Discovering Italy One Sip at a Time
Stepping into Vinitaly for the very first time felt like diving headfirst into the beating heart of Italy. Held in the timeless city of Verona, this grand international wine and spirits exhibition is more than just an event—it’s a full-sensory celebration of Italian excellence. From the moment I entered, I was swept away by the energy and soul of a nation that truly knows how to tell stories through its wine. You could hear voices and conversations in every language, with buyers from all corners of the world, joined by passionate producers, wine writers, and a strong presence of the press — all coming together to celebrate Italian wine.
Every corner of this sprawling showcase was alive with color, passion, and the distinctive flavors of Italy—from Alpine vineyards to sun-drenched southern estates. Each region presented its own stunning pavilion, lovingly curated to reflect its unique terroir and traditions. Walking through them felt like a journey across the Italian peninsula, one glass at a time.
What struck me most was the powerful blend of “heritage and innovation”. Family-run wineries, with histories stretching back generations, stood proudly beside cutting-edge producers rewriting the rules of the industry. The stands themselves were masterpieces—elegant, inviting, each with a story to tell. Meeting the passionate winemakers behind the labels brought those stories to life. Their voices carried the wisdom of the past and the dreams of the future.
I was thrilled to see so many young people—bright, creative, and deeply committed to honoring their roots while embracing sustainability and modernity, a wonderful “youthful energy! They’re not just making wine; they’re crafting a new narrative for Italian identity, one that blends tradition with bold vision.
A true highlight was stopping by to see some familiar faces from my hometown of Portogruaro, like the inspiring team behind “Herita”—the producers of the internationally celebrated “Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio”. Their wines have crossed oceans, but their hearts remain firmly planted in our beloved region. (If you haven’t explored Portogruaro yet, I invite you to discover its hidden charms and global connections on one of my previous Italia Living blogs: Portogruaro: The Charming Venetian Town with Surprising Connections to the World)
Of course, I had to visit “Mionetto”, another gem from our area that has become a global icon. I sampled their “alcohol-free Mionetto Spritz”—and let me tell you, it was a revelation! Bursting with flavor, refreshingly elegant, and perfect for anyone wanting a lighter no alcohol experience without compromising on taste.
Then came a stop that truly felt like coming home—Nonino Distillery. Since 1897, the Nonino family has crafted some of Italy’s finest grappa, and their pioneering spirit is legendary. They created the first-ever Grappa Monovitigno, a single-varietal masterpiece that changed the industry forever.
For those of us from northern Italy, grappa is more than a drink—it’s tradition. I still remember, as a child, being allowed only to smell the caffè corretto—espresso “corrected” with a dash of grappa. That bold aroma thrilled me then, and it still does.
So it was extra special to share a heartfelt cin cin with Francesca Nonino and JJ. Francesca, the dynamic sixth generation, is a certified sommelier, the world’s first “Grappa Influencer,” and a fierce advocate for Italian craftsmanship. We toasted with a cocktail from her grandmother’s recipe—so smooth, even I, a rare drinker, found it irresistible.
Believe it or not, even the water left a lasting impression! I tasted an array of Italy’s best mineral waters and was amazed by their unique flavors and textures. I loved visiting “San Benedetto”, where I explored everything from their classic waters to their vitamin-enriched Aquavitamin range and the refreshing “San Benedetto Zero” sodas. A little taste of Italy, even when you’re back in the USA.
The standout? Probably “Acqua Lauretana” from Piemonte—reputed to be the lightest water in Italy, and truly heavenly.
Naturally, I made a beeline for the pavilion of “Friuli Venezia Giulia”, a region I hold close to my heart and often highlight in my curated Italian experiences (check out my latest blog on the legendary “Prosciutto di San Daniele”!). And of course, I celebrated my roots in “Veneto”, where I got to witness our President Luca Zaia create “La Pizza del Presidente”—a fun, savory moment that was as delicious as it was endearing. I even had the pleasure of greeting him in person—an unexpected joy!
Another wonderful surprise was reconnecting with dear friends from the USA, more specifically from NYC where I loved for 11 years before moving to Ls Vegas, like Federico Tozzi, Executive Director of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce. Conversations like these always spark exciting new ideas and collaborations—bridges between our two worlds that I love to build.
Now, let me tell you—Vinitaly is not for the faint of foot! With so much ground to cover, it was a day of endless walking and discovery. If I could offer one tip to future visitors (or organizers!), it would be to improve the navigation system. I saw plenty of people—myself included—wandering in circles trying to find their way. I sadly missed a few friends, including the brilliant Lorenzo Ruggeri, recently appointed editor-in-chief of the international division at the prestigious Gambero Rosso, that after years of dedication, he now leads the global expansion of Italy’s top culinary media powerhouse, including Gambero Rosso TV. But thanks to social media I can see they all where there and were doing an amazing job.
After such a rich day, there was only one way to end it—with a walk through Verona’s historic center, a scoop of creamy gelato in hand, and a quiet visit to Juliet’s iconic balcony. Because really, what could be more perfect than finishing a day of Italian flavor and elegance with a little romance?
Vinitaly reminded me why I pour my heart into creating unforgettable travel experiences across Italy. As a singer, I’ve always believed in the power of emotion and storytelling. And now, through wine, cuisine, and local discovery, I get to bring that same magic to my curated journeys. Whether through a melody or a vineyard stroll, my mission is the same: to create memories that stay with you long after the last note or last sip.
One of the most touching things my fans often tell me after a concert is, “Thank you for taking me away from it all and into a magical world for two hours.” Others say, “Thank you for taking us on a trip that made us feel home.” And in many ways, those two worlds—the one I create on stage and the one I explore through Italy—are the same. They’re both about wonder, emotion, beauty, and that indescribable sense of belonging we feel when we’ve truly been moved. That maybe are both in my case Italy.
I’m already excited to share these gems with those who travel with me through Italy. Every bottle, every dish, every encounter reveals a piece of our soul. And when guests return home, they don’t just carry souvenirs—they carry the essence of the La Dolce Vita.
Here’s to tradition, innovation, and the irresistible charm of Italy—cin cin!
Love,
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music special From Venice with Love, which aired nationally in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him, at a concert benefitting his foundation. Her albums include And I Love You So, Italian Signorina, My Lullaby, and From Venice with Love. Giada is also a Tiramisu expert and has done cooking demos on television shows around the country making the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also been a co-host for several years for the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7 in New York.