Author Archives: Joe

Pappa al Pomodoro – My try at making this traditional Tuscan soup

I took loads of photographs at the demo and also watched a YouTube video that one of the follow bloggers made, but I had to do some guesswork on the exact amounts of all ingredients. Here is my take on how to prepare and cook this wonderful soup, perfecto for these cold winter months. Continue reading

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Dario Cecchini – The Butcher of Chianti Classico

Dario Cecchini is an 8th generation butcher but he has taken his skill to another level from his predecessors. Not only does he have innovative ideas about his profession, but his amazing outgoing personality, and his love for his trade and the people that come to his butcher shop and restaurant, are what sets him apart. He is truly a living legend in the land of Chianti Classico.
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Caparsa Estate in Chianti Classico

Perhaps I see myself in the roll as Paolo making my own wine working the vineyards organically and selecting the finest grapes to go into my wine. If owned a winery I would tend to the land and make wine just like Paolo. Continue reading

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Touring and tasting in Chianti Classico

We learned much about Chianti Classico, its wines, tradition, and its many characters. We begin a series of articles with some general information and background about Chianti Classico and its wines. Continue reading

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Our Italian Wine Adventures – Brescia

Our Italian Wine Adventures begin in the city of Brescia. We were not familiar with this city until we decided to attend the European Wine Bloggers Conference. It is one of those hidden gems that somehow remain relatively undiscovered by … Continue reading

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Twisted Oak Winery – Zany Place

Brett Keller came to our rescue. He took us on a tour of the crushpad, the fermenting tanks, and then to the cave for a few barrel samples of aging wines. Brett Keller recently replaced Twisted’s former winemaker, Scott Klann, and it was interesting to hear how Brett will continue the legacy and add his own personal touches, one of which will be the production of an Albariño wine. Continue reading

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Indian Rock Vineyards in Murphys – A Little Different

They prefer to be off the radar, building their clientele on word-of-mouth and the reputation of their wine. They don’t sell their wine retail; most of it goes to their wine club members and the rest is sold to visitors out of their tasting room. A few bottles can be found in local restaurants.
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Which are the best wineries to visit in Paso Robles?

If you have not been to the Paso Robles wine region, you should consider a wine trip to this area. The town is loaded with good restaurants, tasting rooms, antique stores and even a few cowboy shops. Continue reading

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Williamsburg Winery in Virginia – Wine and American History

If you are an American history buff and a wine lover, then Williamsburg, Virginia, is a city to put on your bucket list. We visited Williamsburg following the 4th Annual Wine Bloggers Conference in Charlottesville, Virginia. Continue reading

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Virginia Wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail – Wine Bloggers Conference 2011

This tasting room and hospitality center opened about nine months ago on the beautiful hillsides of the Virginia Bluegrass Mountains. The views are fantastic and the countryside so green, and full of grasslands and forests. Homes and other wineries are few and far between, with acres and acres of open space to enjoy. Continue reading

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