7 Flights, 5 Airports, 5 Destinations, 11 Meals, 32 Wines and Many New Friends, One Fast Trip to Italy

Back at the keyboard after a fabulous 6 days in Italy for the grand inauguration of the new Zonin Vineyard, Masseria Altemura, in exciting Salento peninsula, Puglia, the heal of the Italy boot. This story will span several posts, there is so much to tell.

The journey began at the Alitalia terminal at JFK where we boarded our jet to Rome. After a long overseas flight, another quick flight to Brindisi, Puglia, and a lively bus rides with a growing list of new friends, we arrived in the enchanting city of Lecce.

As I write more posts I'll discuss each part of our trip with greater detail. It will take at least a week so be patient.

In Lecce we stayed at the sumptious 4 star Patria Palace Hotel where we were treated to a simply delicious lunch on our arrival and of course some Zonin Prosecco.

We loved the bar that conjurs endless images of well dressed Italians sipping Aperitivi.

After a walk and a deep rest we got dressed up and went to our first event, a formal tasting of the current Masseria Altemura wines with a presentation by the Zonin family executives and wine makers at the mythic and ancient Castello di Carlo V. One of the many 16 century wonders found in Lecce.

Following the tasting was a fabulous party and dinner attended by hundreds which lasted into the wee hours.

The next morning we arose with an surprising abundance of energy fueled by the excitement about the day ahead and a bountiful breakfast at our hotel.

We got in an early morning walk around the city, details to follow, and then joined our group for a windy bus ride through Puglia to the commune of Torre Santa Susanna in Salento to the Zonin Masseria Altemura for a fabulous inauguration event attended by hundreds of friends, family, associates, dignitaries and us.