Home
Food and Wine Tour
From Florence to Cortona.
Experience a culture through local cuisine and artisinal wine... Quality not quantity.
Fantasy Catamaran Adventure
Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Small & intimate... only 8 persons in every group.
Day by Day
May
15
2008
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. The visit to the village of Bolgheri and the afternoon with Maurizio and his family is embedded in our minds as one of our lives most vivid experiences. Your commentary and the impressions that Antonio left with us cannot be duplicated. A very special thanks to you, Antonio and Doumina for a 120% effort for us.
We can't say enough about the visit to Terre Del Marchesato and the warmth of Maurizio and his family. We felt like we were a part of it. The effort by Maurizio's wife in the kitchen and the use of farm fresh ingredients is an experience we will never forget. Please ask Antonio to express our special thanks to them. Sandy is searching all of her cookbooks for a garbanzo bean soup that might be similar to the one we enjoyed there.
We were missing the smell of the soil of the Maremma so went out Tuesday to find help. We located from the Small Vineyards collection a bottle of Fattoria Cappannacce Rosso della Maremma Toscana 04 and The Maestro's Nessun Dorma 04 from Antonio's collection. He should be proud.
Ciao for now. Yes, we are planning our next trip and I am trying to figure out how to send a 1971 Dodge Charger to Antonio. But only if he can figure out how to send me a 2008 Fiat 500 Abarth edition............
All our best.
Jim and Sandy Long.
We can't say enough about the visit to Terre Del Marchesato and the warmth of Maurizio and his family. We felt like we were a part of it. The effort by Maurizio's wife in the kitchen and the use of farm fresh ingredients is an experience we will never forget. Please ask Antonio to express our special thanks to them. Sandy is searching all of her cookbooks for a garbanzo bean soup that might be similar to the one we enjoyed there.
We were missing the smell of the soil of the Maremma so went out Tuesday to find help. We located from the Small Vineyards collection a bottle of Fattoria Cappannacce Rosso della Maremma Toscana 04 and The Maestro's Nessun Dorma 04 from Antonio's collection. He should be proud.
Ciao for now. Yes, we are planning our next trip and I am trying to figure out how to send a 1971 Dodge Charger to Antonio. But only if he can figure out how to send me a 2008 Fiat 500 Abarth edition............
All our best.
Jim and Sandy Long.
May
04
2008
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.
Taste along the way and learn of the land and the ways of the Tuscans in this beautiful countryside.
Our first stop, Fattoria Capannacce, where we are lucky enough to meet Adventurer, World Traveler, and Winemaker, Alberto Porta. Alberto loves making wine, and loves life, and has been dubbed, "the happiest man on the planet." Cultivating and bottling Rosso della Maremma as well as Poggio Crocino, from a wheelchair, this mans attitude is a lesson for all of us. After contracting Polio while traveling in Indonesia over 30 years ago, hasn't stopped this renegade winemaker. An intriguing and fabulous experience.
Then, Perazzeta, where Alessandro Bocci makes both olive oil and wine. A passionate man, he named two of his wines Rita and Sara, after daughter and wife and, of course, father "Irio" is the last great wine from Perazzeta. Every year they throw away twice as many grapes as they press, for the pursuit of the most perfect wine, and it is delicious.
After a tasting, we walk next door to taste a plate of Flavio's pasta while gazing at the beautiful valleys. The countryside here is glorious, and we enjoy more of it on our way back to Siena via Maestro Sanguineti and his vineyards where he is rightly famous for his Brunello di Montalcino. Many of you know Antonio, Opera Lover, Race Car Driver and Winemaker, and are anxious to experience his estate where he grows his grapes, because his wines, and the man himself are both fabulous. After this incredible day, our tour ends back in Siena at your Hotel.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
GET EDUCATED
Brunello di Montalcino
Montalcino Brunello di Montalcino is a red Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino located about 70 miles southwest of Florence. Brunello is a clone of Sangiovese, a grape used in Chianti. Brunello is one of the best-known (and expensive) wines of Italy. Well-made Brunellos are capable of aging for long periods of time, given their high tannin content.
Climate
Montalcino has one of the warmest climates in Tuscany and the grapes in the area ripen up to a week earlier than in nearby Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti Classico. There are distinct micro-climates among the northern and southern slopes of Montalcino. The northern slopes receive fewer hours of sunlight and are generally cooler than the southern slopes. Vineyards planted on the northern slopes tend to produce wines that are racier and more aromatic, while the southern slopes tend to produce wines with more power and complexity. The top producers in the area have vineyards on both slopes, and make use of a blend of both styles.[1]
History
Although the modern rules for making Brunello were first laid down by the Biondi Santi family in the late 1880s, the current industry has its roots in the 1960s when there were only a handful of producers. Even as recently as 1975, the total number of producers was approximately 25 vintners producing approximately 70,000 cases of Brunello total. According to the Consorzio di Vini di Brunello di Montalcino, in 1995 120 producers made 300,000 cases. Today there are well over 200 producers in the Consorzio. The production has risen to over 6,000,000 bottles, or 500,000 cases.
Regulations
Brunello di Montalcino must be made 100% from the Brunello clone of Sangiovese. Most producers will separate their production between a normale and riserva bottling. The normale bottles are released on the market 50 months after harvest and the riserva are released a year afterward. The current aging requirements were established in 1998 and dictate that Brunellos are to be aged in wood for 2 years and at least 4 months in a bottle before release.[1] Winemakers who intentionally stray from these rules and regulations can possibly receive a conviction of commercial fraud accompanied by an imprisonment sentence of up to six years.[2]
Traditionally, the wines are aged 3 years or so "in botte," large oak casks that impart little oak flavor but allow for the controlled softening of the wine. Modernists use small barrique which impart a more pronounced oak flavor. There is a middle ground where the wine is aged in small barrique for a short time and then spends a longer sojourn in the traditional botte.
While there are wineries that follow traditional processes and still make dark and rich wines, the reason for this is the conditions of the soils and the micro-climates of the vineyards. This contrasts to winemaking processes that reduce the time in botte or eliminate it entirely, and follow fermentation methods designed to extract more color and tannin from the grapes.
Wines
A glass of Brunello.Brunello is often compared with the Pinot noir wines of Burgundy with its smooth tannins and ripe, fruit driven character.[1] The wines are available to be consumed soon after release but generally hit their prime six to eight years after harvest. The wines have good aging ability with some producers regularly making wines that still improve within the bottle for more than 20 years. "After tasting 200 of them, Filippo Bartolotta finds more question than answers" to the issue of ageing potential of Brunello wine. [3][4] The high acidity of the wine allows it to pair well with food, especially grilled meat and game. A large portion of Brunello sold in the United States is purchased in restaurants.[5]
Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova 2001 Brunello di Montalcino was named Wine Spectator's 2006 "Wine of the Year". [6]
Other DOCs
Rosso di Montalcino, is the other main DOC from Montalcino. This wine has few restrictions on aging other than it may not be released prior to September 1 of the year following the vintage. It is required to be 100% Brunello grape grown in a strictly delimited zone within the area of Montalcino. It can range from a soft, easy-to-drink-when-young style to a wine capable of long aging when made by a fine wine estate in a great vintage.
HAVE FUN!
Doumina
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.
Taste along the way and learn of the land and the ways of the Tuscans in this beautiful countryside.
Our first stop, Fattoria Capannacce, where we are lucky enough to meet Adventurer, World Traveler, and Winemaker, Alberto Porta. Alberto loves making wine, and loves life, and has been dubbed, "the happiest man on the planet." Cultivating and bottling Rosso della Maremma as well as Poggio Crocino, from a wheelchair, this mans attitude is a lesson for all of us. After contracting Polio while traveling in Indonesia over 30 years ago, hasn't stopped this renegade winemaker. An intriguing and fabulous experience.
Then, Perazzeta, where Alessandro Bocci makes both olive oil and wine. A passionate man, he named two of his wines Rita and Sara, after daughter and wife and, of course, father "Irio" is the last great wine from Perazzeta. Every year they throw away twice as many grapes as they press, for the pursuit of the most perfect wine, and it is delicious.
After a tasting, we walk next door to taste a plate of Flavio's pasta while gazing at the beautiful valleys. The countryside here is glorious, and we enjoy more of it on our way back to Siena via Maestro Sanguineti and his vineyards where he is rightly famous for his Brunello di Montalcino. Many of you know Antonio, Opera Lover, Race Car Driver and Winemaker, and are anxious to experience his estate where he grows his grapes, because his wines, and the man himself are both fabulous. After this incredible day, our tour ends back in Siena at your Hotel.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
GET EDUCATED
Brunello di Montalcino
Montalcino Brunello di Montalcino is a red Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino located about 70 miles southwest of Florence. Brunello is a clone of Sangiovese, a grape used in Chianti. Brunello is one of the best-known (and expensive) wines of Italy. Well-made Brunellos are capable of aging for long periods of time, given their high tannin content.
Climate
Montalcino has one of the warmest climates in Tuscany and the grapes in the area ripen up to a week earlier than in nearby Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Chianti Classico. There are distinct micro-climates among the northern and southern slopes of Montalcino. The northern slopes receive fewer hours of sunlight and are generally cooler than the southern slopes. Vineyards planted on the northern slopes tend to produce wines that are racier and more aromatic, while the southern slopes tend to produce wines with more power and complexity. The top producers in the area have vineyards on both slopes, and make use of a blend of both styles.[1]
History
Although the modern rules for making Brunello were first laid down by the Biondi Santi family in the late 1880s, the current industry has its roots in the 1960s when there were only a handful of producers. Even as recently as 1975, the total number of producers was approximately 25 vintners producing approximately 70,000 cases of Brunello total. According to the Consorzio di Vini di Brunello di Montalcino, in 1995 120 producers made 300,000 cases. Today there are well over 200 producers in the Consorzio. The production has risen to over 6,000,000 bottles, or 500,000 cases.
Regulations
Brunello di Montalcino must be made 100% from the Brunello clone of Sangiovese. Most producers will separate their production between a normale and riserva bottling. The normale bottles are released on the market 50 months after harvest and the riserva are released a year afterward. The current aging requirements were established in 1998 and dictate that Brunellos are to be aged in wood for 2 years and at least 4 months in a bottle before release.[1] Winemakers who intentionally stray from these rules and regulations can possibly receive a conviction of commercial fraud accompanied by an imprisonment sentence of up to six years.[2]
Traditionally, the wines are aged 3 years or so "in botte," large oak casks that impart little oak flavor but allow for the controlled softening of the wine. Modernists use small barrique which impart a more pronounced oak flavor. There is a middle ground where the wine is aged in small barrique for a short time and then spends a longer sojourn in the traditional botte.
While there are wineries that follow traditional processes and still make dark and rich wines, the reason for this is the conditions of the soils and the micro-climates of the vineyards. This contrasts to winemaking processes that reduce the time in botte or eliminate it entirely, and follow fermentation methods designed to extract more color and tannin from the grapes.
Wines
A glass of Brunello.Brunello is often compared with the Pinot noir wines of Burgundy with its smooth tannins and ripe, fruit driven character.[1] The wines are available to be consumed soon after release but generally hit their prime six to eight years after harvest. The wines have good aging ability with some producers regularly making wines that still improve within the bottle for more than 20 years. "After tasting 200 of them, Filippo Bartolotta finds more question than answers" to the issue of ageing potential of Brunello wine. [3][4] The high acidity of the wine allows it to pair well with food, especially grilled meat and game. A large portion of Brunello sold in the United States is purchased in restaurants.[5]
Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova 2001 Brunello di Montalcino was named Wine Spectator's 2006 "Wine of the Year". [6]
Other DOCs
Rosso di Montalcino, is the other main DOC from Montalcino. This wine has few restrictions on aging other than it may not be released prior to September 1 of the year following the vintage. It is required to be 100% Brunello grape grown in a strictly delimited zone within the area of Montalcino. It can range from a soft, easy-to-drink-when-young style to a wine capable of long aging when made by a fine wine estate in a great vintage.
HAVE FUN!
Doumina
May
03
2008
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. Known as the Maestro in Italy, a reference to his exceptional palate, Sanguineti is one of the driving forces behind Small Vineyards, an importing house specializing in finding wines of unique quality and value. As a child, his family fell upon hard times and was forced to sell their own vineyards. So now, Sanguineti serves as a consultant for others, taking a portion of each vineyard's best grapes as payment. From these, he crafts his own exceptional wines. Here are my notes on a few favorites:
2001 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Made from Prugnolo Gentile, a clone of the Sangiovese grape that is said to produce a more gentle wine than its cousins in Chianti and Brunello. Be that as it may, the aromas are big and bold with dark cherry and hints of black pepper and olives. It's a rich mouthful of wine that explodes with bright cherry flavors and ripe tannins. Excellent acid balance plays out especially on the long velvety finish. A quintessential food wine that would go great with everything from pizza to eggplant parmesan.
2003 Rosso di Montepulciano, $12.99
A blend of Prugnolo Gentile (80 percent) and Merlot, this baby brother of the Vino Nobile packs a lot of bang for the buck. Opens with aromas of ripe plum and berries, soft herbs (basil and oregano) backed by a bit of creamy chocolate. This is a softly succulent wine with ripe berry fruit and currant flavors, supple tannins and a velvety finish that lingers on and on.
2003 Nessun Dorma, $8.99
Named for Antonio's favorite aria, this is his take on a Super Tuscan but without the Super Tuscan price. It's an unusual blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah that offers dried cherry and spice aromas with touches of mocha, toast and coffee. Lively cherry fruit flavors are backed by anise and chocolate with smooth tannins coming through on the finish. An exceptional wine at an extraordinary price-don't miss out on this one!
Apr
19
2008
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.
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.
Mar
16
2008
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.
As wonderful as the wine is, the stories of the families and artisans who make them are equally important. Who does not want to know more about the composer, painter, singer, or writer that touches more than your basic senses? We have found that many of you are like us and have a sincere desire to know more about the artists who make the wine. After all, what is art, if not a direct reflection of the one who makes it?
Tappo a TappoWe came to be in the wine business simply because we love great wine. After we decided to focus on small, family-owned vineyards we were faced with two challenges. How to keep the flavor of the wine and the essence of the stories intact as we moved them from one continent to another. We are involved with the wine from the time the cork goes into the bottle until the time you pull it back out. We named our new philosophy cork to cork management. In Italian, it is called Tappo a Tappo.
Tappo a Tappo means cork to cork. Simply put, it means that as the importer, Small Vineyards carefully manages the wines we import, from the moment the winemaker puts the cork in the bottle and put it into our hands, until the consumer takes it home. Tappo a Tappo is not just our philosophy, but our business model. We exercise the greatest degree of hands on control the law and logistics allow, including:
Selecting only the wine for which we are truly passionate
Encouraging the wine makers to have user friendly labels for the US market that satisfy an important part of a clients "need to know"
Placing a Small Vineyards sticker on the front of each bottle so that the people who have come to trust us know which wine to try next
Extreme heat or cold is the enemy of wine so we ship and store in temperature controlled environments including:
warehouses in Italy
containers over the ocean
interstate trucking
warehouses in the US
Carefully selecting the portfolio of wines for each market, keeping it exciting and fresh
Keeping the price as low as is consistent with good business practice, and always "over-delivering" for the money
Managing the educational information that is distributed, and getting it into the hands of the people who need to know, so that they in turn can spread the word
Creating POS materials and displays that attracts, informs and encourages trial
Tappo a Tappo is a new and different way to guide your wine exploring experience, and it's only from Small Vineyards.
As the importer, we understand that we are the bridge that brings the wine, the stories, and the passion of these Italian winemakers to America. If we did not spend all the extra energy to share what we have learned with our distributors, their clients and with you the public, we would be just like every other importer. But we not only accept the responsibility, we embrace what we do with an ardor that hopefully equals that of the men and women who labor in love to grow and make the wine of Small Vineyards.
As wonderful as the wine is, the stories of the families and artisans who make them are equally important. Who does not want to know more about the composer, painter, singer, or writer that touches more than your basic senses? We have found that many of you are like us and have a sincere desire to know more about the artists who make the wine. After all, what is art, if not a direct reflection of the one who makes it?
Tappo a TappoWe came to be in the wine business simply because we love great wine. After we decided to focus on small, family-owned vineyards we were faced with two challenges. How to keep the flavor of the wine and the essence of the stories intact as we moved them from one continent to another. We are involved with the wine from the time the cork goes into the bottle until the time you pull it back out. We named our new philosophy cork to cork management. In Italian, it is called Tappo a Tappo.
Tappo a Tappo means cork to cork. Simply put, it means that as the importer, Small Vineyards carefully manages the wines we import, from the moment the winemaker puts the cork in the bottle and put it into our hands, until the consumer takes it home. Tappo a Tappo is not just our philosophy, but our business model. We exercise the greatest degree of hands on control the law and logistics allow, including:
Selecting only the wine for which we are truly passionate
Encouraging the wine makers to have user friendly labels for the US market that satisfy an important part of a clients "need to know"
Placing a Small Vineyards sticker on the front of each bottle so that the people who have come to trust us know which wine to try next
Extreme heat or cold is the enemy of wine so we ship and store in temperature controlled environments including:
warehouses in Italy
containers over the ocean
interstate trucking
warehouses in the US
Carefully selecting the portfolio of wines for each market, keeping it exciting and fresh
Keeping the price as low as is consistent with good business practice, and always "over-delivering" for the money
Managing the educational information that is distributed, and getting it into the hands of the people who need to know, so that they in turn can spread the word
Creating POS materials and displays that attracts, informs and encourages trial
Tappo a Tappo is a new and different way to guide your wine exploring experience, and it's only from Small Vineyards.
As the importer, we understand that we are the bridge that brings the wine, the stories, and the passion of these Italian winemakers to America. If we did not spend all the extra energy to share what we have learned with our distributors, their clients and with you the public, we would be just like every other importer. But we not only accept the responsibility, we embrace what we do with an ardor that hopefully equals that of the men and women who labor in love to grow and make the wine of Small Vineyards.
Mar
08
2008
Please visit www.saltys.com for their informative and fun newsletter!!!
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. Kathryn Hilger Kingen's Seattle passions melt into chef Roberto Russo's inspired creations." How can you resist? Pick up your copy for only $24.95 or visit http://www.saltys.com/good_ciao to buy one online.
Russo's son Giuseppe Russo recently attended a Kids Korps USA gala with CNN's Larry King who was the celebrity MC of the evening. The Russos' Parco Fiorito vacation-package auction item had the highest bid of the evening (see http://www.kidskorps.org/Gala2008.html for more about the gala event) and we can't recommend it enough. Arrange your vacation to Parco Fiorito through Doumina Whyman, who gives personal guided tours of Italy. "Doumina gives you an up-close insider's view of the treasures surrounding the enchanted hill town of Cortona. You like olive oil? Meet a farmer who picks his olives, and the man who presses them. Art your thing? Listen to the passionate sermons of her guide, and real-life descendant of Cortona's own Luca Signorelli. Want to eat the way the heartiest Tuscans do? For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will. Guaranteed," says Tim Stark, writer for Gourmet and Conde Nast. Whyman was recently featured in "Women in Business on the Kitsap Peninsula" (see http://kpbj.com/report/articles/2008-02-02-RPT-03.html for the story). For itineraries in Italy, see http://www.TheEnthusiasticTraveler.com or call her at (360) 620-2728 or email whyman1@aol.com.
Mar
08
2008
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! Thanks for looking, and be sure to see www.smallvineyardstravel.com coming soon.
Enrich your Italian Holidays with real Italian experiences guided by people who really care. We are commited to discovering the Italian Artisans and families making the best wines you've never heard of.
Best Regards from Small Vineyards Travel,
Sharing with the world special wines from special estates here in Italy.
Doumina Whyman
OUR TOURS
For your convenience, subtract 25% if you would like to use your own car.
Subtract 50% if you would like to use your own car and your own guide, or no guide.
If you would like to use your own car/guide, we will make the arrangements to the
Vineyards you would like to visit, to make your outing enjoyable and welcoming,
which would still include everything in the Itineraries.
One Day Tour
OPERA, HILL-TOWNS AND RARE GRAPES
Beginning in Florence and ending in Florence.
Today you are swept away to visit three of Small Vineyards estates. Starting out bright and early, we make our way to Rising Star. Alberto and Cinzia Bocelli, along with brother Andrea, inspire much of the world with fantastic wine and fantastic Opera. For over 300 years, the Bocelli family has cultivated the family land, and Andrea, however famous throughout the world for his music, has never strayed far from his roots...vineyards! Terre di Sandro, a beautiful Sangiovese, named after their father, is a classic and timeless wine created in a modern and modest world that they inhabit. We will get to taste the wine here, before visiting Le Rote. With views of Vineyards everywhere you look, we enjoy our drive to Le Rote, where Lara and Massimo Scotti produce a fabulous Vernaccia and Chianti Colli Senesi, and a top-shelf Sangiovese. We finish here to continue on into the town of San Gimignano for a little shopping, a caffe, and a lite lunch. The Francigena road that the pilgrims walked from Rome to Avignon, France ran directly through the town of San Gimignano, thus making it a very wealthy city. Often referred to as "the Medieval Manhatten", it is a town full of shopping and history. When we finish here we drive towards our final destination to meet the winemaker, Luigi Donato. Best described as an Expert Gardner, Winemaker and Professor, he grows the ultra rare Pulignano. A clone of Sangiovese, and it only grows on their hill! The botanical garden and historical estate of Bibbiani, are amazing gems. Here, our tour ends, in the renaissance city of Florence, where you are now free to relax, make plans for your dinner, or take a stroll in this lovely city, as you continue, or bring to an end, your fabulous holiday.
This is an ideal de"tour" to plan if you are spending several days in Florence.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
175.00 per person 300.00 per couple. USD.
Beginning and ending in Florence.
ONE DAY TOUR
BOUNTIFUL BRUNELLO
Beginning and ending in Siena.
Today we visit 3 of Small Vineyards estates. From Montecucco, to Val d’Orcia to Montalcino.
Taste along the way and learn of the land and the ways of the Tuscans in this beautiful countryside.
Our first stop, Fattoria Capannacce, where we are lucky enough to meet Adventurer, World Traveler, and Winemaker, Alberto Porta. Alberto loves making wine, and loves life, and has been dubbed, "the happiest man on the planet." Cultivating and bottling Rosso della Maremma as well as Poggio Crocino, from a wheelchair, this mans attitude is a lesson for all of us. After contracting Polio while traveling in Indonesia over 30 years ago, hasn't stopped this renegade winemaker. An intriguing and fabulous experience. Then, Perazetta, where Alessandro Bocci makes both olive oil and wine. A passionate man, he named two of his wines Rita and Sara, after daughter and wife and, of course, father "Erio" is the last great wine from Perazetta. Every year they throw away twice as many grapes as they press, for the pursuit of the most perfect wine, and it is delicious. After a tasting, we walk next door to taste a plate of Flavio's pasta while gazing at the beautiful valleys. The countryside here is glorious, and we enjoy more of it on our way back to Siena via Maestro Sanguineti and his vineyards where he is rightly famous for his Brunello di Montalcino. Many of you know Antonio, Opera Lover, Race Car Driver and Winemaker, and are anxious to experience his estate where he grows his grapes, because his wines, and the man himself are both fabulous. After this incredible day, our tour ends back in Siena at your Hotel.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
$175.00 per person or 300.00 per couple. USD
Beginning and ending in Siena.
ONE DAY TOUR
ART & CHIANTI
Beginning and ending in Florence.
We meet you at your Hotel, and embark on a fabulous morning walking tour of Florence. Find out some of the best kept secrets of this city from your guide who has explored it for many years. Then, travel south to the Chianti where we find ourselves at Podere Ciona, deep in the heart of this region. A large estate amongst the olive trees and vineyards. We arrive just in time for a lite lunch and a tasting of the families Super Tuscans. After our tasting, we take a beautiful hike through the countryside, where vineyards dot the land for as far as the eye can see. When we finish here we drive towards our final destination to meet the winemaker, Luigi Donato. Best described as a Expert Gardner, Winemaker and Professor, he grows the ultra rare Pulignano. A clone of Sangiovese, and it only grows on their hill! The botanical garden and historical estate of Bibbiani, are amazing gems. Here, our tour ends, in the renaissance city of Florence, where you are now free to relax, make plans for your dinner, or take a stroll in this lovely city, as you continue, or bring to an end, your fabulous holiday.
This is an ideal de"tour" to plan if you are spending several days in Florence.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
$175.00 per person 300.00 per couple. USD
Beginning and ending in Florence
One Day Tour
TUSCANY'S WILD WEST
Beginning and ending in Siena.
Today we start our adventure from Siena, where we visit two of Small Vineyards most special estates. The drive is longer than normal, but what awaits us is well worth it. Rarely visited by Americans, Terre del Marchesato, and Rigoloccio both in the "wild west" of Tuscany, otherwise known as the Maremma, on the Tuscan Coast is a rugged and beautiful area, and both estates welcome us with a tasting accompanied by meats and cheeses from the area. Breathe the sea air near Bolgheri, at Terre del Marchesato, where the soil is rich and the wine is delicious, with Modern winemakers, Maurizio and Giovanna Fuselli. With a big dog at your heels, and the salt evident in the sea air, we enjoy this farm of meats and cheeses, and fabulous wine before heading out to Rigoloccio, a new addition to Small Vineyards estates growing Fiano, Alicante, Cabernet, and Merlot, very close to an old mine. One wine is aptly named "Sorvegliante" which means "Guardian of the Mines!" We will enjoy more fabulous tasting and tantalizing morsels.
Because of the slightly longer duration (however beautiful) we are able to visit only two estates. However, these estates are of top shelf quality, with unbelievable wines, well worth the trip!
Everything in this itinerary is included.
$150.00 per person 250.00 per couple. USD.
Beginning and ending in Siena.
TWO DAY TOUR
WINE & COOKING EXTRAVAGANZA
from Siena to Florence.
Day 1 Packed full of Small Vineyards Estates, you will experience a fantastic selection of wines in this two day period. Our first day is spent in the beautiful valley of Montecucco and Montalcino. An incredible region... we begin at the estate of Maestro Sanguineti where he is rightly famous for his Brunello di Montalcino. Many of you know Antonio, Opera Lover, Race Car Driver and Winemaker, and are anxious to experience his estate where he grows his grapes, because his wines, and the man himself are both fabulous. Then, Perazetta, where Allesandro Bocci makes both olive oil and wine. A passionate man, he named two of his wines Rita and Sara, after daughter and wife. Every year they throw away twice as many grapes as the press, for the sake of the most perfect wine, and it is delicious. After a tasting, we walk next door to try a plate of Flavio's pasta while gazing at the beautiful valleys. From here we venture to Podere Ciona, deep in the Chianti, where we arrive just in time for a cooking class with Franca, a tasting of the Super Tuscans they produce, and dinner which will no doubt be fabulous. Here we spend the night in our very comfortable home away from home.
Day 2 After rising with the light on the Tuscan Vineyards, we start with a lovely breakfast, before heading out to our next destination. With views of Vineyards everywhere you look, we enjoy our drive to Le Rote, where Lara and Massimo Scotti produce a fabulous Vernaccia and Chianti Colli Senesi, and a top-shelf Sangiovese. We finish here to continue on into the town of San Gimignano for a little shopping, a caffe and a lite lunch. The Francigian road that the pilgrims walked from Rome to Avignon, France ran directly through the town of San Gimignano, thus making it a very wealthy city. When we finish here we drive towards our final destination to meet the winemaker, Luigi Donato. Best described as a Expert Gardner, Winemaker and Professor, he grows the ultra rare Pulignano. A clone of Sangiovese, and it only grows on their hill! The botanical garden and historical estate of Bibbiani, are amazing gems. Here, our tour ends, in the renaissance city of Florence, where you are now free to relax, make plans for your dinner, or take a stroll in this lovely city, as you continue or bring to an end your fabulous holiday.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
An ideal situation for planning to depart Siena and transport to Florence, to continue your holidays.
350.00 per person 550.00 per couple. USD.
Beginning in Siena and ending in Florence.
PRIVATE GROUP TOURS
Designed by YOU!
Book a private group tour to any vineyard that is represented by Small Vineyards Winery. Anytime you want. Any date you want.
As many days as you want. You make the rules! Mix it up a little, with a tour of a historical sight, a maybe a cooking class or two...whatever you wish for... we can build a trip together, designed by you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Perhaps a tour of Siena... taste at a Small Vineyards estate on the way, or taste at 4 Estates if you like...take a peek at a Signorelli in an out-of-the-way church, then linger in a Piazza when your perfect day is done. Bring only yourself, your spouse, your family or friends together and design a trip to remember! Limited to 8.
Call Doumina at 360-620-2728 or write doumina@smallvineyardstravel.com for more information on how you can make this fantasy holiday come true.
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! Thanks for looking, and be sure to see www.smallvineyardstravel.com coming soon.
Enrich your Italian Holidays with real Italian experiences guided by people who really care. We are commited to discovering the Italian Artisans and families making the best wines you've never heard of.
Best Regards from Small Vineyards Travel,
Sharing with the world special wines from special estates here in Italy.
Doumina Whyman
OUR TOURS
For your convenience, subtract 25% if you would like to use your own car.
Subtract 50% if you would like to use your own car and your own guide, or no guide.
If you would like to use your own car/guide, we will make the arrangements to the
Vineyards you would like to visit, to make your outing enjoyable and welcoming,
which would still include everything in the Itineraries.
One Day Tour
OPERA, HILL-TOWNS AND RARE GRAPES
Beginning in Florence and ending in Florence.
Today you are swept away to visit three of Small Vineyards estates. Starting out bright and early, we make our way to Rising Star. Alberto and Cinzia Bocelli, along with brother Andrea, inspire much of the world with fantastic wine and fantastic Opera. For over 300 years, the Bocelli family has cultivated the family land, and Andrea, however famous throughout the world for his music, has never strayed far from his roots...vineyards! Terre di Sandro, a beautiful Sangiovese, named after their father, is a classic and timeless wine created in a modern and modest world that they inhabit. We will get to taste the wine here, before visiting Le Rote. With views of Vineyards everywhere you look, we enjoy our drive to Le Rote, where Lara and Massimo Scotti produce a fabulous Vernaccia and Chianti Colli Senesi, and a top-shelf Sangiovese. We finish here to continue on into the town of San Gimignano for a little shopping, a caffe, and a lite lunch. The Francigena road that the pilgrims walked from Rome to Avignon, France ran directly through the town of San Gimignano, thus making it a very wealthy city. Often referred to as "the Medieval Manhatten", it is a town full of shopping and history. When we finish here we drive towards our final destination to meet the winemaker, Luigi Donato. Best described as an Expert Gardner, Winemaker and Professor, he grows the ultra rare Pulignano. A clone of Sangiovese, and it only grows on their hill! The botanical garden and historical estate of Bibbiani, are amazing gems. Here, our tour ends, in the renaissance city of Florence, where you are now free to relax, make plans for your dinner, or take a stroll in this lovely city, as you continue, or bring to an end, your fabulous holiday.
This is an ideal de"tour" to plan if you are spending several days in Florence.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
175.00 per person 300.00 per couple. USD.
Beginning and ending in Florence.
ONE DAY TOUR
BOUNTIFUL BRUNELLO
Beginning and ending in Siena.
Today we visit 3 of Small Vineyards estates. From Montecucco, to Val d’Orcia to Montalcino.
Taste along the way and learn of the land and the ways of the Tuscans in this beautiful countryside.
Our first stop, Fattoria Capannacce, where we are lucky enough to meet Adventurer, World Traveler, and Winemaker, Alberto Porta. Alberto loves making wine, and loves life, and has been dubbed, "the happiest man on the planet." Cultivating and bottling Rosso della Maremma as well as Poggio Crocino, from a wheelchair, this mans attitude is a lesson for all of us. After contracting Polio while traveling in Indonesia over 30 years ago, hasn't stopped this renegade winemaker. An intriguing and fabulous experience. Then, Perazetta, where Alessandro Bocci makes both olive oil and wine. A passionate man, he named two of his wines Rita and Sara, after daughter and wife and, of course, father "Erio" is the last great wine from Perazetta. Every year they throw away twice as many grapes as they press, for the pursuit of the most perfect wine, and it is delicious. After a tasting, we walk next door to taste a plate of Flavio's pasta while gazing at the beautiful valleys. The countryside here is glorious, and we enjoy more of it on our way back to Siena via Maestro Sanguineti and his vineyards where he is rightly famous for his Brunello di Montalcino. Many of you know Antonio, Opera Lover, Race Car Driver and Winemaker, and are anxious to experience his estate where he grows his grapes, because his wines, and the man himself are both fabulous. After this incredible day, our tour ends back in Siena at your Hotel.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
$175.00 per person or 300.00 per couple. USD
Beginning and ending in Siena.
ONE DAY TOUR
ART & CHIANTI
Beginning and ending in Florence.
We meet you at your Hotel, and embark on a fabulous morning walking tour of Florence. Find out some of the best kept secrets of this city from your guide who has explored it for many years. Then, travel south to the Chianti where we find ourselves at Podere Ciona, deep in the heart of this region. A large estate amongst the olive trees and vineyards. We arrive just in time for a lite lunch and a tasting of the families Super Tuscans. After our tasting, we take a beautiful hike through the countryside, where vineyards dot the land for as far as the eye can see. When we finish here we drive towards our final destination to meet the winemaker, Luigi Donato. Best described as a Expert Gardner, Winemaker and Professor, he grows the ultra rare Pulignano. A clone of Sangiovese, and it only grows on their hill! The botanical garden and historical estate of Bibbiani, are amazing gems. Here, our tour ends, in the renaissance city of Florence, where you are now free to relax, make plans for your dinner, or take a stroll in this lovely city, as you continue, or bring to an end, your fabulous holiday.
This is an ideal de"tour" to plan if you are spending several days in Florence.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
$175.00 per person 300.00 per couple. USD
Beginning and ending in Florence
One Day Tour
TUSCANY'S WILD WEST
Beginning and ending in Siena.
Today we start our adventure from Siena, where we visit two of Small Vineyards most special estates. The drive is longer than normal, but what awaits us is well worth it. Rarely visited by Americans, Terre del Marchesato, and Rigoloccio both in the "wild west" of Tuscany, otherwise known as the Maremma, on the Tuscan Coast is a rugged and beautiful area, and both estates welcome us with a tasting accompanied by meats and cheeses from the area. Breathe the sea air near Bolgheri, at Terre del Marchesato, where the soil is rich and the wine is delicious, with Modern winemakers, Maurizio and Giovanna Fuselli. With a big dog at your heels, and the salt evident in the sea air, we enjoy this farm of meats and cheeses, and fabulous wine before heading out to Rigoloccio, a new addition to Small Vineyards estates growing Fiano, Alicante, Cabernet, and Merlot, very close to an old mine. One wine is aptly named "Sorvegliante" which means "Guardian of the Mines!" We will enjoy more fabulous tasting and tantalizing morsels.
Because of the slightly longer duration (however beautiful) we are able to visit only two estates. However, these estates are of top shelf quality, with unbelievable wines, well worth the trip!
Everything in this itinerary is included.
$150.00 per person 250.00 per couple. USD.
Beginning and ending in Siena.
TWO DAY TOUR
WINE & COOKING EXTRAVAGANZA
from Siena to Florence.
Day 1 Packed full of Small Vineyards Estates, you will experience a fantastic selection of wines in this two day period. Our first day is spent in the beautiful valley of Montecucco and Montalcino. An incredible region... we begin at the estate of Maestro Sanguineti where he is rightly famous for his Brunello di Montalcino. Many of you know Antonio, Opera Lover, Race Car Driver and Winemaker, and are anxious to experience his estate where he grows his grapes, because his wines, and the man himself are both fabulous. Then, Perazetta, where Allesandro Bocci makes both olive oil and wine. A passionate man, he named two of his wines Rita and Sara, after daughter and wife. Every year they throw away twice as many grapes as the press, for the sake of the most perfect wine, and it is delicious. After a tasting, we walk next door to try a plate of Flavio's pasta while gazing at the beautiful valleys. From here we venture to Podere Ciona, deep in the Chianti, where we arrive just in time for a cooking class with Franca, a tasting of the Super Tuscans they produce, and dinner which will no doubt be fabulous. Here we spend the night in our very comfortable home away from home.
Day 2 After rising with the light on the Tuscan Vineyards, we start with a lovely breakfast, before heading out to our next destination. With views of Vineyards everywhere you look, we enjoy our drive to Le Rote, where Lara and Massimo Scotti produce a fabulous Vernaccia and Chianti Colli Senesi, and a top-shelf Sangiovese. We finish here to continue on into the town of San Gimignano for a little shopping, a caffe and a lite lunch. The Francigian road that the pilgrims walked from Rome to Avignon, France ran directly through the town of San Gimignano, thus making it a very wealthy city. When we finish here we drive towards our final destination to meet the winemaker, Luigi Donato. Best described as a Expert Gardner, Winemaker and Professor, he grows the ultra rare Pulignano. A clone of Sangiovese, and it only grows on their hill! The botanical garden and historical estate of Bibbiani, are amazing gems. Here, our tour ends, in the renaissance city of Florence, where you are now free to relax, make plans for your dinner, or take a stroll in this lovely city, as you continue or bring to an end your fabulous holiday.
Everything in this itinerary is included.
An ideal situation for planning to depart Siena and transport to Florence, to continue your holidays.
350.00 per person 550.00 per couple. USD.
Beginning in Siena and ending in Florence.
PRIVATE GROUP TOURS
Designed by YOU!
Book a private group tour to any vineyard that is represented by Small Vineyards Winery. Anytime you want. Any date you want.
As many days as you want. You make the rules! Mix it up a little, with a tour of a historical sight, a maybe a cooking class or two...whatever you wish for... we can build a trip together, designed by you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Perhaps a tour of Siena... taste at a Small Vineyards estate on the way, or taste at 4 Estates if you like...take a peek at a Signorelli in an out-of-the-way church, then linger in a Piazza when your perfect day is done. Bring only yourself, your spouse, your family or friends together and design a trip to remember! Limited to 8.
Call Doumina at 360-620-2728 or write doumina@smallvineyardstravel.com for more information on how you can make this fantasy holiday come true.
Feb
21
2008
"SMALL VINEYARDS" LAUNCHES, "SMALL VINEYARDS TRAVEL."
We are proud to introduce "Small Vineyards Travel". "Small Vineyards" imports small production wines.
Hand-Harvested, Family-Owned, Earth-Friendly. Our philosophy is "Tappo a Tappo". In Italian,
it means, "Cork to Cork." The concept is simple...From the time that the winemaker puts the cork in the bottle, until the consumer pulls it out, "Small Vineyards" has connected the dots in between.
The story of the wine is just as important as the wine itself. Because wine is a reflection of the place it comes from and the folks who make it. It's about making a connection between the people who pour their heart and souls into the bottle, and those who drink it.
Small Vineyards searches every corner of Italy for the best small production wines you've never heard of. Why? Because we believe that the best wines come from small estates. We want to help preserve this special way of life, and to protect truly unique varietals and wine making styles-that if left unrecognized-might get lost forever in the sea of corporate, internationalized wines.
At small vineyards, each and every grape is picked by a human hand, so only the ripest grapes are used. These estates use sustainable growing methods that allow them to make earth friendly wine, every year. These estates are owned by families. They make the wine that they themselves drink everyday....and take great pride in. After all, it's their name on the bottle!
We are proud to introduce "Small Vineyards Travel", sharing with you the families and the wines of Tuscany. Attached is our new brochure to introduce our 5-day tours. We are also offering one and two day tours for clients who are making a shorter visit to the area.
Please, come inside, view our brochure and share it with your friends.
Thank You,
Doumina Whyman
doumina@smallvineyardstravel.com
We are proud to introduce "Small Vineyards Travel". "Small Vineyards" imports small production wines.
Hand-Harvested, Family-Owned, Earth-Friendly. Our philosophy is "Tappo a Tappo". In Italian,
it means, "Cork to Cork." The concept is simple...From the time that the winemaker puts the cork in the bottle, until the consumer pulls it out, "Small Vineyards" has connected the dots in between.
The story of the wine is just as important as the wine itself. Because wine is a reflection of the place it comes from and the folks who make it. It's about making a connection between the people who pour their heart and souls into the bottle, and those who drink it.
Small Vineyards searches every corner of Italy for the best small production wines you've never heard of. Why? Because we believe that the best wines come from small estates. We want to help preserve this special way of life, and to protect truly unique varietals and wine making styles-that if left unrecognized-might get lost forever in the sea of corporate, internationalized wines.
At small vineyards, each and every grape is picked by a human hand, so only the ripest grapes are used. These estates use sustainable growing methods that allow them to make earth friendly wine, every year. These estates are owned by families. They make the wine that they themselves drink everyday....and take great pride in. After all, it's their name on the bottle!
We are proud to introduce "Small Vineyards Travel", sharing with you the families and the wines of Tuscany. Attached is our new brochure to introduce our 5-day tours. We are also offering one and two day tours for clients who are making a shorter visit to the area.
Please, come inside, view our brochure and share it with your friends.
Thank You,
Doumina Whyman
doumina@smallvineyardstravel.com
Feb
17
2008
Tomorrow is the launch of the new electronic Wine Magazine, "Small Talk".
A new branch of the incredible Wine Company, I am so lucky to know and be a part of, "Small Vineyards." "Small Vineyards" is launching this newsletter to keep you informed and up to date about their incredible wines they import from Italy. Wines you have never heard of. Hand-harvested, family-owned, earth-friendly. The best wines coming from Italy. From all over the region! I guide tours (1, 2, and 5-day tours,) through some of the most beautiful and tasty vineyards that "Small Vineyards" represents. Be a part of this incredible company and the love they have for the grape, the family, and the environment.
See my 5-day tour for Small Vineyards at www.theEnthusiasticTraveler.com and click on wine tour.
ITALIAN WINERY TOUR
5 Days from Siena to Chianti
Get a truly unique regional experience. Deluxe tastings of “Small
Vineyards” production of exquisite wines. Wines that the world has
never heard of... yet! Grown and harvested by families in this lush
region of Italy. An educational, as well as enjoyable experience!
Buon Giorno!
Doumina Whyman
whyman1@aol.com
A new branch of the incredible Wine Company, I am so lucky to know and be a part of, "Small Vineyards." "Small Vineyards" is launching this newsletter to keep you informed and up to date about their incredible wines they import from Italy. Wines you have never heard of. Hand-harvested, family-owned, earth-friendly. The best wines coming from Italy. From all over the region! I guide tours (1, 2, and 5-day tours,) through some of the most beautiful and tasty vineyards that "Small Vineyards" represents. Be a part of this incredible company and the love they have for the grape, the family, and the environment.
See my 5-day tour for Small Vineyards at www.theEnthusiasticTraveler.com and click on wine tour.
ITALIAN WINERY TOUR
5 Days from Siena to Chianti
Get a truly unique regional experience. Deluxe tastings of “Small
Vineyards” production of exquisite wines. Wines that the world has
never heard of... yet! Grown and harvested by families in this lush
region of Italy. An educational, as well as enjoyable experience!
Buon Giorno!
Doumina Whyman
whyman1@aol.com
Feb
08
2008
SPECIAL REPORT - WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Women in Business on the Kitsap Peninsula
By Marcia Abrams Febuary 2, 2008
Doumina Whyman is a sales associate for Windermere Real Estate and the owner of The Enthusiastic Traveler, a company that gives tours in Italy. Although she enjoys real estate, what she does in the in-between time is share her knowledge and love for Italy. Flying over 5,000 miles five to six times a year only clarifies her passion. “I want them to see what I love,” she says.
It all started 10 years ago when she took an unpleasant 10-day trip with friends to Italy. The trip changed her life and inspired her to do something about it. “I’ve always been organized,” she says. “I’ve always loved to travel.” She has now been a personal tour guide for four years. “It’s really about tasting the reality and not the tourist area,” she says.
Whyman gives all tourists she guides more than what they expect. “We learn about wine, food, arts and shop,” she says. Coral Sue Rogers, an enthusiastic travel participant, says, “I am still raving about the trip. Doumina has a knack for surrounding herself with knowledgeable and fun local folks.”
Whyman says, “My reward is my smiling, happy clients.”
Total Visitor 4568