For those who might not be familiar, Benvenuto Brunello is a tradition, a grand festival where the new vintage of Brunello di Montalcino is presented to the world. Picture this: the town of Montalcino buzzing with excitement, the streets filled with winemakers, sommeliers, journalists, importers, and passionate wine lovers from all corners of the globe. It used to take place in February as the first big event of the year, but recently it has been moved to November. This change gives it a new role as a true preview of the vintage that will hit the market the following January. And I must say, it’s a magical way to kick off the season.

Last Monday, I set out to taste several dozen Brunello wines – not a small task, but one I eagerly look forward to each year. I don’t consider myself a wine critic or a journalist, and I certainly don’t assign scores or numeric ratings. Those of you who have followed me for a while know that my passion lies in discovering labels that embody a mix of quality, history, passion, and the faces behind the wine. These are the stories I love to share with the world, bringing a little piece of Tuscany into your homes.