The Villa Bardini is here - and it looks like this event officially is at the restaurant MoBa, at Costa San Giorgio 4/a. On the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of July, from 5:30 to 10:00. It seems like it is €10 to enter, plus €15 to taste - so a total of €25 if you want to drink.

Website: http://www.vinoingiardino.it

The producer list is strong:

Alepa Altesino Argentiera Barone Pizzini Bersi Serlini Castellare Castell'in Villa Castello di Fonterutoli Castiglion del Bosco Coltibuono Cupano Corzano e Paterno D'Ambra Eredi Fuligni Felsina Fontodi Guido Berlucchi I Favati Il Borro Il Mosnel Jermann Joaquin La Massa Le Corti Le Pupille Le vigne di Zamò Lis Neris Livio Felluga Lo Sparviere Marco Felluga Mastroberardino Mirabella Monte Rossa Montevertine Monzio Compagnoni Moris Farms OT - Oliviero Toscani Paternoster Rocca di Frassinello Rocca di Montegrossi Ronco delle Betulle Russiz Superiore Salvatore Molettieri San Giusto a Rentennano Sassotondo Schiopetto Tenuta Marsiliana Tenute Folonari Torreggiani Venica & Venica Vestini Campagnano Vie di Romans Villa Russiz

I am targeting the tasting in Radda on Friday afternoon - it is close to Florence but not a place I know well - and/or - the street food festival on Saturday June 5th in San Casciano.

Are You A Wine Lover? Then Call Your House Representative. Now.

I've been known to spout an opinion now and again about the Three Tier alcohol distribution system in this country, and the maddening array of ridiculous regulations that govern our ability to purchase alcohol. Mostly, however, I stay out of the fray because I'd rather write about, and I'm sure you'd rather read about, fantastic wines.

But something happened yesterday that sent chills down my spine, and made it imperative that I broadcast to as many of you as possible the urgent need to call your Congressional Representative immediately. When you get one of their aides on the phone here's what you need to say:

Under no circumstances should they vote for a house bill HR 5034: The Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness Act of 2010.

While this would be bad for us personally and what we are trying to do here, it is nothing compared to what it would mean for millions of consumers and entrepreneurs in the U.S.

• Azienda Agricola Unterortl
• Cantina Terlan
• Andrianer Kellerei

The Black Rooster Reigns at the "Leopolda" in the 2009 Chianti Classico Collection.

On February 17 and 18 the Stazione Leopolda in Florence hosts the customary Chianti Classico event for the wine press and trade.

148 producers presenting 358 different Chianti Classico labels and 70 barrel samples on hand for tasting, from previews of the 2008 to the Riserva 2006, for an event that offers an all-around look at the famous Tuscan DOCG.

Looking forward to seeing all of our favorites producers and people there, and to hopefully find some new ones too.

The Italian edition of Benvenuto Brunello will be held in Montalcino at the Fortress February 19, 20, 21, and 22.

I am thinking I might make it to this event.

Here is a datasheet (PDF) for this wine from the producer, but I think it is woefully out of date. This is exactly the kind of wine I am hoping to present myself eventually, outside of the size of the production (that being said, this is a fine, handcrafted wine from a very reputable producer in an esteemed region - but they are just too big and established for us to ever hope to work with directly).

I have had this vintage however and highly recommend it - I don't have tasting notes but what is on the wine.com site is pretty accurate - it was a pleasant surprise to find this wine there.