This week’s Italian Concierge blog was inspired by a recent trip to Venice. During the winter months, the streets of Venice are still filled with tourists and merrymakers alike, who brave the outdoors despite low temperatures and misty skies. A popular way to warm up and beat the bone chilling cold is with a warm glass of vin brulé. During winter months, you can find a cup at almost every bar, bacaro, and even in small stands on the street.

Whether you are planning your next trip to Italy or enjoying a glass of Chianti from home, we have some good news for Italian wine lovers (and Italy’s economy!)  After the 2015 harvest, Italy is set to reclaim its spot as the world’s biggest wine producer.  This year’s production bounced back from last year when strong rains spoiled yields of popular Italian grapes.

Fall is here and towns all over Italy are celebrating local products and seasonal fare.  Visitors to Italy can find food festivals throughout the country, celebrating autumn’s bounties such as truffles, mushrooms, chestnuts, and chocolate.

Southern Italy is known for many things: stunning coastlines, blue seas, fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and so on; but world class wine is not often at the top of the list.  However, in reality southern Italy produces some of the best wines in the country.  Campania, the second most southern region in Italy, is home to several excellent wineries which in recent years are being acknowledged by the global wine community.

WHITE TRUFFLES FROM ALBA

Here is the scoop. They true truffle hunters go out only at night, secretive with only their dog and do not use a flashlight or else others will see them and know where their spot is. So they go alone, or with the dog. Any dog will do, just needs a trained snout. when you find them you place them in a newspaper and wrap them up. They last about 5 days 1 week. Stored in a paper towel and then places in a jar. Open the jar once a day ( and sniff).