Oltrepò Pavese, despite being relatively obscure, is the third largest producer of pinot noir (pinot nero in Italian) in Europe, following the renowned regions of Burgundy and Champagne. Is it possible that this charming Italian wine region, known for its high-quality wines, remains largely undiscovered? Absolutely, and here are our top 3 wineries to visit!

Think of a medvial town of 20,000 inhabitants, a perfectly preserved city wall complete with moat and very few tourists. Too good to be true? Not in Veneto. It's the beautiful town of Cittadella located just 1 hour northeast of Venice, yet a world away.

Bordeaux is arguably one of, if not the, most famous wine regions in the world. It's the birthplace of many noble grapes, notably the heavy-hitters, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The following is by no means a definitive guide to Bordeaux, but it's an overview of what we saw and did on our perfectly curated 5-day tour with Mark of eMpTy bottle.

I often worry that artisanal craftsmanship in Italy is declining, as younger generations are not always keen to inherit the family business. Traditionally, artisans have handed down their intricate crafting skills from one generation to the next, but I fear this tradition is waning. However, a recent visit to the Buccellati atelier in Milan proved me wrong...

The first thing to do in the Valpolicella wine country is drink wine, namely Amarone della Valpolicella. Of course, where you eat and sleep are important too. Here are our top picks that you won't necessarily find in guide books!

Valpolicella, renowned for Amarone della Valpolicella and minutes away from Verona, should be an essential stop for any wine enthusiast traveling in northern Italy. Discover our top 5 winery picks in the Valpolicella hills.

Every summer Verona's remarkably well-preserved Roman coliseum, the Arena, hosts opera performances beneath the stars. We opted for Verdi's opera, Aida...

One would think that there would be one standard with regard to wine sommelier diplomas, at least that is what I thought...

Summer is not quite over and so if you are looking for something different to add to your white wine line-up, look no further than Gavi! Gavi is made from 100% Cortese grape variety which turns into a crisp white with high acidity and low body, a perfect summertime sipper or porch pounder- you chose- no judgement! 😂

Kevin Rathbun's Krog Bar has moved uptown to Buckhead with a new concept- coal fired pizza. The neighborhood was in need of more casual dining options, particularly a pizzeria. Here's a peak into the newly opened Krog Bar endeavor.

Inspiration for my summer no-cook pasta sauces comes from a newly gifted blender (thank you, Ron). Here are 3 sauces that make an easy go-to weeknight meal!

Needing a break from Atlanta's sweltering summer temperatures, Svein and I headed to Maine for a cool-cation. Food is always at the forefront of our minds, so we set our sites on an epic quest for the best the lobster roll in Maine. 9 days and 12 rolls later, we are able to share the holy grail of lobster rolls! 🦞

Looking for a fashionable outing in Atlanta? Look no further than SCAD FASH (Savannah College of Design - Fashion Museum). They are currently showcasing the first U.S. exhibition of Jeanne Lanvin's work, featuring over 60 garments, primarily dresses. Lanvin (1867-1947) was the trailblazer in the world of haute couture, an impressive feat considering she was a woman at the turn of the 20th century, an era when women couldn't even open bank accounts!

Northern Italy's Veneto Region is dotted with 16th century summer homes once owned by Venetian nobility, many designed by the renowned architect Andrea Palladio. Here are three lesser-known gems in the Venetian countryside that are open to visitors. Undiscovered as they are, you may find yourself with entire rooms or even the whole villa to yourself. It's quite the welcome respite from the bustling calli of Venice!

With two new pizzerie from Naples popping up in Padova, the competition for the best pizza is on fire like a forno a legna on a Friday night! Here are my top picks...

Need a break from the Italian or American heat? A cool-cation in stunning Stockholm just might be perfect for you! Here are my tips to dodge the crowds and discover the road less trampled!

Millefoglie, directly translated as one thousand leaves or layers, consists of numerous layers (maybe 1k) of crispy puff pastry separated by pastry cream. Like many dishes in Northern Italian cuisine, this tower of yumminess hails from France, where it is known as mille-feuille.

Caffè (coffee) in Italy is more than a mere breakfast beverage; it's an integral aspect of Italian culture...

In Calabria (the Italian region comprised of the 'toe' of the boot) they like their food spicy, onions sweet and their driving speed FAST. There are 4 foods that you must try when visiting Calabria: n'duja, onions from Tropea, peperoncino chili and tartufo for dessert.

When traveling around the world, it's fun to collect souvenirs that evoke the memory of happy times in the places you've explored. The travel trickets need not be tacky tchotchkes, but useful items. Some of my favorites are salt, olive oil or vinegar, a cute bowl to serve antipasti, an easy to pack kitchen towel, or, last but not least...wine! Last night, Svein and I uncorked a bottle of "princely wine" from Liechtenstein, taking us on a delightful trip down memory lane...