The 27th annual Gala Italia was celebrated this past Thursday on February 23rd at the Marriot Marquis under the patronage of the Ambassador of Italy, Claudio Bisogniero. The event was hosted by the Italian Wine & Food Institute to promote and celebrate all things Italian and “perpetuate the great vitality of Made in Italy within the local market despite the current economic crisis” faced by Italy. Vineyards from all over Italy were showcased, proudly pouring samples of their award winning wines. Guests who are new to Italian wines or wanted a “cheat sheet” for sampling the best wines offered could use their Gala Italia catalog to try wines awarded the prestigious first place certificate by an Independent American Jury of wine specialists.