Italian Winestyle: Festa Della Vendemmia, Bibi Graetz, September 2013

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Festa Della Vendemmia, Bibi Graetz, September 2013

I've been reflecting back on 2013, which was quite an intense year. The first full business year of Vinosofia, and being my first business, it was and is quite an endevor. I feel good about it, business could have been better but I can't complain. All I can say is thanks to my wonderful friends, family and new clients, Vinosofia managed to survive a quite challenging first year, during a tough financial crisis. 

What were the most memoriable experiences of 2013?

Hands down, Festa Della Vendemmia da Bibi Graetz (harvest festival at Bibi Graetz Winery) 

I arrived in Italy in 2000 with hopes and dreams of experiencing something like Liv Tyler did in that movie by Bernardo Bertolucci, Stealing Beauty. The ingredients of this ideal Italian moment would include; a golden sunset, warm weather, great wine, my husband, Tuscan countryside, a castle, candles everywhere, a classic Italian garden, sculptures, catering, live music, BBQ, and hospitality. 13 years later I finally found myself living this dream.

the name says it all

those Italian cypress lined roads

the castle from below

In all these years that I have been in Italy I have never experienced the generosity and hospitality that I did that day. Bibi basically opened his castle to everyone. You could freely walk into all the main rooms, hang out, socialize and just enjoy the space. No rules or people telling you where you can & can't go. Enjoy basra!  The crowd was very international about 300 total from all over the world.

the tower of Castello di Vincigliata

welcome aperitivo, the house white

our winery guide

inside the winery, cement vats

the famous red

This event was hosted by a man who is known for his wine, art, the Castello di Vincigliata and il Soffocone. When the name or word Soffocone is mentioned everyone smiles, especially the guys. If you want to know what it means I suggest that you go to this link and learn first hand from the man who made it. Prego

 www.bibigraetz.com/en/video 

Then from the menu on the bottom select Soffocone di Vincigliata 

Then press play

stainless steel vats

classic old floors

the good stuff

barriques

Graziano & Carlo admiring the architecture

taming the lion

the Graetz Girls having fun

detail

Bacchus our man

The Outsiders from Umbria, Tom, Luca, Graziano & Beatrice

some Saint

the boys working hard

generous portions that free flowed all night

true organization for a fantastic festa

the window where I was in the photo

the wines of Bibi Graetz, Graziano asked to taste the Colore, which was stashed under the table for special guests

one of my favorite architectural elements

just some of the reasons why I love Italy

enjoying the sunset

garden sculpture

the band warming up

some Tuscan olive oil

view from the south east of the castle

There was no formal seating chart so you just sat where ever you wanted. During dinner every so often you would get these little punches on your feet or bumps on you legs by the kids who were crawling around under the tables on a race. It was really funny. On the tables were jeroboams of Soffocone to drink with dinner. 

Bibi, his Bugia & Brenda

All the wines were available to taste too, all served by family & employees at the winery who were having fun while doing so. The wines which I found most enjoyable were the simple Vermentino, Bugia (the lie) 100% Ansonica and Canaiolo, 100% Canaiolo. I really enjoyed the dense fruit and structure of The Canaiolo. This was confirmed when I tasted it again at the Merano Wine Festival. It will be on the shelves of Vinosofia soon, I promise. 

So here are some of the images of this wonderful memory of 2013. 

Enjoy and thank you Bibi!