wine/event-190127.html for additional culinary cruise details.