Thursday, February 2, 2012

Divino Tuscany, May 17-20

(img credit: Alessandro Moggi)

How does a four day festival in Tuscany sound? If you're like me, it sounds pretty damn good. This just came down the PR wire and I'm curious if any of my readers are going or would go. What appeals to me is the wine and food tastings, along with the first night's Cuban cigar and Grappa pairing. How could that not be fun? Now the price, a really hefty €1,900, or $2,486 at current exchange rates for each ticket. That doesn't include airfare either, and as far as I can see, you're on your own for where to stay. If you're considering this type of event, perhaps a budget of $5,000 to $7,500 is necessary. Of course, if the organizers want this humble blogger to cover the event and are going to pay his way, who am I to say no?

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Event: Divino Tuscany 2012
Date/Time: May 17- 20, 2012
Location: Florence, Tuscany. (Italy..the same region Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino come from, among others)
Description: One-of-a-kind, 4-day celebration of the best Tuscan wines, food and culture. Divino Tuscany will offer a distinctive program that highlights premium wines: wine tastings with Tuscany’s top winemakers, seminars and grand tastings curated by James Suckling, former Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief of Wine Spectator and one of the world's most influential wine critics; special luncheons and dinners prepared by Michelin-starred chefs and entertainment organized by IMG Artists, one of the leading producers of cultural and lifestyle festivals. Participating winemakers include Marchesi Antinori, Frescobaldi, Mazzei, Ricasoli, Il Borro, Petrolo and Castello Banfi, and more.
Highlights:
· Festive welcome dinner to open the second edition of Divino Tuscany with the Italian premiere screening of James Suckling’s and James Orr’s film Heart and Soul of Cuba, recently shown to rave reviews at the Sonoma Film Festival, live music from Havana’s hottest pianist, Ernán López Nussa performing with his trio, and Grappa tasting with Cuban cigars
·Gala dinner at the opulent Palazzo Corsini on the banks of the Arno.
·Grand Tastings at the Grand Hotel Villa Cora poured by the winemakers and proprietors themselves.
·Saturday night dinners in the private Palazzi of the most well known Tuscan wine families.
·Join James Suckling as he escorts you through private tastings with winemakers he has personally invited for this intimate experience.
·Divino Tuscany will close with a relaxed country lunch at the private villa Il Palagio, courtesy of owners Sting and Trudie Styler.
Tickets: The Full Pass Package for Divino Tuscany is €1900 per person, including applicable VAT/IVA. Readers may purchase event tickets online.
General Inquiries:
IMG Artists UK / Divino Tuscany
Phone: +44 (0)20 7957 5800; Fax: +44 (0)20 7957 5801
Email: info@divinotuscany.com
Website: www.divinotuscany.com
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(img credit Alessandro Moggi)

So what do you think? Would you go if you had the money?

Beau Carufel

4 comments:

  1. Looks fabulous, but seems a bit steep! Obviously I'd attend on someone else's dollar. Thanks for sharing a taste of the improbable! (;

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    1. I completely agree! It would be epic, but alas, unattainable for 99% of us.

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  2. While it looks interesting, if I had $7k to spend on a trip to Europe, I think I'd spend it on something else. My lack of familiarity with Italian wine certainly plays into it, but it looks to be more of a luxury event themed around food and wine as opposed to a wine event.

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    1. I think you have a good point Dan, this kind of event appeals to a certain lifestyle and I suspect they have no qualms about shelling out the $7,000 it takes to attend..But the rest of us who toil away can put that money to good use elsewhere.

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