My first sip of Wine was in 2002 when we arrived to study for a semester of exploring and enriching our lives from boring Minnesota to enchanting Florence.  Wine has been a big part of my life since first stepping foot in Italy.  Now I must have wine where ever I am.  For Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...ok...I am kidding about Breakfast.   I guess the way I grew more fond of it was when I was sitting in a wine bar with my friend Tina one weekend in Perugia, we hopped from one wine bar to another and after placing the hefty wine glass down, there was little finger foods on its way over.  Cheese, bread, crackers, artichoke spreads, prosciutto, more bread.  It made the experience even better when wine was on my left and bread with cheese was on my right.  I love this about wine bars in Italy. 

Which size? Small or Large? Tall, Grande or Venti?  Mezzo litro or litro is the correct answer.  I have a place I frequent just to get the little mezzo-litro of their house wine because of the cute ceramic jug it comes in.  What is it about Italy that makes me order a whole mezzo-litro of wine for myself in the middle of the afternoon?  Maybe because I don't have to drive home.  Biking home with a good amount of wine in you is always a challenge.  I love a challenge.   I love that about wine that I feel safe around it.  Can you do that?  Feel safe around a beverage?  A comforting glass of wine among friends or in solitude, it feels great. 

When sitting in a wine bar in Florence, there is always an atmosphere that just settles you into that moment.  Nothing else seems to matter than just focusing on good drink and good friends that surround you. 

When in a Irish pub in Florence, it isn't taboo to ask for a glass of wine, it could be not the best wine but it is wine served in Italy at an Irish pub.  If I would order one here in Chicago, it would for be the one that gives me a huge headache later in the night.  uffa!  I love that about wine in Italy.  

Aww vino non vedo l'ora!!


Taken after Kari and I's catering job in Florence ending around 3 am.  They didn't save any food to us after we worked our asses off, so Kari stole a bottle of wine to drink on our walk back.  memorable night (San Frediano is in the background)

a presto amici!