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