Vespa, A Gem of a Place in Manduria

Known as the heel of the boot of Italy, Puglia is renowned for its vast farmland, stunning coastlines that are snuggled in between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and red wines made mostly from the Primitivo grape, indigenous to the area. Manduria is...

Piedmont: Home to the Italian Grape Nebbiolo

Piedmont: Home to the Italian Grape Nebbiolo

My work in the wine business during the last 15+ years has gifted me the ability to travel to Italy. Long, winding roads, flanked by an endless sea of vineyards and farms, are common in Italy’s countryside. I have reveled in this bucolic beauty...

Savoring the European Long Lunch

Savoring the European Long Lunch

My travels, whether France, Spain or Italy, always give me something profound that is an integral part of our European neighbors' lives, the European long lunch - il pranzo lungo. That tradition may seem more foreign to us here in the U.S. than any...

Italian Bubbles That You Need To Know

Italian Bubbles That You Need To Know

This time of year is always a special one with the frenetic activity of the holidays and many celebrations abound. Italian bubbles you need to know are a must for celebratory times – actually, any time. They are my go-tos for sipping, and their...

A Quick Buying Guide to Rosé Wine

A Quick Buying Guide to Rosé Wine

Light red, salmon, pink! These are words that describe the beautiful hues of rosé wines, wines given their name because of their color. Restaurant wine lists and retail stores are full of these beauties all year long, not just in spring and summer....

The Christmas Soup Story and Recipe

The Christmas Soup Story and Recipe

Christmas Soup is a delicacy that my mother has made every Christmas Eve for more than 50 years. A recipe handed down from an Italian family friend full of spinach, mini meatballs and egg and cheese drops, Christmas Soup always has a...

A Guide to Understanding Lambrusco

A Guide to Understanding Lambrusco

Listen to article - 4 minutes. The word Lambrusco often conjures up images of the TV commercial jingle “Riunite on ice…that’s so nice” or the excessively sweet wine that our grandparents drank. While the brand Riunite put Lambrusco on the U.S. wine...

Trends In Changing Our Wine Wardrobes

Trends In Changing Our Wine Wardrobes

This time of the year - when the humidity has dissipated and nights are crisp and cool - is one of my most favorite seasons, like it is for many people. I love the freshness that a new season brings. While I feel sad about less light-filled days, I...

Vermouth – An International Cocktail Gem

Vermouth – An International Cocktail Gem

Cocktails in the United States and abroad have been increasing in popularity in recent years with many playing the role of mixologist at home. Yet, an ingredient that has long been in second position to whiskey, gin or vodka in famous cocktails...