They Told Us "No Cameras!"

Italian%20Wine%20promotion%20Whole%20Foods.JPG

Well, no wonder. Here's a huge floor display, at the Whole Foods on Westlake, devoted to Italian wines. Great idea. Terrific promotion. All for it. But what's the tie-in to Vespa all about? Is the idea that a sexy scooter promotes wine consumption? What fun! Alcoholic beverages and a motor vehicle? Gulp!

What's the next step? A Kenworth semi filled with cases of Maker's Mark? Stihl chain saws and Knob Creek? Evinrude outboards and Bacardi?

Nothing against Vespa, by the way, but next time, there's actually a scooter called Vino. Made by Yamaha, it turns out.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Ronald in Food on May 27, 2008 11:00 AM

Comments [rss]

bigtimetopbanana

I'll bet the manager just bought some Vulcan property, and got the free scooter that comes with their condos, and now wants to show it off, rather than risk his life on the streets with it.

http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/05/26/story1.html?q=vulcan%20condo%20vespa

Eco Geek

On a slightly related tangent, when I went to Italy last year I was surprised to see that serious bicyclists all rode the same road bikes that we do (Treks, Giants, etc) despite the multitude of incredible Italian bike companies. Evidently they sell all of their stock to rich Americans who want pretend they are part of a European biking community that no longer exists.

That being said, I would TOTALLY ride an Italian bike.

polyrhythmic

Having just returned from Rome in April, I see more Vespas in Seattle than I did in Italy! Rome tends towards the larger, safer, and more modern Yamahas, Hondas, and Suzukis.

Vespas are still much prettier though, and that Vespa has been in Whole Foods for weeks.

Matt the Engineer

Is that where I left it? I've got to slow down on the wine before scooting to the store.

Troy Morris

I saw that last week too. I think it's because of the conception that Vespas and scooters are quintessentially Italian transport and "oh so cute."