Campari mixes well with a number of spirits from around the world and when balanced in a cocktail can provide just the right amount of bitterness to bring depth of flavor and interest to virtually any mixed drink. Learn more about the Italian aperitivo, Campari and delicious Campari cocktails (not the usual suspects; no offense, Negroni!)

Nothing sums up Old World beauty quite like a castle surrounded by lavish gardens. The weathered walls and lofty viewpoints, the fountains and flowers — it’s like stepping into a fairytale. Italy is lucky to have some of the world’s most romantic castle gardens. They come in all styles: carefully preserved medieval estates, aristocratic palaces, and scenic ruins where nature has taken over in colorful abandon. Each has a magic all its own. These are the ones you can’t miss.

Traveling from North to South Italy, there are hundreds of cheeses to be discovered which are distinguished by region. Here is a small spread of Italian cheeses across the country taking you from Lombady to Sicily. Leslie of La Dolce Vigna has included an Italian wine pairing to accompany each cheese. Buon Appetito!

Atmospheric and romantic, Tuscany’s hill towns offer visitors a journey back in time. We’ve included a few better-known choices in this brief guide to Tuscany’s hill towns, as well as some of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany you may be less familiar with. So what are you waiting for? Tuscany is calling.

You've heard of a Bellini, but what about a Rossini, Puccini, Donizetti? Learn more about these delectable prosecco cocktails AND the composers they were named after. A link to one of their musical works accompanies each cocktail recipe. Cheers!

Fascinated by the endless wine choices Italy has to offer thanks to its wealth of native grape varieties, I’ve put together this list of top Italian rosati that are waiting for you on the shelves of your local wine shops or in a quarterly shipment of La Dolce Vigna’s Wine + Culture Club.

I met Diva Piyari, creator of the art, design and travel brand Linea Carta, at one of her modern calligraphy workshops in Berkeley, California about five years ago. We instantly bonded over our love for Italy, la dolce vita, making art and curating special experiences for our clients. It gives me great pleasure to present Diva’s work and words below with all of you.