Reception at the Italian Embassy in Prague hosted by Amb. Giorgio Radicati for producers exhibiting at the 2004 Prague Italian Wine Gala.

Another view of the Italian Embassy reception for producers showing at the 2004 Prague Italian Wine Gala.

Dr. Lucio Caputo (c.), Italian Wine & Food Institute president, gives silver bowl to Amb. Radicati, a gift of the producers. Jenny Di Bert joins them.

At Prague tasting (l. to r.): Ambrogio and Giovanna Folonari, Dr. Caputo and Czech Deputy Minister of Finance Eduard Janota.

Dr. Caputo with Barbora Loudova, Dept. of Protocol and Foreign Relations, Office of the Government of the Czech Republic.

Dr. Caputo with the Czech Republic Deputy Minister of Finance Eduard Janota who attended the tasting.

Countess Maria Cristina Loredan Rizzardi with Amb. Radicati, Dr. Caputo and Marquis Carolo Guerriera Gonzaga.

L. to r.: Dr. Caputo, Czech Republic Deputy Foreign Minister Muller, Ms. Di Bert, Ms. Loudova and Amb. Radicati.

Bohemia Ballroom of the Marriott in Prague where the Gala tasting was held. Some 800 guests sampled 70 wines from 12 specially selected producers.

Cesare Cecchi of Casa Vinicola L. Cecchi & Figli discusses fine points with a visiting wine professional.

Marquis Carlo Guerrieri Gonzaga of Guerrieri Rizzardi Az. Agr. pours one of his vintage wines for a Gala visitor.

Dr. Alessandro Francois and Mr. M. Antonietta Corsi of Castello di Querceto winery discuss their products with a tasting guest.

Princess Natalia Guicciardini Strozzi pours a sampling while her mother, Princess Irene Guicciardini Strozzi, chats with a visitor.

Santi Planeta of Planeta S.a.s. winery pours one of his vintages for an attendee.

Giovanna and Ambrogio Folonari pour a glass of their "Cabreo" for Giancarlo Bertacchini (l.) of La Gattoria winery.

Coda Nunziante of San Felice winery pours a sample of one of his fine wines.

With wine in hand, Penny Donadel of Verona Fairs Authority consults director in front of a colorful Vinitaly poster.