Celebrate Italian Wine at Cantine Aperte 2006

Wine has played an important role in the development of what we know as Italy today. After all, it is said that Roman soldiers could avoid drinking--and getting sick on--Europe's fetid water as long as the supply of vino held out, giving them an edge among the world's explorers and conquerors.

Wine is available everywhere in Italy, and at a much fairer price than you'll find it in the US, especially at restaurants. But on the last weekend of May, the tourist might join the celebration of Italian wine and "enotourismo" at an event called "Cantine Aperte 2006." According to the literature, all of Italy will be tasting wine from 10am to 6pm on Sunday, May 28. Movimento Turismo del Vino has links to participating regions with web sites (in Italian, but many do list participating wineries). You can read about the weekend's events in Friuli Venezia Giulia region in English.

I heard about Cantine Aperte via the La Preghiera blog, which suggests you head over to nearby Vini Donini and quaff all you want for three Euros during the festival. La Preghiera might just be the place to stay in Umbria if you want absolutely peaceful surroundings in an Monastic outpost in the heart of Umbria with friendly innkeepers who will point you toward the best of my favorite region of Italy. The summer price of 120 Euros per night can't be beat--see the review of La Preghiera over at Europe for Visitors. For other lodging recommendations in Italy, see My Italy Lodging Recommendations--my favorite places to stay in Italy.

^{Bacchus and friends in Bologna picture ©2006 by James Martin, licensed to About.}