Early morning voyage over the Aprica pass (see Giro d'Italia bike race) and into Valtellina, one of the most spectacular hidden gems in Italy and home to some of the world's best Nebbiolo wines (at a fraction of Barolo prices)! We started with a great tour of the historic Conti Sertoli Salis winery and tasting of Nebbiolos before heading to lunch at one of my favorite inns. This place is out of another world, perched on a hill top with amamzing views, you feel like you've stepped back in time to a place when the world was still "real". Signora Elena welcomed us into the dining room where the fireplace was lit and hundreds of red roses from her garden decorated the tables. Her warm hospitality and her son Domenico's food (p.s. he makes the best Pizzoccheri in the known universe!!!) made this one of the most amazing meals of our trip!

To make a great day even better we moved on to tour the cellars of Arturo Pellizzati Perego (Ar.Pe.Pe) in Sondrio. Isabella took us up into the vineyard terraces and shared history and philosophy with us while we tasted their incredible wines, which are some of my all time favorites in Italy. The wines, respecting their father's life's work and philosophy, are strictly traditional style, long cask aged Nebbiolos. Fabulously sexy! Isabella & Emanuele's gracious hospitality make me wish that Valtellina were a little closer to Tuscany....