Grapes on the Vine: Epic Fantasy

The grapes were still on the vine when the wizard came to Antaria. Usually, wizards were known for waiting until well after the grapes were picked and crushed to ferment, long after the work was done, when the last year's vintage was uncorked in celebration. That was when the wizards usually came. This one came while the grapes were still on the vine, and the nonas shook their heads at it when they saw him walk into town with dusty boots, his long cape trailing in the dust. It was not a good thing, a wizard who was looking for more than a free drink. The strego took one look at him, squawked, and fled to the depths of her villa.

Inspiration: "Black Gate," a pub that only takes epic fantasy. Hmm, thinks I, I haven't written epic fantasy in a while. But what is epic fantasy, and how could it be different?
Story Potential: High? Medium-high?
Finished Length: ?
Notes: It's Italian, Renaissance-y, and high fantasy. This could be HOT. On the other hand, not really much in the way of story here, yet, and it would require in-depth research.