For 300 guests, a wine from Abruzzo — "Tenuta di Testarossa"

On vinegar, always look for the words Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. Modena helps.

Trentino's Pinto Grigio giant Mezza Corona makes a light and simple wine.

Though a bit of a trek from central Rome, the Atlas Coelestis microbrewery is worth the trip.

If a (naïve!) waiter throws me in with the tourists, I go.

Is it true wine gets better with age? Does bottle-shape and color really matter? Read on.

One favorite is the essence of simplicity: Fettuccine al pomodoro e basilico.

Zinfandels and Primitivos are almost always robust and intensely fruity.

To taste a wine and discuss the state of the industry with someone from Italy’s Piedmont is just too tempting to pass up.

Ethic cuisine still struggles for a foothold in foody-xenophobic Italy.

Quaint bar-enoteche are staple of Roman nightlife, but Fluid suggesta a sea-change.