Faenza Wine Revival: A Celebration of Artisanal Italian Wines

The fourth annual Back to Wine event, a prominent international wine festival, returns to the Faenza Fairgrounds on November 17th and 18th, 2019. This exceptional opportunity allows attendees to sample, explore, and purchase wines and artisanal food directly from over 150 meticulously chosen producers across Italy and beyond. Discover exceptional tasting experiences and innovative production methods, focusing on organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. This rapidly expanding event caters to a discerning audience seeking sustainable, high-quality, unique, and distinctive products. Andrea Marchetti, founder of the Vinessum community, curates the event, while Blu Nautilus handles the organization. The event enjoys support from the Banca di Credito Cooperativo ravennate, forlivese e imolese, a credit institution committed to local development, and Mo.Me.Vi., the Viticulture Mechanization Exhibition. It is further endorsed by the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Province of Ravenna, and the Municipality of Faenza.

The heart of Back to Wine lies in its 150 exceptional artisanal wine producers, representing Italy and international regions. A notable presence comes from Emilia-Romagna, with 40 exhibitors equally distributed between the two regions. This includes four Faenza wineries (Ancarani, Gallegati, Paolo Francesconi, San Biagio Vecchio) and six from Brisighella (Andrea Bragagni, Baccagnano, Fondo San Giuseppe, Vigne dei Boschi, Filippo Manetti, Villa Liverzano). Attendees will encounter a vast selection of over 800 labels. Unifying these diverse offerings is a commitment to small-batch, often family-run, production (typically between 15,000 and 20,000 bottles annually). These producers emphasize environmental sustainability, avoiding synthetic chemicals, respecting the terroir, and employing minimal intervention in the cellar to highlight the inherent quality of the grapes. The event’s unique appeal stems not only from the quality and originality of the wines but also from the chance to connect with the winemakers themselves, learning about their history, culture, and winemaking traditions.

Back to Wine primarily targets wine industry professionals (wine shops, wine bars, restaurants, importers/exporters), offering special benefits. Last year, over 500 accredited professionals attended, 10% from outside Italy (Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, and China). However, the event also welcomes private individuals to enjoy a day of tasting and shopping. Complementing the wine selection are approximately twenty artisanal food and beverage vendors.

Two informative tasting workshops enhance the event: one focused on Chianti Classico di Radda, the other on alchemical wines. On Sunday, November 17th, at 3 PM, a Chianti Classico vertical tasting of Caparsino, curated by Francesco Falcone with winemaker Paolo Cianferoni, will be held. Since 1982, Cianferoni has produced wines at the Caparsa estate with a deep respect for the environment and the Sangiovese grape. Limited spots are available (€30). Reservations: fra.falcone2003@libero.it. On Monday, November 18th, two workshops on alchemically fermented wines led by Giorgio Mercandelli will take place (one at 1 PM, sold out; one at 4 PM, with limited availability). The cost is also €30, with mandatory reservations via ordini@cantinaalchemica.it. Mercandelli, a pioneer of organic and biodynamic farming since the 1980s, cultivates century-old vines in Canneto Pavese, adhering to a philosophy that respects the vineyard as a sentient being. Those unable to attend Mercandelli’s workshop can sample alchemical wines at a shared tasting booth featuring Heliantus, Oreste Sorgente, and Cantina Alchemica.

A shared tasting booth, Uò Patanù – Ovada Naked, showcases producers from Ovada (AL): Cascina del Vento, Cascina Boccia, La Signorina, and Rocco di Carpeneto. Three other Ovada wineries – Forti del Vento, Rocca Rondinaria, and Cascina Boccaccio – will also have individual booths. This presents an opportunity to discover the Dolcetto-centric wines of this lesser-known Piedmont region. ReValpo (Valpolicella Revolution), a group of six natural wine producers from Valpolicella (Antica Valpolicella, Corte Bravi, Il Monte Caro, Il Roccolo di Monticelli, Montenigo, Terre di Pietra), will also participate, each with its own booth. Approximately ten international exhibitors from Slovenia, France, Spain, and Georgia round out the event. Beka Kereselidze of Sad Meli Winery from Georgia’s Racha region will showcase traditional Georgian winemaking techniques using indigenous grape varietals. Baldovar 923 from the Alto Túria region of Spain will highlight the revival of Merseguera and Bobal grapes.

Visitors have access to three dining areas and a JTD Kipoint shipping service for purchased items. IF Imola Faenza Tourism Company offers weekend packages combining Back to Wine with a visit to the International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza, currently exhibiting the “Picasso. The Challenge of Ceramics” exhibition.

New partnerships include Kaataa, an English-language online magazine focused on food and wine for a young, international audience, and Raisin, an app connecting users with natural wine bars. A continuing partnership exists with Trattoria Stazione and Agricola Raffetta, showcasing their commitment to local produce and artisanal wines.

Professional operators can discover innovative, high-quality offerings, aligning with evolving consumer preferences. Wine and food enthusiasts will find a unique opportunity, and the event offers substantial business prospects for both domestic and international markets.

Ticket prices: Sunday €25, Monday €20 (includes glass, wristband, wine tasting). Professional tickets (€10 for two days) require online registration by November 11th. For further details and ticket purchases, visit www.backtothewine.it.

Hours: Sunday 10 AM – 8 PM, Monday 11 AM – 7 PM. Location: Faenza Fairgrounds (RA), Viale Risorgimento, 3. Romagna a Tavola is not the event organizer; this text serves only as promotional information. Contact the organizer for further details.