Italian wine events are quite popular in our Valley and there are usually several throughout the course of a calendar year. One of the challenges for the people organizing these events is to find a way to make their event stand out. Local wine club Valley Vino and the folks at Avalon Golf and Country Club, believe they are offering something truly unique.

Wine Academy: Viva Vino Italiano, is being promoted as the only truly "all local" Italian wine tasting in the Valley this year. With large corporations becoming involved in wine distribution, it is really challenging to buy local these days. That's where the locally owned company Nannicola Imports comes in. They have a small percentage of their diverse business devoted to the importing and wholesaling of Italian and California wines.

The wines are not found in grocery stores or any national chain restaurants. Nannicola Imports focuses mostly on local independent wine shops and the outstanding local restaurant community we have in our Valley. Here's a look at the wines being featured from Nannicola Imports at the upcoming event:

NV Chiarle Moscato - Creamy sweetness with fruit flavors of white peach and pear to compliment the sugar.

2010 Coste Mancini Pinot Noir - Light raspberry and blackberry fruit and a texture of velvet make the a smooth drinking experience.

2008 Vegglio Barbera - This has been a favorite of mine for a long time. Rich and full bodied with layers of flavors and nice earthiness on the finish.

2008 Vegglio Barolo - A newer offering from the Nannicola portfolio provide dark fruit flavors of black cheryy and currant mingling with black pepper and cocoa on the finish. A great value for a Barolo!

Viva Vino Ialiano is Thursday January 23rd, 7PM, at Avalon Golf and Country Club. There is a five course Italian Tapas menu offered with the wines for only $45. If you want to make reservations, log onto www.myvalleyvino.com.