Wine!

Today we went to a vineyard, the Vincenzo di Vaira. Our day was laid back and relaxed the way it should be in this country especially when enjoying wine. Wine is a big part of Italian culture. Unlike in America, Italian enjoys their wine instead of drinking to get drunk. They take great pride in their wine and their food. The vineyard we visited was family owned. Our rather attractive tour guide is married to the vineyard owner’s daughter and his sister in law is a dancer on the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars.  Our tour began with the grapes and olives; he explained how big the grapes got, how they hand pick each grape for their wines, and about the different types of wines. After looking at the fields of grape vines and olive trees we moved to the cellar. It was a breath taking view to see rows and rows of grape vines with mountains behind them. In the cellar he explained that the grapes ferment in their skins. A special machine separates the skins from the grapes. Then they are placed inside a stainless steel temperature controlled environment. These must be cleaned by hand every fifteen days. In order to clean them one of the workers must actually climb inside through the small door. It is a grueling task but it is very important. The wine is then transferred into wooden barrels or they remain in the stainless steel temperature controlled environment until they are ready to be poured into bottles. We then left the cellar and enjoyed lunch and wine. Our lunch spot was gorgeous; it was under a pavilion with beautiful scenery in the background. For lunch we enjoyed cheese, honey, bread, and cold cuts. It was tasty. Our guide taught us the correct way to taste wine. You start by smelling the wine first. Next you swirl it in you glass and smell it again. After that you may take a sip.  Sip is the key word, Italians never gulp their wine and they only fill their glasses half full. Once lunch was completed we were given the opportunity to purchase some of their wine and olive oil. Almost every person bought at least one bottle if not more. I personally bought two bottles to take back home to America with me. After that we were given free time to sit and enjoy the beautiful country side. Some people played soccer; others sat and talked to each other, while others took pictures. Today was a picture perfect day; it was as if nothing could go wrong. I did not think it was possible but I do believe I fell even more in love with the Italian culture today. If I continue having days like today I may never want to return home again.