Anyone who saw the recent footage of the Veneto seemingly sinking into the sea would have wanted to weep but fortunately the tides seem to have recessed this month. Venice is no stranger to flooding having been constructed over 118 islands with the water managed with engineering since the 12th century but this year’s flooding…
S is for Spring – Esse biscuits from Veneto
These delicate, lemony biscuits are a hint that winter is over and Easter is on its way. They are deceptively robust so they actually are the perfect dipping biscuit to accompany tea, coffee or even hot chocolate. Dipped in chocolate, Esse biscuits transform into a decadent standalone treat. Esse biscuits are traditionally made at home…
Comfort food, Italian style: pasta e fagioli
Pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans) is a staple Italian dish, an iconic representation of the countryside, born out of simplicity and a need for frugality. It is good old fashioned comfort food at its best, nourishing the soul and providing sustenance during long winter nights. Pasta e fagioli is one of the most popular soups…
Ringing in the new year
Another year is almost over. 2015 was full of real highs and then sudden darkness looming. As a mother, one look in my child’s eyes leaves me with only hope for the future. As always, in order to focus on the enjoying the present and hoping for the future, we fix our gaze firmly on…
Where do Venetians holiday?
Moneyed Venetians have been holidaying in the Colli Asolani (the hills of Asolo) since the time of the Venetian Republic as evidenced by the many Palladian villas, which were country estates built in the 16th century and designed by Andrea Palladio. A mere half hour drive to the west of Venezia brings you first to Padova…
One of the world’s most beautiful drives: Strada delle Dolomiti
Green valleys are dotted with yellow, pink, purple and white wildflowers. Towering over are awe-inspiring mountains of sheer rock. Charming wooden houses straight out of Hansel and Gretel peek out from behind trees. Each twist of the road brings an even more spectacular panorama into view. This is the Strada delle Dolomiti (the Great Dolomite…
Cellar Tour: Allegrini: the perfect marriage of culture and wine
Villa della Torre Allegrini is headquartered in the impressive 16th century Villa della Torre in Fumane in the heart of Valpolicella in Veneto. The fortress-like villa was commissioned by Giulio della Torre, a well-known merchant from Verona, employing three important architects of the time (Giulio Romano, architect of the Palazzo Te in Verona, Michele Sanmicheli and Giovan…
Cellar Tour: La Giaretta: A Family Tradition in Valpolicella
Standing next to Valpolicella giants such as Masi and Allegrini and superstars such as Quintarelli and Dal Forno, La Giaretta sits out of the spotlight quietly producing its good value, quality wines. We had the privilege to visit this small, family run winery in Valgatara in Marano in the heart of the Classico zone (the…
The Valley of Many Cellars
In a lovely little valley studded with villas and vast estates, some of the best wine in Italy is produced. Valpolicella is a mixture of Greek and Latin and means valley (val) of many (poli) cellars (cella). It sits in an enviable position in Veneto to the east of Lago di Garda, protected from the worst…
Cellar Visit: Coffele in Soave, Veneto
We made a visit to Soave in Veneto on a friend’s recommendation to visit the winery of Coffele. Coffele has two cellars, first the mid-nineteenth century Castelcerino vineyard in the Classico zone of Soave, 7 kilometres south of the village of Soave, and considered to be one of the finest in Soave. The other is…
