Molto Benni in Vernazza

Vernazza is one of five beautiful towns in a stretch of the Italian Riviera known as the Cinque Terra. These picturesque towns haven't changed much for hundreds of years. They are full of old world charm and friendly people.

Pompeii Person

Pompeii Oven

My wife and I just returned from a fabulous trip traveling throughout Italy. While visiting Sorrento and Naples, the birthplace of pizza, we explored the nearby historic ruins of Pompeii. I had read about the ancient brick ovens that were unearthed at Pompeii and I built my own oven based on a Pompeii design. So, as you can imagine, I was looking forward to seeing these ovens for myself.

When we arrived at Pompeii, I was not prepared for the scale of the historic site. It is a huge city of ruins spread out over acres and acres of hills. If you ever plan to visit be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. After exploring for about two hours, I came across an oven that was in prefect condition. I was amazed at how big it was. The oven, made of clay brick, was well vented with its chimney in tack. It was clearly used in a neighborhood bread shop. I could imagine that the people of Pompeii must have enjoyed pizza and wine that was better than what you can find in most modern cities today.

Italy's Wine Towns

It's no secret, I love red wine! While exploring Tuscany my wife and I discovered two great medieval hill towns near Siena that are well known for their red wines. We were delighted to taste several of the local favorites from both of these towns. The fantastic wines we tasted from Montalcino, the "Brunello di Montalcino" in particular, were very full bodied with a velvety flavor. We loved them! Sipping great wine inside a Medieval castle is must for any wine lover.

Just a short drive later through some of the most picturesque countryside in the world, we came to the hill town of Montepulciano. This town is also famous for its lovely red wine "Vino Nobile di Montepulciano". This was my favorite in all of Italy! A great full bodied bold and zippy wine. If you ever get the chance to go, be sure to go into the historic wine cellars beneath the city.

We couldn't help comparing these two regions of Italy to two wine regions near our home in California. The smooth complex Brunello di Montalcino is similar to the wine found in the Napa region while the bolder Vino Nobile di Montepulciano reminded us more of the great Zinfandels from the Amador and El Dorado foothills.