Today was a day dedicated to one of my favorite things: wine!

We had started off with breakfast at our agriturismo – only to realize that we were already running late for the day. Whoops. Jon had researched wineries to visit – and had made some appointments. Thankfully, they were not very busy and welcomed us in. Our first stop was Tricerchi – which was a little steep in pricing, but the wine was tasty. We also got to meet a few doggies while we were there – our favorite was Bibo. He was close the size of a small polar bear, but was a gentle giant.

We each left with a bottle – but we carried on to our next stop to make up for the time that we lost.

Our next stop was Banfi. Some of you may recognize the name – they have a large international presence. We hadn’t realized that they were a Tuscan wine, but this was the wine we actually purchased when we got engaged. We had to go visit.

The label has been updated – but this is the kind we had when we got engaged.

It wasn’t a very busy day there – nothing like we are used to in Napa, Sonoma, or Lodi. It was nice to have the place pretty much to ourselves. We didn’t pick up any wine here because we knew that some of it we could pick up back in the United States.

The last appointment of the day was one that we didn’t want to be late for – Nostra Vita. Jon and Yvonne had been here a few years ago – and it had really sounded like a special place. I was extremely excited to visit there (and I’m assuming Andy too). The family sounded wonderful – and the wine had been amazing.

Nostra Vita had exceeded any expectation that I had before visiting.

The Parisi family had recently lost one of their three daughters, Giudi. I hadn’t met her – but based on stories and email exchanges that Jon had shared with me. I felt a deep sense of loss for the family. We weren’t even sure if they would want to take us as visitors – seeing it had been exactly one month since she had passed away. She had tragically passed away in a mountaineering accident.

It doesn’t take long to tell that this family is something special. They are all very close, and once they meet you – they quickly welcome you to their family. There need to be more people in the world like the Parisi family.

Carlotta was the youngest daughter – and she spoke wonderful English. She took us on a tour of the property – they weren’t sure if Jon would be able to complete the whole tour due to the terrain. But with a little help from his friends – we were all able to complete the tour.

We learned about the history of the land, the family, and got to get a taste of the grapes. (Wonderful!) This family is also extremely crafty – we got to see the little workshop that Anibale had created that specialized in different artistic mediums. We also saw a collection of pipes that he had created and a book binding shop as well.

We got to see the room where he paints each of the Brunello by hand – each color representing something different: soil, passion, dirt on your hands, and sun. Absolutely beautiful – and a labor of love. In the cellar – there is a small gallery of different photos and drawings. All of this is incredibly touching – especially knowing that Giudi was lost so recently.

This family is incredibly talented and special. If you are in the Tuscany region – you must visit this winery. (Schedule a visit!)

Luna spent quite a bit of time with us while we were visiting

They had made a wonderful glass tasting room that overlooks the region. I cannot find the words to express how beautiful our time was. I left there feeling like I am wasting my gifts and I need to do more out there in the world (and for the world). They really are an inspiring group.

We shared a tear filled goodbye – but I know that we will be back. I can’t wait to see what art works pop up next – and how the family continues to thrive. I feel so fortunate that Jon and Yvonne had stumbled across their winery before.