Look Who Came
All Things Italian
As a web portal for Italian tours, products and crafts All Things Italian builds custom tours to Italy. Taking you to places that only a special few get to visit. From tiny hilltop towns, to walking in lush vineyards, to soaking in the Renaissance masterpieces, each day of your tour will be highlighted with authentic local food and the best wine that each region has to offer. Whether or not you are part of a tour, you can always get great Italian products on their site, from hand-blown glass to copper, woven-goods and ceramics
Antica Osteria Da Divo
Only a few steps from the cathedral (Duomo) and Piazza del Campo in Siena, is the “Antica Osteria Da Divo” a charming restaurant where you can enjoy the refined gastronomic delights of Tuscany, and Chef Pino Di Cicco’s, cuisine. The dining experience is made particularly special by its unique location; ancient Etruscan rooms cut out of the ‘tuff’, or tufa stone, the soft volcanic rock on which Siena is built.
Auto Europe, Sponsor
For over 56 years, Auto Europe (Portland’s own international travel specialist) has been a leader in worldwide car rental services. In recent years, They have expanded their services to include over 8,000 car rental locations in over 130 countries worldwide; scheduled air from the USA to Europe; worldwide three, four and five star European hotels; chauffeur and transfer services; prestige and sports car rentals; mobile phone and GPS rentals; and motor home rentals. At Auto Europe they do not believe that customers should expect less because they pay less. Their philosophy is, “If you think that there is something more important than a client...then you need to think again.”
Azienda Agricola Senga
http://www.agriturismosenga.it
These savory preserves are made by hand on a small agriturismo farm in the Lombardy region of Italy. Azienda Agricola Senga is dedicated to producing each batch of these chutney-like spreads according to a recipe passed down from the producers grandmother. Making each batch requires slowly heating and reducing the fruit and vegetable mixtures four separate times, a process which takes three days. Just before bottling, a small amount of mustard essence is added to heighten the sharp flavor. No additives, dyes, thickeners or preservatives are used.
Bottega Del Rame
Bottega Del Rame’s copper and brass for the house and the kitchen are handmade according to ancient traditions. Cesare and Iolanda Mazzetti inherited a long family tradition of copper crafting that goes back to the turn of the last century and Cesare’s grandfather. Done by hand, you can see these functional works of art being created in the Mazzetti shop, in the historic city of Montepulciano, which is known for its wonderful wines and craftsmen.
Cantine Turina
Nestled in the Northwest Lombardy region of Italy, this small, family-owned vineyard is run by three brothers: Luigi, Dario and Paolo Turina. The family has been growing grapes on this land for several generations and their wines reflect the passion and commitment to the family traditions that help to make their Gropello, Seselle, Chiaretto and Marzemino (grape varieties mostly unknown in the States) classics in the Lago di Garda area and award-winning across Italy.
Caseificio Bertagni
http://www.caseificiobertagni.com/
Members of the Bertagni family have been shepherds in Tuscany for generations. For the past 40 years they have devoted themselves to transforming the cow, sheep and goat milk their dairy is known for into high quality cheeses. From Palareto, a soft goats-cheese unique to the area, to the award-winning long-cured Tuada of Bertagni, and even non-traditional cheeses made with truffles, Caseifico Bertagni combines tradition and technology to ensure products comply with European regulations, while keeping in mind the tastes and traditions of all time.
Due Fratelli Imports
http://www.turinaitalianwines.com
Paul Turina started getting in touch with his inner Italian a decade ago; that quest soon found him on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy. There Paul discovered that his cousins are the Brescia area’s largest wine producers. Now Paul and Due Fratelli Imports work hard to find and share exciting little-known wines from northern Italy, including award-winning regional favorites, produced in time-honored tradition by family vineyards.
Fattoria di Corsignano
http://fattoriadicorsignano.it/english/
Five miles from Siena, immersed in the rolling hills of the stunning Chianti area of Tuscany, Fattoria di Corsignano is a beautiful 54-acre country resort with multiple eco-friendly guest accommodations that are as charming as they are efficient. They also have vineyards for wine, grappa, and vinsanto as well as olive oil production. In this beautiful and inspiring setting Mario and Elena have devoted themselves to providing their guests with a unique and relaxing experience and producing their Chianti Classico wine with respect to the tradition and typicality of the region — all aspects of their work are done by hand, and scrupulously carried out. As it is written on their wine labels, and as is their philosophy, “the essential is not visible to the eye.”
Fattoria Poggio Alloro
http://www.fattoriapoggioalloro.com
The Poggio Alloro farm is situated in the hills of San Gimignano, right in the heart of Tuscany and has been owned by Umberto, Amico and Bernardo Fioroni since 1971 (they have worked the same land since 1955). Today this land is occupied by organic vineyards and olive groves, cereal crops and pastures for the farm’s animals, and the products made are still characterized by all the quality of days gone by. Fattoria Poggio Alloro also has guest accommodations, and is easily accessible, equidistant between Florence and Siena.
Friends of Rick Steves
http://www.rickstevesfriends.com
A group of small businesses who share Rick Steves’ passion for helping tourists to experience Europe with minimal fuss, putting a priority on cultural immersion and contact with locals. After years of being featured in Rick Steves’ Italy Guidebooks, it occurred to them that by joining forces, they could enhance your travel experiences. The members of this group will welcome you with open hearts and minds, ready to both give of their knowledge and hospitality and to exchange ideas with you over a glass of wine.
H2Outfitters
For close to 30 years H2Outfitters has been teaching sea kayakers at all levels the necessary skills to achieve paddling proficiency. Whether it be a three-hour skills focused workshop or one of their multi-day overnight trips in the US, Canada or abroad, they are at the cutting edge of technical instruction, offering just the right amount of direction for optimal results. They select trips to destinations and locales that are not exclusively water-based, but offer extraordinary views of the world in which we live. Their trips become an experience that consists of the people, history and region in which they are visiting. H2O’s Tuscan Islands and the Sensations of Chianti trip and their excursion to the Amalfi Coast are adventures that offer a wonderful mix of “Slow Paddling” and Slow Food… piano, piano, piano! Sharing cross-cultural experiences, providing superior service and safety, and offering clients adventure that is out of the ordinary, are the cornerstones of founders Cathy Piffath and Jeff Cooper’s motto, “We Take Fun Seriously.”
I Sodi Wines
The farmhouse I Sodi was built in 1893 in the wooded hills of the Tuscany region, famed for its culture and vineyards. At one point owned by the Arezzo Archbishop’s administration, the Casini family purchased I Sodi in 1973, with an intimate knowledge of the land and the dream of owning a traditional vineyard. Today this second generation vineyard is still producing high quality wines, including their highly recommended Chianti Classico Reserve as well as offering four tastefully restored holiday apartments with a pool and spectacular view of Castello di Brolio, and easy access to the beautiful city of Siena.
Institute for Italian Studies, Co-Organizer
The Institute for Italian Studies was established in May of 2004 and is a lifelong dream realized for its two directors, Maria Luisa De Luca and Paola D’Amato. The Institute’s programs are dedicated to teaching Italian language and culture and offer a unique suite of courses tailored to your professional, artistic and academic needs. Whether it’s preparing for a trip to Italy, exploring your heritage, or simply a desire to speak the language, they designed the Institute for Italian Studies so they can focus on meeting your specific personal needs. They will share with you their knowledge and passion for Italian traditions in a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
Italiaoutdoors
http://www.italiaoutdoors.com/
Since 1993 Vernon McClure has been offering hiking and walking tours,
bicycle tours, climbing trips and ski programs of various difficulty
levels in Italy. In 2006 he started Italiaoutdoors with a specific focus
on the regions in and around the Veneto, specializing in private,
custom-designed tours and small groups. Each day is structured to be
educational, healthy, earth friendly, fun and matched to the individual's
level of fitness, time schedule, budget and style. For those who want to
add a Food and Wine element to their trip, there is also a culinary
trained chef, Kathy Bechtel to provide her expertise in cooking lessons,
Slow Food selection and wine education. So bike, hike, walk or ski — their two-person team of fitness and culinary experts will personally
lead your ultimate adventure in Italy.
Made in Italy Direct
http://madeinitalydirect.wordpress.com/
Made in Italy Direct is an Italian importing company specializing in wool, silk and mixed blend accessories for both women and men. They offer distinctive Italian lambswool, cashmere, unique bouclé weaves and wool blends. Plus Venetian glass, onyx and marble; ‘trial’ items, overstocks, and one-of-a-kind. Men’s silk neckties, scarves and blended foulards, plus our softest signature lambswool scarves in unusual Burberry plaids and distinctive stripes — all styled for living la dolce vita here in Maine!
Parmigiano-Reggiano
http://www.parmigianoreggiano.com
Parmigiano-Reggiano is a hard granular cheese with a long and natural maturation that has been loved for over nine centuries for its excellent and inimitable flavor. Parmigiano-Reggiano is produced exclusively in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of the provinces of Mantua and Bologna; on the plains, hills and mountains enclosed between the rivers Po and Reno. Parmigiano-Reggiano has been guaranteed for over 70 years by the Consortium and is made with tradition and craftsmanship, which gives it its exceptional quality and taste.
Petrussa Wines
Located in the Colli area of the Friuli, Petrussa began as an osteria that, because of its size, was permitted to sell wine a specified number of days. The family’s wines became so popular that they soon became the full-time focus. Today, brothers Gianni and Paolo and their wives live and work together on the family estate. Spurred on by the freedom of living and working according to the rhythms and balance of nature, they produce the farm’s celebrated vintages, some of which are now being served on the Orient Express. As they carry on the amazing work and commitment of their grandfather Giuseppe Petrussa and their father Celestino, they cherish the deep roots, based on the values of a rich millennial farming culture, that were passed down to them.
Pio Tosini
Pio Tosini Industria Prosciutti S.p.A. was founded in 1905 in Langhirano (Parma) by Pio’s father Ferrante Tosini. These days the company is still a family-run business and Giovanni Bianchi, Pio Tosini’s nephew, represents the 4th generation in the family tradition of curing one of the world’s most renowned and sought-after prosciuttos along with his older cousin and his uncle. Pio Tosini still use only the traditional ingredients and methods: meat, salt and air. So even with the aid of modern technology, it is still very much the human hand that does the work at every step of the process ensuring the highest quality product for over 100 years.
Prosciutto di Parma
http://www.prosciuttodiparma.com/usa
The unique conditions of the Parma region have made it possible to produce the highest quality hams, which have been appreciated by gourmets since Roman times. Parma Ham is a jewel in the culinary tradition of Italy and the Parma Ham Consortium protects the product quality and purity, and ensures that production is carried out with full compliance according to traditional methods. This is reflected in the coveted Protected Denomination of Origin status and is identified by its famous logo, the Ducal Crown, which guarantees its quality and authenticity. Roberto is pleased to be showing ceramics from Caramiche Labor and Ceramiche Sberna, both from Deruta, Umbria and Ceramiche D’Arte Tuscia, from Montelupo, Toscana at the expo.
R. Bonechi Imports
Roberto Bonechi of Florence and his wife, painter Brita Holmquist started importing a fine Italian pottery called Majolica in the winter of 1984. Roberto travels to Italy twice a year and chooses the pieces personally, from the finest Italian earthenware factories in each region, to ensure museum quality work and craftsmanship. They guarantee that each piece is hand painted, and in many cases, handmade as well, and come from such famed regions as Puglia, Sicily, Umbria and Tuscany. Roberto is pleased to be showing ceramics from Caramiche Labor and Ceramiche Sberna, both from Deruta, Umbria and Ceramiche D’Arte Tuscia, from Montelupo, Toscana at the Expo.
Sagittario
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sagittario/118664171546469
Sagittario extra virgin olive oil is produced in the hills just outside of Florence, Italy where the types of olives and terrain, combined with century old pruning, harvesting and modernized extraction practices, result in an exceptional quality Tuscan olive oil. Stefano and Janet bought a small olive grove together with friends in the 70’s and began producing their own oil as a hobby, but it soon became a passion, and in 1983 they created the Sagittario label. Now they ship directly to customers soon after harvesting in the fall, offering the incredibly fresh and celebrated “olio nuovo”. Sagittario also offers unique farm-to-table eating experience in the cozy rustic ambience of their home as well as production tours of their property complete with olive oil tastings.
Salvano Vineyards
This modern, family-owned winery has been producing wines since Ezio Salvano’s Grandfather started the business in the 1930’s among the gentle hills of the Piedmont region, often called the “Burgundy of Italy” for its boutique wines and gastronomy. Salvano produces the Piemonte classics including Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo and Dolcetto.
Suzanne B. Cohen & Associates, Inc.
Suzanne B. Cohen & Associates, Inc. is a Hallowell, Maine-based company that has provided villa rentals in Tuscany, Italy since 1990. They will carefully guide you to selected villas and cottages that match your needs, desires and dreams. From romantic to historic, urban to rustic, they have the rental property that will satisfy you. By analyzing your requirements and their properties, they can provide you with personal feedback based on firsthand knowledge. In Italy they offer villa, vacation and apartment rentals in regions such as Tuscany and Umbria, and the Veneto, and the cities they are famous for like Florence, Siena, Venice, Friuli and Portofino.
Tennis Italia
The rolling hills of Tuscany offer a serene setting in the spring and fall for seven days of tennis, food, wine and culture. Tennis Italia, owned by Portland native Kevin Profenna Hutchins, is entering its eighth year of offering clinics on the red clay of Chianti Country Club, nestled in the hills of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, just south of Florence. There’s also a cooking class at Villa Il Leccio, an 18th Century country estate. Clinics with Italian pros are offered in the morning followed by lunch at local restaurants and trattorias. Day trips include exploring ancient hill towns, sampling the wine and olive oil and visiting artisans who work in terra cotta and leather. Evenings are reserved for classic dining on traditional cuisine prepared by the area’s master chefs.
Tenuta Antica
Tenuta Antica farm and holiday accommodation is located in the heart of the Langa Astigiana, in the Piedmont region of Italy, a beautiful and tranquil area, Tenuta Antica is located near the village of Cessole, only a few kilometers from Acqui Terme (renowned for its thermal baths), Canelli (famous for Moscato wine), and Alba (known worldwide for its truffles). The surrounding area offers guided wine tours of well-known cellars, and plenty of opportunities to visit the festivals, fairs, and wine and cheese tours which occur throughout the year.
The Rogers Collection
http://www.therogerscollection.com
The Rogers Collection is a Portland-based company that has been dedicated to representing products of the finest quality and craftsmanship, since it began in 1990. Closely collaborating with producers — many of whom are running businesses owned by their families for generations — they ensure that their customers’ expectations for unique, traditionally produced, natural foods are met. They seek out exceptional olive oils, unique artisan cheeses, Prosciutto di Parma, Tuscan ham, vinegars and Tunisian condiments in order to bring the very best flavors of the Mediterranean home.
The Spannocchia Foundation / Tenuta di Spannocchia
Co-Organizer
http://www.spannocchia.org | http://www.spannocchia.com
The Spannocchia Foundation is a group of committed members that supports educational programs, environmental conservation, and research at the Castello di Spannocchia — an educational center based on an organic farm in Tuscany. Today Spannocchia consists of 1,100 acres of forests, pastures, and crops. About 900 acres are harvested for forest products; 130 acres are cultivated for grains, legumes, and animal pasture; and 15 acres for grapes, olives, and fruit. In addition to maintaining 800 olive trees and a large vegetable garden, Spannocchia raises local heritage breeds of farm animals and produces regionally recognized salumi (salt cured pork) products. Spannocchia also offers guest accommodations in their many farmhouses and rooms, as well as internships and other learning programs and opportunities that seek to encourage global dialogue about sustaining cultural landscapes for future generations through the example of the Tenuta di Spannocchia.
Tours by Roberto
Tours By Roberto offers both exclusive, full-service customized tours, and single day and half-day tours that can be joined by those traveling independently. Their customized full-service tours are the ideal choice for people who plan to spend at least several days in Tuscany (they can also make arrangements for other regions in Italy). Even two people or a family can have a full-service tour customized just for them and enjoy traveling with the comfort of knowing that arrangements have been made by locals, but still have a full say in their itinerary, unlike when joining a traditional package tour. Revel in the level of personal service that can only be offered by a family-run company that both makes the arrangements and leads the tour, and all within the budget YOU set!
