The Grinzane Cavour Prize (1982–2009) was an Italian literary award established in 1982 by Francesco Meotto.[1] The annual award ceremony took place in the medieval castle of Grinzane Cavour. The goal of the prize was to attract young people to read. The voting system was divided into two phases: first, a jury of literary critics selected finalists, and then they chose an overall winner from the pool of finalists. Special prizes for best new author and lifetime achievement were also awarded.
The Grinzane Cavour Prize Association was dissolved on 31 March 2009 as a result of the implication of the organization's president, Giuliano Soria, in an embezzling scheme.[2] Soria used the Grinzane Cavour Prize to gain €4.5 million in government grants which he then appropriated for his personal use. The assets of the organization were acquired by the Monforte d'Alba Bottari Lattes cultural foundation at a bankruptcy auction in 2010.[3]
