For some unknown reason, VinItaly is wonderful. Standing amidst throngs of Italian people, most of which are thinner, better looking, and better dressed than you. Tasting wine until you can feel the enamel peeling off your teeth and you have stopped smiling to save your dignity. Struggling to find space to take notes while battling your rudimentary grasp of the Italian language to try and "talk business". Waking up with a debilitating hangover, and then standing for nearly nine hours, after negotiating a precarious bus ride to the fair, and then keeping it together long enough to get home. Most importantly, wearing the tragically unavoidable flats for this whole process, and then ultimately being (almost) entirely denied the opportunity to shop in the most compelling shopping country in the world.
So, why is this experience so worthwhile? It just is. We found some tremendous wines, we ate some delightful food, and we spent time with the beautiful people. What could be better?

Six months from now, the wines that made the final cut will be trickling into our inventory, and when they arrive I will feel like I am reuniting with a group of old (and somewhat demanding) friends. It sure takes a lot of love and attention to bring wines into this country, and it makes me want to celebrate by busting open some wine and calling it vino.

Salute VinItaly, we will miss you till next year!