In the 1920s, Dr. Rudolf Steiner was a major contributor to what we know as biodynamic farming. This type of farming practice is based on creating a balanced environment for the crop while always keeping in mind holistic, ethical, and ecological elements that surround it. However, many are skeptical because of its cosmic and mystical considerations.

“In many ways food and wine are art, evoking feelings and emotions which create memories and give you a sense of place. Thanks to the Ceretto family, cultural points of interest now dot the landscape, with the installation of iconic pieces of art.”

Italy is moving on with the rest of the world at a fast pace. I remember when I arrived in Italy 16 years ago, and no one knew what sushi or WiFi was. It may have been frustrating at the time, but in retrospect, it was refreshing to jump back into the past. My nostalgic personality yearns for an Italy that preserves its traditions, which is almost frozen in time.

Romantic, majestic, and dominant, the “Cedro di Libano” can be seen from almost any vantage point in the Barolo area. From the top of the vine-covered hill, this cedar tree has incredibly witnessed the Langhe wine region's metamorphosis for the last 165 years.

Thanks to a certain William Shakespeare, who chose to lay the scene for his play Romeo and Juliet in a certain town in the Veneto, Verona is considered Italy's “City of Love.” I interviewed local guide Sara Valitutto from Romeo & Juliet Guide (she works in partnership with her friend Virginia Conta). She can show you that there is so much more romantic charm to Verona than just Juliet's balcony.

In a time when practically everything is virtual, it makes the tangible sentimental things like my travel journal have more meaning. I thought it would be fun to make you laugh with a look into my diary during a milestone moment of my life.

When you visit the land of Barolo in Piemonte, red wines, prized white truffles and hazelnuts (home to Nutella) might come to mind. What you wouldn't expect to find though is gourmet snails!

After spending a majority of the year pruning, meticulously trimming and caring for each vine as it grows, the critical moment of picking the grapes arrives. The “vendemmia” (harvest) is like the birth of a healthy newborn baby after waiting nine months. The winemakers only feel relief once the grapes are in the cellar! Phew!

I came to the realization that not all Italians lived “la dolce vita” but instead, struggled with many hardships of everyday life. Political chaos, poverty and corruption have been major issues that are deeply embedded in this country. Actually, Italy made a significant impact on the film industry during the Neorealist movement at the end of World War II.

After years of organizing wine tours in the Piedmont region in Italy, I still have to warn travelers about traveling in August. From an Italian’s perspective, Ferragosto lasts for almost the entire month, although the official date is August 15th. Italians traditionally take the whole two weeks off surrounding this day.

Italy can be a wine lover’s paradise! With every region having their own unique varietals and so many small family run wineries, it is not always easy to access these wines in your own country. So how do you bring wine back from Italy?

The idea of traveling gluten–free in Italy might seem like a nearly impossible task (carb city!) but it is actually much easier than you think. Many Italians themselves suffer from Celiacs Disease and it is more and more common to find bakeries and pizzerias offering gluten-free alternatives.