Terremoto at VinItaly

On the road, northern Italy - It's early on April 6 and the voice, not the words, of the radio announcer on Italy's Radio Uno that alerts me something is changing. My Italian is limited, mostly to wine-related topics and that mostly to when the speaker takes it easy on me. But the news of the earthquake in Abruzzo isn't easily hidden even by a language barrier, and it's not long before I've pulled off the road to listen. "Terremoto, megnetudo 5.8," says the voice and the latest results say 287 dead, including 20 children. This sign, almost a premonition, was seen in a booth at VinItaly The news shocked the final day of VinItaly 2009 and some friends still at the show said winemakers from the Abruzzi region hurriedly left for home, casting long looks at the road ahead, both literally and figuratively. The spirit of VinItaly, while certainly one of intense deal-making and bargaining for the future, also is one of high-spirited fun, with the enjoyment of wine at the center of life. It's also a reflection of the Italian love for the good things in life, including their love of their families and the sanctity of personal spirit. Much of that spirit was subdued with a simply shrug of the Earth's shoulders. We can't do much but offer our meager condolences and best wishes to our many friends and acquaintances made during VinItaly and wine trips through central Italy. And our prayers for the people who feel the pain of loss.