It goes without saying that 2020 has been an unusual and challenging year for so many of us on so many levels. That is certainly true for the segment I’m in, travel in Italy, and for those who depend on travel/tourism for their livelihood.
Among those severely impacted are, of course, the local artisans. And here in Italy, well-known and celebrated for its superior craftsmanship and uncompromising dedication to excellence, the commitment to support and preserve this heritage is strong.
While many of us are waiting to travel to Italy, I recently shared how you can experience a taste of Italy in the meantime!
Whether it be a fun and delicious virtual cooking class or a gift box full of local treats, you can bring Italy to you and to your family and friends.
And today, I have a few more ways to enjoy la dolce vita and support my Friends of Victoria here in Tuscany…
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♥ Luisa and EVOO from Montestigliano ♥
A few years ago I had the pleasure of meeting and staying with Luisa and her family at Montestigliano, their inviting family-owned and run hamlet of villas in the countryside outside of Siena.
Truly it is like living in a dream! Along with welcoming guests to their beautifully appointed villas (more in the link below), they also produce award-winning olive oil!
And since 2020 was a good year for EVOO, Luisa has offered to share it with YOU! Read about their olive oil and then order some directly from Luisa!
♦ About the 2020 Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Montestigliano ♦
Montestigliano grows three different varietals, each of which has been chosen for its various qualities; compatibility with pollination, the terrain and climate. All their unique qualities are brought together making a rich, luscious and well rounded oil.
♦ Varietals of Olives on the Estate ♦
Pendolino: Probably the most common found in these parts, it generally guarantees good productivity and a medium olive oil yield. Its small to medium sized fruits are light green with traces of violet. Sterile, it is useful in pollinating other varieties and gives the main ‘substance’ to the oil.
Leccino: This olive reaches its optimum quality later than the others and is best dark (all olives are green and eventually turn black with maturity). It is resistant to the cold; it is sterile and pollinated with Pendolino and Frantoio varieties
Frantoio/Correggiolo: This tree is vigorous with sturdy foliage, high productivity and yield of fine quality olive oil. This olive is what give the oil its sharp grassy flavor.
Moraiolo: This tree produces small round olives and is sensitive to cold weather, it is sterile and pollinated by the Pendolino variety.
⇒ Order Today! ⇐
The minimum order is only 3 bottles and you will receive a special discount because you are my friend!
Montestigliano Extra Virgin Olive Oil is available in dark green 750ml and 500ml bottles
Priced at only 20,00€ and 17,00€ !
⇒ When you place your order and are asked for a Coupon, just enter: Victoria for your special price! ⇓
⇒ CLICK HERE: https://shop.montestigliano.it/
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More about Montestigliano: When you’re ready to visit, we’ll be ready to arrange your perfect stay at Montestigliano! Contact Victoria today!
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♥ Maria and Florentine Artisan Experiences & Shopping Tours ♥
After years of interaction with artisans and designers Maria has acquired knowledge of what’s behind a true genuine artisan item and “she is immensely happy sharing her great love for art and crafts”. Maria’s goal is “to show Florence in a different perspective finding new and different ways to conduct sustainable, alternative and fun walks in Florence to suit everyone’s taste”.
Until you can come to Florence and experience a personal walking tour with Maria, she has created a fabulous website where you can “find gorgeous and unique handicraft items” for purchase directly from Florence!
It starts with a consultation with Maria. She will help you with a “wishlist” and then do the browsing and shopping for you! She will provide all of the product information, photos and prices.and, once you’ve made your choices, she will provide you with the contact information for the items you want to purchase! Perfect!
⇓ Ready to get started? CLICK Here: ⇓
Florentine Experience Shopping
♥ When You Come to Florence…
As your guide, Maria will introduce you to small and authentic workshops where you will meet craftsmen and see them working to create the extraordinary Italian handmade products Florence is so famous for!
• Some examples of artisan workshops you can choose from are:
– Florentine mosaic “Commesso Fiorentino” landscapes
– Leather bags & accessories
– Bespoke shoe maker
– Florentine style goldsmith & jewelry designer]
– Bookbinder, Florentine & marbled paper
– Wood restorer gold gilding
– Wood marquetry
– Metal engraved jewelry and “lost wax” bronze casting
• She can also take you on a fun and tailor-made personal shopping experience during which you will meet local designers while visiting unique boutiques and small ateliers of fashion such as:
– Fabric designer
– Home & interior design
– Antiques & eclectic vintage design
– Eco weaver & knitwear designer
– Silk screen designer clothing
– Designer eyeglasses
– Vintage clothing
And if you have a special interest or would enjoy a delicious food tasting or market visit, no problem! Maria will design the perfect experience for you!
As a Friend of Victoria, when you’re ready to come to Florence, please let Maria and I assist you with scheduling your experience!
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♥ Nora’s Cashmere from Chianti Country ♥
Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm is a small private sustainable agriturismo located between Siena and Florence. It is home to Dr. Nora Kravis, DVM, and her beloved and beautiful cashmere goats.
I met Nora about two years ago on a day trip and, like anyone who meets her, found her story and commitment to her precious goats incredibly compelling.
Over the decades Nora has been dedicated to sustainability and to nurturing her unique “trip” of goats. When you come to Tuscany, you can visit Nora and her farm for a tour and lunch or you can experience being a “Shepherd for a Day”.
Until you come, you can order from her marvelous selection of handmade pure cashmere and cashmere/silk knitwear, scarves, neck warmers, hats, gloves, accessories and more!
What a perfect gift and I think you deserve one, too, don’t you? (By the way, her soap is fantastic, too!)
♦ And, right NOW, for one week only (12/11-12/18), because you are my Friend, you will receive 20% off her woven 100% UNISEX scarves! ♦
⇒ Be sure to USE DISCOUNT CODE: VICTORIA ⇐
They are fabulous two-ply cashmere in muted, natural colors, diagonal weaves and described as being as “soft as the warmest cloud”! And, course, she will ship anywhere!
