Ciao Bella! Roman Holiday with Wine
- Tony Elvin
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
Antonio was delighted to welcome you all to The Mockingbird on this bellissimo Valentines Weekend. Read on for Antonio's Italian wine selection, the movie trivia and our Galleria a Roma.
La Carta Dei Vini
“Ahhh, signori e signore… we begin with the sparkle!”
Mamma mia, look at those bubbles — bellissimo! This Prosecco is light, fresh and molto allegro, with cheeky little aromas of apple and peach dancing out of the glass. On the palate it’s fresco, frizzante, and dangerously easy to drink. Made in the hills of Veneto, where the air is clean and the grapes are happy, this is the kind of Prosecco that says “Salute!” before you’ve even taken the first sip.
“Now… something elegante. This is a vino with manners.”
Gavi — classico, raffinato, and always impeccably dressed. On the nose you get crisp apple, juicy pear and a squeeze of lime, with that subtle minerale whisper that says “Piemonte knows what it’s doing.” The palate is bright and zesty, molto vivace, with mouth-watering citrus that makes you sit up straight and smile. A true grande signora of Italian white wine.
“Pretty, yes — but don’t underestimate her!”
Look at that colour — che bello! Soft copper-pink, like an Italian sunset over the Dolomites. The nose is delicate and floral with white peach and fresh orchard fruit. On the palate it’s smooth, gently rounded and delizioso, with a little flick of redcurrant and a zippy citrus finish. Light on its feet, molto elegante, and flirting shamelessly with everyone at the table.
“Ahhh Toscana… now we are talking seriously.”
This is passion in a glass — robusto but charming, like an Italian uncle who hugs too hard. Bright red cherries and redcurrants burst from the nose, followed by ripe plum, brambles and a little spicy Syrah swagger. The tannins are smooth, the acidity is perfectly balanced, and the finish is long and satisfying. Molto buono, especially when you’re feeling dramatic (or hungry).
“Finale! The wine that makes everyone go quiet… then ask for more.”
Sicilia — sunshine, drama, and intensità. The appassimento method dries the grapes, concentrating everything, so when you pour this wine it practically shouts “Guarda me!” Rich black cherry and blackcurrant leap from the glass, followed by deep, velvety flavours that feel lussuoso and indulgent. Dry, powerful, and assolutamente fantastico with rich food — or just a moment of silence and appreciation, especially when you've stolen it from the trunk of a mafiosa car!
Galleria a Roma
Curiosità cinematografiche Roman Holiday
Audrey Hepburn won her first Oscar for Roman Holiday — and it was also her very first starring role. Che debutto!
The role of Princess Ann was originally offered to Elizabeth Taylor, who turned it down — history smiled kindly on Audrey.
Gregory Peck insisted that Audrey Hepburn receive equal billing in the opening credits, predicting she’d be a star. He was right.
Much of the film was shot on location in Rome, which was highly unusual for Hollywood movies in the early 1950s.
The Spanish Steps scene made the steps an international tourist attraction almost overnight.
Audrey Hepburn’s famous haircut in the film helped spark a global fashion trend for short hair in the 1950s.
The Vespa scooter scene caused a surge in Vespa sales worldwide — cinema-powered marketing before it was cool.
Audrey had never ridden a scooter before filming, making her wobbliness delightfully authentic.
The film was shot in black and white partly to save money and partly because colour filming on location was still very expensive.
Roman locals often gathered to watch filming — some even appear as uncredited extras.
Gregory Peck originally found the film’s ending too sad but later admitted it was perfect and made the movie unforgettable.
The Mouth of Truth scene wasn’t fully scripted — Peck improvised pretending to lose his hand, and Audrey’s reaction was genuine.
The café dancing scene was choreographed to look spontaneous, but Audrey had trained in ballet, making it effortlessly graceful.
Director William Wyler wanted the film to feel like a love letter to Rome, not just a romantic comedy.
Audrey Hepburn spoke five languages, which helped her convincingly portray a European princess.
The film’s success helped revive Italian tourism after World War II.
The character of Princess Ann is fictional, but inspired by real-life royal visits to post-war Europe.
Roman Holiday was one of the first Hollywood films to fully embrace European realism over studio glamour.
Eddie Albert (the photographer) was later awarded a Bronze Star for rescuing marines during WWII — a real-life hero.
Audrey Hepburn was initially paid far less than Peck — until the studio realised they’d discovered a star.
The ending broke the romantic comedy rulebook by choosing bittersweet realism over fairy-tale romance.
The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning 3.
Audrey Hepburn’s simple white blouse and full skirt became one of the most iconic outfits in cinema history.
Roman Holiday helped redefine what a romantic lead could be — gentle, humorous, and emotionally restrained.
Despite its light tone, the film quietly explores themes of duty versus freedom, giving it lasting emotional depth.
Ahhh, carissimi amici… before we go, just one more thing 🇮🇹🍷
Grazie mille! Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my Italian heart, for joining us tonight.
What a joy — good wine, great film, and even better company. Bellissima atmosfera! You laughed, you sipped, you shared… this is exactly how wine and cinema should be enjoyed.
If tonight has whetted your appetite (and your palate), do take a little stroll over to our upcoming events. More films, more wines, more moments to say “just one more glass…”
Until we meet again — salute, cin cin, and arrivederci! 🍾🎬
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