Italian Wine Week?

Saw a big ad in the paper for this (10/24-31), sponsored by Italian Trade Commission. Despite the large ad, there doesn't seem to be that much going on. Retailers listed as participating are Sam's, Convito, Glunz and TI.- though there was no description whatever as to what "participating" means. Tastings? Special prices? Winemakers in town? The ad doesn't say.

Ditto the restaurants. Small list (It. Village, Coco Pazzo, Tratt. 10, Thyme), and no specifics about special wines or dinners.

Anyone know if anything interesting is actually happening at any of these venues? Seems like a strangely muted celebration for Italians.

I am trying to recall something that i read a couple of weeks ago, but I think that there is a lot more involved to the wine week, but that most of it is sold out tastings, or trade-only events. I may be confusing this with another wine weekend, but I think that it included a very expensive wine dinner at the Penninsula. Sorry I can't remember more details.
-Will

A wine associate from Sams suggested the following when I requested some new Italian wines to try for $12 and under:
Red
I Portali Aglilanico 2002
Velletri Ross 2000
S Farina Primativo 2001
Dievole Pinocchio 2003
Avignonesis Rosso 2002
Chiarlo Barb Asti 2003
White
Cavalchina Bianco 2004
Cappuccina Soave 2004
Pipoli Bianco 2004
Defalco Lacryma BL 2003
Pietra Porzia Fras 2003
Foraci Inzo/Cat 2003
Haven't had a chance to try any yet, though I plan to!