Wines of the World Archives

A Tuscan Gem: Tenuta Valdipiatta

Posted on September 9, 2023September 9, 2023 by Kathy Merchant

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of Tuscany’s great wine gems. Meet a winemaking star, Tenuta Valdipiatta.

Cooking Experiences in Italy

Posted on February 17, 2023March 11, 2023 by Kathy Merchant

2023 is going to be a big year for travel in Italy! Come home cooking like an Italian after taking a class in Emilia Romagna, Tuscany, Sicily and more!

Le Marche: Italy’s Road Less Traveled

Posted on January 29, 2023January 29, 2023 by Kathy Merchant

Discover the riches of Le Marche, a jewel in Italy’s cultural crown. Enjoy regional food and wine specialties while taking in spectacular views of the Mediterranean’s northernmost arm, the Adriatic Sea.

Italian Cooking with a Heart, Kitchen & Chat

Posted on October 12, 2022October 17, 2022 by Kathy Merchant

When you meet Elisa Venturi, within moments it will be 100% clear why she named her business Elisa Cuore (heart), Cucina (kitchen), and Chiacchiere (chat). Ten American women recently descended on Elisa’s home kitchen in Pesaro, Italy, for a cooking class. She was admittedly nervous. So were we! It was our first evening together as…

Mt. Etna’s Benanti Winery: Va Bene!

Posted on July 28, 2022July 30, 2022 by Kathy Merchant

Explore a brief history of Sicilian wine and the pioneering work of Dr. Giuseppe Benanti to produce wine made from outstanding white and red indigenous grapes.

A Conversation About Wine

Posted on May 14, 2020May 14, 2020 by Kathy Merchant

This blog post was a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Originally written for April publication in an Italian magazine, other matters (understandably) took priority. In the spirit of better-late-than-never, please enjoy this conversation about Tuscany’s exceptional wines with Marco Molesini, co-owner of Cortona’s Enoteca Molesini. Brunello di Montalcino ● Chianti Classico ● Vernaccia…