Calici di Stelle 2014 in #Puglia: Double Date for the 16th Edition

Double date set for the 16th edition in Puglia: on Tuesday, August 5 in picturesque Trani on the Adriatic confirmed as the base for the center-north of the region after the extraordinary success of past editions, and on Sunday, August 10 in splendid Copertino (Le) in the Salento area famous for its majestic Renaissance castle, fine example of military architecture.

In both cities, visitors can taste wines from the best labels from Daunia to Salento divided into three itineraries (Terre di Federico, Magna Grecia and Valle d’Itria, Salento), sightsee, and participate in mini tasting courses. With over 50 participating wineries, each will have a tasting table with a sommelier and tasters from AIS Puglia.

For this 16th edition, the nation-wide theme will pay homage to Italian music and to Domenico Modugno, emblematic singer of Italian song. On the 20th anniversary of his passing, the singer songwriter from Polignano a Mare will be celebrated by Movimento Turismo del Vino on the notes of his most famous song, “In the Sky, Painted Blue”, better known as “Volare”, an Italian anthem the world over which will provide the soundtrack for the opening event. Once again, Movimento Turismo del Vino and Città del Vino bring together music and wine, a pleasant combination which has characterized the 2014 events for Movimento.

Even in Puglia, Mr. Volare’s will officially open the tastings and events, inspiring, amongst other things, musical and dance performances which will animate the two evenings in both locations of Trani and Copertino. A must-see is the exhibition by “Puglia Wine Love” which will present live Italian music for the occasion. Also scheduled for the event is dancing by the dance company “Skenè”. On the main stage of Calici di Stelle near Piazza Duomo in Trani and inside the Castello Aragonese in Copertino, there will be “Sorsi di Danza”, contemporary dance inspired by the world of wine and its customs.

There will be info points at the main entrances to the two cities to welcome visitors where it will be possible to purchase the “Calici di Stelle Kit” for 10 euros containing a wine glass in a handy pouch, a packet of 8 tickets for the tastings, a package of taralli, and the guide for the event.

True wine lovers may also participate in tastings of the best emblematic DOC labels of the two territories: Moscato di Trani DOC in Trani and Copertino DOC in Copertino (at no charge but must book in advance and have purchased the Kit).

The amusing cultural initiative “A Prova di Naso” (Follow Your Nose) has also been reconfirmed for this year; a special treasure hunt through the local vine varieties with an interesting selection of regional wines for the winners.

In Trani, for those who are interested in culture, many of the monuments of the city will remain open such as the Diocesan Museum and the Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter. While in Copertino, the Castle and Convento delle Clarisse will be open.

Instead, for those who would like to look to the heavens, telescopes will be made available to observe the moon and its surface (craters and lunar marie), Saturn with its rings, star clusters, planetary nebulae and double stars.

At the end of the evening participants may take a Breathalyzer test to avoid any risks to oneself and others for just one euro to check alcohol levels.

Calici di Stelle will also be in the cellars. For those wine tourists who cannot get to Trani or Copertino to take in the event, they can visit wineries and do tastings right where the wines are produced. The stars of “Calici di Stelle in Cantina” are listed with their own programs of events on mtvpuglia.it.

Calici di Stelle in Puglia is also made possible thanks to the Department of Agricultural Resources of the Puglia Region which has considerably collaborated with Movimento Turismo del Vino in making this event so successful.