From Verona to Vermouth: My Italian Wine Adventure and What’s Next
I’m launching my gorgeous new website at the same time I’m off on Wine 4U’s very first Wine & VIP Food Tour to Italy—and I couldn’t be more excited! If you’re just discovering Wine 4U, you might not know about this trip, but it’s something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time.
I’ve teamed up with Reggie Daigneault of Reggie Wines in Seattle to curate a food-and-wine lover’s dream. Reggie is a seasoned wine educator who’s been leading European wine tours for 17 years. Her guests rave about her—and I do too. Together, our goal is to wow you with world-class wines, behind-the-scenes winery visits, unforgettable meals, and a seamlessly planned experience where all you have to do is show up and enjoy the 12-day adventure.
Wines of Verona (Veneto Region)
Verona, the romantic city of Romeo and Juliet, also happens to be wine country central—home to Valpolicella and Soave.
Valpolicella
Classico: Light and fruity
Superiore: Aged at least a year, more structured
Ripasso: A velvety, richer style sometimes called “baby Amarone”
Amarone: Bold, dry, and luxurious—made from dried grapes
Recioto: A sweet red wine, perfect with dessert
Soave
Made mostly from Garganega grapes, Soave is a crisp, elegant white wine. Try the Soave Classico if you’re looking for the best hillside vineyard expression.
Sips in Venice
While Venice itself isn’t a winemaking city, the nearby regions offer some truly iconic pours.
Prosecco: Look for bottles from Valdobbiadene or Conegliano with the DOCG label for a sparkling wine that’s light, festive, and a cut above.
Soave: Also widely available here, this is a great seafood wine.
Amarone & Valpolicella: If you see Amarone on the dinner menu—say yes.
Montalcino Magic
South of Florence sits the hilltop town of Montalcino, home of the bold and beloved Brunello.
Brunello di Montalcino: 100% Sangiovese, aged for 5+ years. Rich, deep, and structured.
Rosso di Montalcino: A lighter, younger cousin to Brunello—perfect for everyday sipping.
Both pair beautifully with local specialties like wild boar ragù and aged pecorino.
Florence and the Chianti Region
Florence may not have vineyards within city limits, but it’s surrounded by one of Italy’s most iconic wine zones: Chianti Classico.
Chianti Classico: Look for the black rooster seal. Made primarily from Sangiovese, it offers red fruit, spice, and earthy complexity.
Riserva: Aged longer for added structure and finesse.
Super Tuscans: These modern blends often include Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and deliver bold, cellar-worthy character.
Modena: Sparkle and Vinegar
Modena is known for Ferraris and balsamic vinegar—but don’t miss the local wines.
Lambrusco: A red sparkling wine (yes, red and fizzy!). Today’s versions are dry, vibrant, and perfect with rich local foods.
Pignoletto: A zesty white, still or lightly sparkling.
Trebbiano di Modena: Better known as the base for balsamic vinegar, but also made into crisp white wine.
Pair Lambrusco with prosciutto and tortellini, Pignoletto with antipasti, and drizzle balsamic over Parmigiano for an experience that’s pure magic.
Piedmont: Barbaresco and Beyond
As our trip winds down, we head north to the celebrated Piedmont region.
Barbaresco: Elegant and age-worthy, made from Nebbiolo. Think rose petals, cherries, and earth.
Roero: Just north of Barbaresco, offering both Nebbiolo-based reds and floral Arneis whites.
Dolcetto and Barbera: Friendly, food-loving reds perfect with local cheeses like Toma or Bra Duro.
Turin and the Grand Finale
Turin is more known for its café culture and culinary flair than vineyards—but it’s a great place to sample wines from all over Piedmont.
Try something unexpected like Freisa (a fruity red with a hint of fizz), Pelaverga (light and peppery), or Erbaluce (a crisp white). And of course, there’s Vermouth di Torino—not just a cocktail ingredient, but a delightfully complex aperitivo when sipped on its own.
We’re wrapping our trip with a special vermouth tasting, and I have to say—it’s the perfect finale.
What’s Next: Join Me on a Future Trip!
Couldn’t make it to Italy? No worries—this is just the beginning. We’re already working on new Wine 4U VIP tours for 2026, including France and South America. These are small, thoughtfully planned groups (20 people or fewer) focused on amazing wines, incredible food, and curated experiences you won’t find on your average itinerary.
Reggie and I can’t wait to travel with you. We’ll handle the details, the introductions, and the hidden gems—you just get to show up and enjoy the ride.
Want to be the first to hear about future trips, special tastings, and new arrivals in the shop?
Subscribe to my newsletter and stay in the loop. Or better yet, come by the shop—I’d love to pour you a glass and dream up your next great wine adventure together.