Vinitaly 2014: The most welcoming stands in the Piemonte Pavilion, Round 2

These are the most welcoming stands in the Piemonte pavilion at Vinitaly 2014, Round 2. Also see Round 1, The Most Creative Stands and Round 3, The Most Social Stands.

A warm and welcome "homecoming:" Azienda Agricola Brezza Giacomo & Figli

Pass by the Brezza stand in the Piemonte pavilion, and its cozy exterior will pull you in. Rows of wine bottles on shelves are framed in wooden windows, and a long carpet, as worn as the carpet in the hall of your own home, lets its tassels dangle just over the threshold of the door. Enter the stand, and the Brezza family will offer you a seat, a glass of wine, and some Piemontese food to savor – perfectly paired.

Enzo Brezza, the winery’s oenologist and agronomist, says, “We wanted this to portray a typical Piemontese atmosphere, circa late-1800s. We chose the furniture and decorations to present a rustic, farmhouse feel.” The wooden floors, chairs, and tables with white tablecloths lend warmth and comfort, just like home, sweet home. The dresser with its old, stained glass panels and rows of wine bottles is straight from the 1800s. The winery was founded in 1885, and became a restaurant and hotel in 1910; the Brezza stand presents all of its roles. “We wanted to offer 360 degrees of warmth. We also serve fresh salumi and cheeses from Piemonte so that you’re drinking Piemontese wine in its context.” This is true not only for its territorial context -- pairing a wine with the food it has evolved with -- but also for its social and cultural context. More often than not, a glass of wine is enjoyed at the table with family, friends, and food.

Sitting at the table munching on grissini with smooth, white rounds of fresh Toma cheese and a glass of wine at hand, is just the sort of relaxing moment Vinitaly needs. 

A feminine touch to the masculine wine world: Azienda Agricola Gian Piero Marrone

The dark undertones of elegant brands dominate the wine scene, which may have something to do with the industry being primarily male-centered; and this color scheme makes no exception for Vinitaly. The Marrone stand, however, catches the eye immediately because it goes against the grain with its lines of honey-colored wood on the walls, underfoot, and above. The smooth yellow radiates warmth and hospitality.

“Our father chose the theme of our stand,” says Valentina, one of owner Gian Piero’s three daughters who work in the family winery together. “We wanted to present a comfortable and caldo (warm) family atmosphere.” The winery is a family business in La Morra, and Valentina is part of the third generation to be involved in the work. She says the business is actually quite feminile, or feminine, because all who work there are female – except for her father. She works in the cellars; another sister works in marketing the brand and business; and the third for foreign sales. Clean, transparent furniture lets the wood and straight lines shine through, and large, colorful pictures of the vineyards and winery hang on the walls. Overall, it is the perfect balance between masculine and feminine, welcoming all wine lovers who want to sample one of their 25 different labels.