From your glass to the vineyard
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Dear Readers,
As we raise a glass to another year of storytelling, I’m reminded that Italian wine and food are inseparable from the rhythm of daily life both in Italy and within our own They tell the story of place: the soil beneath our feet, the hands that tend the vines, the seasons that shape flavor, and the culture that connects us across generations
Our 2nd Annual Wine Guide celebrates the people and philosophies behind Italy’s most authentic wines From Sara Vezza of Josetta Saffirio, whose sustainable approach to Barolo honors five generations of family legacy, to producers from Sicily to the Dolomites, every feature shares one belief: wine is a dialogue between nature and humanity
Inside these pages, you’ll find more than tasting notes You’ll meet families who see sustainability as a responsibility, not a trend, and discover how regional dishes and traditions reveal the soul of a place You’ll also find travel stories that connect the experience in your glass to the landscapes, villages, and people who make each sip meaningful
To our contributors, thank you for your passion and craftsmanship Each of you continues to bring Italy to life for our readers in ways that feel both timeless and personal
As the year winds down, may your table be full, your travels inspired, and your heart open to the simple joys that Italy so effortlessly teaches us respect for nature, gratitude for community, and the pleasure of savoring the moment
With warm wishes for the season ahead,
Lisa Morales Editor-in-Chief Live in Italy Magazine
Lisa
Chat with Sara Vezza of Josetta Saffirio WINE STORIES
RESPECT – for the land, nature, and life.
Rooted in respect.
Fifth-generation winemaker Sara Vezza continues her family’s legacy in the hills of Piemonte’s Langhe, where Barolo vines trace centuries of resilience. From her great-great-grandfather’s humble farm to her mother Josetta’s pioneering vision, Sara carries forward a philosophy that blends tradition, sustainability, and artistry.
“The highest form of love is respect for the land, for nature, for life itself.”
At Josetta Saffirio, sustainability is more than a goal it’s a way of life Half of the estate remains dedicated to woods and permanent fields to protect biodiversity and preserve the soil’s vitality From truffle trees to wild orchids, every detail reflects harmony between people and the environment
Balancing tradition, family, and the future of Italian wine.
As one of Italy’s leading women in wine, Sara has faced doubt with quiet strength and persistence. Her journey in the vineyard and cellar shows that skill and character not gender define mastery
As one of Italy’s leading women in wine, Sara has faced doubt with quiet strength and persistence Her journey in the vineyard and cellar shows that skill and character not gender define mastery
Raising four children while leading an estate, she reflects, “It’s hard, but I chose both My children remind me why I work for sustainability What we do today shapes their tomorrow ”
Sara also sees promise in the next generation of wine drinkers “Young people may drink less, but they care more about quality, authenticity, transparency, and values They want to know where wine comes from and who stands behind it ”
Raising four children while leading an estate, she reflects, “It’s hard, but I chose both My children remind me why I work for sustainability What we do today shapes their tomorrow ” Sara also sees promise in the next generation of wine drinkers “Young people may drink less, but they care more about quality, authenticity, transparency, and values They want to know where wine comes from and who stands behind it ”
Visitors to Piemonte can experience this philosophy firsthand At Josetta Saffirio, tastings are immersive journeys inviting guests to slow down, connect, and discover Barolo’s rhythm among the vineyards of the Langhe.
Visitors to Piemonte can experience this philosophy firsthand At Josetta Saffirio, tastings are immersive journeys inviting guests to slow down, connect, and discover Barolo’s rhythm among the vineyards of the Langhe
Her Barolo Riserva “1948”, crafted from vines her grandfather planted after World War II, embodies that connection Each vintage represents both memory and future a story written in Nebbiolo.
Her Barolo Riserva “1948”, crafted from vines her grandfather planted after World War II, embodies that connection Each vintage represents both memory and future a story written in Nebbiolo
By caring for the earth and its fruits, we are granted access to a renewed dimension of scents and flavours, in the most authentic and unique way possible.”
Josetta Saffirio
Words By: Lisa Morales
Photos © Josetta Saffirio
From Your Glass
Into the Vineyard
WINE STORIES
Top Picks
From the vineyards of Sicily to the rolling hills of Tuscany and beyond, this year’s selection celebrates Italian wine families whose stories are deeply rooted in the land
Our Top Picks were chosen not for prestige alone, but for values that define Live in Italy Magazine: sustainability, estate-grown grapes, experiential hospitality, and the perseverance of families who view wine as both heritage and art
Each bottle reflects passion, place, and patience vineyards farmed by hand, wineries powered by care and innovation Together, they capture Italy’s enduring devotion to the craft of wine
Grillo Mandranova Sicilia
DOC 2024 Vibrant, coastal freshness and organic balance from one of western Sicily’s leading family estates
Rive di Farra di Soligo Extra
Brut Millesimato 2024
Hand-harvested Glera from UNESCO hills; crisp, mineral, and beautifully refined
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Riserva 2021 Elegant, longaged Sangiovese expressing Montepulciano’s finest vineyards; organic transition and craftsmanship define this celebrated Tuscan estate.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020 Frescobaldi’s return to Montepulciano; balanced, aromatic, and crafted with AgriQualità-certified sustainability
Alessandro di Camporeale
La Farra
Fattoria della Talosa
Tenuta Calimaia
Luce della Vite 2022 Toscana IGT (30ª Vendemmia) A milestone vintage uniting Merlot’s richness and Sangiovese’s finesse, from Montalcino’s Val d’Orcia hills.
Varvaglione 1921
Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2020 Deep, velvety, and sustainable an authentic taste of Puglia’s sunsoaked terroir
di Seta Vecchie Terre di Montefili
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2018 Kosher and organic, aged 18 months in oak; elegant, expressive Sangiovese from Siena’s rolling hills
Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2019 Organic, mountain-grown Sangiovese; complex yet graceful, rooted in Panzano’s biodiverse vineyards.
Tenuta Luce
Terra
Ventiventi
Metodo Classico Rosé
Lambrusco di Sorbara
Organic, artisanal, and lively showcasing Emilia-Romagna’s reimagined sparkle through time and precision
Barolo DOCG Riserva 1948
Vineyard planted in 1948; elegant, powerful, and certified Biodiversity Friend Sara Vezza’s timeless expression of Monforte d’Alba.
Inferno Riserva 2016
Valtellina Mountain Nebbiolo with minerality and depth; a signature of Valtellina’s terraced vineyards and alpine elegance
Barolo DOCG del Comune di Monforte d’Alba 100% Nebbiolo, elegant and expressive; a reflection of Monforte’s limestone soils and Sara Vezza’s meticulous touch.
Josetta Saffirio
Plozza
Josetta Saffirio
The Soul of Sicily Returns
TheResurrectionofPerricone–Sicily’sForgottenGrapeFinds NewLife
Perricone may be one of Sicily’s oldest grape varieties, but it is also one of its most misunderstood Long overshadowed by Nero d’Avola, it was often dismissed as rustic and difficult to cultivate
LorishareshowSicily’snativegrapeismakingacomeback.
Yet in the right hands and terroir, Perricone reveals a refined side wild herbs, ripe cherry, and an earthy minerality that feels unmistakably Sicilian The producers who have championed its return aren’t just making wine; they’re restoring a piece of history
Words By: Lori Budd
Photo : Shutterstock
Sparkling Italian Bubbles: Franciacorta vs. Prosecco
“Go for the adventure and discover the bubbles with your best friends and loved ones. And above all, celebrate life.”
In his article, Dennis Woudt compares Italy’s favorite bubbles Franciacorta’s refined depth and Prosecco’s playful charm
He celebrates both styles as distinctly Italian, each offering a reason to toast.
Identity
The Spirit of Sardegna Endures
Barrua–Sardegna’sSignature BlendFindsNewExpression
Barrua is not only a wine but also an authentic expression of Sardegna’s identity.
Born in the Sulcis region, it reflects a masterful union of tradition and innovation — a project created to enhance the land and its winemaking potential.
Every sip tells stories of wind, sun, and earth, elements that shape the unique character of these grapes and highlight their essence.
PieraexploresBarrua’spowerfulexpressionofSardegna.
Words By: Piera Demartis
Photo : Tenuta di Barrua
From Italian Wine to Panettone
CenturiesofChristmasHeritage BornwithinMonasteryWalls
Across Italy, the holiday season shines with sacred tradition
Inside centuries-old monasteries, the warmth of kitchens and cellars brings forth some of the country’s most beloved gifts wine, liqueurs, and desserts crafted by monks and nuns
Paola Cirino guides readers through a journey of ancient recipes, silent abbeys, and the aromas of chestnut, citrus, and spice
Each delicacy tells a story of faith, patience, and enduring craftsmanship where devotion and gastronomy intertwine
PaolauncoversItaly’ssacredholidayflavors.
As 2025 draws to a close, the Italian wine sector faces significant cultural and economic shifts, with evolving consumer habits and global pressures redefining production, value, and identity
Industry Report
Falling Domestic Consumption: Households cut back amid economic pressure and lifestyle changes
Generational Shift: Younger drinkers favor moderation, low-alcohol choices, or no wine at all.
Structural Imbalance: Italy produces more wine than the market is prepared to absorb. Changing Appeal: Wine loses ground as a daily ritual and competes with alternative beverages.
Trade Barriers: U.S. tariffs on EU wine add uncertainty for one of Italy’s strongest export channels.
REFLECTION & LOOKING AHEAD
These trends reveal not a crisis of quality but a transformation in meaning. Wine becomes an occasional pleasure rather than a constant presence, chosen with purpose rather than habit. As Patrizia Vigolo notes, the long-repeated idea of “drinking less, but better” is finally becoming reality The challenge ahead is understanding whether tomorrow’s consumers in size and taste will align with the volumes Italy continues to produce
AIS, WSET3
Words by: Patrizia Vigolo
Where Simplicity Meets Celebration
TheArtofEasyItalianHoliday
Entertaining
The holiday season calls for gathering with family and friends, and at the heart of the festivities is entertaining With a bit of planning, it’s possible to enjoy it all without being stuck in the kitchen
But all that goes out the window when unexpected guests call with just thirty minutes’ notice or worse, show up at your doorstep
If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, don’t despair: Italians always have an arsenal of ingredients on hand for exactly these moments, and I’m going to share a few of my favorites for easy Italian holiday entertaining.
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Words By: Justin Patulli
Photo : Pexels
In his story, Lorenzo Diamantini transforms seasonal Umbrian ingredients into poetry Duck, red wine, and chestnut honey intertwine in a dish that bridges land and forest a sensory homage to autumn’s harmony
A celebration of flavor as memory for the holiday table
Castagnaccio Toscano – A Taste of Autumn in Tuscany
In Tuscany, autumn smells of roasted chestnuts.
These humble fruits, once considered the ‘bread of the poor,’ now return to our kitchens as a celebration of memory and flavor.
Read Chiara Borghesi’s full story and get the Castagnaccio Toscano recipe.
Exploring the Valtellina Wine Region:
Italy’s Hidden Gem
“Travel north from Milan, and you’ll find a wine region shaped by mountains, passion, and resilience. Here, every glass tells a story of courage and connection.”
In her article, Sara Bauer explores the Valtellina wine region where alpine slopes meet Italy’s heroic winemaking tradition
She celebrates Nebbiolo’s mountain expression and the region’s enduring charm as a true hidden gem
COMING
SOON...
Pasta Class
Florence Readabout Natalia’s experience.
Images © Pasta Class Florence
Sara Bauer (Milano)
Chiara Borghesi (Siena)
Lori Budd (California)
Piera Demartis (Sardegna)
Lorenzo Diamantini (Gubbio)
Lisa Morales (Miami)
Justin Patulli (Toronto)
Patrizia Vigolo (Vicenza)
Dennis Woudt (Netherlands)
Paola Cirino (Napoli)