Drink Up, Show Solidarity and Stick it to the Virus!
It is a difficult time in the world. We all need a little more contact, a little more togetherness – but we can’t do it.
Humans are social animals, hardcore introverts notwithstanding. We love to get together, we love to talk and socialise. Many of our best memories are made in the company of friends and loved ones. It is our social nature and our caring for one another that has led to the society in which we, as a species, live.
But the current situation with SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus, is putting our social bonds to the test. Entire nations have shut borders to travel – in or out – and people can only leave their homes for essentials. Social activities are non-existent. Economies are suffering, and my beloved Italy is suffering more than almost anywhere else, at the moment. The wine industry is not only not an exception, it is one of the hardest-hit after tourism and culture.
But beyond the economic impact on wine is the social one. Wine is social. Wine means community, it brings people together and helps to create good memories. But what can you do if you would like to share a glass and have a conversation, but to do so would endanger your drinking and conversation partners?
Sagrantino Splash Mob
The answer? A Splash Mob! And what better wine to toast with than a splash of one of Italy’s greatest red wines: Montefalco Sagrantino. The consortium in Montefalco, Umbria has organised a Virtual Toast – a virtual flash mob – to be held on Sunday, March 22 at 19:30 CET (Central European Time), and everybody is invited! From the comfort of your own home, join the producers of Montefalco in opening bottles of Sagrantino. Montefalco’s Mayor Mr. Luigi Titta, and of the president of Umbria, Miss Donatella Tesei, will be there, and they would love to see you as well.
The idea for the “Splash Mob”? Filippo Antonelli, the president of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco and, himself, a highly-esteemed producer in the zone, says it best in his own words:
“Conviviality, unity, meetings, are the words which better characterize the real strength of our wine. This event has been created in order to recreate, even though only virtually speaking, a real union, a real moment of conviviality among people, in hoping that real life will be established again as soon as possible. The very complicated and difficult moment in which we find ourselves has forced all of us to change our way of living. Because of that, we are trying to shorten the distances. But, for the moment, this is possible only in a virtual way. However, this idea is a way to give hope to the wine sector. The Consorzio, thus, wants to completely participate in all of this, thanks to the big flash mob it has organized, called “Splash Mob: a splash of Sagrantino”. The flash mob is a wave of optimism in such a hard period. This event can help us to live enjoyable moments with our wine; a wine born to be shared. We are pleased to invite all people who are interested to stay tuned to the Facebook page of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco in order to have a toast with us. All together”.
Filippo Antonelli, president of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco
How to Participate
Go to the consortium’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/consorzio.montefalco/, which will become Montefalco town square.
From there, turn on messages and video. You will be notified of what is posted.
Open your own bottle(s). Raise a glass or two to your neighbours across the street or around the world. Post your own video or photos! Tag everything you post with #sagrantinosplashmob and it will be added to the consortium’s social media feeds.
Together we will overcome the current trials and difficulties. Let us not permit them to isolate us!
