The summer event par excellence returns to Umbria too, organized by Movimento Turismo del Vino and Città del Vino with tastings under the stars and many other initiatives in the squares and cellars.

Cultural events, live music shows, games for the little ones and moonlit walks through the vineyards: from 27 July to 25 August 2024 the connection between man and the cosmos is celebrated through Goblets of Stars , the event most anticipated wine event of the year, organized by the Wine Tourism Movement in collaboration with the Città del Vino association. Also in Umbria, wineries and historic villages throughout Italy will open their doors to a unique experience, where wine blends with science, culture and myth.

“This precious event and the partnership with Città del Vino at a national level are renewed again this year – underlines Giovanni Dubini , president of the Umbria Wine Tourism Movement and recently elected National Councilor of the new Board of Directors of the Wine Tourism Movement – which it intends to make companies and common territories work together with ever greater force to promote the wines of each wine-growing area. It is therefore an unmissable moment for all lovers of good wine and the territory.”

Three weeks of events in the squares of the Cities of Wine and in the cellars of the Umbria Wine Tourism Movement: there are 15 participating Umbrian wineries ( list of activities attached ), which offer wine lovers wine tastings, combined with the excellence of food and wine local, accompanied by the inevitable observation of the stars in the company of expert amateur astronomers.

Furthermore, there are three municipalities participating in the initiative with a program already defined :

On 7 August 2024, the Municipality of Torgiano offers a tasting of the best wines from the cellars of the Strada dei Vini del Cantico in the historic centre, from 8.30pm to midnight, tasting the typical local dishes offered by the restaurants and tourist attractions along the itinerary. The shooting stars reinforce the extraordinary union between wine and art by offering, alongside tastings masterfully guided by skilled sommeliers, a rich series of initiatives such as concerts, exhibitions and the inevitable fireworks display. Furthermore, the Muvit, Torgiano Wine Museum, offers a guided tour to discover the complex and varied mythology of wine, to dispel clichés and unmask false myths. The visit will take inspiration from the collections, moving from the Athenian cups to Jean Cocteau’s cup up to the Renaissance majolica and historiated paintings to conclude with the very rich collection of drawings and engravings.

Instead, on August 10th, on the magical night of San Lorenzo, in Montefalco , one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, the Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco, in collaboration with the Municipality of Montefalco, organizes “The Night of the Stars”. The protagonists of the evening will be the DOC and DOCG wines of Montefalco, professional sommeliers will guide guests in pairing local wines with dishes in the restaurants from 6pm to 7pm with an aperitif and from 7pm to 11pm with an à la carte menu. And through the streets of the historic center, walk with your eyes upwards: you can observe the stars, symbol of the most poetic night of the year. Four points in the historic center for the observation of the visible constellations. It will thus be possible to fully enjoy the extraordinary spectacle offered by the stars thanks to the maps of the visible constellations edited by the Monte Subasio Amateur Astronomers Group.

Also on the night of San Lorenzo, the historic center of Monteleone d’Orvieto dresses up: from 7 pm, the evocative Piazza Bilancini will host local producers who, with over 40 different labels, will guide those present on a sensorial journey through the border land between Umbria and Tuscany. And again, an exclusive selection of Umbrian Street Food: the “Sagra degli Umbrichelli” of Monteleone d’Orvieto at the Municipal Gardens, Food Track in Piazza del Municipio with “Le Olivastre” of San Feliciano and more. And again, live music and from 11.30pm observation of the Perseids and astronomy pills between Myth and Science by the “Il Riccio” Cultural Association in Piazza del Torrione. Through the Social Movement of Umbria Wine Tourism channels it is possible to find out about the proposals in detail of the participating Umbrian wineries.

In Valle d’Itria the winery offers an interesting wine tourism offer: sensorial experiences and gastronomic itineraries with zero kilometer first fruits.

Amalberga announces the opening of its headquarters in Ostuni , in the heart of the Itria Valley . Framed by a suggestive landscape of trulli, centuries-old olive trees and dry stone walls, the winery chooses a contemporary, sustainable structure, in synergy with the local community which offers the opportunity to discover and experience the area through unique food and wine itineraries , capable of enhance the wines produced by the Ostuni area.

“After 10 years, we are happy and proud that our project has finally found its home – declares Dario De Pascale , owner of Amalberga together with partners Roberto Fracassetti and Roberto Candia – we have created a place open to all in which to immerse oneself in the riches and in local traditions. We want to rediscover and enhance the Ostuni Doc and its native varieties through the development of wine tourism activities that fully communicate our land and our wines”.

Amaberga’s experiential offer takes the form of three different solutions. The first, Vegetable Garden and Wine , consists of a sensorial encounter with the vegetable garden managed by the Vallegna agricultural company of Ostuni: guests will be able to combine a glass of wine with the aromas and flavors of the earth contained in delicious tastings prepared with local organic raw materials. zero. For those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the production processes, the Ostuni company offers the Cantina Ipogea option, a guided tour that explores the winemaking and aging areas, concluding the journey in the Ama Dopolavoro wine bar, where the tasting of three wines will take place accompanied by a selection of local dishes. Finally, Complete Experience combines both visits for a total immersion in the world of Amalberga.

The structure, completed in recent days, is designed on two underground floors, taking advantage of the constant temperatures of the subsoil to maximize energy savings and carry out winemaking and refinement without the use of air conditioning. The cellar welcomes visitors on the ground floor, surrounded by a garden of over 6000 m2 where, among oak trees and centuries-old olive trees, there are two modern and convivial areas intended for wine tourism. A laboratory for developing ideas and activities open to all: Ama Chilometro Zero is the space dedicated to the creation of events, with a staff available for the organization of banquets and simple and elegant local cuisine. Ama Dopolavoro , an ancient Saracen trullo restored and used as a wine bar and point of sale open every day from 9.30 to 22.30, allows you to taste all the wines of Amaberga combined with local gastronomy products. Respecting the principles of the Mediterranean diet, Ama Dopolavoro offers a wide vegetarian choice, with zero kilometer ingredients from organic farming.

Amaberga presents itself as a meeting place between wine, territory and culture, offering an authentic and fascinating wine tourism experience. For further information and reservations, write to info@amalberga.it

In the heart of Sicily, where the sun caresses the hills and the wind brings the scents of the Mediterranean, a vine grows that contains the essence of this magical land: Insolia.

Considered one of the oldest and most representative white grape varieties of Sicily, it has been known since ancient times for its ability to produce wines of extraordinary freshness and aroma, making it more than a wine: it is a story of tradition, passion and terroir. “ Insolia – says the Vice-president of the Consortium for the Protection of Doc Sicily Wines Filippo Palladino – has deep roots in the winemaking history of Sicily. The first mentions date back to centuries ago, when it was already appreciated for its versatility and resistance. The Insolia grapes, grown mainly in hilly areas, where the calcareous soil and the Mediterranean climate enhance its unique characteristics, are a symbol of how tradition can meet modernity both in terms of production and with respect to the tastes of consumers, who are increasingly involved our Sicilian white wines. A perfect wine to accompany the lightness and warmth of summer. ” Insolia, in fact, with its vibrant notes of citrus fruits, white pulp fruit and a subtle touch of aromatic herbs, offers a sip of freshness that immediately invites you to come back. It is said that Insolia has illustrious relationships with vines such as Moscato Giallo and Grillo, and that it traveled from ancient Greece to Sicily through the hands of Greek or Phoenician colonizers. This vine is known for its various names – from Ansonica to Irziola, a name attributed to it by Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia – reflecting the rich evolution of its history and its diffusion across the Mediterranean. Insolia is also known for its extraordinary ability to pair with a wide range of dishes, making it the ideal companion for summer evenings. Excellent with grilled fish, such as sea bass or sea bass, this wine also pairs beautifully with light appetizers and fresh salads. No less surprising is the combination with cheeses, especially soft ones and young pecorino cheeses, where its acidity cuts the creaminess of the cheese, leaving the palate pleasantly clean and ready for another bite. With this cultural heritage and an unparalleled flavor profile, Insolia confirms itself as one of the pillars of Sicilian viticulture and an essential protagonist of the summer. CONSORTIUM FOR THE PROTECTION OF DOC WINE SICILIA The Consortium for the protection of DOC Sicilia wines (siciliadoc.wine) came to life in 2012, with the aim of representing the wine of the Sicilian territory and promoting the DOC Sicilia denomination, with actions aimed at increasing the visibility of a symbolic brand of Made in Italy and to the protection and supervision in defense of consumers and producers. Around 7,000 winemakers and over 500 bottlers are promoters of the Controlled Designation of Origin, a useful recognition to represent them but also to enhance and safeguard the island’s wine production.

From 24 July to 24 October the historic Montepulciano winery, located in via Talosa 8, will open its doors to host the photographic exhibition curated by the director, photographer and advertiser Alessandro Asciutto with a text by Giuliana Benassi

The vernissage that will kick off the exhibition is scheduled for July 24th, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

In the heart of the Tuscan hills, inside one of the oldest and most fascinating historic cellars of Montepulciano, a one-of-a-kind exhibition comes to life: ” Postcards from Montepulciano “. From 24 July to 24 October , the Cantina Storica di Montepulciano, located in Via Talosa 8 , opens its doors to host a photographic exhibition that celebrates the encounter between art and the winemaking tradition of this fascinating area.

The exhibition develops in an atmosphere that evokes the glorious past and timeless beauty of Montepulciano, where visitors will be able to admire the combination of contemporary works of art and history, carefully selected to create a profound dialogue between wine and the visual arts. The photographs of Alessandro Asciutto , the protagonist of the exhibition, offer a visual journey through the enchanting hills and picturesque streets of Montepulciano , capturing the essence of this Italian town with postcard-sized images that explode with vibrant energy and dancing colours.

On July 24th, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm , an exclusive vernissage will be held to kick off the exhibition. During this inaugural event, visitors will have the unique opportunity to meet Alessandro Asciutto , and discover the secrets behind his artistic production, and Edoardo Mottini who will talk about the historic Talosa cellars. The Mayor and the Councilor for Culture of the Municipality of Montepulciano who sponsor the exhibition will attend to greet them. Following this, an acoustic concert will be held by Antonio Grifoni and a reading of the “flowers of evil” proposed by Flaminia Colella .

Throughout the period of the exhibition, the Talosa Historic Cellar , dating back to 1500, will offer a sensorial journey through centuries-old barrels and underground galleries, where every detail is designed to enhance the synergy between wine culture and artistic expression . Special events, guided tastings and meetings with artists will also be organised, creating an immersive and engaging experience for all visitors.

The “Postcards from Montepulciano” exhibition is created with the patronage of the Municipality of Montepulciano , the collaboration of the L’Amletico cultural association and Talosa wineries.

Entrance is free and the exhibition will be open every day until October 24th from 11:00 to 18:00 .

Alessandro Asciutto

Alessandro Asciutto, a European citizen born in Athens and rooted in Rome, studied business in London before dedicating himself to cinema. He started with the short film “Boccacce” and commercials. In 2016 he won the Bookciak award at the Venice Film Festival with “La Danza dell’Amore”. He has collaborated with museums such as Macro and MAXXI, creating video art works. In 2020 he presented the VR installation “Eva & Eva” at the Venice Film Festival. In 2021 he made the short “Delizia” during an artistic residency at the Pigneto Film Festival. His 2023 “All Inclusive” photography exhibition reflects on the volatility of tourism. In 2023 he participated in a workshop with Martin Parr and a collective exhibition at the CFFC in Rome. Currently, he works as an advertiser at VML and is completing the documentary “Dancing Muse” about dancer Petra Conti.

Talosa – Short company profile

Talosa has been a company owned by Angelo Jacorossi and his family since 1972. Talosa is one of the first companies in Montepulciano to have undertaken the path of quality that has brought Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to the top of Tuscan and therefore Italian oenology. Over the years, in fact, the small winery has grown a lot and today it is a company that produces excellent wines. The vines of the Fattoria della Talosa extend along 33 hectares of vineyard, in one of the most evocative and scenic areas of the Montepulciano Cru: Pietrose area, at an altitude of 330-400 meters above sea level, with south-west exposure. The oldest aging cellar in Talosa is located in the historic center of Montepulciano, in the basement of Palazzo Tarugi and Palazzo Sinatti, built in the first decades of the 16th century in front of the Montepulciano Cathedral. Entering the Historic Cellar of Talosa takes visitors back in time to the Italian Renaissance in the 16th century. The galleries, entirely built with bricks, alternate in a succession of vaults and niches where the barrels are placed.