Southern Italy is a joy to visit year round, but there’s something about the late spring and summer when the rich, less-populated lands of the South burst forth with an abundance of fruits and vegetables so full of flavor that little else is needed to make them into a perfect summer meal. Thanks to this, there are wonderfully simple recipes that, with a visit to your local farmer’s market, you will be able to effortlessly whip up in no time.

Having just returned to the States after an extensive period in Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily, these are the refreshing dishes my palate misses the most:

Lacrima means “teardrop” in Italian and refers to both the shape of the grape and the fact that it has a thin skin and therefore breaks easily, releasing drops of juice. Others, like Ian d’Agata, will tell you it is because drinking Lacrima will produce tears of joy. I will second that! While doing my sommelier course in Italy, this is one of the wines that blew me away—its aromatic quality was like nothing I had experienced before.

We all love the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome and Venice—oh, how we love them! However, Italy offers so much more than these well-loved (and well-trodden) cities and coasts. A plethora of off-the-beaten-path gems are waiting to host your next romantic getaway in Italy—whether that be a solo trip or one with a significant other. Below are a few of my faves this year. My Valentine’s treat to you. And, as a bonus, I’ve included a regional wine pairing for each. Enjoy!