Italia in Campagna - A Taste of Italy in the Cape Winelands

by Lawrence Hollander
(Cape Town, South Africa)

The Bottega family, producers of Idiom wines, are set to host their annual Italian-themed harvest festival on the 25th and 26th of February 2012 at Da Capo Vineyards in the hills of Somerset West.

Aptly named Italia in Campagna, or Italy in the Countryside, the event will host sixteen Italian food stalls, five top Italian restaurants and local and international producers of Italian wines.

Organised in collaboration with the Italian Consulate, La Dante Italian School and the Friuli Society, the event is developed to support the Italian community and last year hosted over 550 guests. This year will see the celebration expanded to a two-day event, as its gates are opened to the public for the first time. The venue, which will become the site of the new Idiom Wines tasting area late in 2012, provides a wonderful mountain and vineyard setting, offering guests a spectacular views of the Cape Peninsula and Helderberg basin.

A selection of five Italian wine producers will fly out to add extra Italian flavor to the event. This is made possible through the producer’s connection with Vinotria, the import component of Bottega Family Wine, who recently launched over 35 authentic Italian wines to the Johannesburg and Cape Town trade industry. The Italian producers will not only be exhibiting their wines at the event, but will also present a series of informative and interactive lectures within a dedicated wine tent.

A highlight will be the regional food and wine pairing dinner on Saturday 25th February from 6pm, with the visiting Italian wine producers from Sicily, Sardinia, Tuscany, the Veneto and Piedmont, sharing their philosophies about their wines and terroir. Seating is limited so book early.

Italian food, wine and lifestyle will be celebrated at the festival. From vendemmia to vino, barbera to sangiovese , mozzarella to prosciutto, and caffé to biscotti and grappa guests of all ages will be afforded the opportunity to experience a true taste of Italy in the Cape.

Contact Information:

021-852 3590
www.idiom.co.za

Tickets can be purchased online at www.webtickets.co.za