Seven wine professionals, one photographer and a learned driver named Valentino embark on a 1400 mile vineyard vetting road trip through Italy.

Wined and dined to the nines by the finest vintners in the country, our gracious hosts matched superlative cuisine with rich reds, refreshing rosé and delicate whites.

Mille Grazie! to our friends at Vinica, Marina Colonna (Olive Oil extraordinaire!), Moncaro, Bortolomiol, La Salceta and Fattoria di Magliano. It's difficult to find the words to thank you enough for every divine detail that was so thoughtfully planned and beautiful implemented.

Thank you Marina and Thompson International Marketing for the top notch organization and energy to carry out such a venture. What an extraordinary stroke of good fortune to experience all of this with my sister, Lisa. Thank you a million times over.

I hope the images bring back the bouquets, the tastes, the smiles and good cheer of Italy.