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2008-07-26

On the Vine/Italian WInery Tours in the Chianti Region of Italy

written by Lisa Espada I recently had the pleasure of meeting second generation Italian winemaker and Small Vineyards founder Lorenzo Gatteschi to bring to you some of the most fantastic wines that Italy has to offer. As Lorenzo tells it: “At small vineyards, we believe some of the very best wines come from small places. Therefore, we are committed to discovering the Italian artisans and families that make the best wines you’ve never heard of and making them available for you to explore.” Without Lorenzo Gatteschi and his family at Podere Ciona, there just may never have been a wine importer called Small Vineyards! When the founding partners took a tour of tiny Tuscan wine producers in 2000, they happened to befriend their guide, Lorenzo, who invited them to stay for a few days with him at his own estate. A few sips of his family’s Chianti Classico Riserva, along with a meal prepared by his mama (cooking teacher Franca Gatteschi), and a stunning view of Siena in the distance worked their magic. Enthralled by the philosophy behind small estates—and by the quality of the Gatteschi’s wine—the group brainstormed the concept behind our company. A few short months later, Small Vineyards was born. In addition to producing the first wine we chose to import, Lorenzo also introduced us to many of the families whose wines you’re now able to enjoy for the first time in the United States. Podere Ciona also has one of the most beautiful “agriturismos” (guest villa) we have ever seen. When traveling to Tuscany, see if you can get a room!
Doumina Whyman
2008-07-23

Chianti Wine Tours, Tuscany Tours and Italian Winery Tours...Oh My!

Thanks to my clients for another testimonial and who enjoy the choices I make for them, and their gratitude on my Tuscany Tours! My daughter and I had an experience of a lifetime when we traveled through the Chianti region of Tuscany with Doumina. Our favorite part was getting to meet and have meaningful conversations with the people who make that area so unique. We will always remember cooking with Franca and her sister Mimma in Francas home kitchen, and then sharing that wonderful meal on the outside patio with the smell of lavender in the air and the beauty of the Tuscan hills in front of us. Doumina is truly an outstanding guide who has the knowledge and desire to make your trip very special. I really did appreciate all of her interest and caring for us! Kris Boyle
Doumina Whyman
2008-07-12

CONSTRUCT YOUR OWN TOUR!

PRIVATE GROUP TOURS...ITALIAN WINERY TOURS ...it's a beautiful word! Bring the family together, or a group of close friends! A private group tour enables you to book a trip any time that you want. Any date that you want. As many days as you want. Tours of Tuscany, wine tours, cooking tours...whatever you wish, we can hand build a trip together to suit you! With my knowledge of the country, you can sit back and relax and enjoy the trip you have designed. Maybe you think you want to tour Siena...taste at a winery on the way, then linger in the IL Campo after. Each and every day is constructed the way you want it. With myself as your own personal driver and guide, sharing with you my experience over the years. Together we can make a trip to remember! Ciao!
Doumina Whyman
2008-05-15

Portland

Its a cool raining morning in Portland as we look over our photos of three and half weeks in Italy and the best ending day of a fantastic trip with you and Antonio. We will remember that day, its colors, smells, tastes and vivid impressions for years to come.
Doumina Whyman
2008-05-04

Making Wine

Small Vineyards, Come on a Small Vineyards Tour and MEET THE PEOPLE, GET EDUCATED, and HAVE FUN! MEET THE PEOPLE One Day Tours - Begining and ending in Siena Today we visit 3 of Small Vineyards estates. From Montecucco, to Val d’Orcia to Montalcino.....
Doumina Whyman
2008-05-03

Small Vineyards Travel

Tuscany winemakers, Visit www.SmallVineyardsTravel.com so when you travel to Italy, you are able to visit Antonio and his vineyards with our Small and Intimate travel company. See you in the vines...! Doumina Whyman Antonio Sanguineti Wines BY DAVID KIRKPATRICK Antonio Sanguineti, one of Tuscany's most respected winemakers, recently visited Boise...
Doumina Whyman
2008-04-19

Small Vineyards

Small Vineyards you rawk!!! Supposedly the Wine Buyers for Small Vineyards travel to Italy 4 times a year. 4X time a Year!!!???? Magari. I want that job. They only distribute SMALL ITALIAN WINES. Only Italy...24/7..365... This is my kind of Wine distributor.... Forget about Two-Buck Chuck..... I am going to educate my palette. Grazie per tutti.
Doumina Whyman
2008-03-16

Italy Wines

We are seekers of those outstanding small vineyard wines. Most importers would never give these wines a second thought, regardless of quality, because there is not enough to make a brand. Think of Small Vineyards as your personal wine detectives in Italy. We typically taste 200 to 300 wines each month, but only fall in love with one or two. Those we bring home, so that you, too, can discover them.
Doumina Whyman
2008-03-08

Salty's

Good Ciao cookbooks are now in Salty's Gift Shops! Ernesto Pino, food and travel writer, says, "Good Ciao is the perfect blend of authentic central-Italian dishes and Pacific Northwest comfort food
Doumina Whyman
2008-03-08

Tuscany Tours

SMALL VINEYARDS TRAVEL TOURS Dear Travelers, Here is a sampling of our one and two day tours....our website is beautiful, and coming soon! We are very excited to offer these small, intimate tours, and the 5-day tour is attached on PDF to refresh your memory!
Doumina Whyman