La Festa del Barolo 2016
BY ANTONIO GALLONI | SEPTEMBER 27, 2016
La Festa del Barolo 2016 was a rousing success. The event raised over $130,000 for charity and brought Barolo lovers from around the world together to celebrate the magic of Nebbiolo and Barolo in all of its different expressions.
This year’s Festa del Barolo was bittersweet as it was the last Festa to be held at the iconic Four Seasons Restaurant under the tenure of Julian Niccolini and Alex von Bidder. Since it first opened in 1959, the Four Seasons has played a central role in the life of New Yorkers. The space, designed by architects Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson, preserves the look and feel of a long-gone era, and yet the Four Seasons is also timeless in its elegance. Over the years and decades, the Four Seasons hosted many notable personalities and events before closing in July 2016 to undergo renovations before it reopens under the management of the Major Food Group.
Dinner in the Four Seasons’ iconic Pool Room
The Four Seasons also holds a special place for me personally, as it was the place I did many of my early tastings as a wine critic. I would duck out of my office next door at 345 Park Avenue and walk across the street to the restaurant, where I was allowed to sit in the corner and taste dozens of wines while patrons at adjacent tables enjoyed their Dover Sole or Roasted Duck in the Four Seasons' celebrated Pool Room. The Four Seasons Restaurant was a great friend to La Festa del Barolo. I would like to thank the entire staff for the support they lent our event over the years.
Fifteen estates were represented at La Festa del Barolo 2016
From start to finish, La Festa del Barolo takes about a year to plan and the work of many people to pull off. Fifteen producers traveled from Italy to share their wines. Our team of 50 sommeliers was drawn from restaurants across the United States. Del Posto’s Jeff Porter and our own Kelli White served as Head Sommeliers and made sure everything around wine service was flawless. Many other individuals worked behind the scenes to make sure everything came off perfectly. Your efforts are noted and deeply appreciated.
The Gala Dinner & Charity Auction
La Festa’s Gala Dinner & Charity Auction is inspired by Burgundy’s La Paulée, a traditional end of harvest celebration. Each grower presents two older vintages at their respective table. Guests are invited to share bottles from their own cellars with their friends, fellow attendees and producers in what is always a lively and convivial exchange of fabulous wines. The room is set with fifteen tables, one for each producer, plus a Vinous table for our guests.
