Arriving to a group of people who speak the same language as you after an extended period of verbal absence is one of the most refreshing experiences I've encountered. Though always thought as important, I hadn't fully noticed how valuable a shared understanding of tone and inflection is to an enjoyable conversation. After settling into the hotel and making fast friends, we made our way to dinner- A three course affair filled with good conversation and great wine. Already adjusted to the timezone, myself and a few adventurous individuals from the group explored an evening in Verona, found our way to a bar and made use of the valuable and universal word 'beer'.
Though beer was not the important drink found here in the greater Verona region. After a day of exploring the city and witnessing the twelfth day of Christmas festival (pictures below), which closed with the burning of the gift giving witch, we departed the city for the alps. However, we made one important stop at the Ville de Torre, where the history and economics of the wine trade were discussed.
One of my assigned articles for the trip was presented today, primarily focused on the topic of collective reputation. In summary, a collective reputation is one which multiple firms of a given area/type share. For example, there is a collective reputation of the wine exported from Italy as being exquisite. Because of this reputation, the vineyards are able to charge a premium for their products, increasing the price even if their wine is not necessarily truly better. This perception drives prices in numerous industries, and can work to both help and hurt the company. For instance, if a new firm opens as an Italian wine exporter, even if their product is not of the same high quality, they will still have a greater demand for their beverage as they can free ride on the coat tails of those secussful, reputable firms in the area.
However, even if the reputation increases the price, the wine tasting process is one that deserves some respect, and it did seem noticeable to our group that some wines tasted better than others. This delicious wine combined with lower relative pricing and a greatly enjoyable wine tasting session led our group to purchase a box or two (or 30 some bottles) to take back to the states.
We now ride the charter bus up to the alps, with skiing in our 48 hour future. Wishing all at home the best, cheers and chao!
(The group, as seen by three in person and 14 in shadow)
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