Vino Italiano

Overview

New Zealand's love of Italian vino runs deep — almost 1.8 million litres of the good stuff landed in the country last year. In an effort for Kiwis to learn more about Italian producers, importer Sapori d' Italia is hosting a new dedicated Italian wine event.

Vino Italiano is being called the largest tasting of Italian wines to ever take place in New Zealand. Up to 150 wines will be up for swirling, sniffing and swallowing at the inaugural event in August.

All wines on the Sapori roster will be available for tasting, while 16 representatives will be flying in especially for the occasion. Attendees can expect producers from the slopes of Mt Etna in Sicily, a renowned 138-year-old winery and biodynamic producers.

Masterclasses are another major drawcard of the event. Andrea Martinisi, sommelier at The Grove, will host a blind tasting, Cameron Douglas will run a class on the Appassimento method (the practice of drying grapes to make wine), and wine writer Yvonne Lorkin will present Kiwi versions of Italian classics.

Making it an all-round Italian affair, food will be supplied by Mediterranean Foods. The ticket price includes tastings of all wine and food.