Buona Fortuna Uncorked: Discovering Italy’s Hidden Wine Regions
Monday, April 20, 2026
By Diana Mancini
An unforgettable evening of wine, conversation, and discovery brought our Buona Fortuna family together to explore Italy’s hidden wine regions. With expert guidance, lively discussion, and a few new favorites uncovered, the experience went far beyond the glass. And with such a strong response, we’re already planning what’s next…

A Journey Through Italy—One Glass at a Time

What a memorable evening we shared at Tales from the Vineyards, as our Buona Fortuna family came together to explore some of Italy’s lesser-known—but truly remarkable—wine regions.

A heartfelt thank you to our Ospite, Val Ruffo, whose deep knowledge of wine and passion for sharing it brought an added richness to the experience. Val has a way of drawing people in—encouraging conversation, curiosity, and connection—and that spirit was felt throughout the room.

We are also incredibly grateful to our sommeliers, Chrystal Sparks and Stephanie of Total Wine, for guiding us through this journey with such expertise and enthusiasm. From the very first Cin Cin, they set the tone for an engaging and interactive evening, recognizing who we are as Buona Fortuna and embracing the energy of our group.

Together, we traveled across Italy—from north to south—discovering hidden gems from regions that often don’t get the spotlight they deserve. Each pour brought something new: a story, a history, a unique expression of terroir. And with every glass, the room became more animated. Questions flowed, conversations deepened, and members leaned in—not just to taste, but to truly understand.

What stood out most was the level of engagement. This wasn’t just a tasting—it was a shared experience. Members compared notes, revisited favorites, and at the end of the evening, even ranked their top selections—sparking lively discussion and a few friendly debates.

Of course, no Italian gathering is complete without food, and the charcuterie paired beautifully with the wines—adding yet another layer to an already flavorful evening.

And perhaps most importantly, this event reminded us of what makes Buona Fortuna so special: bringing people together around shared experiences, learning something new, and strengthening the connections that make us La Famiglia.

The evening was such a success that we’re already looking ahead—plans are underway to bring everyone back together for a whisky tasting experience later this year.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—and especially to Val, Chrystal, and Stephanie—for making this such a meaningful and enjoyable evening.

Saluti,
Diana