Virtual Escape Series: Whet Your Appetite for Travel!
Bring Italy home with our virtual tours
During the pandemic, a time of social distancing, we put together a series of LIVE video sessions to connect you to some of our local friends in Italy and the recordings are available below for you to enjoy.
The Virtual Escapes series brings the wonders of Italian cities and regions into your living room. During this series, we highlighted some of the sites you have dreamed of visiting as well as some of the jewels found off the beaten path.
The Virtual Vineyard series put the spotlight on wine, bringing the sumptuous flavors of Italy's finest wines into your home. During these informative and enjoyable sessions, you learn from a highly regarded sommelier about her preferred vintages in the various regions. You are invited to purchase one or more wines from a list provided to the session, so that you can participate in the tasting with the entire group. This series is truly a discovery of the senses.
Chiara in Venice: Carnival Feb. 13, 2021
From the comfort of your home, be transported to Venice during Carnival, which is world famous for its elaborate masks. I am your host Audrey De Monte, and I invite you to join me on Zoom for a virtual walk of Venice with my guest, tour guide and fifth-generation Venetian Chiara. As a child, Chiara remembers walking St. Mark’s square holding her father’s hand. As locals Chiara and Audrey have seen a side of Venice that most tourists never get access to—the city without the throngs of people and the tourist traps.
Virtual Vineyard: The Art and Wines of Veneto & Friuli
During the Art and Wines of Italy three-part series, published art scholar, local expert guide, level III sommelier, Susanna, will take us on a virtual journey to Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. From the comfort of our own homes, we will admire the landscapes, architecture and works of art while tasting wines from these regions.
WINES discussed and tasted are:
- Vento Amarone - Veneto
- Prosecco Conegliano Valdobbiadene - Veneto
- Friulano – Friuli Venezia Giulia
- Ribolla Gialla – Friuli Venezia Giulia
Virtual Vineyard: The Art and Wines of Umbria & Tuscany
During the Art and Wines of Italy three-part series, published art scholar, local expert guide, level III sommelier, Susanna, will take us on a virtual journey to Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto, Friuli and Piemonte (Piedmont). From the comfort of our own homes, we will admire the landscapes, architecture and works of art while tasting wines from these regions.
WINES discussed and tasted are:
- Tuscany Bolgheri (from Maremma) -Tuscany
- Brunello di Montalcino – Tuscany
- Sagrantino di Montefalco - Umbria
- Grechetto - Umbria
Discover the Best of Piedmont with Donatella
Still undiscovered by the vast majority of travelers, Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is often referred to as “Tuscany without the tourists,” with its undulating hills striped with vineyards bearing more than a passing resemblance to its famous southern counterpart. Yet, here, the rhythms of Italian life, uninterrupted by tour buses, can be found everywhere—from the corner bar where locals grab their thrice-daily café and the festivals that almost always revolve around food and wine. I am your host Audrey De Monte, and I invite you to join me on Zoom as we discover the breadth of sites and experiences that await in the city of Turin, and its surroundings.
As you may know, I always work hard to find locals to lead these presentations, and this time is no exception. My guest Donatella lives in Turin, where she works as a tour guide and a personal travel planner. Donatella’s favorite part of her job is when her guests go back to their countries with a little piece of Italy in their hearts and in their minds.
Virtual Vineyard: The Art & Wines of Piedmont
During the Art and Wines of Italy three-part series, published art scholar, local expert guide, level III sommelier, Susanna, will take us on a virtual journey to Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto, Friuli and Piemonte (Piedmont). From the comfort of our own homes, we will admire the landscapes, architecture and works of art while tasting wines from these regions.
WINES discussed and tasted are:
- Barolo
- Barbera
- Barbaresco
- Dolcetto
Virtual Vineyard: The Art and Wines of Sardinia & Sicily
Rich in history, scenery, archaeological and natural beauties, Sardinia and Sicily are guardians of an enological and gastronomic heritage. Sicily with its Greek and Roman, Arab, Norman and Baroque vestiges is the land where they cultivate vines on Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe, giving elegance and delicacy to its wines. Vines are also cultivated on the hills close to the sea, obtaining a more full-bodied wine, such as Nero d'Avola and Grillo. In splendid and wild Sardinia with its world-renowned white beaches and turquoise waters discover the Vermentino and the vigorous Cannonau native vine producing wines rich in character and strong timeless traditions.
Virtual Tour Testimonials
Your zoom wine tastings has been like opening the windows on a warm spring day, chasing the last remnants of winter away. You are bringing spring air into our lives as we are like shut-ins with this covid. Audrey, I want you to know the impact you are making with these zoom calls. Walking down a wine isle at the store will never be the same for us ladies! It is an adventure! Learning more about Italy increases my resolve to go back, and I would want it to be with you. I have been drinking Chianti wines for some time since we toured Italy with you a number of years ago. That trip was so memorable for us.
Thank you Audrey for the great job you did for us. We have such beautiful fond memories of you taking us to all the places you did. Greg remembers too, and we often speak of the times we had with you and the other ten guests. You have made such an impact on our lives. And now, these zoom calls, are like sitting at the kitchen table with an old friend. It was so good to see you Audrey. You have not aged one year!
Thank you,
Lesia McQuade
Thank you for setting up and hosting this event, walking around Venice with Chiara. It was very enjoyable and well worth waking up early to see Venice. Chiara was fantastic! Please pass on my thanks to her. If she represents the tour guides that we'll be using during our Italy trip then I know Sue and I will be in great hands.
I look forward to the next event,
Kevin and Sue Allen
Audrey, that was so fun and so needed, especially when we’re (in Ontario) under a “stay-at-home” order. It was so lovely to see you and to dream of places we can travel together when things improve. Thank you so much!!
Looking forward to our next wine tasting!!!
Kelly and Dave Wawrychuck
It was fun seeing you again today looking just like you did 6 years ago when we had that lovely tour with you. My cousins and I often reminisce about it. Don and I enjoyed the wine class today and are registered for the next ones so thank you so much. Don is the wine affectionato and thinks it’s really fun to buy suggested wines and try them!
I love the slides of beautiful Italy!
Sue and Don Bell
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