It has been said that 93% of California winegrape acreage is planted to only eight varieties. Those numbers may have shifted slightly since I last heard that statistic quoted, but they’re still not materially different. This fact represents several things simultaneously: the narrow-mindedness (or conservatism if you want to be kinder) of wine producers, the lack of curiosity possessed by the average wine drinker, and the economic realities that reinforce and are reinforced by these two truths.
In short, people tend to grow what people want to buy and there isn’t much economic incentive (in the grandest scheme) to try growing something new and doing the hard work to convince consumers to buy it.
But this state of affairs is a damn shame. One of the most beautiful things about the world of wine is the sheer variety that its thousands of different grape varieties and growing areas have to offer.
The idea that we’ve figured out the best grapes to grow in California in the very short 200 years or so that we’ve been at it makes me want to laugh. The sensibility of some wine drinkers that leads them to say, “Well, I know the three grapes I like and I’m sticking to them,” makes me want to cry.
I have said before that curiosity represents one of the wine lover’s great virtues. Life is too short to drink wine made from the same grapes all the time.
Which is why—if you’ll forgive the slightly lengthy build-up—you might consider attending the upcoming Festa Italia tasting in Healdsburg which celebrates wines made from Italian grape varieties. Sure, you might love yourself some Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, but really you should give Schiava and Verdicchio a shot, too.
The Festa Italia will take place at Orsi Family Vineyards in Healdsburg and will feature several dozen wineries all pouring wine made from Italian grape varieties. Some of these wineries are among my favorites in California, such as Massican, Ryme Cellars, Idlewild, Unti, and more.
In addition to a walk-around tasting, the Festa will also feature a panel discussion on Italian grape varieties in the morning for those who purchase VIP passes. The event’s website also says the day will feature “Italian vendors and culinary greats.” I’m not entirely sure what that means, but I’d expect there will be tasty things to nibble on while you taste.
All in all, it’s bound to be a good time.
2024 Festa Italia Tasting
Sunday August 18th, 2024
11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Orsi Family Vineyards
2306 Magnolia Drive
Healdsburg, CA 95448 (map)
Tickets to the event cost $95, or you can buy a VIP Pass for $125 that gets you access to the morning seminar and into the tasting 30 minutes before the general public. Purchase your tickets online in advance.
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