A Vineyard in Tuscany
A Wine Lover's Dream
-
-
4.5 • 23 Ratings
-
-
- $9.99
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
"A sun-drenched memoir with a fairy-tale ending."—Kirkus Reviews
In this laugh-out-loud tale, two adventurers discover that rare combination: joy and success. Candace, a painter, and Ferenc, a writer, begin a new life near the hill town of Montalcino. They restore a thirteenth-century friary, plant fifteen acres of vines, build a winery, tame a runaway tractor, excavate an Etruscan village, and battle volcanic fermenting vats, while learning from famous vintner neighbor Angelo Gaja the secrets of growing the best grapes and making superb, award-winning wine. This extraordinary tale will enrich the lives of travelers and wine lovers alike. A New York Times Book Review 2007 Notable Travel Book.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Hungarian-Canadian author and sailor M t (The Hills of Tuscany) recounts in wry, candid detail how he rebuilt a Tuscan ruin into a world-class winery. Living in Tuscany with his artist wife and son while savoring the landscape, food and pleasant neighbors wasn't enough for M t , who admits he thrives on adversity. He wanted his own castle and finagles the purchase of a 13th-century friary in Montalcino, with a proper forno (oven), a forest crammed with porcini and 60 acres of land 15 of which he fashions over three hard years of work into a vineyard sprouting robust harvests of Sangiovese, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and Syrah grapes. His diary of sorts regales the reader on the process of restoring the ancient ruin, called La Colombaio: first by detailing how an Etruscan house was constructed, then by observing how the various workmen were hired (and what they ate for lunch). While hacking in the forest, he finds the remains of a 3,000-year-old city, inviting the interest of archeologists. M t breaks from the construction and excavation for treks through the Dolomites before returning to prepare for the toilsome but ultimately satisfying vendemmia (harvest).
Customer Reviews
It went straight to my heart…
I have always felt that in another lifetime I was from Montifalco. I totally could relate to his experiences as my family built a small Italian inspired inn and a fifteen acre Pinot noir vineyard in the wine country of Oregon.
His writing of the trials and tribulations, the adventures and the supportive help of friends, neighbors, and strangers along with the love and support of family rang true to the life in a wine community. The only thing he never mentioned outright is that the amount of money to do this type of venture needed to be a lot however as he explained, you work very diligently and never waver to accomplish the end result.
A wonderful read for anyone with interest in wine, Italy, and a family dedicated to seeing their dreams come to fruition.