Nancy and Lisa are both Certified Sommeliers and currently work in the wine industry.

Enjoy!

I can’t believe we only have a few days left before it’s time to fly home. We had just arrived in London when I ended my last edition. I had long dreamed since learning I came from English blood to visit England and bond with my heritage. Umm…perhaps London wasn’t the right place to initially bond though…LOL! London is a very bustling and intense city, yet full of history and beauty. It would be nice to return and come as a tourist to truly enjoy the pleasures it holds. I did however, get a chance to spend an hour in the British Museum and look upon the Rosetta stone!

The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter we attended was absolutely incredible. Not only did we taste outstanding wines from around the world, we had the privilege to listen to famous wine makers such as Christian Moueix, Michel Chapoutier and Louis Roederer describe their wines as we tasted them and learn about the history of their estates. Those of you who are in the wine world will know who these people are and what a fabulous treat we had!!!

We then took the ferry back to France and spent a couple days in Paris. We stayed in our friends’ lovely penthouse flat…on the 8th floor huff, puff…which overlooked the Eiffel Tower. The tower is truly everything people have said it is; it exudes both power and gentle grace. We only saw a fraction of the city and it rained the entire time we were there so we didn’t get the chance to explore much. However, the people watching from the covered brasserie is certainly worth it all!!!

After leaving Paris we spent a couple days in Beaune. What a beautiful and incredible city, with its architecture and history of all the wine caves and auction. We stopped in one of the chateaus where you could taste all their wines from the many famous vineyards of the area. The gave us our own tastevin to taste the wines (too funny) but the experience helped to sink in the markers for the different vineyards.

From Beaune we spent last night again in Avignon…for some reason I do love this town, although it isn’t much associated with wine. We will be in Italy today. We plan on following the coastline of the Mediteranian sea to as far as Genova, and hopefully find a nice place along the sea to spend tonight. Our plans of visiting Venice has been changed, with all the rains it is almost completely under water and no one is visiting at the moment. It shouldn’t impact our flight out on Monday though since the airport is on the mainland.

This edition is short and my last until I return back to California, but my message is still the same – life is what you make of it, so always live each day to the fullest and with passion. This European journey has been fabulous and I will definitely return with a completely different perspective than when I left. I know…blah, blah, blah….!

See you all soon!

Cheers!
Nancy

Wow, I’m a bit behind in what I need to tell you – since I last wrote I have traveled many miles and seen so many sights; I went from Italy, France and now in London, England.

After leaving San Quirico, we drove directly to Pisa. We planned on staying one night but it ended up 2 nights. We stayed in the Hotel de Stephano – just 2 blocks from the tower of Pisa and the Piazza dei Miracoli. From the rooftop of our old hotel, we overlooked the tower and it was a beautiful view as the sun set in orange and reds both nights.

We found a fun café a block and a half from the hotel located among the shops. We had dinner and coffee and thoroughly enjoyed people watching. There were many young college students attending university right in the area we were staying.

The next day was much fun. I paid 15 euros to climb the tower of Pisa and the view from the very top was indescribable. It was an experience of a lifetime and worth the money just to view all of Pisa and as far as the eye could see. Afterwards we ate at a little café (Pisa Café) just outside the Piazza and had the best pizza either of us had ever ate.

From Pisa we headed into France and spent the night in Nice. Nice is a lovely cosmopolitan resort town right on the Mediterranean Sea. We were very pleasantly surprised how warm it was with a balmy breeze. There is a wonderful promenade that follows the coastline and you could see people walking, jogging, and biking all along the length of it.

The next morning I walked quite a ways up the promenade and saw some people swimming in the waters. I was curious as to the temperature of the water and walked down to the rocky beach to feel it. The rocks on the beach are smooth and rounded and when the waves come in and pull out, you hear the tumbling of the rocks; it’s the most amazing sound you ever heard. And the water is a lovely lukewarm temperature with the most intense turquoise color you ever saw.

From Nice we drove to Aix-en-Provence and stopped for lunch. Lisa attempted to parallel park the auto, which was an absolute riot to watch. The car was so stuck between the curb and the cars from either side, she couldn’t even move it another inch. She left it for me to get out!! We had a very lovely meal at an outdoor café brasserie and people watched as usual. I must say, food and coffee in France is quite expensive, it was definitely another shock to the pocket book.

From Aix-en-Provence we drove into Avignon and ended up spending 3 nights at a very nice hotel. At first Avignon seemed very unapproachable. The city center sits within a large rock fortress wall. I was astounded by all the graffiti, obviously if it doesn’t move it’s been spray painted. There is a layer of smog and the streets are littered with garbage, which we would soon find common in France. There were many homeless people along the streets of Avignon begging for money and after talking with our hotel clerk this is new since the economy crash. But yet after a day the city warmed on me and I found it intriguing and very delightful. We found a great restaurant where we had a traditional German meal with the best sauerkraut I ever had. We also frequented a little English pub on the corner of a busy street near the entrance of the city wall. We could sit outside, have a pint and do our standard people watch.

Avignon is also famous for the Les Halles, an indoor market where you can purchase anything fresh from meats, fish and vegetables, to cheeses, breads and pastries to foie gras!!! One of the days in Avignon, we took a day trip to the country and then drove down to Sete, another coastal resort town and had lunch. It was a very beautiful coastline with amazingly blue water.

From Avignon we took back roads through Chateauneuf de Pape, had the chance to see the le Nerthe estate and the famous vineyards with the rocks piled up around the rootstocks. We made it to Lyon by lunch time and had a small meal in a little sidewalk café. Afterwards, we decided to see if we could refill our prescriptions since France is quite easy going. I had no problems refilling my medicine and cost me 2.30 euros (about $4 US)!!!!

From Lyon we made it to Macon for the night. A pretty town nestled along the Rhone River. This is where we probably had the most authentic and enjoyable meal so far in France. I had a traditional Beuf Bourguignon and Lisa had beef tartar and paired it with a Croze Hermitage, which was perfect!

From Macon we went onto Beaune where we stopped and did a little shopping and then onto Dijon where we had a rather disappointing lunch. Dijon seemed rather depressing to say the least, people looked very harsh and grumpy…well most people in France seem rather put out but here it was quite visibly noticeable.

From Dijon we stopped in Auxerre for the night. I’m afraid this was a non-descript stay other than our dinner at a stuffy restaurant with a heavy non-descript meal where Lisa and I had a complete breakdown of the giggles. We received very dirty looks from the local stuffy French folk. Ummm…I guess you had to have been there!!!

From Auxerre we drove onto Calais to spend the night before crossing over to London. Calais is a very edgy town on the shores of the English Channel with many immigrants waiting to enter England. We had a very interesting experience sitting outside a pub and about 6 carloads of Muslims drove by honking their horns yelling and waving their flag with young French men antagonizing them. It could have easily turned into a bad situation but thankfully it didn’t. I must say it was a total wakeup call for me.

The next morning we took the car ferry over to Dover and then into Wimbledon to stay with our friends Paul & Paula. I’m going to stop my stories here since I’ve taken up more than enough of your time. But I must say, London has been quite the experience and is everything you’ve heard and more. LOL!!!

This coming Thursday, our good friends are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in honor of Lisa and I and our American holiday tradition. I will be making my Bourbon Sweet potatoes and a rhubarb & strawberry pie. Lisa will be roasting 2 locally grown fresh chickens with stuffing, plus much more. I wish you all a very Safe, Happy and Warm Thanksgiving. I hope you spend it with the ones you love and care for by your side. I truly give thanks to the many loved ones I have in my life. Take care and enjoy each day to the fullest.

Much Love, Nancy

We continued on our way to our final destination of Poggio Al Veneto (the farm & winery). As we came into the region of Tuscany the hills turned steep and mountainous. The superstrada winded high through the mountains and down into the valley area of Montepulciano.

It was getting dark as we left the superstrada and finding the farm was an adventure in itself. We drove along winding narrow roads that climbed higher and higher into the countryside. We made a wrong turn and went into the small town of Castelina d’Orcia which was high up on a hill that was a 20% grade to drive into. What a wild experience forcing our little car up the mountain hill. Mind you, we believe there are only 2 squirrels powering the car, one is very old and tired, the other is in a sling.

After backtracking and going through another small village and then down a dirt road through the dark, we finally found our destination. However, it wasn’t except getting lost a couple times down winding dirt lanes and then turning around we managed to find the farm. Once we arrived, we were greeted by very friendly non-English speaking people who brought us in and gave us wine and sweet cake as we waited for Roberto to show up. Our little apartment is comfortable and quaint with a corner fireplace and all the necessities we need, including toilet paper!

In the morning, we woke to a beautiful sky and could see the breathtaking view of the farmhouse sitting on a mountain plateau overlooking valleys on either side. Vineyards and olive trees cover the slopes with wooded areas scattered along the mountaintops. We can see where we were the night before and several castles high on mountain tops. Towns and castles are all situated on mountaintops; which centuries ago were necessary to protect themselves from raiders.

We have ventured to Montepulciano in a heavy rainstorm and found a wonderful tasting bar where we had a lovely English speaking gal talk about the wines and local regional treasures. Then we drove over to Montalciano, which is a very beautiful little town high on a mountain top and found another tasting bar. Then to Siena, a fabulous old city and today we are touring Chianti. We had the chance to visit a olive oil coop where the local farmers take their olives to be pressed. Roberto our wonderful host took us for a tour and tasted his family’s oil, which was the most incredible green color and only pressed a couple days prior. WOW!!!

I can’t even begin to cover everything and I’m limited on wi-fi access and I didn’t finish up my blog when we happened upon this café with a hotspot in the middle of no where. I will try to fill in more details in my next email but for now I hope all is well with you all. We are definitely enjoying our time through Italy and tomorrow we have an “IN” to go on a truffle hunt tomorrow (Saturday). Can you believe it?! It will be a story to tell. Plus taste the local wines & foods.

Must go, Time is almost up! Have no idea when I’ll come across internet again.

Take care – Ciao!

Love always, Nancy

We continued on our way to our final destination of Poggio Al Veneto (the farm & winery). As we came into the region of Tuscany the hills turned steep and mountainous. The superstrada winded high through the mountains and down into the valley area of Montepulciano.

It was getting dark as we left the superstrada and finding the farm was an adventure in itself. We drove along winding narrow roads that climbed higher and higher into the countryside. We made a wrong turn and went into the small town of Castelina d’Orcia which was high up on a hill that was a 20% grade to drive into. What a wild experience forcing our little car up the mountain hill. Mind you, we believe there are only 2 squirrels powering the car, one is very old and tired, the other is in a sling.

After backtracking and going through another small village and then down a dirt road through the dark, we finally found our destination. However, it wasn’t except getting lost a couple times down winding dirt lanes and then turning around we managed to find the farm. Once we arrived, we were greeted by very friendly non-English speaking people who brought us in and gave us wine and sweet cake as we waited for Roberto to show up. Our little apartment is comfortable and quaint with a corner fireplace and all the necessities we need, including toilet paper!

In the morning, we woke to a beautiful sky and could see the breathtaking view of the farmhouse sitting on a mountain plateau overlooking valleys on either side. Vineyards and olive trees cover the slopes with wooded areas scattered along the mountaintops. We can see where we were the night before and several castles high on mountain tops. Towns and castles are all situated on mountaintops; which centuries ago were necessary to protect themselves from raiders.

We have ventured to Montepulciano in a heavy rainstorm and found a wonderful tasting bar where we had a lovely English speaking gal talk about the wines and local regional treasures. Then we drove over to Montalciano, which is a very beautiful little town high on a mountain top and found another tasting bar. Then to Siena, a fabulous old city and today we are touring Chianti. We had the chance to visit a olive oil coop where the local farmers take their olives to be pressed. Roberto our wonderful host took us for a tour and tasted his family’s oil, which was the most incredible green color and only pressed a couple days prior. WOW!!!

I can’t even begin to cover everything and I’m limited on wi-fi access and I didn’t finish up my blog when we happened upon this café with a hotspot in the middle of no where. I will try to fill in more details in my next email but for now I hope all is well with you all. We are definitely enjoying our time through Italy and tomorrow we have an “IN” to go on a truffle hunt tomorrow (Saturday). Can you believe it?! It will be a story to tell. Plus taste the local wines & foods.

Must go, Time is almost up! Have no idea when I’ll come across internet again.

Take care – Ciao!

Love always, Nancy

Along the enormous lake, small villages and villas stretch along the shoreline, protected by thick rock walls. At night you can see the entire perimeter of the lake lit with what seems like a never ending string of Christmas lights.

I took a jog along the 2km Riviera and the sites were just breathtaking. Gargnano is known for lemon tree agriculture using the“Limonaie”, greenhouses with pillars inside specifically designed for growing lemon trees. The remnants of these greenhouses are all along the village road and hillsides.

The village center of Gargnano is nestled down by the water front and only accessible through tiny narrow streets barely wide enough to fit a car. Tall stone buildings with brightly painted shutters tower above the cobbled roads. There are tiny shops and cafes tucked all along the streets. It isn’t hard to go back in time and imagine life not much different than it is today.

Our first couple days were spent exploring the lake and the small towns along the way. We passed through very tight tunnels and once or twice coming upon large semi-trucks taking up their lane plus part of ours. Talk about a very tight fit!! I now understand why Europeans have such tiny cars; it’s out of sheer necessity! But I must also say, “love, love, love driving here.”

Since our apartment has a convenient kitchen, we’ve had the pleasure of preparing our evening meals using the local products. We have thoroughly enjoyed sampling the wines, fresh made pastas, locally grown produce, sweet rich milk and cheeses, dried/cured meats and not to mention the caffe…Heaven!!! One day we happened onto a farmers market where Lisa bought a small truffle for only about $2.50 US and shaved it onto our pasta that night. Did I ask how could it get any better?!

Friday we visited 4 wineries; we only had time to touch a small swath of the region but what a wonderful experience. The first 2 wineries were just south of Salo’ about 14km down from Gargnano. The local grapes are Gropello, Sangiovese, Barbara and Marzemino. They produce a lovely blend of dark fruit, leather and bramble flavors.

The other 2 wineries were located in Valpolicella along the eastern side of Lake Garda and north of Verona. Here we were able to taste the Amarone style wines they are so famous for producing. Amarone is a wine made with the corivina grape (and some other small portions of local grapes). The grapes are partly dried prior to pressing. It makes a rich intense wine that pairs well with red sauces and red meats. Yummy!! I’m grilling a thick sirloin tonight with fresh green beans, which will be lovely!

We’ve found a wonderful café in Gargnano located down a narrow alley near the water front. Several times we have ventured out for an after dinner cappuccino and liqueur. Last night on our way back from coffee we heard shouting and the sound of whistles. I knew immediately what it was…the local men playing soccer! We stopped in and enjoyed the last part of the game, which was a lot of fun. Ladies, nothing like a fenced in field with gorgeous Italian men running around in shorts!!! ”L’italia è un paese meraviglioso!” and mind you they were playing on a dirt field, talk about tough men.

Our time here is winding down and on Sunday (tomorrow) we head towards Tuscany to spend another full week of emersion. It will be a full 5 hours drive but hopefully we have time to stop in Parma and Reggiano to sample the regions famous cheeses and ham…can it get any better?! Think I’m repeating myself again…

Until next week, stay safe and don’t forget to enjoy each day – slowly!

Arrivederci!
Nancy