For December, I knew I wanted to feature a red wine from a mountainous region in Italy that is big enough to warm the heart, but still balanced and versatile to go with all of the food that accompanies the holidays. En route to the Castkills, I stopped in to Kingston Wine Co., just a few hours north of New York City, where owner Michael suggested this beautiful wine from the Dolomites in northern Italy.
Read moreDianne Hales: On Italy and Passion
I had the opportunity to sit down with writer Dianne Hales earlier this month over a couple of cappucini at Emporio Ruli in Larkspur, California, and talk with her about her new book, La Passione: How Italy Seduced the World.
Read moreWhat NOT to do in Italy | A Lesson on Cultural Manners
From my years of experience living, working, and traveling in Italy, I have found that the Italians are an easy-going people, happy to connect with visitors and to share their incredibly rich culture. That being said, there ARE some things that get under their skin. If you want to be considered a traveler and not a tourist, then don’t do these 10 things:
Read moreWhy Are Roses Planted at the End of Vine Rows?
One of the questions that come up on almost every tour I do is "Why are roses planted at the end of the vine rows?". So, to answer this question once and for all (or until my next tour): drum roll please...
Made in Florence | 10 Artisan Shops You Will Love
Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, has a long history of being a center for culture and craft. If there are any doubts, one just needs to look around at the impressive architecture and the abundance of art found in the city's museums, galleries, administrative buildings--and, really, just about anywhere. Less obvious, however, are the artisans whose studios and shops can sometimes get overlooked amidst the big designer stores or hidden behind humble storefronts.
The following list highlights my favorite artisanal shops in Florence, offering everything from leather sandals to shampoo, from silver to marbled paper. Part of being a responsible traveler is to make sure your converted dollars are being used to support the local economy, seeking out souvenirs made by artisans and historical purveyors of artisanal products rather than poor-quality trinkets imported from other countries. Go ahead and shop your heart out at any of these. Not only will you feel good for helping to sustain long-lived traditions, but you will be getting superior products made with skill and passion.
Read moreItalian Sparkling Wines
As the end of the year approaches, and heartfelt toasts abound, I thought this would be a good moment for this friendly reminder: France isn't the sole producer of fine sparkling wines, and Italy's sparkling wine industry is not just about prosecco. Here are some of my favorite classic-method sparkling wines coming from northern Italy that will sparkle and shine in your raised glass and dance the night away on your palette!
Read moreMix Tape | "Ma Che Freddo Fa" by Nada
There are some perfect pairs out there: Malbec and steak. Bloody Marys and brunch. Netflix and the couch. As its pours outside on this cold, dark Thursday eve, I am reminded of another one: Rainy days and sad songs. The second track for our Italian mix tape, following Paolo Conte's Via Con Me, is a song that I learned while living in Italy, "Ma Che Freddo Fa" ("How Cold It Is"), made famous by the Italian singer Nada at Italy's Sanremo Music Festival in 1969 when she was just 16-years old. Though singing about unrequited love, her performance--at times timid, at times feisty--can't help but warm your heart.
Read moreThankful for Italian Wines at Thanksgiving
If I were to say "Top Thanksgiving Wines. Go!", chances are Pinot Noir, Champagne, Zinfandel, Sancerre and Anything-that-gets-me-through-dinner-with-my-extended-family would be shouted out with zeal – and with good reason. BUT, what if I were to tell you that there is a whole other world out there: not in the creepy, Stranger-Things-upside-down way, but in the Aladdin-on-a-magic-carpet way.
(Hop on and I'll explain.)
Read moreLabor of Love | Wine Women of Piemonte
In honor of Women's Month (can we all just agree that every month is women's month?), I wanted to present Suzanne Hoffman's incredible 15+ year research project on the wine family women of Piemonte, which was recently released in the form of a beautifully-detailed book entitled Labor of Love. Many people have heard of the Barolo Boys phenomenon, the term given to a group of friends who revolutionized the production of Barolo—Piemonte's most famous wine—and brought it into the international spotlight in the 80s and 90s. But, who this title excludes is all the women who played pivotal roles and continue to do so in the history and culture of Piemonte, wine-making and otherwise. In Labor of Love, by highlighting the nurturing nature of Piemonte's wine family women across two hundred years, alongside their husbands, fathers, brothers, neighbors, Hoffman offers a thorough history/ herstory of this incredible wine region.
Here are short excerpts from Labor of Love on several of my favorite wine women in Piemonte:
Read moreThe Venice Carnivale Unmasked!
Happy Martedì Grasso (Fat Tuesday), Everyone! It's days like this one I would happily trade in the California sun for the wintery setting of Venice (my old stomping ground) to see the spectacle of those parading around the labyrinthine calle in full costume during Carnivale. Below are a few fun facts about the centuries-old tradition, and a peak into the festive hearts of the Venetians.
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