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…
Peace in the Val d’Orcia
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…
Countdown to Vinitaly…. 14 days to go!!!
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!…
Italians Do It Better…. And Longer!
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…
Excellence, an Italian Quality
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…
La Grande Bellezza
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…
This Must Be the Place!!!
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!!! …