Aielli & Benevento

A recent Aielli & Benevento wine tour took us to one of the most prestigious Brunello estates Casse Basse. When we arrived at the vineyard, none other than the owner, Gianfranco Soldera, was there to meet us. Soldera is a one of the most well known Brunello makers. So it was a real treat to have him walk us around the gardens and the vineyard for over an hour outlining his unique winemaking philosophy.

A lover of all things Venice recently recommended the mystery writer Donna Leon. All the novels of this New Jersey born author take place in and around present-day Venice starring Inspector Brunetti, a combination of Columbo and Sherlock Holmes. For Venice of an earlier time, the NY Times Book Review recently gave high marks to In Lucia’s Eyes  by Arthur Japin. This historical novel is set in the 1700s and centers on Giacomo Casanova and one of his mistresses.

Among the products we recommend checking out are: Fincato, Berti and Mazzuoli. When in Rome, check out Fausto Fincato’s pipe shop where they showcase some of the world’s best hand carved pipes including Castello, Rinaldo and Caminetto. (Fincato also sells Cuban cigars.) Via Colonia Antonina, 34. (39-06) 678-5508 if you’re your kitchen needs a new carving set, Berti cutlery is as good as it gets. They make excellent but very expensive steak knives as well. Guiliano Mazzuoli is a unique Italian watchmaker. The company’s new Manometro model combines masculine style and functionality with a dial you can actually tell the time. (Found at US retailer: www.osterjewelers.com.)

Since some of our clients who visit Italy want to see everything on their first trip to Italy, A & B has recently completed a travel itinerary for spending three perfect days in Rome. Based on our past travels experience, we have also combined the best of the best from various travel guides including Fodors, Frommers, and Rick Steves. For a free copy of this A&B travel plan, just email us your request at: info@aielli-benevento.it.

One can now enjoy the splendor of golfing in the Tuscan hills while savoring, the region’s outstanding wines, food and art. Working through the Orient Express Company, A & B has a program to get the serious golfer on some spectacular links.These courses include Golf Club Ugolino, the oldest of Tuscan courses; Le Pavoniere Golf & Country Club, designed by Arnold Palmer; and Poggio de Medici Golf Club, once the hunting preserve of Medici Dukes.

Italy’s golden isle of Sardinia is now seen by many as the Mediterranean’s new in-place. Once made famous by D.H. Lawrence with his 1921 book, “The Sea and Sardinia”, and more recently by the sightings of King Juan Carlos, Michael Bolton and Ivana Trump, Costa Smeralda is now the summer playground for the 21^st century jet set. Places to be seen include Nikki Beach, the daytime nightclub surrounding the Tennis Club, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the very excellent Hotel Cala di Volpe (its presidential suite goes for $10,000 a night.) A & B is planning a special tour for those interested in seeing the Rolex Cup Regatta in September (9/11-17).

A & B executed one of its hotel inspections last week, this time in Rome and among the places we visited was the Excelsior of La Dolce Vita fame. Situated on the Via Veneto, directly across the street from the US Embassy, this 5 star Westin facility has retained all its popularity in part to what is arguably the most lavish, grandest suite in all of Italy. The Excelsior’s Presidential Suite with two levels has a Roman styled bath complete with Jacuzzi, an exercise room, a movie theatre to make any Hollywood star happy, two terraces with grand views of the city and a cupola for grand entertaining. A & B is offering clients a 30 % discount when booked as part of our ”Eternal City Grand Weekend” touring opportunity. (Available October ’06).