Best Wineries in Puglia for Touring and Tasting

Puglia, Italy, is known to be home to the best and finest wines in the world today. This is owing to the beautiful climate that Puglia is so much blessed to have. Some of the best wineries in Puglia include the following:

1. The Azienda Agricola Masciulli

2. Cantine di Marco

3. Sarolo

4. Tenuta Girolamo.

These wineries are not only famous for growing their delicious and tasty wines, but also for being award winners globally.

1. The Azienda Agricola Masciulli

The Azienda Agricola Masciulli was started by the Masciulli family in 1975. The family stuck to its long-standing tradition of growing grapes and processing wine for decades. The Azienda winery is located in the heart of Trulli in Puglia. The location of the vineyards allows the grapes to get to the required level of maturity owing to the great climatic conditions.

The company ensures that the wine produced is quality and owes much value in keeping and maintaining the traditions of the family in producing the finest wines. The company uses the best technology in processing the wine, right from the grape picking to the bottling of the delicious wine.

The Azienda Agricola winery was recognized for its quality wines and was awarded the IGP Puglia mark, the Prisciu award in 2012 at the National Sca Prammaggiore, where the company won a gold medal.

Some of the fines wines that Azienda Agricola is known for include the White, the Rose, the Red, the Primitivo and the Prisciu wines. The winery is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm on Monday to Friday for tasting on advance booking.

2. Cantine Di Marco.

The Cantine Di Marco in Puglia boasts of the production of legendary wines through history. Some of the famous wines include-

Terre di Puglia-Primitivo di Manduria.

This particular wine is the pride of Puglia owing to its unique historical taste. It is made of pure primitivo grapes grown on the vast vineyards that have been in existence for more than 30 years. The wine is famous in most parts of Europe due to its sweet, dry but soft taste. Originally, the wine when bottled is red in color, but when it stays for some time, it changes to dark orange. The wine gets an even better taste with age.

Terre di Puglia- Rosato Salento

This is yet another brand produced by the Cantine Di Marco wineries. The Rose wine gives a sensational yet unique taste, flowering, dry and with very low alcoholic content that makes it just perfect. Situated in the Valle d’Itria in Cantine Di Marco, the vineyards have produced the finest rose wine for close to 30 years.

Other fine wine brands produced in Cantine Di Marco include; Martina Franca, Locortondo, Primitivo del Salento, Primitivo di Manduria, Salice Salento, Salice Salento Riservia, Negroamaro, Aglianico del Vulture, Brio, Brio Rose,Malvanegra, Malvenagra Rosato, Chardonnay, Tarie, Arcadia and Cortigiano wines.

3. Sarolo Wines.

The Sarolo wines, also popularly known as the Sarolo Don Carlo, is situated in the Valle d’Itria. The Sarolo began as a family enterprise and is currently owned by Marco Emilio Santory. He represents the 5th generation of the Santory family. The valley d’Itria has very good soil and climate as well.

The winery is located in the heart of the Murgia Hills of Southern Puglia. This is between the Adriatic and the Ionian coasts. The warm temperatures that range from 25-30 degrees by day and around 8 degrees by night is optimum weather that enhances notably the quality of the Sarolo wines.

The family tradition in the production of quality wine is upheld to date. The qualified staff handpick only ripe grapes that are then processed into fine, natural wine brands that are loved throughout Europe and the world as well.

4. Tenuta Girolamo.

Tenuta Girolamo is located in the middle of Itria Valley in Puglia. The legendary winery is owned by the Girolamo family. The vineyard stretches across 50 hectares of land and on it grows the finest grapes in Puglia. The Tenuta Girolamo is known for brands of wine that includes –

· Conte Giangirolamo, which is made up of an equal combination of Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes. It has intense ruby red color and also violet hues. The wine has a touch of fruity flavors like cherry, blackberry, very inviting scents of vanilla and chocolate as well.

· Red Lace, also called the Pizzo Rosso is made with pure primitivo grapes and is ruby red wine. It has a sensational dry taste that is uniquely velvety, smooth and persistence almost all at once. It is simply amazing.

· Monte Tre Carlini, made of pure Negroamaro grapes. It comes in intense ruby red with traces of violet hues. Monte Carlini has a dry taste that is soft and will linger on your taste buds for a while.

· Codalunga, made of pure aglianco grapes and is also the red wine that comes in fruity flavors of blackberry, plum, almond, etc. This wine has a dry taste that is tannic and persistent on the tongue as well, gives a sensational feeling.

· Monte dei Cocci, comes in various brands that are unique in taste, ranging from the Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, the Syrah, Verdeca and Chardonnay as well.

· La Voliera is a tasty brand that was developed from a long tradition of coming together.

The Tenuta Girolamo gained more popularity after winning the Berlin Wine Trophy. The Company also won the Decanter Asia Wine awards and the Mundus Vini. This made the winery gain more popularity not only among the locals, but also from around the globe owing to their tasty wines that will leave your taste buds in awe.

The Tenuta Girolamo is usually open for tasting every day from Monday to Friday, starting from 10 am to 4 pm. In order to visit the winery, reservations need to be made in advance due to the busy schedule of activities going on at the winery. During the weekends, visits are only allowed when booked in advance and should be a minimum of 6 guests. The most amazing bit is that one can make a request to also visit the vineyards at no additional fee

Best Restaurants in Ostuni Salento, Italy

Impasto Napoletano

The Impasto Napoletano Restaurant was founded in 2009 after the Salemme brothers decided to turn their shared love for Neapolitan cooking into a business idea. The Impasto Napoletano pizzeria is just a short five minute walk from The Old Town of Ostuni Salento. The restaurant is split into two sections, a beautifully positioned terrace with incredible views over Ostuni Salento and a smaller indoor room, which was designed by a local craftsman, that can hold up to 35 people. With the menu full of delicious handcrafted pizzas, you will be sure to experience the true taste of Naples. Impasto Napoletano prides itself on only using fresh, quality ingredients and every order is lovingly prepared and created in house. Choose from delicious options, with choices spanning from the classic Margherita pizza to a build your own’ style pizza so you can sample lots of the local ingredients that Impasto Napolentano has to offer. The restaurant also offers an array of pasta, seafood and meat dishes with the focus always on providing the best to their customers. The waiting staff are always on hand to ensure you have the best dining experience, with helpful suggestions and knowledge regarding the food and the surrounding area. With their love for classic Italian cooking, the family environment and the beautiful setting for Impasto Napoletano – you will be sure to have a traditional Italian experience and create exciting memories for everyone to remember.

Ristorante Porta Nova

If it’s a fine dining experience that you’re looking for, the Ristorante Porta Nova is a great option to tantalise your taste buds. With just a stone throw away from the Ostuni Marina, the Ristorante Porta Nuova stands high on top of a Aragonese tower, providing the perfect setting for panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves. Large glass windows ensure that wherever you may be seated, the diner will always receive a beautiful view. The setting provides a quiet and cosy feel which easily translates into a romantic atmosphere; this restaurant is perfect for special occasions or parties. The restaurant celebrates the beautiful tastes of all seafood, with fresh fish caught daily to ensure the use of best quality ingredients. The menu offers delicious culinary experiences, from freshly caught sautéed shrimp to creamy lobster risotto, you will be sure to find something that is right for you. You also have the chance to visit Ristorante Porta Novas cellar to discover over a hundred different wines to accompany your meal, which is an added bonus for any fine wine connoisseurs. Every delicious option that Ristorante Porta Novas has to offer is sure to amaze you by the sheer beauty of what is presented before you. The food is displayed in such a simple and elegant way, you will almost feel like you are eating a piece of art. The Risorante Porta Nuovas has received praise from Michelin who stated that a few points to notice were the excellent wine list and fresh ingredients used. The Ristorante Porta Nuova is a dining experience that will make you feel as if you were almost Italian royalty.

White Ostuni Tito Schipa

A restaurant named after the city of Ostuni itself, White Ostuni provides guests with a true taste of Italy. Many famous faces have visited and enjoyed this restaurant with the most notable being Italian tenor Tito Schipa, in the mid 1930s. The restaurant underwent a redesign in 2010 and carried on the legacy of the previous ownership, keeping Tito Schipa’s name as a focal point. This restaurant is split in three large rooms; the relax room, the bistro-restaurant room and the White Ostuni Tito Schipa. The Relax Room is perfect for guests to enjoy a deliciously crafted cocktail while reclining on comfortable sofas. Head over to the Bistro-Restaurant room to enjoy panoramic views of the winding streets of the historical town and the Sea near Ostuni. The White Ostuni Tito Schipa is the perfect mix of elegance and modernity and a great area for gatherings and events. The White Ostuni Tito Schipa always crafts fresh bread daily, with options including salty cornets and sweet pan cakes – a perfect accompaniment to any meal! The restaurant also prides itself on hand picking the best raw ingredients to include in all their dishes, focusing on the quality of every individual course. If you want to enjoy a coffee, the White Ostuni Tito Schipa carefully picks each blend to offer visitors an experience in the ways of traditional Apulian territory. Visit the White Ostuni Tito Schipa and be blown away by the rich history of the restaurant while enjoying a luxurious meal in spectacular scenery.

Osteria del tempo Perso

Nestled in the centre of Ostuni, in the wondrous Apulian resort known worldwide as The White City’ lies Osteria del tempo Perso, one of Ostuni’s most beloved, historic and renowned Italian restaurants, founded in 1983. Made up of two truly wonderful and unique environments, you can enjoy the authentic, delicious Puglia and Ostuni tastes of Italy. The restaurant is differentiated into two halls, both of which are found in the millennial rock of Ostuni. The first hall is a real cave, dating all the way back to the 15th century, adding character and charm to this amazing restaurant. The second hall is for a more quiet and private dining experience, that was once the barn supplying the old oven. The originality, tranquillity and contrast of these halls helped to develop a unique once in a lifetime experience. Hosting authentic and traditional pasta dishes such as Orecchiette and Laganari, tantalising appetizers like Parmigiana Aubergines and Tuscan and Martina Franca Salame, mouth watering desserts and over two hundred different wine labels hailing from Italy’s prestigious vineyards, Osteria del tempo Perso is truely one of the best restaurants in Italy.

Ristorante La Reggia

Located directly in the heart of Ostuni, you will find one of the best restaurants in all of Italy. In the middle of the historic centre of the region you will find Ristorante La Reggia, a stunning restaurant renowned for its pizza, pasta and seafood dishes. Not only this, the restaurant is converted from a medieval cave – sights which must be seen to be believed. With cave walls surrounding you, you can travel back through time whilst enjoying delicious, modern Italian cuisine. Accompanying its wonderful indoor scenery, it offers spacious and comfortable terrace seating areas outside where you can relax in the beautiful sunshine and enjoy fantastic food whilst watching the world go by. With dishes such as tagliatelle, an array of pizzas and fish dishes, antipasti, mixed salads and house wine to accompany them, it’s no wonder tourists and the locals flock to Ristorante La Reggia regularly. In a prime location offering authentic Italian character, exquisite and fresh ingredients and decor unlike any other restaurant, you will no longer be wondering where to eat on your visit to Ostuni. Instead, unquestionably you will be visiting Ristorante La Reggia, where you will be greeted by excellent service, fantastic prices and a dining experience like no other.

Ferrari Super Cars You Can Drive in Maranello in 2017

488GTB Ferrari Test Drives in Italy.

488GTB brings back the classic Ferrari model designated with the 488 in the moniker that indicates the engine’s unitary displacement. On the other hand, GTB are initials, and they stand for Gran Turismo Berlinetta. This car makes extreme power exploitable, controllable and it delivers unparalleled performance on an unprecedented level by even less experienced drivers. The car has an excellent engine and aerodynamics that are so sophisticated consequently combining with refined dynamic controls, and at the end, they radically improve the car’s razor- sharped responsiveness making it a road car that nears track level.

This car was first produced in the year 2015 by the Ferrari Company. Its assembly is done from Maranello in Italy and designed by Ferrari Styling Center under Flavio Manzoni. This car is classified as a sports car and has two doors Berlinetta with a longitudinal rear mid-engine and a rear-wheel-drive. It has 3.9L Ferrari F154CB V8 type of engine that is twin- Turbocharged. Its transmission is a 7-speed dual clutch and has a wheelbase of 2,650mm. It is 4,568mm long and 1,952mm wide with a height of 1,213mm. The car weighs 1,544kgs, and it was built to succeed the Ferrari 458. The car has improved carbon-ceramic brakes that are derived from same technology that is used in LaFerrari. It is manufactured with unique materials that lower the time required to achieve optimum operating temperature. 488GTB has a weight capacity of the power ratio of 2.2kg per horsepower thus making it a powerful machine

California Turbo Test Drive

California Turbo is a sports car manufactured by the Ferrari Company. It is a hard top convertible grand touring car with two-door. Initially, the car was powered by a head mid-mounted that naturally aspirated 4.3-liters V8. The company produced its second model in 2014 which uses a new twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8. California Turbo is least expensive in the Ferrari series. There are plans to replace this car with the Ferrari Portofino as from the year 2018. California Turbo was first produced in 2008 and assembled at Maranello in Italy. It is classified as a grand tour with a front mid-engine and it is a rear-wheel drive. This car can accelerate up to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 315km/h. It has a new front fascia that was inspired by the F12 with a reduction of emission pollution up to 15% when compared to its predecessor. It uses small turbo and has a variable boost management system that is aimed at reducing turbo lag. The car leads in Ferrari with an Apple CarPlay function infotainment system.

Ferrari 458 Speciale Test Drive

Ferrari 458 Speciale is a sports car with a mid-engine and produced by Ferrari manufacturers. This Ferrari 458 Italia succeeded Ferrari F430, and it was initially unveiled in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Later the 458 was replaced by Ferrari 488, and the new model was unveiled in 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show. The Speciale was in production from the year 2009 till 2015 and its assembly was done at Maranello in Italy. The designer of this car is Pininfarina. The car is classified as a sports car and has a body style of 2-door spider and 2-door Berlinetta with a longitudinal, RMR layout. Its engine is 4.5L Ferrari F136 F V8i with a transmission of 7-speed dual-clutch. The car has a wheelbase of 2,650mm, 4,527mm long, 1,937mm wide and 1,213mm high with a curb weight of 1,565kg. The 458 Speciale Edition was limited to 20 units that were geared towards the Chines market for commemorating the 20th Ferrari anniversary in China since the first Ferrari was ordered in Beijing which was a 348 TS. This car has a Marco Polo Red body with golden graphics of a dragon on the bonnet. It also has black and gold livery stripes that symbolize a racing track. Its wheels are gold painted with gold aeroelastic wighlets and gold embroidery on the car’s headrest. Ferrari 458 Speciale has forged wheels with a vented bonnet with taller rear spoiler and redesigned bumpers. The car’s electronic system is improved with the introduction of side slip angle control (SSC) that is aimed at improving the car’s control on the limit. There is also the 458 Speciale A (Aperat) which is a spider variant of the 458 Speciale. This car is limited to 499 examples only. It has a 4.5L with a naturally aspirated V8 and produces 597 horsepower. This car takes 3 seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h, and its top speed is 320km/h. In the spider variant, the 458 Speciale A was the most powerful, naturally aspired and street-legal till it was taken over by the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta in 2017.

Where to Drive Ferraris in Italy.

The driving is organised in Maranello. Maranello is a commune and a town located in the region of Emilia-Romagna in the northern part of Italy. It is 18km from Modena and has a population of 17,165 people as by 2013. The town’s geographical coordinates are 44032’N 10052’E with a population density of 540/km2. This town is best known for being home to Ferrari manufacturers and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racing team. Maranello also played host to Carrozzeria Scaglietti firm before it was owned by Ferrari. This town has hosted Ferrari since early 1940s, after manufacturing, Ferrari cars are driven on the track in Modena as a testing procedure.

Ferrari Road and Track Test Drives.

Road and Track experience Road test drive extends between 30minutes to 120 minutes in approximation. Here a driver pays some fee that is inclusive of booking fees. There is an instructor who functions as the co-pilot, and a driver is allowed to request for specific cars. The minimum age limit for European Union drivers is 21 years, and one must be in possession of over two-year valid driving license. For Non-EU members, they are required to possess International Driving license in addition to EU drivers’ requirements. One must be within the alcohol limit allowed to a driver according to Italian standards. For instance, one’s blood should contain less than 50mg400ML and tolerance is zero to those drivers who are under 21years old. Drivers need to be flexible on time since there is high demand for test track and slots are allocated either in mornings or afternoons. Most cars available for these experiences are two-seaters thus they can only accommodate only the driver and an instructor. This is an experience that most car lovers strive towards participating in.

Valpolicella Amarone Winery Map: Best Around Lake Garda and Verona

When I say Italy you may immediately think about football. This makes sense. When I talk about the Verona region and Lake Garda region in Italy, the what will you think of? Still football? No, the correct answer is wines! There are a lot of outstanding wineries around these two region, and I will bring you on a journey to the wineries around those regions.

Fratelli Vogadori

Being a major amarone winery, the Fratelli Vogadori winery has years of expertise as well as a passion for tradition and eco-friendly values. They offer excellent wines and the way they produce the wine is the reason why their taste is so special.

They offer a wide range of wines for you to choose from. One of them is valpolicella classic, which is a ruby-red wine that is pleasant and delicate. They use several types of grapes together with their expertise to make this very product, and it is suitable to drink this type of wine with meat dishes. For dessert wine, they can offer you with Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico. Again, the color of this wine is ruby red, but there are purple hues too for this one. It is not only warm and velvety, but also so sweet that makes it the best dessert wine.

You can visit their winery and join win tasting events held by them from time to time. They regularly organize a wide range of different wine tasting experience. Since the wine to be tasted are all different, you will have a unique experience every time. It is also a way to embrace the history and culture of Valpolicella, according to them.

The Fratelli Vogadori is located at Via Vigolo, 16 Negrar 37024. You can go there directly for tasting wine.

Boscaini Carlo

Boscaini Carlo covers 14 hectares of land over looking the village of St. Giorgio Ingannapoltron. The village is famous for its ancient church and buildings. The winery is founded by Carlo Boscaini who has a great passion in producing wine. He himself died at an age of 102 due to drinking wine with high quality. Now, the winery is run by his nephews Carlo and Mario.

Baoscaini Carlo stressed that they only sell wines from their own grapes production, and they do offer quite a number of wines.

For example, the IGT Molinara Veronese are made the a type of grapes named Molinara, which means from the mill’. The wine is floor-wax pink in color, which is fairly special, and it is delicate on the nose if you smell it. It is an easy drinking wine for cold cuts or BBQ meats.

The Zane is another product offered by them. Since it has a well-rounded and soft finish on the palate, it is the best accompaniment to red meat dishes. The wine is made from four different type of grapes using a traditional method known as Ripasso’.

They can receive guests and visitors who come to their winery to taste wines. It is coupled with causal chat and informal talk about the passion to wine. If needed, tasting sessions and guided tours can also be provided to a group.

Zenato

Zenato company is located in the middle of Lugana and Valpolicella. There is mild climate and unrivalled charm there, which also made Zenata one of the greatest winery in Italy. The winery covers 75 hectares of land which allows them to produce different types of wine in mass volume.

The founder of Zanato is Sergio Zenato who tried out new techniques of wine making and invested in native vines hoping to get the best quality of wines. This lead to the establishment of Zanata in 1960.

Lugana San Benedetto DOC is one of the best selling wines offered by them. It is a white with a very strong personality, coupled with fragrant scents. It is made of Trebbiano di Lugana and purely from this type of grape only. This type of wine is good as an aperitif with cold dishes and starters.

Cresasso Corvina Veronese IGT is a wine that is a tribute to the varietal features of different native grapes in Valpolicella. This is 100% made of Corvina Veronese, and comes from very careful research and experiment. You can try some of the IGT when you are also eating meats like roasts and sausages. They work well together.

The Chardonnay Garda DOC contains some aromatic elements, and it is extracted from Chardonnay purely. You need to ferment it for 15-20 days in a steel of controlled temperature, and then wait for another half year for it to be ready. Customers can enjoy this type of wine with freshwater fish particularly.

Zenato had also organized several wine tasting events in the pursuit of promoting their wines to the world. You can take a lot at their newsletter (available on their website) for their newest actions.

Brunelli Wine

Brunelli has based themselves to San Pietro in Cariano, which is the central and the main village of the Classic area in Valpolicella. With the mineral soil, grape varieties and a nice climate with breezes, Valpolicella is just the best place to set up a winery—and this is why Brunelli Wine is set up here.

According to Allento Brunelli, the current owner of the winery, the art of transforming grapes into wine and then fashioning them into a perfect product has an important effect on his dreams and desires, and this inspired him to succeeded his ancestors as the owner of the winery. He also said that many wines offer a complex personality, and each type of wine is just like one of his relatives.

One of the wines offered by them is the Custoza. It is a refreshing fruity white wine made from five type of grapes. This gives this type of wine a surprising complexity and a refreshing structure. It is recommended that you drink this wine risottos and fish dishes.

Another type of tine available is the Valpolicella Ripasso. The wine has a great concentration in the color as well as perfume. This type of wine can mix well with rich stews, chops and mature cheeses.

Brunelli is still experiencing new wines, and is dedicated to continue providing different type of excellent wines to the world.

There are really a lot of great wineries around Lake Garda and Verona. This is just a blessed land naturally for producing wine with good quality. While the above four wineries produce different type of wine on their own, they shared a common feature—that is, they are all passionate at turning grapes into wine, and turning their efforts into the satisfaction of customers from the taste associated with their wine.

Two food markets in Japan that we really liked – Kuromon and Omicho Ichiba.

Japan has gained a lot of popularity for being home to some of the worlds most renowned fresh food markets. Below are two of Japans food market that we grew fond of during our visit.

Kuromon Ichiba Market, Osaka

The Kuromon Ichiba market is a is an actively cheerful market situated in Osaka’s Chuo Ward, stretching for about 580 meters. The market also goes by the name “Osaka’s kitchen” since both local restaurant chefs, as well as homeowners in the area, get their provisions and supplies from here. The market is renowned for its fair share of fresh seafood which has led to Japan becoming a prominent tourist destination in the recent years. Consequently, you’ll find people from different walks of life here and as such, the market tends to get quite crowded sometimes.

Statistics have it that in the year 2015, the Kuromon Ichiba market received an average of 23,000 visitors per day, but that tally is believed to be reasonably higher now. One of the primary reasons that have resulted in such significant popularity is the fact that many stalls will prepare, cook and serve most of their mouth-watering foods to their customers on the spot. Some of the stores also sell yakiniku beef kebabs, sausages, burgers, and other meaty snacks. This features as mentioned above, make the Kuromon Ichiba market an excellent venue for a leisurely walk, snacking on a delicious variety of fresh market foods as well as familiarizing oneself with various food types.

Visiting the Kuromon Ichiba market

On visiting the Kuromon Ichiba Market, you will discover that despite it growing into a little tourist destination, it still acts as a prime local neighborhood market. This is one of its features that really charmed us.

Locals stream into the market to do some shopping, buy produce, fish, and supplies other supplies. New shoes, clothes, gadgets, and an assortment of other stuff are available.

Shopping in Osaka

Despite the fact that the central focus of the market is on fresh food ranging from groceries all the way to readymade restaurants food, there is a fair share of other random shops as well. Taking a walk inside the market, you will come across over 140 stores, with approximately a quarter of them selling fresh seafood and fish. The remainder of the stores is mostly dedicated to selling fresh vegetables and fruits, dried fish, meat, confectionery, and pickles. Clothing stalls and supermarkets are also represented in smaller numbers scattered throughout the market.

One of the supermarkets that we got close to was a high-end gourmet shop, selling the highly sought after fresh vegetables and fruits. Fruits are one of thing that never gets boring in Japan. The beauty in the variety gets you salivating.

The other supermarket was a more of a conventional supermarket, selling all the stuff sold in most supermarkets in Japan, but had a section secluded for sushi and pre-cooked food.

Adding up to the food stores are approximately 25 eateries in the market, selling Japanese pocket-friendly foods and occasional curry or noodle shops. In the recent past, izakaya style eateries, seafood restaurants, and cafes have been on the increase.

Kuromon Market Information Center

Walking towards the southern end of the market, we came across an information center. Here, there is a resting area where you can sit and eat any of the snacks you have purchased at the market. The center is also equipped with a foreign currency exchange machine, and you have access to baggage storage at a specified fee per item, plus a bonus of free wi-fi. Toilets are also available, and the staff here speak English to some extent.

The market is designed with several entry points for convenience purposes.

Access

Kuromon Ichiba is a three-minute walk away from Kintetsu Nippombashi Station and Nippombashi Subway Station.

The Omicho Ichiba Market, Kanazawa

#kanazawa #kanazawamarket #omichoichiba #kaisendon #japan

A post shared by Emilia Delizia (@emiliadelizia) on Aug 29, 2017 at 5:47am PDT

The Omicho Ichiba market is the second buoyant food market located in Kanazawa, Japan, that caught my attention. Going by the name “Kanazawa’s kitchen,” the Omicho Ichiba market is a hotspot for selling seafood like fish and crab, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as confectionery. The market boasts of over 185 different stores selling everything from both fresh and prepared fish and seafood to local vegetables.

Additionally, there is also a fraction of restaurants, clothing stores, grocery stores, and flowers shops. The cheerful atmosphere and welcoming mood encompassing the market makes Omicho Ichiba market a great spot to acquaint oneself with the Kanazawa’s food culture.

Since Kanazawa is located on the Japan Sea coast, it claims a considerable share of fame for its seafood and unmatched expertise in the latter. Taking a walk through Omicho Ichiba market, we got an idea of the incredibly colorful variety of seafood and marine products available in Kanazawa town.

At Omicho Ichiba market, the Crabs, yellowtail amberjack, and shrimps are some of the seafood we had a taste of and their quality is what I’d call the finest. Edible seaweeds are also available at the customer’s disposal too. Here, you’ll find strips of wakame seaweed being used extensively as a flavor for soup, while the stringy mozuku seaweed is used in vinegar. The two are known for their health benefits. Here, you’ll find food stalls that have food samples that you can taste, while others sell snacks that you can eat as you go about your shopping routine. Some of the snacks include fresh oysters, broiled, fried, or eaten raw which happens to be a very tasty treat.

No visit to Omicho Ichiba market is complete if you don’t stop at one of the restaurants and enjoy a hot bowl of rice, or a bowl of kaisendon, or sashimi style raw fish.

There are multiple well-known restaurants, but trying to locate one in the market’s maze of alleys will only get you frustrated. If you spot a friendly looking restaurant with empty seats and pocket-friendly prices, just go in. You’ll never get disappointed.

The restaurants are spread randomly throughout the market’s first floor, but there is also a food court in the basement section and a restaurant section on the second floor. Those who are fond of eating an early lunch have access to some fair deals. The market also has a number of eateries at their disposal.

Additionally, apart from the extensive range of seafood, Kanazawa is recognized for its delicious rice which is sustained by natural mineral waters and regular rainfall.

Access

The Omicho Market is situated in the heart of Kanazawa, easily accessible via a short bus ride from either Kanazawa Castle or JR Kanazawa Station.

#kanazawa #spidercrab #omichoichiba #japan #seafood

A post shared by Emilia Delizia (@emiliadelizia) on Aug 28, 2017 at 7:20am PDT

Corfu: An Easy Mediterranean Escape From Italy

#corfu #greece #mediterranean #escapeartist #agiosgordiosbeach #agiosgordios

A post shared by Emilia Delizia (@emiliadelizia) on Jul 20, 2017 at 8:14am PDT

The island of Corfu and the main city that goes by the same name, are one of the top tourist destinations of the Mediterranean, and are sure to astonish you if you’re looking for a beautiful getaway location, full of history, culture and with plenty of great spots and activities to entertain you during your stay.
The city’s old quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the past Italian occupation of the island can easily be seen in the architecture of some historical buildings. If you’re interested in the history of the Greek island, its art and traditions, there are a number of museums you can visit such as the Archeological Museum and the Kapodistrias Museum. Saint Spyridon Church is the most famous church in Corfu and an important landmark that you cannot miss. In the city of Corfu you can visit the stunning Old Fortress built in the 1500s.
However, the many beauties of the island – both natural and man-made – might seem like too much work to reach if you’re spending your holiday in Italy. After all, the island is Greek and some tourists might believe the process to reach Corfu to be complex. That cannot be more false. In fact, there are a number of ways to easily reach the island and enjoy it to the fullest, and here they are.

How To Get To Corfu

The advent of low-cost flying has made the island available to a whole new set of tourists from all over the world. Reaching Corfu by taking low-cost flights from some of the major Italian cities is very easy, and there are many options on this front. You can choose different companies to fly to Corfu, Ryanair flights to the island can be boarded in the airports of Bergamo and Venice. If you’re visiting Naples, Easyjet serves the city’s airport, and you can catch a flight to Corfu from there.
If you’d prefer a panoramic travel experience, and would like to enjoy the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, you can also reach Corfu by ferry. Ferry services and routes to the island can be found in the cities of Ancona, Bari and Brindisi. If you’re set on visiting Corfu, and enjoying Italy is just a plus, staying in any of these cities before you reach the island is sure to be a fantastic experience of Italian culture.

What To Do In Corfu

There are many interesting places to visit and the shops will satisfy your need for traditional crafts to bring home as souvenirs. But the immersive activities to do while in Corfu don’t stop inside the picturesque streets of the city, and the most stunning and relaxing thing you can do when on the island is definitely to visit some of the famous beaches that line the coast.
Any spot will be perfect for your needs and you’ll be able to enjoy the sun and the sea without limits, but here are some beaches you can look into, and stop by to have a fantastic day by the shore.
The beach of Agios Gordios is on the West coast of Corfu, opposite the city and airport, so it can easily be reached with a 45-minute bus ride. Buses serve the route from the city of Corfu to the beach, but you can also rely on a taxi service if needed. The area of Agios Gordios is full of apartments and restaurants so it can also be a great accommodation option for tourists. Within 3 km of the beach are a few traditional Greek villages to sample local culture.
Glyfada, also on the West coast of Corfu and not far from the city, is a stunning beach with golden sand and clear water. It’s a welcome experience after many rocky and gravelly beaches you might encounter in Corfu. The beach is very long, and you can find many snack bars and restaurants.
Located to the South of Corfu and quite a distance from the city, is Halikounas Beach. Another long beach with sandy dunes and the clear water typical of the Ionian Sea in Corfu, Halikounas stretches along the shore of Lake Korission and is a great spot for water sports as well.

What To Eat

There are many types of food to try in Corfu but you cannot miss Greek cuisine.
A typical dish is gyros, the Greek version of shawarma that is made with pita bread, meat, vegetables and sauces, like the tzatziki sauce. They resemble the Turkish döner kebab, and are hand-held wraps that you can enjoy in a variety of ways.
One of the most famous fast food restaurants that serves gyros in the city of Corfu is Mpouzis O Meraklis. Try out other local Greek snacks, like souvlaki, and enjoy Corfu!

#corfu #gyros #greece #greekfood #streetfood #bbq #rotisserie #chicken

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Easy Wine Tour From Milan In One Day

If you are staying in Milan during your vacation and you would like to try out and discover more about Northern Italian wines, here’s everything you need to know to find what you’re looking for.
There are no vineyards in the country surrounding Milan, but you can reach an area that is famous for the production of quality wines in just under 45 minutes from the city. The wine production region is known as Oltrepò Pavese, and it’s not always included in most tours, and so not every tourist knows that such a suggestive place with great wine-related activities and experiences is just around the corner.

There are many places that are easily reached by car or train, and even by bus, if you’re staying in Milan. The city has great food, amazing shops and there’s plenty of stunning works of art and museums to visit. However, if you like nature or would like to know more about the produce and ingredients used to create the many delicious foods you can eat in restaurants and the renowned wines, going on a day trip to the countryside outside of Milan is the best option.
Here are some of the places you can visit, and where to go if you’re looking to have a wine tour.

Oltrepò Pavese, Pavia And How To Get There

You can get to Pavia from Milan in under 50 minutes, by train, but you will still need a car if you’d like to visit the wineries in the area, as they’re not connected by public transportation. Car rental is always recommended when travelling across Italy – or you could seek out a taxi service in the area, but that can quickly get expensive.
But while you’re in Pavia, you might as well enjoy the city, which is wildly different from Milan. The atmosphere is less hectic and you’ll have the chance to visit churches, cathedrals and the Visconti residence, all at a more relaxed pace.
While in Pavia you can also visit palaces and historical buildings, and you can visit the countryside and hamlets outside the city and find more stunning buildings and enjoy nature at local natural parks.

An area covering over 420 square miles known as Oltrepò Pavese is also part of the province of Pavia, and this triangular shaped territory is not very well known to foreign tourists, but Italians (especially Northern Italians) are familiar with the area because of its relevance as a wine production region. But visiting the area means that you’ll discover many stunning sceneries and landscapes unknown to most, such as smooth hills, medieval castles and villages, and you can enjoy authentic food and wines that belong to the local tradition.

What Wines Are Produced There?

Sparkling wines produced in this region are the most well-known, and the area of origin for DOC (controlled designation of origin) wines in Oltrepò Pavese covers 42 towns. The Bonarda is the most famous wine produced in the area and has a fruity taste without being sweet, and is well loved by many wine-lovers and restaurant goers. Most Oltrepò Pavese wines are paired with local dished made with mushrooms, truffles and game meats like boar or rabbit. Red DOC wines of Oltrepò Pavese go well with meat dishes, but can usually be paired with every dish of the typical Italian menu (antipasto, first and second course, side dishes and dessert). The Oltrepò Pavese Bianco is a white wine best paired with seafood and fish based dishes or vegetables. Sparkling wines like the Oltrepò Pavese Spumante go well as a cocktail before meals, or when paired with fish dishes. Other notable Oltrepò Pavese DOC wines are the Barbera, Riesling Italico and Riesling Renano.

Some Notable Vineyards Of The Oltrepò Pavese

Since the region of Oltrepò Pavese can be reached in under one hour if you’re based in Milan during your vacation, there are definitely a number of wine tours you can take part to by visiting some of the local vineyards and wineries.
Here are some notable vineyards located in the area of Oltrepò Pavese.

The Canneto Pavese winery was founded in 1961 and includes members from many local vineyards covering a total of about 400 hectares. Every member of the winery takes care to handle the grapes with the outmost care to produce excellent wines.

The Cantina Storica Il Montù doesn’t just deal in wine, but also in grappa, and organizes events throughout the year to showcase the local cuisine along with their own productions.

Terre d’Oltrepò is a society that merges two local wineries (the Cantina di Broni and the Cantina di Casteggio) and offers guided visits along with an extensive selection of wines that can be purchased at the associated locations.

Cinque Terre: Is The Via dell’Amore Open?

Bad news first – no, the Sentiero dell’Amore is not currently open. And according to locals it doesn’t seem like a lot of effort is being put into securing the trail for public access.
But now that you know, let’s take a step back and see what we’re talking about and what alternatives you have.

First of all, if you found yourself looking for exciting and stunning trails and footpaths to walk down during your trip to Liguria, the Cinque Terre area is exactly what you need.
It is a portion of the coastal area of Liguria and it spans the Italian Riviera from just West of La Spezia and across five villages. The towns, coastline and surrounding hills are part of the Cinque Terre National Park and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the incredible landscape made of steep cliffs and terraced zones is subject to the elements and is affected by seasonal torrential rains and the consequent floods and mudslides. These events have caused several problems when it comes to the trails that line the Cinque Terre (the most notable example being the subject of this article, the Sentiero dell’Amore), so be careful to check weather alerts (“allerta meteo” in Italian) for dangerous weather conditions, and double check online or with local guides to make sure the trail and footpaths of your choice are currently safe and open to the public.
Of course, while you’re visiting the Cinque Terre, you can’t miss out on the other opportunities unique of this territory, such as local cuisine. You can enjoy great seafood dishes and wines made from locally sourced and produced grapes, and many other dishes and snacks. Try out authentic pesto pasta, focaccia and farinata!

To get back to the topic at hand, let’s see what options are available along the Cinque Terre as far as hiking goes. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do and see for walkers and hikers both travelling solo, in groups, or with their significant other.

What Exactly Is The Sentiero dell’Amore?

The Sentiero has been closed off to the public ever since a landslide back in 2012. Before the rockfall hit, this particular trail was famous for being the most romantic hike one could possibly do in the Cinque Terre area.
The trail is more of a paved path, like a long terrace overlooking the sea, and easy access for the disabled was available to allow everyone to enjoy the Sentiero. The landslide made it impossible to gain access to the trail, save for a short section that can be reached from Manarola, so anyone looking to walk along the Cinque Terre will have to look for alternatives.

Is It Currently Open?

As mentioned, no. The Sentiero dell’Amore is closed off, and any access to the other trails and footpaths depends on weather conditions, due to the region’s periodic floods and landslides that can always block passage to walkers and tourists. The National Park and local authorities will block access and close paths (most often only for a few days) for safety reasons when heavy rains are expected.

The Problems The Trail Is Facing

Since the region has to face periodical heavy rains, due to the area’s climate and the peculiar shape of the territory, with cliffs and rocky formations, the authorities have to face several occurrences of accidents and damage to the paths along the Cinque Terre. The copious amount of tourists visiting the area and enjoying the activities and establishments in the villages along the area’s trails ensure a steady income that is used to maintain the structures and footpaths, but the severe damage caused in 2012 to the Sentiero dell’Amore still hasn’t been repaired.
One of the main problems in the area remains the landslide between Manarola and Corniglia, that has already caused the trail’s closure during the past year. Local accommodation and business owners maintain some of the trails, as volunteers.
You can easily by-pass the problematic section by enjoying a beautiful walk leading through the hamlet of Volastra.

Here Are Some Alternatives

There are plenty of beautiful, picturesque and romantic trails that you can walk for a fantastically immersive experience in the Cinque Terre, so be sure to check the Park’s official website for info. Some trails are recommended for expert hikers, as they can be quite steep and challenging, but if you’re being accompanied by a tour guide most of the alternative paths to the Sentiero dell’Amore will be completely manageable.
Before the inauguration of the Sentiero dell’Amore, directly coasting the sea with a paved path, locals had been walking the upper path from Riomaggiore to Manarola. This is a trekking trail with steep steps that can pose some challenge when wet because of recent rains, so caution is advised and proper gear is recommended.

Heading to Lecce? Here Are The Best Places According to The Locals

Lecce is a great city in Apulia that you can visit or stay at during your holidays. The city has a lot to offer in the way of historical and artistic attractions, such as churches, Roman ruins, the Castle of Charles V and museums to discover the past and present of this beautiful destination. It also has many other little gems for you to unveil, and you can live a truly immersive experience in Apulia through the local, traditional food and activities that you can engage in while you’re here.
Staying in Lecce means you’ll have the chance to visit this incredible city while also being close by to many other wonderful sights of Salento. You’ll be able to reach beaches, hot springs, cathedrals and more, and the best way to tour Salento is through car rental. The various cities and towns scattered along the coast are not always connected through a reliable and intuitive public transport system and the experience could get complicated and unnecessarily uncomfortable, especially when the alternative of going by car is a much better choice. The lack of severe traffic (unlike that found in Northern Italian cities) will ensure you’ll make your way to your destination faster, and every attraction as sufficient parking space to accommodate tourists.
The best time of the year to visit Salento is the beginning or ending of the high season. Come to Salento in May/June, or during September/October to find a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere. Without hordes of other tourists swarming the beaches and sights, you’ll have more space and time to fully enjoy everything Salento has to offer, both in the way of nature (such as Otranto and Sana Cesarea), as well as what concerns the hinterland, further from the seaside, where you can find great spots (like the city of Lecce itself).

Must See in Salento

Salento has a lot to offer and the choice is wide, since every mile of beach hides treasures, and every corner of Apulia has the potential to be a vacation spot full of great things to see and do. Since you’re probably not going to be able to visit every little place on your way up and down Salento, here are some ideas on what to visit during your stay. Don’t forget that behind every little town or beach is hidden a great opportunity to find interesting and scenic locations, restaurants and places to relax – Use the internet freely on the go to look for the best rated eateries and spots for an extra little adventure as you visit the following main sights. Sometimes, getting lost is a blessing, when it enables you to find hidden gems!

Otranto

Summer is here . 🏊🌞

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In the city of Otranto you won’t just find the spectacular Aragonese Castle, but also the Cathedral, dating back to 1088. The altar is surrounded by the remains of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto, making for a truly impressive sight.

Lecce

We’ve already mentioned the many beautiful places that you can visit while in Lecce, but the most important and historically relevant feature of the city would have to be its churches. The Duomo, Lecce’s Cathedral is the most eye-catching feature of the city square, with a 70-metre high bell tower.

Galatina

In Galatina you will find many interesting buildings and tourist sites to visit, bot religious and of historical relevance, but the most beautiful is the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, build at the end of the 1300s. While you’re busy in the city touring the sights, stop by a bakery or ask for the local signature dessert at a restaurant: the pasticciotto, a baked pastry with custard filling you’re sure to love!

Santa Cesarea

Come to Santa Cesarea to enjoy the sea and to take part in something unique: the thermal baths, with various facilities. The city was built on hot springs and here you can enjoy different cosmetic and therapeutic services.

Porto Cesareo

Visit this town if you love nature, for you will find a natural reserve, a marine reserve and many wonderful beaches to enjoy. Clear waters, rocky and sandy shores and many picturesque spots await you in Porto Cesareo. Don’t forget to enjoy some incredible fish dishes and seafood while you’re here.

Castro

South of Lecce, you will find the town of Castro and its many natural sights. You can enjoy the beautiful sea nearby and the natural areas and rock formations. The Grotta Zinzulusa is the most relevant in the area among other minor cave complexes near Castro, and it consists of three rooms filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites and rocky walls that for their shape will remind the visitor of laundry on a clothesline with the sun filtering from the nooks and spaces between them.

Travelling To Salento? Here Are The Top 5 Things To Do In Brindisi

Visiting the Southern regions of Italy is a one-of-a-kind experience, with delicious foods, incredible sights and immersive activities. In the region of Apulia, specifically in the heel of Italy’s boot-shaped territory, lies a magical and interesting area: Salento.

Beautiful geographic features await you, but you’ll also find some of Apulia’s main cities by visiting the region of Salento. The best way to explore all Salento has to offer, is to choose a main city to use as a base for your travels, a starting point from where to visit other small towns and touristic sights.
While not being overly popular or a hugely renowned tourist destination, Brindisi stands as one of the most beautiful cities in lower Apulia, and its position will allow you to visit many neighboring locations with ease. Brindisi has lots of activities and sights to offer for anyone looking to visit the city as well as its surroundings, and staying here will mean you’ll have a lot of options to satisfy all of your needs.
There’s lots to do and see in Apulia, but we want to give you a few tips and suggest some things you might enjoy for a truly immersive journey in Salento, and for a great experience while exploring the city of Brindisi.

Take a stroll through marbled streets and enjoy the seafront
Brindisi itself has many beautiful locations that you can visit (between a meal and another!), as you stroll along the city’s streets all the way to the seafront. There are many incredible and impressive churches, dating from the 11th to the 14th century, such as the Duomo (the main cathedral of Brindisi), the Church of Santa Maria del Casale and that of San Benedetto as well as many others. But you can also visit other places that will amaze you, like the Aragonese Castle, also known as “Forte a Mare” (Sea Fort), and Castello Grande.
Within the territory of the city you can also find natural areas and Regional Natural Parks, if you want to enjoy the local flora and fauna. If you prefer to discover more of local history and culture, museums are in the city center.

Visit Torre Guaceto and go for a swim

#salento #puglia #apulia #torreguaceto #puntapenna #brindisi #italy #adriatic #mediterraneansea #southofitaly

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Of course visiting Apulia also means enjoying the sea, and to do just that you can rely on the marine reserve of Torre Guaceto. It’s a beautiful beach located in a protected area and you can go for a swim, go snorkeling, go on treks and hikes and take part in other activities that are being organized along the reserve. Remember to respect the environment, an you’ll have a wonderful time in one of the most beautiful beaches near Brindisi.

Eat local foods – like pizza fritta!

There are many traditional dishes and snacks that you can try while in Apulia and Brindisi, you just need to take a look around food stalls, bars and restaurants. Perhaps the best example of local cuisine is that of fried pizza (pizza fritta), which can be found around pizzerias in Brindisi.
One of the names that comes to mind when thinking about pizza fritta is the Pizzeria Romanelli, located in the city (Via Santa Lucia, 3 – Brindisi). With a long history in deep frying, this restaurant, established in 1949, also has a branched to the States, with a location in Houston, Texas. The pizzeria is also a good bet if you’re just looking to eat a great (regular) Italian pizza, but since you’re already here, you might as well go all out and sample your first (and perhaps best) pizza fritta ever!

Enjoy regional cuisine and explore new tastes

#braceria #puglia #brindisi #salento #bombette #bbq #meat #italy

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As already established, Apulia has great dishes and produce to offer. An excellent idea for a meal while in Brindisi would be to have a taste of great meat courses while enjoying Al Fresco seating.
The Braceria Semeraro offers a cozy and homely environment with a few tables inside the restaurant and a number of tables outside on the terrace. Book a table in advance if you’re able, because the place can get crowded. The Braceria is the lovechild of a butcher’s and a restaurant, where you choose the cuts you want to have, which will be cooked for you so that you’ll be able to enjoy them at your table. It accounts for a very unique experience, and there’s no menu, so be prepared to choose from the variety of different meats and cuts.

Visit nearby Ostuni by car rental

By renting a car, you’ll be able to visit many beautiful cities and locations not far from Brindisi, such as Ostuni. The city is full of tourists during summer, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the Old Town, Ostuni’s Cathedral and other landmarks.