We are deep into it now, Vinitaly 2014. The heat is on, here in Verona – temperatures are record-breaking, and the wines are sweating. The refrigeration just can’t keep up with the sun beating down on the Verona fairgrounds. I’ve got to admit it, I prefer to sniff. The aromas are heady… I came to…
Racing around Vinitaly is grueling work … but someone’s got to do it, right? The numbers would seem to be good – all the winemakers I talked to, indicated that the first day (Sunday) seemed like a record-breaking day, with lots of foreigners (always a good sign in times of crisis!) Warm spring temperatures make…
I get into Verona around 6 p.m. on Saturday, just in time for Opera Wine, the kick-off event sponsored by the Wine Spectator to showcase their pick of Italy’s 100 best wines. It’s a time for meeting and greeting and the electricity is in the air. Just to get started - rev up…
In preparation for the wine-lover’s all-time kermesse, Vinitaly, what does one do? One gets in shape in a weekend of wellness at a thermal spa, what else? (Can you hear George Clooney saying that ‘What else?’ or does George only do Nespresso commercials in his adopted home, Italy?) Days in the sun, and nights in…
In just 14 days’ time, all the oenophiles in-the-know will descend on that Mecca of the grape, Verona! The city of Romeo and Juliet is the host to Italy’s great kermesse, VINITALY. Last year, over 145,000 people attended the 4-day event that showcases Italian wine, but not only – spirits and international wines as well!…
Did you know that researchers have found that – not only do Italians do it better, but – Sardinians live longer than just about anybody else? And Sardinian men lead the pack! There are more of them over 100 years old than anyplace else on earth – the highest concentration of centenarians. Sardinia's Secret To…
This past weekend, I had the good fortune to participate in the International Forum on Made in Italy held in Monte Carlo (I know, I know – it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!) The debate was at times heated, as it should be – we’re talking about the economy, the excellence…
So did you catch the reference to Paolo Sorrentino’s 2011 film, This Must Be the Place, with Sean Penn and Frances McDormand (music by David Byrne)? Now everyone knows his 2013 film, La Grande Bellezza. (If you don’t, stop reading immediately and go see it – this is REQUIRED VIEWING for this blog! Winner of…
Are you a foodie? Do you love to settle down with a good glass of wine, preferably in good company? Have you dreamt of living in a Tuscan farmhouse, or in a pastel-colored stucco villa overlooking the Mediterranean?Do you want to live La Dolce Vita? If so, then… This must be the place!!! …
