After the international winners of the Best of Wine Tourism competition were honored in Bordeaux last November 5th, the Italian section of the Great Wine Capitals network has planned its official award ceremony to take place in Florence at the beginning of 2010.
[Photo: Castello del Trebbio, Florence 2010 Global Best Of Winner]
The seven gold and two special jury award winners will be presented to a select audience, composed of media and local and regional officials, in Palazzo Medici Riccardi, an important historical building once owned by the Medici family and now headquarters of the Florence County Government, located in the very heart of the city center.
A group of specialized journalists will have a unique chance to visit all the excellent properties, and experience the best wine tourism offers during a two-day educational tour through the Tuscan countryside, to be held after the event.
The Florence Best of Wine Tourism Winners are:
Wine Tourism Restaurants
International winner – Castello del Trebbio – La Sosta del Gusto
Essential ingredients such as creativity, quality, style and simplicity are the keys to promoting the pleasure of food. They excel in the research of products which are connected to the area and tell us about its history, including the wines.
Accommodation (two ex-aequo)
Castello di Gabbiano
The charming atmosphere of the rooms in the medieval castle completes the elegance of the apartments located the country house dating back to the 16th century. The eleven rooms, each of them with its unique décor, and careful attention to detail, create together a perfect symphony, managed by a very professional staff.
Castello di Vicchiomaggio
The variety of this place includes apartments in the medieval castle and rooms in the restored building of Canonica, all nicely furnished and set in a beautiful surrounding, ideal to promote wine and grape culture.
Architecture, Parks and Gardens
Castello di Verrazzano
The castle is an historical building and is the most likely birthplace of Giovanni da Verrazzano. Different kinds of visits are offered, including a tour of the ancient cellar, as well as the opportunity to get to know better the character of this important ancestor. The reception area is well organized.
Art and Culture
Castello di Brolio – Barone Ricasoli
The permanent collection inside the Brolio Castle tells the story of one of the most ancient Italian families, amongst whose members Bettino Ricasoli stands out, as the founder of the modern history of Chianti Classico wine.
Innovative Wine Tourism Experience
Villa di Petriolo
They invented the project We wine: they come to your house or to your holiday resort near their farm and organize a professional wine tasting, sharing their deep knowledge of wine and the culture of the area.
Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices
Casina di Cornia
They have grown organic grapes since 1983, paying great attention to the peculiarity of the different vintages, according to the seasonal changes. They offer an interesting mix of wine tasting, accommodation, and a ceramics workshop.
Special Jury award – Architecture, Parks and Gardens
Poggio Torselli
A national monument, privately owned and restored, with a beautiful garden. The award is an encouragement to enhance wine tourism promotion and wine tastings in the original carriage hall.
Special Jury award – Accommodation
Salvadonica – Borgo del Chianti
The charm of the female owners who care about little details and put great effort into communication activities, showing a will to be constantly up to date, even after many years of activity.
More information about the Best of Winners on www.greatwinecapitals.com
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