Expert Recommendations for Amazing Itineraries

This wine shop is just off the main square in Barolo. They offer many different vintners and wines from the Langhe region. We arrived shortly before closing time but Daniele was happy to pour a few tastings. He was so helpful with explaining wine production and Barolo in particular. He shared a map so we could learn about the different regions, the soil & weather, and the vineyards where the Nebbiolo grapes are grown. We were able to ship a few bottles back to the US directly from their store.

It’s such a beautiful city and on a warm night, the place just lights up and it’s real beauty shines. While of course, you always have to be cautious in any city you are in, it feels pretty safe while walking at night. Sometimes you’ll hear live music in the alleys and piazze, and it makes it all the more magical.

This tasting room on the main street in Montepulciano (Via di Gracciano nel Corso) is situated between restaurants and shops. Make a point to stop in for a tasting and introduce yourself to the vintner. The staff members we met were kind and full of information about the delicious wine; especially the Nobile di Montepulciano.

The last weekend we were in Verona, we were happy to take part in the wonderful annual wine festival they hold called Hostaria. Wine shops and other vendors set up stalls all along the Piazza Bra and the other squares in town and sell tastes for a few tokens. The city is alive with visitors enjoying the festival, there are tours and talks and plenty of other fun activities. We loved getting to try tastes of wine from local vineyards and try some regional food specialties. Typically this event happens in Verona in October.

Find the working wine windows in Florence — there are about 10 of them. It’s a fun way to see other parts of the city you might not have found. Once you start to notice them, you’ll see lots of closed ones too. You can order a Spritz, a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage then stand in the street to enjoy!