“Once upon a time, the planets and the fates and all the stars aligned. You and I ended up in the same room at the same time.” – Taylor Swift

Nestled upon the idyllic hills above the ancient city of Verona, with the first light of dawn playing upon the verdant vineyards, the Agriturismo San Mattia offered more than rest; it promised a day of vinous exploration and serendipitous encounters. It was here, after a decade, that we found ourselves returning to the heart of …

Perhaps if only once you did enjoy
The thousandth part of all the happiness
A heart beloved enjoys, returning love,
Repentant, you would surely sighing say,
“All time is truly lost and gone
Which is not spent in serving love.” — Torquato Tasso

In the realm of the oenophile, there exist moments when the essence of the grape transcends the mere act of tasting, becoming an ethereal experience that intertwines with culture, art, and the sensory tapestry of life itself. Such was the nature of my sojourn into the heart of Valpolicella, where viniculture is less an industry …

We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls. – Anais Nin

As the autumn leaves begin to paint the landscapes with a palette of auburn and gold, I find myself embarking on a journey—a pilgrimage of the senses, if you will, through the rolling vineyards of Italy. My adventure begins in the storied region of Valpolicella, a place where the vines whisper tales of tradition, passion, …

Landslide, or “This Much I Do Remember” (with a nod to Billy Collins)

Winter hasn’t quite loosed his steely grip on the Chesapeake Bay area.  Although this evening ended in a brilliant sunset with clear skies levelling golden rays through the still leafless trees in our back forest, it began with a cold, damp drizzle.  But that was okay because Lisa pulled out some leftover cassoulet from the …