Magic summer nights strolling through the almost ripe grapes, under the stars, while listening to music or enjoying fresh pasta along with a good wine... quite an emotion, not to be missed! After the success of the fall and spring editions, Vigneti Aperti – Open Vineyards 2022 will go on throughout the summer. Every weekend, during July and August, many winemakers and wine cellars in Friuli Venezia Giulia will open up their gates to visitors, wine lovers and wine tourists, for some pleasant chats and wine tastings.
A unique face-to-face experience directly with local producers, with many events: walks through the vineyards, open-air aperitivos, sensory workshops, picnics, live concerts in the vineyards, Cene con il Vignaiolo – Dinner with Winemakers and tastings of local specialties too. The events are organized in collaboration with Movimento Turismo del Vino FVG (Wine Tourism Organisation FVG).

The summer calendar and all the winemakers in FVG
Here's the full calendar for July and August, with the participating Friulian winemakers (click on the names for their websites, for further info). Please remember to always check directly the winemakers' facilities for availability and reservations. 

July 2-3
​Near Udine: Barone Ritter de Záhony, Cantina Puntin, Elio Vini, Ferrin Paolo, Grillo Iole, Le Due Torri, Vigne del Malina, Villa Vitas
Near Gorizia: Borgo Conventi, Graunar, Sosol
July 9-10
Near Udine: Cantina Puntin, Elio Vini, Ferrin Paolo, Grillo Iole, Le Due Torri, Spolert Winery, Tenuta Pribus (ex Tenuta Beltrame), Vigne del Malina, Villa Vitas
Near Gorizia: Borgo Conventi, Casa delle Rose, Graunar, Sosol
July 16-17 
Near Udine: Cantina Puntin, Elio Vini, Ferrin Paolo, Grillo Iole, Le Due Torri, Spolert Winery, Tenuta Pribus (ex Tenuta Beltrame), Vigne del Malina, Villa Vitas
Near Gorizia: Casa delle Rose, Graunar
July 23-24 
Near Udine: Ca' Tullio, Cantina Puntin, Elio Vini, Ferrin Paolo, Grillo Iole, Le Due Torri, Spolert Winery, Villa Vitas
Near Gorizia: Borgo Conventi, Casa delle Rose, Graunar, Sosol
July 30-31
Near Udine: Ca' Tullio, Cantina Puntin, Elio Vini, Ferrin Paolo, Grillo Iole, Le Due Torri, Tenuta Pribus (ex Tenuta Beltrame), Villa Vitas
Near Gorizia: Borgo Conventi, Casa delle Rose, Graunar, Sosol
August 6-7 
Near Udine: Ca' Tullio, Cantina Puntin, Elio Vini, Ferrin Paolo, Grillo Iole, Le Due Torri, Villa Vitas
Near Gorizia: Borgo Conventi, Graunar, Sosol
August 13-14 
Near Udine: Ca' Tullio, Cantina Puntin, Grillo Iole, Spolert Winery, Villa Vitas
Near Gorizia: Casa delle Rose, Graunar
August 15
Near Udine: Cantina Puntin, Elio Vini, Ferrin Paolo, Spolert Winery
Near Gorizia: Graunar
August 20-21
Near Udine: Ca' Tullio, Cantina Puntin, Elio Vini, Ferrin Paolo, Grillo Iole, Spolert Winery, Vigne del Malina, Villa Vitas
Near Gorizia: Borgo Conventi, Casa delle Rose, Graunar, Sosol
August 27-28 
Near Udine: Borgo Fornasir, Ca' Tullio, Cantina Puntin, Elio Vini, Ferrin Paolo, Grillo Iole, Spolert Winery, Vigne del Malina, Villa Vitas
Near Gorizia: Borgo Conventi, Casa delle Rose, Graunar

Cover and inside photos taken from Movimento Turismo del Vino FVG's official Facebook page 

Friuli Venezia Giulia's most manifest jewels are its mountains. The Carnic and the Julian Alps define its northern border but also the region's identity. And, marking years of devotion and love for hiking and for the Friulian mountains, the SAF – Società Alpina Friulana (Friulian Alpine Society) on Sunday 26 June will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Commissione Escursionismo – Hiking Commission and the 10th anniversary of its Scuola Escursionismo – Hiking School. In Sauris di Sotto (Udine) all is set for a big lunch with associates, but open also to simple visitors, and for three hiking tours on the surronding, beautiful mountains. Regional representatives from SAF and CAI – Club Alpino Italiano will open up celebrations, and past and present members from the Hiking Commission and School will be in attendance. 
On Sunday the lunch will start at 1 p.m. and though online reservations are already closed, people can still appoint directly on site, depending on the remaining available seats. It'll be a big party with gadgets, music and a final lottery for all participants. And, true to their principles, SAF also organized three hiking tours early in the morning, all due to end just in time for attendees to join the lunch – online reservations for hiking are still open up to June 23, but on site reservations are possible too (for those appointing for hikings, reservation for lunch is mandatory).

SAF was founded back in 1874 and has been serving as Udine's local section for CAI – Italian Alpine Club. The association is a meeting point for mountain lovers but also a centre for scientific information and research on mountain-themed issues: in fact, as it also has an educational purpose, it backs many cultural programs for schools and kids. 
Società Alpina Friulana is divided into different branches, one of these being the Hiking Commission, now running for its 30th year: it's meant to promote hiking in the mountains in the most respectful way possible, and to encourage their environment's safeguard and knowledge. Every year it supports a full program of events, from meetings to hiking and biking tours.
The Hiking School was set in 2012 and it was the first one in Friuli Venezia Giulia. It's the technical branch of the Hiking Commission, organizing hiking classes (both winter and summer sessions) to teach how to approach the mountains safely in different weather conditions and on different kinds of paths.

Sunday's three hikings: routes and tips
In order to celebrate properly the two anniversaries, three hikings with different routes are scheduled on Sunday. Organizers strongly advise aspiring participants to attend only if they're perfectly fit, because although the routes are not so gruelling, it's better not to underestimate the physical stress they inevitably entail – as they actually last four or three hours each. And it's mandatory to get yourself a topographic map of the route's whereabouts (Map 02 Forni di Sopra – Ampezzo – Sauris – Alta Val Tagliamento, edited by Tabacco publishing, available online here). As to the equipment, it must be suitable for hikings of course: comfortable, mountain boots (better with Vibram sole), walking sticks. And, of course, follow the guide! All routes are described in full detail here on the celebrations' official program. Info at escursionismo@alpinafriulana.it.
Here are the three routes in short: 

Hiking Route 1: Punta dell'Uccel, along the Tiziana Weiss Nature Trail
Difference in elevation: 600 metres
Duration: 4 hours
Starting point: 8:15 a.m. from Rifugio Tita Piaz, at Passo del Pura

Hiking Route 2: Anello del Monte Colmàier – Mount Colmàier Ring
Difference in elevation: 440 metres
Duration: 4 hours
Starting point: 8:15 am from Rifugio Tita Piaz, at Passo del Pura

Hiking Route 3: Casera Pieltinis from Sauris di Sotto 
Difference in elevation: 550 metres
Duration: 3 hours and a half
Starting point: 8:15 am from Sauris di Sotto (Wolf's parking)

WARNING! Regional Road 73, also known as “dei Lumiei”, is closed for works in progress.
To get to Sauris, people need to pass by Passo del Pura. So keep in mind this detour for the estimated time of arrival. 

About SAF – Società Alpina Friulana
Founded in 1874 in Tolmezzo, near Udine, as a local section of CAI – Italian Alpine Club, SAF – Società Alpina Friulana it's one of the oldest Alpine associations around the world. From an historical point of view, it's always been playing a big role in Friuli Venezia Giulia as a cultural and scientific institution. As a matter of fact, among its founders were then renowned scholars, researchers and expert mountaineers such as Giovanni Marinelli and his son Olinto, Francesco Musoni, Michele Gortani, Egidio Feruglio, Ardito Desio.
​Since its origins, it made a point of backing research on mountain environment and spreading information about it: the very first issue of its magazine “In Alto” was published in 1894, and hasn't stopped since then – it's still out nowadays on a regular basis. Thanks to a great number of scientific contributors, SAF has been publishing also a series of guides about Friuli Venezia Giulia's territory. 
It also helped establish many mountain shelters across the Friulian Alps, which are still in use: Quintino Sella Refuge, Giacomo Di Brazzà Refuge, Canin Refuge, Sella Nevea Refuge (now named after Divisione Julia), Marinelli Refuge.

Corno di Rosazzo, on the Oriental Hills of Friuli Venezia Giulia, is a beatiful spot surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see. And, being a historic winemaking territory, it is also the headquarter of a long-standing wine fair. From June 17 to June 21 it will host the 51th Fiera dei Vini di Corno di Rosazzo, the 2022 edition of its renowned wine fair in the stunning location of Villa Nachini Cabassi.
It all started back in 1970 from a bunch of local winemakers, and has grown up since then becoming a crucial event to promote local wines and products, and all the area through wine tourism. Guided tours to winemaking facilities, cultural and sports events make it an appointment not to be missed. And the official website (click here) will provide wine tourists and visitors with all information about where to stay, eat and just relax during the fair (and throughout the year, too).

As a fair, it'll offer all the typical features such as many market stalls including deli stands and wine stands, plus kids' attractions and shows for everyone (dancing nights, stand-up comedians, live music). But wines and wine tastings are, of course, at the very core of it: the Rassegna dei vini DOC – DOC Wines Review, will set up about 80 wines for tastings as usual. It's a homage to local wines marked with the Denomination of Controlled Origin label, especially to those belonging to the promoting consortium of the Colli Orientali – Oriental Hills. 
And on the opening day, June 17, the 32th prize Cornium d'Oro – open to all Friulian winemakers – will award exclusively wines made out of Ribolla Gialla and Friulano, which are prestigious native vine varieties. Two juries will judge the competing wines: one composed by wine specialists (i.e. oenologists) and wine journalists, the other one composed by sommeliers. 

Wine tastings, biking and... flag-throwing: a busy program!
On the opening day, the prizes for the 35th Mostra Concorso del Formaggio Montasio – Montasio Cheese Competition will be handed. Montasio is one of Friuli Venezia Giulia's recognized DOP (Denomination of Protected Origin) products, and as a great cheese matches perfectly well with local wines, of course. 

On June 18, for wine enthusiasts who also enjoy hiking, the 8th Marcia dei Vini – Wines March, a non-competing walk with varying routes from 6 to 12 kilometres, will take you through Rosazzo's hills with stop-overs at local winemakers'. The starting point is in piazza Divisione Julia, from 4 to 5 pm (organized by FIASP). On the same day, for all fantasy and manga lovers a colourful cosplayer parade will cheer up visitors.

Sunday, June 19, will be the busiest day, packed with all sorts of events. It'll start in the morning, at 10 am with the 10th Pedalata Enoturistica di Mountain Bike – a Winetourist Mountain Bike Hiking through Corno di Rosazzo's hills (for reservations: tel. 3274970361 – 3476010132). Following the cycling routes of Corno di Rosazzo, Gramogliano and Rocca Bernarda, participants will stop at three local winemakers' to taste their wines, Friulian delicacies and enjoy the landscape, plus a final pasta altogether at the finish line, down at the wine fair. 
And for those who won't go biking, there's a lot to do and see: the workshop “Dipingo il territorio” (Painting the territory) featuring free painting on oak barrels' bases, a dog show in piazza Divisione Julia at 10.30 am and then a magnificent display of virtuosity through the streets by the Lupi Feritas flag-throwers, belonging to the Medieval reenacting group of the city of Valvasone. In the afternoon, magic shows, marching bands and exhibitions by the folkloristic group Lis Primulis, and live music in the night. 

On Monday, June 20 live flamenco show and during the closing night, on June 21, the official Friuli Venezia Giulia selection for Miss World competition will crown the winner and also the 11th Miss Blanc di Cuar.

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Cover Photo: the view on surrounding vineyards from the Abbey of Rosazzo

It's the longest running wine fair in Friuli Venezia Giulia, and it's finally back with a full edition. From june 10 to June 12 in Buttrio (Udine) the local Pro Loco Buri along with Buttrio's Municipality will host the 89th historical Fiera Regionale dei Vini di Buttrio – Buttrio's Regional Wines Fair in the astonishing premises of Villa di Toppo-Florio and its park.
Its stronghold will be, of course, the showcase and tasting of the best native wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia and from all over Italy, available for tastings for all wine lovers and wine tourists both at the wine fair's Enoteca (wine bar) and during the workshops in collaboration with the wine guide by Touring Club Italiano “Guida ai Vini Buoni d’Italia” (Guide to Italy's Good Wines), edited by Mario Busso. In May, TCI wine guide's jury also contributed to the selection of the regional wines for Buttrio's wine fair. 

«We just couldn't wait to be back with a full three-days program – said Emilio Bardus, Pro Loco Buri's President – We never really stopped, not even in 2020 when we offered smaller alternatives that we later expanded in 2021, but this year will mark the definitive restart. Our volunteers, with their passion, are ready to welcome visitors and winelovers for a great weekend devoted to native wines».
«It'll be the perfect chance to get back to talk about wine, territory, production's quality and environmental sustainability, while tasting the best native wines and local delicacies too – added Tiziano Venturini, Buttrio's Head for Productive Activities and Tourism, and regional coordinator for Città del Vino (Cities of Wine) Friuli Venezia Giulia – Ours is one of the most ancient wine fairs in Italy, and once again we'd like to welcome in Villa di Toppo-Florio all visitors with Buttrio's excellent delights».
Buttrio's Regional Wines Fair is part of the program for Duino Aurisina – Devin Nabrežina Città Italiana del Vino 2022, as the town near Trieste was appointed 2022 Italian City of Wine by the national network Città del Vino (to which it adheres through its regional branch, Città del Vino FVG) and many other wine-related events will be held up to December. 

Partners and supporters of the Fiera Regionale dei Vini di Buttrio also include: Friuli Venezia Giulia's Regional Government, PromoturismoFVG, Strada del Vino e dei Sapori del Friuli Venezia Giulia, Friuli Venezia Giulia's Prolocos, Fondazione Friuli, Camera di Commercio di Pordenone-Udine, CiviBank, Vitis Rauscedo, Several Broker, Le Fucine, Despar. Buttrios' wine fair is also a member of the regional brand “Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia” (I am Friuli Venezia Giulia) for local products and dealers.

A program full of wine tastings and events for everyone
The main star of the Fiera Regionale dei Vini di Buttrio wine fair will be, of course, wines and local ones especially. They'll be up for tastings and won't be left alone: local delicacies will match them for all wine enthusiasts' palates.
 
Two special wine workshops and tastings will be held in collaboration with the wine guide by Touring Club Italiano “Guida ai Vini Buoni d’Italia” (Guide to Italy's Good Wines):

- On Saturday 11, 5.30 pm “I vini del Carso: Duino Aurisina Città italiana del Vino 2022” – Karstic wines: Duino Aurisina 2022 Italian City of Wine. A tasting tour through the multiple aspects of the Karst's very peculiar wines. With Mario Busso, Cristina Burcheri and Ada Regina Freire

- On Sunday 12, 11 am “Bollicine d'Italia: un grande classico” – Italian sparklings: a great classic. A journey of discovery of Italian sparklings from native vine varieties. With Mario Busso, Cristina Burcheri and Ada Regina Freire
For info for both wine tastings and signing up, click here.

Plus there'll be show cookings, a special focus on organic agriculture, a lot of live music in the streets and events such as a vintage car rally on the closing day, Sunday 12. But all the area will get involved, as also some tours are scheduled.

​On Saturday 11, with “Vita rurale e cura del paesaggio” (Country life and care for the environment), cinema and nature come together for a walk through Buttrio's hills, its woods and vineyards, talking about viticulture and environment with winemakers from Conte d'Attimis-Maniago and Petrucco. The cinema school “Visioni in movimento” will be present and will prompt a discussion about the role of cinema in promoting and rediscovering country life's values. A picnic in the idyllic scenery of Buttrio's hills will wrap up the event, along with a screening under the stars of the wine-related documentary “Red Obsession” by David Roach and Warwick Ross (2013). In collaboration with ForEst Studio Naturalistico and Cinemambulante. Click here for signing up.

​On Sunday 12, with “Ciclo-esplorando Buttrio e dintorni!” bikers will venture through the Oriental Hills and the Collio Hills around Buttrio, for a quiet route stopping by historic mansions, vineyards and woods. And a final toast at Conte d'Attimis-Maniago's with their wines. In collaboration with Estplore. Click here for signing up.
Info for both events are available through Ufficio I.A.T. Buttrio: tel. (+39) 0432.673311, (+39) 335.5848378; via e-mail at iat@comune.buttrio.ud.it.

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Cover Photo: Villa Toppo-Florio, taken from Pro Loco Buri - Buttrio official Facebook page
Photo Gallery: pictures of the 2019 edition by @bluefoto Buttrio, taken from Pro Loco Buri - Buttrio official website 

An historical record for international trade. That's 2021 according to the OIV – International Organisation of Vine and Wine's “State of the World Vine and Wine Sector” presented on April 27. A much better picture than the one depicted by the first estimates that emerged back in November 2021. OIV President Pau Roca ( pictured above in the cover photo) showed all the data that testify a partial recovery of global consumption after the 2020 sanitary crisis, and the boom in the international trade market which registered a record beyond expectations in volume and in value. However, the scenario for 2022 unfortunately looks uncertain due to the global supply chain crisis, the war in Ukraine, Covid variants and increasing energy prices.

2021 wine production and consumption, and trade – Italy first world producer
The world vineyard surface area has seen an increasingly downward trend since 2000. In 2021 it managed to stay in line with the previous year (only a marginal -0.3%) with an estimated 7.3 mha (millions hectares), thus marking a stabilisation since 2017. Spain has the largest vineyard area spreading over 964 thousands of hectares, followed by France (798), both increasing. China comes third, slowing down over the last years. Italy's in the fourth place with a stable 718 kha. Spain, France and Italy alone account for one third of the entire global vineyards. A big player like Turkey has shrinked a remarkable -2.7%, and other countries saw a significant decline in vineyard surface: Argentina (-1.7%), Moldova (-1.4%), South Africa (-2%), Hungary (1.2%).

As to wine production, Italy is still the first in the world with 50.2 millions hectolitres, accounting for a striking 19% of the global wine production. It's followed by its close pals France (37.6 mhl) and Spain (35.3 mhl), and together they make for almost half of the total wine production. Of the three, Italy was the only one recording an increase not only in wine production compared to 2020 (+2%) but also with respect to its last-five-year average (+3%). The global production in 2021 was estimated to be slightly below average for the third year in a row (260 mhl, -1% than in 2020). «China is expected to continue declining, therefore it's no longer in the top 10 producers – said Pau Roca – in the the South Emisphere wine production is expected to hit 59 mhl, a record-high figure (23% globally) as a result of favourable climatic contidions in all major producing countries, except for New Zealand due to late frost in spring».

Italy's third in wine consumption (behind the US, the largest consumer, and France) with 24.2 mhl, in line with 2020, its highest peak since 2008. «2020 recorded the lowest level of wine consumption because of widespread lockdowns – said Roca – In 2021, the uplifting of restrictions, reopening of restaurants and the revival of social gatherings contributed to an increasing of wine consumption in the world». EU countries alone, in 2021, represent the 48% of world wine consumption, with a +3% compared to 2020. China and Argentina are expected to drop wine consumption by 15% and 11% respectively, a hard blow to the global figure. 
And global trade couldn't be any better than now, according to OIV report. «2021 was a lucrative year for international wine trade – went on Roca – World wine export increased 4% in volume and 16% in value, recording the highest figures ever in history». Sparklings, including our Prosecco, are definitely the protagonists of this rise, with a +22% in volume and a massive +35% in value. And once again, the European magic trio Italy, Spain and France dominated the scene by exporting 59.9 mhl altogether, thus accounting for 54% of the world wine exports. Though in 2021 Spain overtook narrowly Italy and for just one point went on to become the first world wine exporter with 23 mhl (+14%), Italy comes second with 22.2 mhl and an equally meaningful rise, +7%. The three top the chart as to wine value too, in this case with France overlooking as usual with an outstanding 11.1 billions euros, followed by Italy with 7.1 bn euros. The biggest markets are Germany, the US and the UK: Germany is the world's largest wine importer by volume, followed by the US which is the first by value, with the UK coming third.

Highs and lows: current challenges 
Despite the 2020 crisis, the wine world kept its head high. «The sector showed resilience – said Roca – and ability to adapt, with innovative solutions, such as e-commerce. In 2021 in the US the online sale of alcoholic beverages increased by 131% compared to 2019, of which 35% was wine. That clearly states that the sector adapts faster and better to changes». So innovation plays a big part in keeping up with the market's transformation, and companies should take good care of that aspect.
But the supply chain's crisis is currently a trying challenge for any industry globally, including winemakers and wine exporters, as some are struggling even to find glass for wine bottles. And the war in Ukraine is affecting the viti-vinicultural sector in multiple ways: the supply chain for raw materials, the supply of energy (thus sending energy prices skyrocketing) but also the trade. The EU sanctions against Russia of course will badly affect its main wine exporters Italy, France and Spain. «Russia was the 10th largest wine importer in 2021, representing 2% of the global wine import», stated Roca. Last but not least, creeping inflation could affect consumers too, as all the above mentioned issues could finally lead to an increase of wine prices. Though, as Roca said, «the size of its impact is not foreseeable right now, and we'll keep monitoring the situation».
But a new, interesting scenario could open up with non-alcoholic wines, as Roca said they're a «big challenge» while answering a question from the press. «They're difficult to make, a technological practice is needed to produce them. We're not leaving this without providing tools and elements to make good wines. It's an important goal to globalize them». A solution that would encompass all those groups that don't drink alcohol due to religious restrictions, thus gaining brand new consumers all around the world.

Click below to download the PPT presentation!

OIV'S FLASH NEWS
Mexico will host the OIV's 43rd Congress of Vine and Wine starting in October 31 2022, after two years of pandemic put an halt to any chance of public meeting.

And the organization welcomed a new member: the State of Texas was accepted as a new OIV observer. «We come to the OIV to learn from the best practices and the experiences of great countries of the world of vine and wine. Texas has lots of ideas and initiatives to share with the world», said the deputy commissioner of Agriculture of Texas, Jason Fearneyhough.

The OIV is also moving its headquarters from Paris to Dijon, in France. Its final destination will be the historical Hotel Bouchu d’Esterno, where restoration works are currently underway. Meanwhile, OIV will settle provisionally in the brand new district La Cité de la Gastronomie et du Vin in Dijon.​