Gustus – Wines and Flavors of Vicenza: the Colli Berici Doc celebrates 50 years with music, tastings and finger food

On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 October , the “Arrigo Pedrollo” Conservatory of Vicenza will host an unmissable event for lovers of good wine and music: Gustus – Vini e Sapori di Vicenza . The event, now in its thirteenth edition, will be dedicated to the discovery of the local excellences of the DOC Colli Berici - which this year celebrates its fiftieth anniversary -, Vicenza and Gambellara with over 100 wines for tasting from 29 selected producers . The enchanting cloister of the Conservatory will host the tasting stands , open to the public from 5pm to 10pm on Saturday and from 5pm to 9pm on Sunday . The jazz atmosphere created by the students of the institute will accompany a unique tasting experience, enriched by finger food delicacies prepared on Saturday by the I Giovani Leoni gastronomic shop in Lonigo and on Sunday signed by the chefs of Il Camaleonte , a multifaceted restaurant in Alonte (Vicenza) which offers an innovative and original menu. Gustus , in addition to being a feast for the palate, also represents an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of local wines. On Saturday at 5.30 pm , the masterclass, already sold out , will be held, conducted by Gianni Fabrizio - well-known curator of the Gambero Rosso Italian Wine Guide - which will begin with four ancient vines selected by the Graspo association, and then continue with four old vintages of red wines dating back to 1973, the year of birth of the DOC Colli Berici. However, some places are still available for the masterclass on Sunday at 5.30pm , led by Massimo Zanichelli , professional taster, wine writer and established documentary maker, dedicated to the sweet wines of Gambellara . “ Gustus is a moment of celebration that transforms into an open window onto our world, a showcase to tell the story of our hills, vineyards, winemakers and wines – states Giovanni Ponchia , director of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Berici e Vicenza and of the Consortium Tutela Vini Gambellara – This year the event takes on an even deeper meaning, because it marks the first milestone of the great work carried out so far in the oenological valorisation of the territory. Precisely for the fifty years of the DOC Colli Berici I invite all wine lovers to join us, to discover the charm of our hills and to savor the magic of our wines". As in previous years, part of the proceeds from Gustus will be allocated to the restoration of "The Crucifixion", a fresco by the Vicenza painter Giovanni Vajenti Speranza inside a room of the Conservatory. Tickets will be available at the entrance at a cost of 20 euros , but can be purchased at a reduced price in advance on the Gustus website for 15 euros starting from September 20th . The reduction will also be applied to all AIS, Onav, Fisar, Fis and Slow Food members who choose to purchase the ticket at the entrance to the event. Each ticket will include a glass, a coupon for free tastings and a plate of gastronomic specialities.