WineAppeal.it "Art in a Bottle"

Without question, the traditions of art and wine in Sicily have truly ancient roots. That the two should pair together so naturally comes as no surprise: both elements satisfy the immaterial needs of the human spirit; both are sensitive and open to individual appreciation through contemplation and taste, transcending their physical form to create a unique experience and source of enjoyment.
Art and wine originate from a profound and complex labor of love, meditation and zeal, culminating in a manifestation of the creator’s passion and vision. The winemaker and the artist share a common goal in the elicitation of pleasure through heightening the senses and permeating the seam between the conscious and the unconscious.

WineAppeal.it “Art in a Bottle” is an original concept created and designed by Vanvakys Art International and Studio 71 Gallery Palermo, and consists of original hand-painted labels created by 35 different Sicilian artists on the theme of wine. The labels are museum-quality value: in fact, limited copies of the entire collection have been acquired by four Italian museums so far: Museo dell’Etichetta e del Vino -Museum of Label and Wine of Cupramontana (Region of Marche); Museo delle Arti e Tradizioni Popolari di Roma- Museum of Art and Traditions of Rome; A.I.C.E.V. of Bardolino (Vinitaly location, Region of Veneto); Museo di Castello - the Castle Museum of Castelbuono (Region of Sicily).

Experience Sicily with all of your senses
Sicilian culture remains largely undiscovered outside of the Mediterranean region, despite the fact that its culinary traditions are among the richest in the world. The true Sicily, with its monumental beauty both natural and man-made, is, to this day, overshadowed by stereotype and misrepresented by outdated impressions and ideas that continue to tie us to a remote and limited past. While it is true that Sicilian art, products and wine were born of ancient traditions and cultures, it is also fact that those traditions continue today with a consciousness of, and an eye toward, the future. Join us in our journey to rediscover the enduring bounty of this majestic land.

We are proud to have this opportunity to bring a piece of Sicily to New York and look forward to hosting you at our events. In the meantime, we remind you to eat and drink well, but also in moderation: “A good glass of wine leaves you light as a bird, a second glass renders you strong as a lion… but to overindulge makes you dumb as an ass”.

- Ancient saying credited to Dionysus, who, according to legend, uttered these words while transporting grapevines from Greece to Sicily.

Cheers and best wishes,

Salvatore Cottone
President, Vanvakys Art International, Inc.

In appreciation
I would like to offer thanks and express gratitude on the part of myself and the Vanvakys team to all who contributed to this project in any way, especially to all the artists who so generously donated their time and energy to create beautiful, miniature works of art and my great favorite New York Chef Raffaele Ronca, of Palma Restaurant; our Sponsors for their contribution and "Dulcis in fundo" Patrizia Calce and Maria Masciotti of Westchester Italian Cultural Center for being the first to welcome and recognize the value of this initiative.