If you are planning a quick trip in Sud Tyrol - and are a wine lover, don't miss the 2016 Merano International Wine Festival., the traditional event hosted in the historic and gorgeous Kurhaus, downtown Meran. This year the program is even richer of events and tastings than the past: to be reported some Charity Wine Masterclass - the attention in the world of solidarity is getting a must even in the wine world - and other special tastings, like  the Catwalk Champagne, entirely reserved to this unique sparkling wines.

If you are a newbie - or something like that - of this festival, my advice is: go prepared. All the producers, there, make great wines and you'll never be disappointed, so if you love the adventure, go into the Kurhaus,  grab the glass that some hostess will give you and begin to taste. However, if you want to taste a few of your favorite wines, take some notes on a piece of paper (or in some app in your smartphone) with the names of your favorite producers, both Italian and international. Take the opportunity to taste some unknown or rare wine from countries like Cile, the USA, Romania, or Georgia.  As for the Italians, I'd also suggest trying some wine from an (almost) unknown autochthonous grape, or some "odd" wine vinified in a different way than usual just to have a new sensorial experience; never drunk a Corvina (red grape, normally used for Amarone della Valpolicella) as a sparkling wine classic method pas dosé? Go to Menegotti table, maybe you'll find it. I tasted that sparkling wine some days ago and can say that deserves all your interest. Thrilled to taste one the new iconic wines, the best Brunello di Montalcino ever? Go to Il Marroneto table and ask the owner Alessandro Mori to taste his "Madonna delle Grazie". Do you like the warm, fruity and elegant wines from Sicily? Try some Grillo from Fazio Casa Vinicola,  the Nero d'Avola from Valle dell'Acate, the wines from Favignana island made by Firriato. And on and on. 

And when you are tired of all that sniff-sip-spit, there is another world to exploring: the Gourmet area, and a heaven of artisanal beers, olive oil, pasta, chocolate, coffee, honey, cheeses, truffles and much more. 

Some special moment? if you are a fan of biodynamic & organic wines, don't miss the salon Bio&Dyinamica, on 4th November,  and If you (like me) love the old wines, on Monday 7th november there is Longevity Vintage Collection, where the  oldest vintage of the selected wines (also over 10 years) are displayed by many producers.

Last, the wine party continues even out the Kurhaus, in the city: Terlan Sens Event Party, a special moment in collaboration with Cantina di Terlano. Oysters  and exclusive selection of Champagne Legras & Haas. Refined creations of Jeune restaurateur d’Europe Christian Pircher can be tried. The great final of the evening will be the buffet of sweets, created by Giancarlo Perbellini, which own various stars.

See you there. In Meran IWF.