Venture beyond Barolo in the enchanting Langhe of Northern Italy and discover the hidden gem of Bastia Mondovi, home to the Piovano family winery. With a rich history rooted in the heart of this picturesque region, the Piovanos craft authentic Italian wines. Embracing a philosophy that wine is more than a drink, Piovano’s foundation for love and passion in wine reflect their commitment to thoughtful, low-touch winemaking. Their 00 natural Piemonte Barbera defies expectations: aged for five years, delivering a full-bodied red wine with character, intensity, and a velvety richness that captivates the senses. Experience the magic of the Piovano family's winemaking and savor the complexities of this exceptional Piemonte Barbera.

A double threat, the Italian city of Alba has got a little bit of everything for both food and wine lovers. But what’s it like to live there? Are you ready for an insider's scoop on Alba? Our local guide spills the beans on all the nooks and crannies in this charming city. From hidden cafes with stories as rich as the coffee to secret spots that only the locals know about, we're peeling back the layers to show you Alba's true colors. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned explorer, join us as we take you off the beaten path, sharing tips, tales, and the kind of inside info that turns a trip into an adventure. Alba's waiting – check it out through the eyes of a local.

What is the common denominator of some of the best Italian red wine?

Hint: think Brunello and Chianti red wine…. it’s Sangiovese!

It’s an old world wine grape that is often shrouded behind the name of a wine name or appellation, which changes depending on where it is planted and the conditions it undergoes… And despite what Wikipedia says, you find it in many wine regions beyond Tuscany. In fact, it is a grape that has been, and still is, the source of many debates, in Italy and around the world. Learn about this key, behind the scenes player in some of the Italian red wine best.

With year end 2023 upon us, we’ve discovered the most popular topics which have caught wine lovers’ attention across the US, from wine professionals to wine writers to wine loving consumers. What drew the most interest and why? Find out what’s making the American wine buyer tick in our latest article.

It may be a discounted animal… but in many parts of the world the Wild Boar is an important part of life and the kitchen! Explore the world of wild boars, recipes, wine pairings and more traveling through Italy, the Czech Republic, and even the Americas. Stick around to the end for an authentic recipe for Pappardelle con Cinghiale or Pappardelle Pasta with a Wild Boar Ragu sauce including pairing foods of wild wines with wild boar.

Embark on a journey through the hills of the historic part of the Valdobbiadene wine region, where the enchanting and rare Boschera grape vineyards are hidden amidst an area where the Prosecco grape, glera, takes center stage. In the heart of Italian white wine growing, a story unfolds; one of tradition, sustainability, and the effervescent charm of Pet Nat natural wine. Join us on this odyssey, where craftsmanship and tradition intertwine, giving birth to an Italian sparkling Pet Nat that captivates the senses. Explore the nuances of the rare Boschera grape which makes a wine that not only tantalizes the palate but also reflects a commitment to the land and the timeless beauty of Valdobbiadene.

Creating an enticing charcuterie board is an art that combines flavors, textures, and aesthetics for a delightful culinary experience. Learn five easy tips to master the art of assembling a charcuterie board that will be the talk of the party.

Amidst the post-Thanksgiving festivities, let's reflect on the roots of gratitude by exploring the enduring legacy of Native Americans and their traditions to preserve the natural ecosystems around them in a regenerative way. Join us on a cultural journey through some Native American peoples’ rich history, legends, and spiritual landscapes, such as the Chumash which thrived for thousands of years in Ventura County and the Ojai Valley. From Dolcettos and winemaking traditions to the Channel Islands' significance, discover the profound connection between the Chumash people and their ancestral lands. Delve into a narrative of resilience, preservation, and leadership in holistic and sustainable marine life and agriculture conservation, as we honor the original inhabitants of our homes during National Native American Heritage Month.

Wine and food pairing can seem like a daunting task, yet, once you get down the basic principles, there is almost no right or wrong. It can turn into a life long skill that you can practice all the time, while alone or in groups, while at home or out and about. Start with this article which lays out an easy to follow approach to pairing foods. Then you’ll be on your way to doing fun and tasty food and wine pairings with others.

Case Corini, a biodynamic winery in Piedmont, Italy, stands out for its unconventional approach to winemaking and the unique philosophy. How does this philosophy extends to their vintages? Learn how the sixth generation, siblings Guido and Luisa, handle vintage variations and get the low down on their prestigious Barla wine, in an exclusive year by year tasting that you can even recreate yourself. Learn about how the weather impacted Case Corini wines vintage by vintage in this article.

In the captivating world of wine, there's an age-old secret that lies within each bottle—the vintage. It's a timestamp of history, a testament to the unique interplay of climate, terroir, and winemaking expertise. As we delve into the climatic nuances of wine vintages, we unlock a trove of stories, each sip an invitation to a specific moment in time. From the warmth of a sun-soaked harvest to the cool feeling of a late autumn rain, wine vintages encapsulate the essence of the year they were born. Find out how you too can assess a wine vintage in this article.

In the heart of the Corino family's vineyards lies a beautiful union of natural wine craftsmanship and regenerative agriculture practices. Discover how their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity not only produces exquisite, vibrant wines but also regenerates the earth, ensuring the longevity of the vineyards for generations to come. Explore with us today vineyard by vineyard what the differences are, and why only certain vineyards make certain wines.

It is a simple dish found throughout Italy, a staple of family gatherings and the ultimate svuota frigo or pantry meal: the torta salata, aka an Italian version of quiche. With endless possibilities for ingredients, they can be both an exercise in culinary creativity and a way to finish up bits and bobs of food in the fridge. No wonder that the Italian nonna is often behind the makings. Straight from nonna Petrussa of 3 generations of women at Vigna Petrussa, we have this breakfast recipe casserole to share. Grab a pie crust and let your imagination run wild.

In the world of wines, few stories are as captivating as the one that unfolds across six generations of natural winemakers in the Corino Family. From Nebbiolo wines to the rustic charm of Barbera wines, the Corinos have embraced the art of crafting exceptional, vegan, biodynamic, and organic wines. Their biodynamic winery stands as a testament to their commitment to farming sustainably, practicing regenerative agriculture that nurtures the land. Their dedication to nature wines and the ethos of natural winemaking showcases the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, making them true pioneers in the realm of biodynamic farming.

In this article, we explore the practice of Mindful Drinking. As with many wine related “trends” that propagate in the US, they may be new to us Americans, yet have deep roots somewhere else. In this case, European culture embraces mindfulness both in wine and food, as its culture is about sipping and savoring, with long and deep traditions that are hardwired into their culture. To explore what mindfulness drinking entails, we’ve called on a wine and wellness expert to share with us her personal journey and how we could all benefit from following some of her tips.

Did you know that winegrowers have their preferences when it comes to grapes? But it’s not based necessarily on the sensation when tasting the wine. Instead it’s based on the work and attention involved to cultivate the grape and make a good wine out of it. Barbera is one of those grapes. Think of it as the grape that’s a difficult child: needing extra rearing and care as it ‘grows up and becomes a wine.’ But, boy, can that extra effort yield great results!

And there is another silver lining: it weathers climate change quite well.

Find out more in this article.

In the heart of Piedmont, where vineyards and truffle scented air reign supreme, there's a hidden treasure waiting to be uncovered – wild mushrooms. In the forests different kinds of mushrooms are just waiting to be foraged, and not just the famous white truffle. even though truffle hunting season is just starting. Conveniently, mushrooms native to Piedmont go well with the rich and complex flavors of Barolo and nebbiolo wine and other red wine from the Langhe and Piemonte. With the start of truffle hunting season upon us, ‘tis the season for a bit of mushroom foraging and red wine pairing. Follow us on our journey into the world of natural wine and wild mushrooms in Piedmont.

There aren’t enough words to express our admiration and fondness for the natural wine legend, Lorenzo Corino.

He was learned yet approachable, passionate yet pragmatic, wise yet obstinate. All of these character qualities made him a vocal and admired figure in natural wine circles, first to defend natural wine, yet first to say that the term doesn’t exist, seemingly paradoxical until you sat down and really listened to him. Then you got hooked, like we did.

We take you down our journey, short as it was, in getting to know our friend, viticulture researcher, vigneron and winemaker, Lorenzo Corino.

What in the world is going on with wine? Both globally, where France is reporting to be throwing out 80 million gallons of perfectly good wine, while in the US wine sales are down 7% in the first half of the year.

In this article we’re going back to the future in wine to get beneath the numbers and to the people and wine drinking American public to understand the dynamics and trends since we started our business 5 years ago. Our findings are revealing.

Who doesn’t love home brunch ideas? Why not for your next brunch, choose a brunch recipe that is steeped in tradition. So much so that its name Duelos y Quebrantos could possibly have influenced the origin of the word “breakfast”.

Try a delicious and easy eggs and chorizo recipe, direct from the windmills in Spain and a Spanish amporae winery. Inside find out what Duelos y Quebrantos is, its historical importance in Spain and even influencing our culture. Then make this breakfast recipe casserole and try pairing it with a natural wine.