The one day festival, being staged on Sunday 11 October 2015, by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Melbourne (ICCI), is dedicated to the promotion of fine Italian wine, food and the very best of Italian lifestyle with international and local experts on wine and food attending.

Elaine Bocchini, ICCI Marketing Manager said the historical ambience of the Royal Exhibition Building will provide a sophisticated backdrop for this enticing food and wine opera, presenting guests with a visual feast with tables of over 400 premium wine labels and delicious and authentic gourmet food.

Recent years have shown Australian consumers have a growing desire for Italian wines with the value of Italian wine imported into Australia has been rising by about 21% p.a since 2011 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2014).

The VinItalia Food and Wine Festival will feature a special selection of premium Italian wines presented by local importers and retailers and a special 'Anteprima' zone where attendees will be able to try and preview labels and varieties not yet available in Australia.

Selections of premium spirits, liqueurs, grappa and artisanal beer will also be included, and accompanied by delicious Italian food.

Ms Bocchini said, "Lovers of the Italian lifestyle and fine design will be able to enjoy a special display of the very best in classic authentic Italian design with Alfa Romeo cars, Italian Theatre, women's jewellery and artwork by Italian artists.

Denise Napolitano from AILAVIU Art Gallery talks about the Renaissance Exhibition on YouTube.
Click here for the interview.

"Apart from the forty tasting displays, an Italian lifestyle restaurant will operate in the centre of the festival where guests can order traditional Italian fine food and wine."

The VinItalia Food and Wine Festival is part of the Gusto Italiano educational series: a series of events created by ICCI Melbourne aiming to promote premium Italian food and wine in Australia.

Tickets:
All day pass $35 early bird - before 16/09/15
$45 online after 15/09/15
$55 on site on the day
Includes: entry to all public areas (tasting hall, Italian life-style theatre, design expo & food court) + tastings of food and wine from 10.00am to 7.00pm.

Ticket Sales: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/vinitalia-2015-tickets-18064091183

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, ICCI - Mobile: 0417 329 201