Fiera di Rapule

Since Mark's been out of town, the kids and I have been on some adventures. Fiera di Rapule was an ambitious one. Before we even got to the fiera, Ella threw up her lunch all over herself and her carseat, for the 2nd time this week. After exhausting nearly a whole pack of wet wipes, we were back on the road. The Fiera di Rapule is always the third weekend of October, and it's wine's answer to Octoberfest. It happens in the medieval town of Calosso, perfectly nestled at the top of a hill in Langhe wine country. The town's ancient crotin (wine cellars) have been renovated one by one, and the annual fair opens them up to the public and it makes for a tasty itinerary as you hop from one crotin, to the next. There are several different types of local pastas to dry, deep friend dough stuffed with various cheeses, raw minced meat, fondue, various desserts to try, and of course wine around every corner. The wine glass I picked up in the first tent cost 4 euro, but every glass of wine I had cost only 1 euro. I had to keep reminding myself that I had 2 kids under 4 to worry about, but I definitely deserved the two glasses that I did have. 

What's in it for the kids? There are sword fights, improv singing and bands scattered throughout town, chestnut roasters, and firepits marking the entrance to every cantina. Molto suggestivo. Too bad at 7:30pm, when our friends showed up, all of the italians showed up, so it was time to head home. I think at one point I had Luca and his tennis racket dangling off one side of the carriage, while Ella was bawling and trying to get out of her straps. It will be better next time with Daddy.

 Ella holding our 20 euros worth of "Crotin." The only form of money they accept at the fair.

Driving with glass in hand (Poppie taught me this) while Luca picks out another bon bon to share with his sister. 

Fried dough, stuffed with mozzarella.