Exploring the Wines of Northern Italy 🍽️
The Changing Face of Our Dinner Tables 🍽️
The items that appear on the average West Country dinner table have changed dramatically over the past 20 to 30 years. Gone are the days when a simple plate of meat and two veg’ ruled supreme. Today, our tables are filled with diverse ingredients, flavours, and products that many of us would never have imagined back then. And this is particularly true in the case of wine.
The Evolution of Wine in the West Country 🍷
From Exclusive Treat to Everyday Enjoyment
Wine is a perfect example of this evolution. For centuries, wine has been present, but it was often reserved for aristocrats and special occasions. Anyone who remembers the 1960s, 70s, or even 80s will recall when wine was considered exotic and exclusive, a treat enjoyed by ambassadors and aristocrats.
Then came mass-produced bottles like Liebfrauenmilch, Blue Nun, and Mateus Rosé, and suddenly, wine was everywhere.
Wine bars selling local vino in Milan
A Tsunami of Global Wines 🌍
Nowadays, wine is as common as any staple food, filling entire aisles in supermarkets across the West Country. From Romanian reds to Chilean whites, globalization has made wine accessible to everyone. However, this abundance has sparked another quieter revolution—one that focuses not just on quantity but on quality and discernment.
A Journey to Northern Italy with Ramada and Dr. Jamie Goode ✈️
Crafting Wine Lists for the World's Hotels
Popular restaurant area in Milan
Wine appreciation doesn't end at home; it extends to the wines we enjoy when dining out or staying at hotels. I had the opportunity to travel to Northern Italy, thanks to the massive Wyndham hotel group. The purpose? To experience their "Say Hello to Red" initiative, created in collaboration with wine expert Dr. Jamie Goode.
Jamie has crafted a bespoke red wine list for some of Ramada's destinations worldwide, focusing on providing an assortment of flavors from lighter reds to more full-bodied wines, showcasing the diversity of regions where these hotels are located.
Exploring Bardolino with Jamie Goode 🍇
During my visit, I joined Jamie on a field trip to the Bardolino wine area on the shores of Lake Garda, where we visited the renowned Guerrieri Rizzardi winery. It was here that I learned how Jamie meticulously selects the wines we see on restaurant and hotel wine lists. His goal is to represent the flavors and culture of each locale—something that really shines through when tasting these incredible wines.
Hesp with Olimpia Rizzardi and Jamie Goode
"Wine has a flavour that is local," Jamie explained as we stood amidst vineyards draped in mist. "It's a flavour contributed by the environment, the place, and the culture where the wine is grown. You can't just make these wines anywhere—they are wines of place."
Bardolino: Tradition Meets Modern Winemaking 🍷
To gain further insight, I spoke with Olimpia Rizzardi, part of the family that owns many vineyards around Lake Garda and in Valpolicella. The Rizzardi family has been making wine since 1649, and while traditions have evolved, the essence of winemaking remains.
"We still have our grapes—the varieties are corvina, rondinella, molinara," Olimpia said. "We keep tradition, but in a modern version."
This dedication to maintaining the character of the wine, while embracing modern techniques, is what keeps Bardolino wines unique. When you taste them, you feel transported to the rolling hills and misty vineyards of Northern Italy—a testament to the deep connection between wine and place.
Next Time You Pick a Bottle... 🍾
Next time you're browsing the wine aisle, consider more than just "red or white." Think about the heritage, the region, and the story behind the wine. Whether you're exploring a new grape variety or supporting local vineyards, there's so much more to discover than what's immediately visible on the label.
Learn More About Where Wine Meets Travel 🗺️
Interested in learning about the intersection of food, travel, and wine culture? Visit my main website, Martin Hesp Food and Travel, for more stories like this.
Fact File 📂
Stay in Style: Martin stayed at the Ramada Plaza Milano, located two minutes from the Milan subway and close to the city centre.
Cheers to new adventures in wine! 🍷
Are you ready to explore more wines and stories? Let me know what you think of the wine revolution happening around us. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
