Thank you for visiting my Italy blog, which contains travel tips, wine musings, lodging & restaurant reviews, armchair travel to some of Italy's best destinations, and some favorite recipes. Divertitevi!
Aglio e Scalogno

Aglio e Scalogno: Garlic and Shallots at the Christmas Market in Florence
Saturday, June 19, 2010
My new favorite wine for summer
This is my new favorite wine for summer, Banfi's Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay blend called Fumaio. You can read more about the wine on Banfi's link, here: http://www.castellobanfi.com/wines/index.php?wine=48 . Lucky for me, this wine is on sale for the whole month of June here where I live - just 7.99 a bottle! How crazy is that price? For a wine that is easy to drink with such crisp and light fruitiness, this is an excellent price. It pairs well with fish, and we've been enjoying it as an aperitif as well as with light pasta dishes (pasta with artichoke, pasta with asparagus, etc.). When I was in Montalcino in December, we visited the Croce di Mezzo winery, whose vines are directly adjacent to the Banfi estate. They share the same "terroir," or climate/soil/environment. We didn't enter the Banfi estate, but one of these times, I'm going to have to stop there for a tour and tasting. They make a lovely rose', too, in addition to their world-renowned Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino. For now, I've got two cases of Fumaio in the house, and I plan to enjoy this lovely white wine all summer long!
Don't Just Dream It - Do It ! Let us take you on a tour of a lifetime!
L to R: Marybeth, Giuliana (owner/founder) Steve (filmmaker)
La Contadina Travels and Tours, the company I work for
La Contadina ad on Slow Travel website
Giuliana, owner of La Contadina Travels and Tours

Giuliana, on the right, leading a tour in Umbria
Steven Robert McCurdy, documentary filmmaker and my fellow tour guide

Steve taking a self-portrait in Italy
Another self-portrait of Steve, who is co-leading the tour with me

Italian Club of Salt Lake
If you're in Utah or coming for a visit and are interested in events related to Italian culture, music, or food, check the Italian Club of Salt Lake (ICSL) website for information: www.italianclubofsaltlake.com .
The ICSL also offers wonderful Italian language classes in a fun and comfortable setting at Raw Bean Cafe', at 611 South West Temple (great access off I-15). I'm the coordinator of the classes as well as a student, and believe me, the classes are great!
The ICSL also offers wonderful Italian language classes in a fun and comfortable setting at Raw Bean Cafe', at 611 South West Temple (great access off I-15). I'm the coordinator of the classes as well as a student, and believe me, the classes are great!