Whether you’ve already experienced the bewitching aroma of a white truffle or not, this article will make you a white truffle pro! We’ll tackle some of the misconceptions, myths and fascinating facts about this sought after luxury, and I guarantee it will make your first or next run in with a white truffle all the more magical.
Read more8 Perfect Wines for Thanksgiving: Napa Edition
Check out these Thanksgiving-friendly wines from small-medium wineries in Napa. After the devastating Glass Fire this year, Napa needs our support!
Read more7 Fascinating Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Italian Wine
Whether you are already a passionate Italian Wine Lover or you are just beginning to dabble in the world of Italian wine, this article is for you! Hopefully these 7 fascinating things you never knew about Italian wine will inspire you to get outside your vinous comfort zone, challenge your thoughts about Italian wine and beckon you to explore further.
Read more10 Books That Will Transport You to Italy
Enjoy this list of 10 books set in different parts of Italy. No matter where you dream of going—from North to the South, from the islands and coasts to the mountains, from popular cities to the dusty country roads—La Dolce Vigna has got your covered!
Read moreItalian Rhapsody in Blue: Travel Inspiration Based on Pantone's Color of the Year
Beginning in 2000, the Pantone Color Institute began selecting and featuring a Color of the Year. This year, the honor went to Pantone 19-4052 aka Classic Blue. As we Americans, unfortunately, aren’t going anywhere this summer, I thought I would give us some Italian travel inspiration based on this particular shade of blue. Enjoy!
Read morePaper Trail leading back to Italy: The Art of Jennifer Wilkin Penick
Years ago, I bought a piece of art from an Art-o-mat vending machine at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Since it was not possible to choose the artwork, it was a pleasant surprise that the piece I got was a small collage including the unmistakable eye of Mona Lisa. That piece of artwork sat on my shelf (mysteriously staring at me) until COVID-19 caused a very necessary bout of spring cleaning and I decided it was time to track down the artist. As it turns out Jennifer Wilkin Penick lives in Washington D.C., but was in San Francisco on a 6-month-long sabbatical when I contacted her! While the pandemic made it impossible to meet, Jennifer and I got to do this interview, which touches upon her art practice, living in Rome and her favorite parts of Italy.
Read moreWhich Italian Wines to Try if You Like...
While you certainly don’t have to become a sommelier to enjoy or understand Italian wine, I hope my expertise will help direct you to Italian wines you will love. I’ve decided to pick a few of the most famous grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, etc. and “translate” them into Italian. Enjoy the exploration!
Read moreMinty Sainsbury Renders Italy: Photorealist Drawings of Italian Architecture
Duomo, Milan
With her humble pencil in hand, British artist Minty Sainsbury Captures Italy’s grand architecture one square Inch at a time.
After discovering her impressive drawings on Instagram and playing message tag for months, Minty and I were finally able to connect this winter so that I could learn more about her art practice and its particular interest in Italy. Below is an interview as well as images of her meticulous artwork.
Read moreUNESCO World Heritage Wine Regions in Italy
From the north to the south, Italy’s staggering 55 natural and cultural wonders, will amaze you: Venice and its lagoon, the proud Baroque towns of Sicily, cave dwellings in Matera… But, perhaps the sites that will astound all of your senses are its three World Heritage Wine Regions. Where else can you actually taste the traditions and natural beauty?
Read moreWhite Wines from Mendoza: They exist!
Mendoza may be known mostly for Malbec and other powerhouse red grape varieties (and it is Malbec World Day today!), but the region’s white wines have been a major part of its viticultural history. From Chardonnay and Semillón to the native Torrontés and Italian-imported Fiano, Mendoza does not disappoint! Below are some of my favorites. Enjoy!
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