In this episode of Total Tuscany, hosts Travis Justice and Pat Campagna embark on a culinary voyage to the heart of Florence, Italy, where they are warmly welcomed into the delightful FormaggioTecca Terroir. Owned and operated by the charismatic Rebecca Christophersen and her husband Pierre, this wine and cheese shop is a haven for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the rich tastes and aromas of Tuscany and France.

Rebecca is not just a purveyor of fine wines and artisan cheeses; she's a visionary who has crafted an experience that bridges the gap between fine cheeses and those eager to explore the flavors. Through her venture, Grape Tours, Rebecca guides enthusiasts on a journey through the Tuscan vineyards, offering a deeper understanding of the wine-making process and the stories behind the bottles.

But the couple's influence on promoting Tuscan culture doesn't end there. They are also at the heart of "Fixer to Fabulous Italiano," a captivating series that follows their adventures in transforming their Tuscan villa that is over 200-years old. The show, hosted by Dave and Jenny Marrs, dives in deep to the highs, lows, and challenges of renovating a historic property.

During the interview, Rebecca shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of running FormaggioTecca Terroir. From selecting the perfect assortment of cheeses to pair with their carefully curated wines, to the joy of educating visitors about the origins and stories of each product, Rebecca's passion for her work is palpable. It's clear that for her, FormaggioTecca Terroir is more than a shop; it's a medium through which she can share her love for Tuscany with the world.

The conversation also delves into the intricacies of wine touring with Grape Tours. Rebecca explains how each tour is designed to offer a unique, immersive experience that goes beyond the typical wine tasting. It's about connecting with the land, understanding the grape's journey from vine to bottle, and, of course, savoring the exquisite end result.

So, pour yourself a glass of Chianti, slice up some pecorino, and let Travis, Pat, and Rebecca take you on a sensory exploration of Tuscany. This episode of Total Tuscany is more than an interview; it's an invitation to indulge in the flavors that define one of Italy's most beloved regions.

For more about Rebecca Christophersen's endeavors, visit FormaggioTecca Terroir at formaggiotecaterroir.it, explore Tuscany's vineyards with Grape Tours at tuscan-wine-tours.com, and experience the transformational magic of "Fixer to Fabulous Italiano" at hgtv.com.

Welcome to an insightful exploration of Bruna Carvalho's remarkable journey from the hustle and bustle of city life to the serene embrace of nature in the picturesque hills of Tuscany. In this podcast episode, Bruna shares the profound experiences and pivotal moments that shaped her decision to leave behind the urban chaos and embark on a transformative path toward creating a haven of tranquility, La Gualda Vecchia.

City Life vs. Nature's Calling:

Growing up amidst the urban sprawl of São Paulo and Rome, Bruna and her husband yearned for a deeper connection with nature despite their city upbringing. Feeling the pull towards a slower pace of life and a closer bond with the natural world, they embarked on a quest to find a new home that would resonate with their newfound values.

The Journey to Tuscany:

After years of city living and international relocations, Bruna and her family stumbled upon an ancient farmhouse nestled in the hills of Tuscany. Despite initial uncertainties and challenges, they were drawn to the timeless beauty of the region. They took the leap of faith to start anew amidst the rolling vineyards and olive groves.

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Hospitality:

As a natural-born entrepreneur with a background in marketing, Bruna envisioned transforming their farmhouse into a sanctuary for guests seeking solace and rejuvenation. With meticulous attention to detail, they restored the centuries-old property into a haven of serenity, offering guests a retreat from the stresses of modern life.\

Crafting Authentic Experiences:

From emotional gardens inspired by ancient philosophies to holistic wellness offerings like yoga retreats and spa treatments, Bruna's homestead is committed to authenticity and mindful living. Each element of the guest experience is thoughtfully curated to foster a deep connection with nature and inner peace.

Challenges and Rewards of Entrepreneurship:

While creating their dream retreat was challenging, Bruna and her husband approached each obstacle with resilience and determination. Through financial investments, creative problem-solving, and unwavering belief in their vision, they turned their dreams into reality.

Guest Experience and Community Engagement:

At the heart of Bruna's homestead lies a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for guests, whether it's savoring locally sourced cuisine, stargazing under the Tuscan sky, or simply immersing oneself in the tranquility of nature. Beyond hospitality, Bruna actively engages with the local community, sourcing materials and services locally to support sustainable practices.

Looking to the Future:

As Bruna reflects on her journey thus far, she remains committed to nurturing her homestead as a beacon of tranquility and mindfulness. With plans to expand offerings and engage with a global audience, she envisions her retreat as a sanctuary for those seeking a deeper connection with themselves and the natural world.

Join us on this inspiring journey as we delve into the transformative power of embracing nature's tranquility with Bruna Carvalho. From city life to rural serenity, her story serves as a testament to the profound impact of following one's heart and finding solace amidst the beauty of the natural world.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Total Tuscany with Travis Justice and Pat Campagna. We bring you the stories of individuals who have embarked on unique journeys and found their passion in the heart of Italy. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Sara Amrhein, an extraordinary artist known for her exquisite polymer clay handmade jewelry. Join us as we delve into Sara's creative process, her inspirations, and the fascinating tale of her relocation from the United States to the enchanting city of Florence, Italy.

Episode Highlights:

Journey To Florence

Sara's journey is about her art and the life-changing decision to move from the United States to Florence, Italy. The podcast explores the reasons behind Sara's move, the cultural adjustments, and the impact it has had on her artistic expression. Discover the challenges and joys of immersing oneself in a new environment and finding inspiration in Tuscany's rich history and artistry.

Crafting Beauty From Polymer Clay

Sara is a master of her craft, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from polymer clay. Listeners will get an exclusive peek into Sara's workshop, learning about her intricate techniques to mold, shape, and color the clay into unique and stunning jewelry. From earrings to necklaces, each piece is a work of art that reflects Sara's creativity and passion.

Cultural Influences on Art

Florence is renowned for its artistic heritage, and Sara shares how living in this cultural hub has influenced her work. From the architecture to the local traditions, listeners will gain insights into the various elements of Tuscan culture that have left an indelible mark on Sara's jewelry designs.

A Glimpse into Sara's Future Projects

As the podcast unfolds, Sara offers a sneak peek into her upcoming projects and the direction she envisions for her art. Listeners can look forward to hearing about Sara's future endeavors and the exciting developments in her journey as a polymer clay jewelry artist based in Florence.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a jewelry lover, or someone curious about the intersection of art and life, this episode promises to be a delightful exploration of the world of Sara Amrhein. Tune in and immerse yourself in the beauty of polymer clay art and the charm of Tuscany.

On the last episode of the Total Tuscany Podcast, we visited with Claudia Callegari and introduced you to her wine club. She provides a unique service and offers quarterly selections of Tuscan wine from boutique wineries and selections you may need help finding in the United States.

Since that recording, we have traveled to Tuscany and met personally with Claudia. Her passion for Tuscan wine is more evident in person than on the podcast. She took us to two different vineyards, each with a different personality, mission, and history.

This podcast aims to inspire everyone to visit Tuscany and experience the wine, food, history, culture, and landscapes. But we also realize that it's not always possible.

But what if Tuscany would come to you? It just so happened that when we returned from Tuscany, Claudia was right behind us. It just so happened she was coming to the United States to do a wine tasting for a non-profit organization in our city. The event was successful, and many people who had never been to Italy got to experience Tuscan wine in a way they never have before, with a true expert who knows more about the vintages than any local distributor.

With Claudia being so close, bringing her into the studio for another podcast was only natural. We usually have different guests in back-to-back episodes, but her wine-tasting got us thinking. Instead of you going to Tuscany, what if Tuscany came to you?

We've had our out wine-tasting and dinner, which was very successful. Is there an opportunity for people like Claudia to come to the United States and sell wine directly? We think so. In fact, the experience may be the nudge you need to start traveling more. When you can put a face with a name, it takes a lot of the worry and unknown of traveling out of the equation and supports wineries that may never have the reach to such a broad audience.

On this episode of the Total Tuscany Podcast, we have the pleasure of introducing a true connoisseur of Tuscan wines, Claudia Callegari, who will take us on a journey through the sun-soaked hillside vineyards and coastal plains that have made Tuscany world-renowned for its winemaking prowess.

With her extensive experience and intimate knowledge of this acclaimed wine region, Claudia has an uncanny ability to unearth the hidden gems that are virtually impossible to find outside of Tuscany. As the custodian of a carefully curated portfolio of top-tier niche wines and new appellations, she offers a superior expression of the local terroir and outstanding cellaring potential. With tireless dedication, Claudia ensures that her selection is always up to date so you, our esteemed listeners, can always access the best and latest Tuscan wines.

Tuscany, boasting a rich diversity of world-class wines found across its numerous appellations, stands tall as one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. From the classic Sangiovese wines originating from the hilltop town of Montalcino to the captivating red blends hailing from the shores of Bolgheri, and even the exciting discoveries emerging from rising names like Montecucco and Suvereto, the Callegari range embraces a broad spectrum of approaches and styles.

But the Callegari experience goes beyond a mere collection of exceptional wines. Claudia and her sister Silvia offer a gateway to the secrets held within each unique terroir of Tuscany. With their profound knowledge of the region, they can guide you through unforgettable wine and culinary experiences. From bespoke winery tours and exclusive wine tastings to private cooking classes and more, the Callegari sisters create fully customized private experiences that immerse you in the passion and essence of Italy.

There's a deep-rooted story behind Callegari—a story fueled by the passion for the quintessential taste of Italy. Raised in Tuscany, Claudia and Silvia Callegari have been intimately involved in the premium wine and culinary scene for as long as they can remember. Together, they form the perfect team, complementing each other's strengths and expertise. With a combined 25 years of experience, Claudia and Silvia are thrilled to share their profound knowledge of exclusive Tuscan wines, accompanied by their dedication, joy, and, of course, a unique lady's touch.

So, please sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to the enchanting world of Tuscan wines as we embark on this extraordinary conversation with Claudia Callegari. Cheers!

So for this episode of the Total Tuscany Podcast, we are changing the name to the Total Sicily Podcast.

Our fascination with Sicily started several episodes ago when Pat began the process of getting his Italian citizenship. After that, Omaha, Nebraska, Mayor Jean Stothert joined us to discuss her trip to Tuscany, which also included a stop in Carlentinni, Sicily, as part of a Sister City program.

Pat has developed a friendship with a professional guide, Eleonora Formica. Eleonora has become a trusted advisor for families in America to reconnect with their heritage. She's also an expert tour guide of Sicily and a sommelier and can recommend the finest Sicilian wine for any pallet.

Eleonaor joins us on this episode to help us expand our horizons on the Total Tuscany and Total Sicily podcast.

When Americans travel to Italy, they often need clarification about the practice of tipping.

In the States, it's common to tip anywhere between 15 and 30% when at a restaurant, bar, or cafe. The standard is 20%.

Total Tuscany Podcast hosts Travis Justice and Pat Campagna have been to Italy several times, even they are somewhat confused about when and when not to tip in Italy after all this time.

It's hard to believe we have been doing this podcast for almost nine years now, and we are getting closer to our 100th episode and have never spent a serious amount of time talking about the subject of gratuity.

When discussing such an important issue, we bring in the experts. Linda Sorgiovanni from Italy Customized joins us again on the podcast. Operating a boutique travel company, Linda is asked by clients to factor in a tip to the cost of services. That's more challenging than it sounds, as it is not customary to tip for some services, but it is for others.

After listening to this podcast, you will be able to travel to Italy with full confidence on when to tip or not to tip!