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Noteworthy Notizie – May 22

Brighter times are ahead for Milan, which is getting a jump start with the World’s Fair, as predicted. The Economist looks at the state of the Milanese economy.

 

Limoncello cocktails. That’s right.

 

There have been a lot of erroneous articles about olive oil circulating lately. The Wall Street Journal sets the record straight, with an article penned by Nancy Harmon Jenkins, the leading authority on the green juice. See Our Italian Library to learn more about Virgin Territory, the book she recently wrote and our selection for book club two months ago.

 

Does that article make you worried about what imposters lie in your olive oil cabinet? Want proof we carry the good stuff? Take a look at the Presidium from Slow Foods, which lists some of the best producers. “The olive growers who join the national Presidium for Italian extra-virgin olive oil must have olive groves with cultivars that are indigenous to the area and managed without the use of synthetic fertilizers or herbicides. In the case of treatment, only products with low environmental impact and that guarantee no residual in the final product are allowed…joining the Presidium requires that at least 80% of the plants are at least 100 years old. ” From Puglia, we proudly carry De Carlo olive oil. 

 

Think all of this oil obsession is a bit over the top? Check out this article from Organic Authority on why Italians are so obsessed with their oil.

 

This weekend in Rome, the spectacular tradition of rose petals fluttering down through the oculus of the Pantheon can be enjoyed Sunday 24 May following 10:30 Mass for the feast of Pentecost.

 

If you’re more locally based, check out the free tasting we are hosting this Sunday! This Sunday the 24th, please join us for a Taste of Italy. Presented by Andrea Tosolini, importer of fine Italian foods, from Fruit of the Boot. We will be tasting sweets and favorites from around all of Italy. Join us for free bites from 1:00 – 4:00 PM, here at Via Umbria. For more information contact Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com.

Have a wonderful extended weekend!

— Via Umbria IMG_9187

Brighter times are ahead for Milan, which is getting a jump start with the World’s Fair, as predicted. The Economist looks at ...

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How To: Chef Simone Builds the Perfect Pizza

You know what makes everyone happy? PIZZA NIGHT.

The last time Simone hit the states we were lucky enough to have him make pizza for us. It was quite the experience.

Simone makes his own pizza dough, but if you feel like going the easy route you can always purchase from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. What really makes the difference is using imported 00 flour, specifically for pizza and pasta, when you roll your dough out. The light as air flour that lines the corners of your Neapolitan pizza? It’s 00.

After the dough has been perfectly flattened, Simone’s hands dip into the toppings, with input from the eaters, of course. Here are a few of Simone’s toppings:

organic tomato sauce 

broccoli rabe

mushrooms

tomatoes

parmigiano

zucchini

brussels sprouts

red peppers

red onions

cured meats

ground beef

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With all these options, there were a few standouts from the night. Simone gamely played along as we argued over who got to generate the ideas for the next pizza. Here are some we loved:

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The Kelsey

Zucchini, olive oil, sea salt, rosemary, parmesan

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Sprouting Pizza

Olive oil, brussels sprouts, mushrooms, shredded mozzarella

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Rossa Rossa Rossa

Marinara sauce, red peppers, pepperoni, mozzarella

 

Each of Simone’s pizzas only took about five minutes in a wood burning pizza oven, but if you’re working with an oven, pop yours in for 7-12 minutes on 450 degrees.

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Of course, we pair our pizza with Birra Perugia Classic IPA.

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Wish you could get in on the fun? You can!  Simone is returning in the spring for four nights of merriment. Here are your options:

 

Thursday, May 28th at 7:00 PM – Umbrian Food and Wine Tasting

On Thursday, there will be a wine tasting at the home of Sue Cimbricz, in Bethesda. The evening will feature the wines of Giampaolo Tabarrini, as presented by Bill Menard from Via Umbria. Simone will be preparing tasting pairs for the wonderful wine. You can get your tickets for $50, here. For any questions, and for payment over the phone, contact Suzy Menard at 202.333.3904 or suzy@viaumbria.com.

 

Saturday, May 30th 5:00 PM – PBS Dream of Italy series premiere

Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria in Georgetown to celebrate the premiere of the travel series Dream of Italy on PBS. Join host Kathy McCabe and Via Umbria owners Suzy and Bill Menard at the store on Saturday, May 30th at 5 p.m.

Chef Simone will conduct a cooking demonstration of traditional Umbrian delicacies and of course there will be plenty to taste. To attend the Dream of Italy party, free of charge, RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com.

 

Private Dinners for 10 guests, Friday May 29 and Sunday, May 31

Simone is available to cook a private dinner in your home for you and up to ten guests. Friday, May 29 and Sunday May 31, you can host up to 10 guests for $1,250. Contact Suzy Menard at suzy@viaumbria.com for more details about this exciting opportunity.

 

Seated Dinner with Simone, Monday, June 1st at 7:00PM

You can book a seat at the Menard’s on June 1st where Simone will be working his magic for $125 a plate. This four course dinner, paired with his favorite Montefalco wines, is sure to he a hit. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

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You know what makes everyone happy? PIZZA NIGHT. The last time Simone hit the states we were lucky enough to have him make ...

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Bill’s Bucatini with Rabbit and Spring Vegetables

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Here at Via Umbria, we really live and breathe our products, as we believe in the producers and farmers that make them. This means that our everyday choices are guided by the integrity of the products we sell; we really are rooted and knowledgeable about what we are selling and use and eat those products every day.

Last week, our very own Bill Menard whipped up some bucatini with rabbit, and sautéed spring peas, fava beans, and artichokes with mint. Made wearing the top line of chefware from Italy (quite stylish if we do say so ourselves) and plated on a Geribi handpainted ceramic, this meal is a seasonal Umbrian classic that he made with pride.

The Bucantini with rabbit recipe you can find the The Geometry of Pasta, but for the rest you’ll have to consult our Pinterest.

Buon appetito!

–Via Umbria

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  Here at Via Umbria, we really live and breathe our products, as we believe in the producers and farmers that make them. ...

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Noteworthy Notizie – May 15th

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We hope you had a wonderful week!  This weekend, we are definitely craving something sweet. This photo is from our wine dinner last week, and the Washington Post shared the recipe today! Here is what we have found in our browser history for this week in Italian news:

 

A visually stunning interview, splotched with philosophy references, with Bruno Cucinelli from Perugia. We love his cashmere, and are very inspired by his business philosophy.

 

Dailymail goes for a clickbait headline with photos from the most haunted town in Italy. 

 

This Saveur article delves into the delights along the roads at Italy’s autogrills. An honest and tasty picture of a lifestyle where every bite matters, even at roadside pit-stops. And it makes us miss those coffee-filled chocolates!

 

An Italian Trio Compete at Cannes, for the first time in a long while.  We can’t wait to see their films!

 

The New York Times does a full fledged article on the diseased olive oil trees in Lecce. 

 

The top five most essential Italian cookbooks are profiled by Serious Eats. We stock a lot of them in store – come check them out!  And look for our posts on Our Italian Library for an up-to-date list of which books we have in stock, and why we love them.

 

In other news, the Ceramics section of our website will be officially live any minute now…stay tuned!

Ci Vediamo!

 

–Via Umbria

It's half way through May already! Read more

We hope you had a wonderful week!  This weekend, we are definitely craving something sweet. This photo is from our wine dinner ...

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Recipe: Fennel Meatballs from Vickie Reh

Last week this time, we were sitting down to a four course meal to celebrate Liu Pambufetti of Scacciadiavoli Vineyards. As the heat of the day sifted off, we enjoyed typical Umbrian fare under the stars.

While the mood outside was lively, the feeling of relaxation and perfect conversation prevailed at the dinner table. But, as usual, in the kitchen it was a different story! The timing of the lamb was especially imperative, but with the assistance of our friend, chef, and sommelier Vickie Reh, we were able to pull off the dinner without a hitch.

After the last drops of the passito were had, and the guests wandered home, content and with full bellies, we sat down around the fire pit.

Vickie reminisced about sitting outside in the summer to celebrate Suzy’s birthday, which she also helped cook for. We were able to track down the recipe for the classic fennel meatballs she made for the occasion, which we are sharing with you here!

IMG_8259IMG_8302 The third course: lamb, roasted potatoes and asparagus, paired with Scacciadiavoli Sagrantino 2006. IMG_8366The women who helped plan and execute the event!

Do these photos make you drool? We have plenty of opportunities for you to experience the food and wine of Umbria. Check out our upcoming events to find something for every price point.

Ci Vediamo!

 

— Via Umbria

Last week this time, we were sitting down to a four course meal to celebrate Liu Pambufetti of Scacciadiavoli Vineyards. As the ...

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Via Umbria Events – May 2015

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You know we love a good event at Via Umbria. At the end of May, things are heating up. Take a peek at where we’ll be this month!

 

May 28th 7:00 PM – Umbrian Food and Wine Tasting

We would like to invite you to a special wine tasting on Thursday May 28th at the home of Sue Cimbricz. The evening will feature the wines of Giampaolo Tabarrini, as presented by Bill Menard from Via Umbria, as well as our featured guest chef, Simone Priori Pesci. Back in Bevagna, Simone runs an exceptional restaurant, Le Delizie del Borgo, featuring regional specialties and seasonal delicacies. Needless to say we are thrilled to have him back in DC, extending his knowledge of food and the power of sharing it with our community here. Prepare yourself for a night of exceptional wine and delicious Umbrian bites.

We hope you can join us for this memorable evening. You can get your tickets here. For any questions, and for payment over the phone, contact Suzy Menard at 202.333.3904 or suzy@viaumbria.com.

 

May 29 and 31 Chef Simone is back! 

Our beloved Chef and restaurant owner Simone Proietti-Pesci is returning to DC this month! This master of Umbrian specialties is available to cook a private dinner in your home for you and up to ten guests. Sit back and let Simone work his magic, or use the night as an opportunity to cook alongside the always entertaining  Chef. Only two dates remain – Friday May 29 and Sunday May 31, where you can host up to 10 guests for $1,250. Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather to host a delightful dinner with your private Italian chef! Contact Suzy Menard at suzy@viaumbria.com or 202.333.3904 to arrange for the night of your dreams that will surely impress.

 

June 1 7:00-11:00 – Chef Simone hosts a seated dinner at Casa Menard

You can book a seat at on June 1st, at the home of Bill and Suzy Menard, where Simone will be working his magic for $125 a plate. Simone will cook a four course dinner paired with his favorite selections of Montefalco wines, and new friends are made and conversation flows. Contact Suzy Menard at suzy@viaumbria.com for more details about this exciting opportunity, or purchase tickets here.

 

May 30th 5:00 PM – PBS Dream of Italy series premiere
Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria to celebrate the premiere of the six-episode travel series Dream of Italy on PBS.  Join host Kathy McCabe and Via Umbria owners Suzy and Bill Menard at the store on Saturday, May 30th at 5 p.m. for a celebration of all things Italian and Umbrian.

Dream of Italy, the PBS series, is based on the award-winning subscription travel newsletter, Dream of Italy. In the series, McCabe visits six areas of Italy, meeting the colorful locals — chefs, artisans, historians — who are deeply connected to their land, carrying on and preserving the traditions of their ancestors. The regions covered in the series include Rome, Tuscany, Puglia, Piedmont/Lake Iseo, Naples/The Amalfi Coast and of course, Umbria.The crew of Dream of Italy stayed in La Fattoria del Gelso, while filming in the region.
Our special guest is Chef Simone Proietti-Pesci, owner and master chef at La Delizie del Borgo in Bevagna. Chef Simone will conduct a cooking demonstration of traditional Umbrian delicacies and of course there will be plenty to taste. Plus, sip on some of Umbria’s best wines and watch clips from the series.
To attend the Dream of Italy party, RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com. See you there!

 

RESCHEDULED – June 9th, 7:00 PM – Book Club, Eating Rome by Elizabeth Minchilli

Elizabeth Minchilli has been eating her way through Rome since she was 12 years old. Eating Rome, based on her popular blog Elizabeth Minchilli in Rome, is her homage to the city that feeds her, literally and figuratively. Her story is a personal, quirky and deliciously entertaining look at some of the city’s monuments to food culture. Join her as she takes you on a stroll through her favorite open air markets; stop by the best gelato shops; order plates full of carbonara and finish the day with a brilliant red Negroni. Beautifully illustrated with Minchilli’s full-color photos and enriched with her favorite recipes for Roman classics like vignarola, carciofi alla romana and carbonara.

The book is available in-store. Please RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com or on Facebook. This event will be a potluck – please bring a small dish from the book or a bottle of your favorite Italian wine! IN LIGHT OF RECENT RENOVATIONS, this book club will be our first event after our Grand Opening in the fall. Stay tuned and RSVP on Facebook for the most up-to-date schedule!

You know we love a good event at Via Umbria. At the end of May, things are heating up. Take a peek ...

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Photo Diary – Umbrian Barbecue with Liu Pambuffetti

So what do you do when your favorite vintner is in town for one night, and a supremely balmy and breezy one at that? Throw some lamb in the oven, pour some Umbrian wine, and gather a good crowd. Welcome to the Umbrian dinner with Liu of Scacciadiavoli.

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So what do you do when your favorite vintner is in town for one night, and a supremely balmy and breezy one ...

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Noteworthy Notizie – May 8th

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This week was also about wine for us here at Via Umbria. For the visit of Liu and Iacapo we hosted a wine tasting here at the store, and then a dinner later that night in their honor. The weather turned out for us, and a beautiful and sizzling evening under the stars was had by all. This morning we are back in the store, reminiscing about last night and planning to bring more bottles home this weekend to recreate the magic. We hope you do the same!

 

Last week we wrote about the backlash against the McDonalds ad suggesting Italian children prefer Happy Meals over pizza. But the plot thickens, as threats to sue, mini pizzas meant to appeal to children, and a video made by pranksters pile up. The Washington Post takes a bite. 

 

There was a fire at the Rome airport, but don’t let that get in the way of your travels. See last weeks news, when it was listed as one of the cheapest airports to fly into from America this summer.

 

A major cocaine trading ring run out of Queens by the ‘ndrangheta was busted yesterday. Apparently the pizzeria was very popular, and had very good food, according to Yelp. In any case, 15 people were arrested after a major FBI investigation. 

 

Italy has a carpooling app for Vespa riders, Scooterino, which follows the Uber model!

 

A few towns in Italy have been crumbling, and are now becoming ghost towns. Dailymail gives us a glimpse into the ruins of villages (some of which are for sale).

 

 

In other more mundane news, the “Subscribe” button on the blog finally seems to be working!  Thank you to our loyal readers, and we hope you have a lovely weekend.

 

Ci Vediamo!

Via Umbria

This week was also about wine for us here at Via Umbria. For the visit of Liu and Iacapo we hosted a ...

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PBS Dream of Italy comes to DC

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Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria to celebrate the premiere of the six-episode travel series Dream of Italy on PBS.

 

Dream of Italy, the PBS series, is based on the award-winning subscription travel newsletter, Dream of Italy. In the series, McCabe visits six areas of Italy, meeting the colorful locals — chefs, artisans, historians — who are deeply connected to their land, carrying on and preserving the traditions of their ancestors. The regions covered in the series include Rome, Tuscany, Puglia, Piedmont/Lake Iseo, Naples/The Amalfi Coast and of course, Umbria.

 

Our special guest will be Chef Simone Proietti-Pesci, owner and master chef at La Delizie del Borgo in Bevagna. Chef Simone will conduct a cooking demonstration of traditional Umbrian delicacies and of course there will be plenty to taste. Plus, sip on some of Umbria’s best wines and watch clips from the series.

 

The crew of Dream of Italy stayed in La Fattoria del Gelso, while filming in the region. Watch a preview of the series here.

 

Join host Kathy McCabe and Via Umbria owners Suzy and Bill Menard at the store on Saturday, May 30th at 5 p.m. for a celebration of all things Italian and Umbrian. To attend the Dream of Italy party, RSVP to Elsa at elsa@viaumbria.com. See you there!

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Via Umbria is rolling out the red carpet in our Galleria to celebrate the premiere of the six-episode travel series Dream of ...

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Wine Wednesday – Scacciadiavoli Vineyard

 

Founded in 1884, Cantina Scacciadiavoli, literally meaning “cast out the devils,” takes its name from a 10th century exorcist who lived in the small village bordering the vineyard. He was known to use the wines while performing his exorcist ritual of ridding poor souls of demons.
Today, we feel that taking one sip of this heavenly wine will cast out the devils of your day and ease you into la dolce vita.
Now the oldest winery in the Montefalco appellation, Scacciadiavoli is currently run by Lacopo, Amilcare, Liu, Romeo and Fiammetta Pambufetti. They are the fourth generation, committing their time and energies to the great art of winemaking and to carrying on the name of the family estate. Two years ago, Bill wrote about a visit to the vineyard, and meeting Liu.

 

“As the [tour] group later agrees, a visit to the Scacciadiavoli winery is well worth the “sacrifice” they made to go.  There, not only were we treated to the company of two beautiful hosts – Liu Pambufetti, the daughter of the winery’s owner who has spent two years studying winemaking in France and her new assistant who, on her first day on the job, has been tasked with managing tours of the family’s winery – but we are treated to a fascinating tour of this most interesting winery.  Oh, and by the way, we get to taste their wines.

And what an interesting place it is.  One of, if not the oldest winery in Umbria, the architecture alone at Scacciadiavoli makes the visit worthwhile – the intentional layout of the levels of the winery to utilize gravity to do much of the work of pressing, vinifying and storing wine, the pitched floors to channel spilled wine and the enormous vats for storing and aging wine.  And then getting an opportunity to taste the family’s wines, which include the region’s only sparkling wines made from the local sagrantino grape and using the French methode champagnoise (one of the fringe benefits of having studied winemaking in France, no doubt).  Now that’s a “sacrifice” you can make, late in the afternoon after having just eaten and tasted wine.”

 

Here is a small vision of our return visit to the vineyard during Vinopalooza 2015!

 

And tomorrow we will be tasting all four of the Scacciadiavoli wines. Please join us from 6:00-7:30 PM here in Georgetown! RSVP here.

https://vimeo.com/127069230   Founded in 1884, Cantina Scacciadiavoli, literally meaning "cast out the devils," takes its name from a 10th century exorcist who lived in the ...

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Simone’s Bucatini with Fava Beans and Cherry Tomatoes

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Our dear friend and chef Simone gave us his recipe for the perfect spring pasta, which we paired with the Montefalco Rosso from Scacciadiavoli last Thursday night. We needed a simple yet impressive dish to serve for a party of 30, and this pasta was perfetto. Fava beans are in season, both in Umbria and the US, and serve as the protein for this vegetarian dish, which can easily be altered to be vegan and/or gluten-free for guests with dietary restrictions. Ready in under 30 minutes and packed with the vibrant flavors of spring, it was a huge hit.

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Ingredients:

1 package all-natural Bucatini
1 bunch green onions
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 cup fava beans peeled
aged pecorino cheese
olive oil

 

Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt and put on a foil lined baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until tomatoes are soft and lightly browned.  Peel fava beans (both layers) and steam just until soft and still bright green. Remove from heat immediately.

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Boil pasta until al dente and drain.  Mix pasta and tomatoes in a large pasta bowl adding olive oil as necessary.  Toss in fava beans and green onions.  Season with salt and pepper to taste (you can add a pinch of chili pepper if you like).  Top with grated pecorino and serve!

 

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Our dear friend and chef Simone will be returning to Washington DC for a few days at the end of May.

 

He has two evenings still available for private dinners in your home Friday, May 29 or Sunday May 31, where you can host up to 10 guests for $1,250. Or, you can book a seat at the table at the Menard’s where Simone will be working his magic for $125 a plate.

 

Contact Suzy at suzy@viaumbria.com or 202.957-3811 to book or for more details.

Our dear friend and chef Simone gave us his recipe for the perfect spring pasta, which we paired with the Montefalco Rosso from Scacciadiavoli last ...

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Noteworthy Notizie – May 1

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It’s finally MAY! Beginning this month feels bizarre – we can’t believe we are almost halfway through the year. Here is a look at what we have been reading this week:

 

The Milan Expo 2015 kicks off this week!  The theme is “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” which we love.  ABC gives a good general outline on the logistics and focus of this particular Expo. The mission statement, from the website, says that “more than 140 participating countries will show the best of their technology that offers a concrete answer to a vital need: being able to guarantee healthy, safe and sufficient food for everyone, while respecting the Planet and its equilibrium.” Watch this space for the most delightful, innovative, and wacky products and ideas in the coming weeks!

 

The Economist chronicles divorce in Italy (legal since 1970) and the changing laws that are paving the way for an easier divorce today, in their article Arrivederci, darling.

 

The Huffington Post has compiled a list of the 5 cheapest Italian airports to fly into from the USA. Why not make this summer the one you experience all Italy has to offer…

 

The EU calls for olive trees infected by bacteria in Lecce to be cut down. Obviously this has elicited a tumultuous reaction, because destroying the trees has a huge economic (and historical) impact, but hesitation in doing so could result in an even greater blight. So far none of the bacteria has been detected in Umbria.

However, the swarm of flies caused by rising temperatures could return to our olive oil producers again this upcoming year. We are stoking up on oil for now. But if you are feeling a bit more proactive, why not adopt an olive tree for Mother’s Day? 

 

And we will leave you with some news from our home turf. Our monthly book club will meet on Tuesday at 7PM, for the classic The Name of the Rose. Please join us!

And later next week, we are delighted to host Liu Pambufetti for a free tasting of four Scacciadiavoli wines, and small bites of Umbrian cuisine, on Thursday, May 7 from 6:00 – 7:30pm. Learn more on our Facebook, and RSVP to elsa@viaumbria.com.

 

Ci Vediamo!

– Via Umbria

It’s finally MAY! Beginning this month feels bizarre - we can’t believe we are almost halfway through the year. Here is a ...