How lucky to be here on the day that the grapes were ready for harvest. We set out to the vineyard with a little instruction, shears, and red plastic crates. We worked in pairs. Tim said that this vintage will be named ORwegion; grapes harvested by a couple from Oregon and five ladies from Norway.…

We didn’t give Turin her due by visiting for one day. Turin is called ‘the Royal City’ for good reason; it’s full of palaces constructed during the reign of the House of Savoy. We decided to see the National Cinema Museum in the Mole Antonelliana, a stunning structure and unforgettable landmark of Turin. The spire…

I don’t think you can visit Asti and not speak of wine. It’s central to some of the most famous wine regions in the world. I imagine you’ve heard of Asti Spumante  – the most famous sparkling wine of Italy – made from Moscato grapes grown near Asti. But did you know that the towns…

We’re at the farmer’s market in the medieval town of Asti. Tim and Rina, the owners of Villa Sampaguita, said we should try the local Roero peaches; “Buy them from the brothers who have a stand at the end of the square.” To one of the brothers I say,“Vorrei del Roero pesci, per favore.” He…

Lords, ladies, knights, and squires – 2,500 in all, descend on the town of Asti each year. They gather for a horse race, a bareback horserace. Commoners stand outside the gates to gaze at the glorious entry. An artist composes a scene in chalk to evoke a response from the noblemen. Twenty-one horses carry riders…

With some apprehension, we turn the iginition key and drive out of Bologna. It turns out that italian drivers are flesh and blood – just reckless. And you know what? It’s fun to drive here, intense, but fun. Kilometers, silly! We arrive safe and sound in Bra, Italy. We’re here for the Slow Food cheese…