Since I returned from Italy last month, I have been intrigued more than ever before by the enigmatic Mona Lisa and her role not only in the world of art history, but in the real world of 15th century Italian life. In fact, the reason for my curiosity is that on my recent trip to Italy I was privileged to stay in a luxuriously appointed, rambling Tuscan villa, which was once owned by the Mona Lisa's father, Sr. Gherardini, and the same villa in which we will stay on some of our upcoming Dream Italia tours.

Mona Lisa, with her reticent smile, accompanied me as I explored the many rooms of the expansive 11,000 ft² villa, situated on a hilltop just minutes outside of Panzano in Chianti, now the vacation home of a well traveled family with four darling little girls. We will have the rare opportunity to experience the lifestyle dreams are made of by staying in this historical villa, and to sink our teeth into one of the greatest mysteries of the art world. Who was Mona Lisa?

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It's Spring! We got through the winter and now the days are longer, the air is warmer. Are you getting a little antsy to see new places and do new things? If you need a little dose of Italy to get you through, check out our photos of beautiful Italy. We have just uploaded some 550 new images.

As a reward to yourself, what you really need is time off in a romantic land where the romance, culture, wine and food are a way of life. If you enjoyed these images, then please forward to your friends or relatives who may need an Italian vacation of food and wine. They deserve it, too.

Romantic Get-Away to Tuscany this Fall!
Join our dream trip for you and your loved one on Dream Italia's Castles & Vineyards Tour in the autumn of 2006. Autumn is a beautiful time of the year in Tuscany, full of plump grapes hanging from the vines, the air so fragrant, early morning mist floating in, evening light so golden and gently shining on the 14th century buildings. Tuscany is really a magical place to be!

Our small group will have private tours of some of the finest wineries only locals know. We will taste the flavors of Tuscany in both the food and wine. From the medieval villages to the rolling hills covered in vineyards and olive groves, experience the magic of Italy and give your loved one a memory to last a lifetime!

You all know author and great friend of Italy, Frances Mayes, don't you? Her most famous book is the heart warming story, "Under the Tuscan Sun". Many of you have seen the beautifully filmed movie of the same name. She fulfilled many of our own dreams by restoring and living in a wonderful villa in Cortona. A few weeks ago, Frances Mayes was at Tattered Cover Book Store in Cherry Creek, Denver for a book signing for her newest book called A Year in the World: Journeys of A Passionate Traveller. She chronicles her own experiences living in fascinating locales such as Spain, Portugal, France, The British Isles, Turkey, Greece, and North Africa from her temporary homes in each place. Order her book today!

Frances Mayes' books were a decided influence in the pursuit of my own dream, Dream Italia, and I had the chance to express that to her directly. It was an honor and a privilege to receive a personal note from her after the event.

Vernaccia de San Gimignano
Reviewed by Certified Sommelier, Brenda Frances, RedWhiteAndRose.com.
On a hill top southwest of Florence is the medieval town of San Gimignano. This sleepy village has a winemaking history that spans thousands of years, back to Etruscan times. Today, it offers a rich white wine made from a grape called Vernaccia, which has been growing there for over 700 years. Vernaccia de San Gimignano is exotic and intense. The mouthwatering acidity is perfect for a dish such as saffron risotto with peas, Robiola and Parmesan cheese. The floral, almond, tangerine, and honey notes offer a sumptuous canvas for the saffron and peas. Delicate flavors in the risotto need an elegant wine, so that no subtlety is overpowered.
Brenda's free wine reviews can be found at RedWhiteAndRose.com

American Wine Society
Many fun and educational wine seminars are given by sommeliers including the nation's top master sommeliers.
Meet Elizabeth Montana April 27, 2006 - The Oregon Wine Trail with Lange Vineyards featuring Jesse Lang, Oregon Pinot Camp Board of Directors and winemaker.

Denver Italian Meetup Group
An informal, fun Italian language club for beginners to advanced.

This Week In Denver
A free weekly e-calendar featuring a highly selective assortment of the most interesting local culture, music, art, food and wine tasting and leisure activities.

Balistreri Vineyards
Inspired by traditional winemaking techniques used by their ancestors in Sicily, the Balistreri family of Colorado is producing hand crafted award-winning wines in their Denver Winery.