In May 2012, I accompanied James Suckling, “an American wine and cigar critic and former Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief of Wine Spectator as well as European Editor of Cigar Aficionado,” along with his Divino Tuscany team, in Florence and Tuscany, for an unforgettable 4-day weekend of wine, music and gastronomy.
A flyer that I distributed to friends, colleagues and epicureans, inviting them to join us on a spiritual, gastronomic and musical journey to one of the first regions where fine wine was cultivated
Ciao! Front of the 5-Star Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence which was the central hub for the event. Legendary Tuscan winemakers and owners came to speak and personally poured their finest vintages.
Back of the 5-Star Grand Hotel Villa Cora in Florence which was the central hub for the event.
I woke up like this! Gorgeous views of Florence and the Tuscan hills from my hotel room window!
Striking a pose in the tastefully ornate lobby of Grand Villa Cora before the 1st day of tastings. I wore purple, the brand color for Divino Tuscany. It was also National Lupus Day. 💜
“No grape brings more joy or more pain. It demands the best man and nature can give, and that’s what makes it so exceptional.” — Carlo Ferrini, famous Italian oenologist, winemaker and consultant on the Sangiovese grape variety.
Host and editor, James Suckling chatting with Duccio Corsini and Carlo Ferrini.
Master of Wine, Ned Goodwin (Japan’s first MW), led a seminar at Divino Tuscany 2012.
One of the first wines I tasted was Camartina, a premium Super Tuscan red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese, from Querciabella.
Simple pleasures are the best! Had the freshest, most delicious tuna tartare at Grand Hotel Villa Cora!
Dinner with the Ferragamo family at their historic Il Borro estate featuring wines from their Il Borro winery.
Dinner with the Ferragamo family at Il Borro estate featuring wines from Il Borro winery
A formal dinner Saturday evening, where I was seated with Ambrogio Folonari of the centuries-old Folonari wine estates and a lovely young lady.
Breathtaking lush gardens and landscaping at Il Palagio, Sting and Trudie Styler’s Tuscan estate where Sunday brunch was held the final day of Divino Tuscany.
Olive tree intertwined with roses at Il Palagio, Trudie Styler and Sting’s Tuscan estate. I was struck by the unexpected juxtaposition of these two plants – one strong, the other tender; one earthy, the other floral.
On the balcony of Il Palagio overlooking Il Palagio and Tuscany. It was slightly drizzling, thus the rain hat.
These three ladies had the same idea as me, to protect themselves from the drizzling rain at Il Palagio
Giant chess board n the middle of the Il Palagio courtyard suggests strategy and competition can be fun
Stunningly beautiful and sustainable iris and zucchini arrangements from the Il Palagio garden.
A broader view of the tablescapes for Sunday brunch at Il Palagio on the final day of Divino Tuscany.
Ned Goodwin MW, Me, and James Suckling, who needs no introduction. 😀
Posing with Ferdinando Frescobaldi, President of Ornellaia, an estate and division of the Marchese de Frescobaldi Wine Group, one of Italy’s oldest winemaking dynasties.
Ornellaia president, Ferdinando Frescobaldi, with Claude Hildebrand, a guest at the Il Palagio brunch.
Sting singing along with Isabel Suckling, James Suckling’s daughter, giving her the encouragement she needs to keep pursuing her passion for singing and performing.
James Suckling, Trudie Styler and Sting hosted brunch and a private concert at Il Palagio on the final day of Divino Tuscany.
Trudie admiring and adoring Sting
Sting serenaded Trudie at Il Palagio, their Tuscan villa and estate, on the final day of Dvino Tuscany.
The crew is giving Trudie Styler her flowers at the end of brunch on the final day of Divino Tuscany.
No one was letting the rain stop them from enjoying brunch and the final day of Divino Tuscany! Ciao!
Here I discuss my love affair with Sangiovese
A video primer on how to enjoy Sangiovese, Tuscany’s primary and most widely-planted grape variety