A trip to Italy often will include Tuscany, a wonderful region at the heart of the wine and olive oil production, filled with spectacular views and superb art and history. Visiting some of the small countryside towns and villages is the best way to appreciate the beauty and the century-old traditions which permeate this region; all while enjoying the flavors and the aromas of the local culinary traditions. Bolgheri is found in the Maremma region, well-known for its wines and cured meats. It is surrounded by lush vineyards and centennial olive trees within the deep pine and fir forests found throughout this region. Indeed, the colors, the richness and the beauty of the countryside can be simply overwhelming yet sublime and, at the same time, almost unreal when seen in its total splendor! I had the opportunity to visit a local winery when there on my last trip. The “Bisarno” wine master was on hand to sample and discuss several local varieties, mostly red, accompanied by simple but very flavorful food, which transformed a pleasant afternoon in an unforgettably memorable gathering; more so because of the great company available on that occasion! The surrounding fields were soon reaching their seasonal peak, quickly to be filled by workers ready to carry on the annual “vendemmia,” producing on that particular year an outstanding batch of red wines, soon to arrive on the market. Alla salute, then!!

• Tuscany, a wonderful... Tuscany, a wonderful...
• Bolgheri Bolgheri
• wines and cured... wines and cured...
• vineyards and centennial... vineyards and centennial...
• deep pine and... deep pine and...
• the beauty of... the beauty of...
• local winery local winery
• surrounding fields surrounding fields
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