VINTAGE/Wine previews
February 10 & 12
Fortezza da Basso & Stazione Leopolda, Florence
Chainti Lovers at Fortezza da Basso
Cin cin to—’tis the season of wine previews! The Consorzio Vino Chianti’s splashy showcase Chianti Lovers (February 10, www.consorziovinochianti.it) brings together dozens of producers, filling in the Fortezza da Basso to spotlight the 2018 vintage along with DOCG wines already on the market. A winter fixture for wine lovers-by-trade as well as by tipple, last year’s edition brought some 4,000 visitors to the venue. Doors will open at 4pm to the public; industry professionals can take part in earlier previews. Pre-sale strongly recommended at: boxofficetoscana.it
Also of “note”: the storied Chianti Classico Collection, the equivalent event of the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico (www.chianticlassico.com), is opening to general audiences for the first time ever on February 12 at Stazione Leopolda.
CULTURE/Black History Month Florence
Until March 3
Various venues in Florence
Entering its fourth edition this year, Black History Month Florence has become a February stronghold. Unlike its counterpart United States celebrations, BHMF doesn’t focus on African-American cultural contributions but instead on the broader African diaspora—and, in particular, its dialogue with and longstanding presence in Italy. At the heart of BHMF’s mission is celebration of the diversity within African and African diasporic cultures and challenging of the one-dimensional narratives that often surround them. This year’s music-inspired theme, “Adagio”—performed in slow time—invites participants to have nuanced, long-term discussions of these themes in an age of surface-level social media speak. Close to 60 events are on the program this year, spanning theatre and dance to food events, lectures, art and more: see www.blackhistorymonthflorence.com.
MUSIC/Verone Jazz
Throughout February (this week: 7pm, February 8)
Caffe’ del Verone, piazza Ss. Annunziata 13, Florence
Get funky this February: Caffè del Verone, the rooftop bar at the Museo degli Innocenti, is playing host to concerts from several singer-songwriters and musicians from a range of genres in a mini-festival, Verone Jazz. Lucia Sargenti and Lorenzo Bagnoli are the artists spotlighted in this week’s installment (February 8). Expect an energetic show inspired by the duo’s “passion for African-American culture and unconditional love for the Beatles,” as they put it. For all Verone Jazz events, a pre-show aperitivo runs from 7-8.30pm , followed by a short talk with featured artists. Concerts remain open until seats run out. Call 3500970302 or email caffedelverone@gmail.com to book a seat.
TASTE/Chocolate Festival
February 8-17
Piazza Santa Croce, Florence
Sweethearts and sweet toothed types flock to the annual chocolate fair each February. Recently rebranded as “Firenze e Cioccolato”, it’s the same setup as the classic Fiera del Cioccolato Artigianale but will see Santa Croce as its backdrop this year. Chocolatiers, chefs and producers will be in the square bearing treats and showing off their talents at workshops and demonstrations. For the full program,, see the official website.
