Two Edmonton happenings last week proved Italy is a strong challenger to be crowned the next "in" wine country.

First, the local Italian Chamber of Commerce hosted a trade delegation from Latina, located 60 kilometres south of Rome in the region of Lazio.

Italy is second to Australia in wine exports to Canada and the quality-cost ratio of the Latina wines showed why Italy is knocking hard on Alberta's door.

Second, a "mini" Italian wine festival staged by Liquor Select, at 8924 149th St., attracted a sell-out crowd.

There were a handful of old favourites there, such as the Antinori and Fontanafredda offerings. But there were some exciting wines new to the market.

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