Vendemmia

An eye-opening look at the true costs of tourism
This documentary is beautifully shot and edited, and reveals what is facing the Cinque Terre region of Italy as economic, social, and political mores shift. From staggering views of cliffside vineyards to personal interviews with stakeholders in Vernazza, this film explores what most tourists never even consider--that the more they visit, bringing in much-needed revenue to municipalities, the more they inadvertently remove the authenticity of what they are visiting. "Vendemmia" features a family that has made wine by hand as their relatives had for centuries before them, and explores what happens when the present collides with the past. How can you run a sustainable business without sacrificing what makes it unique, and how can traditions merge with a global economy?

This film forced me to think about my role as a tourist, and how "leave no trace" extends far beyond camping. Watching "Vendemmia" will make you reconsider your own tourism goals--I think it's laudable to...

Backwards, Sideways, and Forwards
If you love wine and you love movies, then you probably remember Miles in Sideways when he was talking about his love for Pinot Noir. He said that unlike some varietals that can thrive anywhere, Pinot needs constant care and attention; "And in fact it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot's potential can then coax it into its fullest expression." Cinque de Terre is that little gem, tucked away in the corner of Italy. And Sciacchetra is the wine that has been painstakingly produced for over 1,000 years. Certainly, Miles would approve. This documentary does a superb job of capturing the wine making tradition in Cinque de Terre. But like many things in life--including good wines-- it's a little more complex than that: it's not just the grape that struggles, but the people harvesting it, the earth cradling it, the...

A beautifully executed film! A worthy and relevant tribute to the beauty and struggles of the Cinque Terre.
There are people across the world that have never heard of the Cinque Terre. There are actually people in Italy that are not familiar with this area and have never visited there. There are some of us that know and love this beautiful place, but never knew of their day to day struggles. If this is your first introduction, it will certainly pique your interest in this area. If you already have a long time love affair with the Cinque Terre, you will go away with a new respect for her people and a desire to preserve the very life of one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Thanks to the passionate message in this film, hopefully we will have a better understanding of the delicate balance needed to sustain, and perpetuate the Cinque Terre with responsible tourism. Linda T.

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