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![The New Tuscany for the Shameless Hedonist 2025 Edition Is Here!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_781e6af5dc244e1fade133ad2dbda834~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_781e6af5dc244e1fade133ad2dbda834~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Jan 173 min read
The New Tuscany for the Shameless Hedonist 2025 Edition Is Here!
Imagine a place where sun-drenched vineyards stretch to the horizon, the scent of fresh olive oil lingers in the air, and the sound of...
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![Tuscany Wine Tour – What’s the Best Wine Tour in Tuscany for You: A Tailored Guide to Picking the right Wine Tour in Tuscany for Your Group](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_bdbaf489b51a4de68477c8b5d9df0aa4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_bdbaf489b51a4de68477c8b5d9df0aa4~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Dec 29, 20246 min read
Tuscany Wine Tour – What’s the Best Wine Tour in Tuscany for You: A Tailored Guide to Picking the right Wine Tour in Tuscany for Your Group
Tuscany, with its sun-soaked vineyards and centuries-old winemaking heritage, is a dream destination for wine enthusiasts. Visiting...
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![8 Must-Try Northern Italian Cheeses](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_f2cf5653853e4addabd6aeae0a9389b0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_f2cf5653853e4addabd6aeae0a9389b0~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Dec 26, 20247 min read
8 Must-Try Northern Italian Cheeses
When it comes to cheese, few places in the world can compete with Italy’s unparalleled variety, rich heritage, and masterful...
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![5 Tasty Treats Any Foodie Should Try When Visiting Tuscany](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_c9ffa320a0af417fbb99fd0c15ebd278~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_c9ffa320a0af417fbb99fd0c15ebd278~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Dec 7, 20244 min read
5 Tasty Treats Any Foodie Should Try When Visiting Tuscany
Tuscany, in my opinion, is a paradise for food lovers. I've been living here for 20 years, and I'm still in love with the local dishes!...
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![Understanding the New UGA (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive) Classification in Tuscany for Chianti Wine](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_ab97cdcbf46640b0bd96a76372422b9a~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_ab97cdcbf46640b0bd96a76372422b9a~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Sep 8, 20243 min read
Understanding the New UGA (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive) Classification in Tuscany for Chianti Wine
When discussing wine, the term “terroir” often arises, referring to the unique blend of natural elements that shape a wine’s...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_cdb62ec6eb5b4870ada8606a4ce4d7ea~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_cdb62ec6eb5b4870ada8606a4ce4d7ea~mv2.webp)
![Chianti Wine Explained: What is Chianti Wine from Tuscany and Which Bottles Should You buy?](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_cdb62ec6eb5b4870ada8606a4ce4d7ea~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_cdb62ec6eb5b4870ada8606a4ce4d7ea~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Sep 1, 20244 min read
Chianti Wine Explained: What is Chianti Wine from Tuscany and Which Bottles Should You buy?
In recent years, Chianti has made a remarkable comeback in Tuscany. Once burdened by a poor reputation—justifiably so, given its...
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![Back From the National Cheese Conference :)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_de22af3c1dda42589da452a6d6af3373~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_de22af3c1dda42589da452a6d6af3373~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Jun 19, 20241 min read
Back From the National Cheese Conference :)
Things have been buzzing lately - I've been sooooo busy with tours, updating my travel guide,s and prepping for the new semester that I...
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![Wine tasting in Montalcino (Orcia Valley) in Tuscany](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_7400d784012d4dea9037247248323d09~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_7400d784012d4dea9037247248323d09~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Mar 14, 20241 min read
Wine tasting in Montalcino (Orcia Valley) in Tuscany
Just back from a decadent (and delicious!) two days exploring the Orcia Valley in southern Tuscany! This Brunello di Montalcino paradise...
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![A university field trip to see how pecorino cheese is made](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_a0b7c5a8165f4d149934b2311c17dc5c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_a0b7c5a8165f4d149934b2311c17dc5c~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Mar 3, 20241 min read
A university field trip to see how pecorino cheese is made
Ever wonder how that delicious pecorino cheese is made? My students and I recently embarked on a fascinating field trip to discover the...
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![Making pesto with Graziella](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_7bf1432e60e44c9697c0019dc3562cd0~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_7bf1432e60e44c9697c0019dc3562cd0~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Mar 2, 20241 min read
Making pesto with Graziella
Today, I had the pleasure of catching up with my friend Graziella and her husband, Gianni. They treated me to a wonderful dinner...
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![Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Bliss: A Student Adventure!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_b5e67c03c4304c6d92af31a43c858e97~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_b5e67c03c4304c6d92af31a43c858e97~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Sep 23, 20231 min read
Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Bliss: A Student Adventure!
Another day, another exciting field trip for my students! This time, we embarked on a culinary journey to Parma and Modena, uncovering...
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![A Cheese Lover's Paradise: Exploring Tuscany's Delights](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_ac9481a804654012b1293d2d7434a3f7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_ac9481a804654012b1293d2d7434a3f7~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Sep 2, 20231 min read
A Cheese Lover's Paradise: Exploring Tuscany's Delights
As a certified cheese master taster, I'm passionate about introducing my food and wine tour clients to the incredible world of Tuscan...
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![Trying Some of the Best Wines in Tuscany](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_e7dd891cd8cc4f3f83e24c32afa6f4e4~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_e7dd891cd8cc4f3f83e24c32afa6f4e4~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Mar 27, 20221 min read
Trying Some of the Best Wines in Tuscany
Wine festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the finest producers in the region, including not only the well-known names but...
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![Visiting a Winery in San Gimignano Run by Two Tuscan Princesses Who Are Related to the Mona Lisa](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_ea869b7d12bf461c94b2af712ed64d73~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_ea869b7d12bf461c94b2af712ed64d73~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Jul 28, 20216 min read
Visiting a Winery in San Gimignano Run by Two Tuscan Princesses Who Are Related to the Mona Lisa
Visiting a Winery in San Gimignano Run by Two Tuscan Princesses Who Are Related to the Mona Lisa, and tasting the famous Vernaccia di San...
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![Making Swiss Chard and Fresh Ricotta Ravioli in Tuscany](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yn5yaBmOz5g/maxresdefault.jpg)
Ariela Bankier
Jul 10, 20212 min read
Making Swiss Chard and Fresh Ricotta Ravioli in Tuscany
If you've watched our latest video (see below), you'll probably want to make this simple and delicious recipe, too! Here's what you need...
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![How to Make the Perfect Drunken Risotto - Risotto al Barbera](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_dc9730a54a184cc3928b6669f612ac03~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_dc9730a54a184cc3928b6669f612ac03~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Mar 11, 20215 min read
How to Make the Perfect Drunken Risotto - Risotto al Barbera
Drunken Risotto - The Fail-Proof Recipe for a Creamy Risotto Made With Barbera Wine I absolutely love risotto—it’s a rich, creamy, and...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_82decab5f4384765820a7a99443d4dd7~mv2_d_5184_3888_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_82decab5f4384765820a7a99443d4dd7~mv2_d_5184_3888_s_4_2.webp)
![How to Make the Perfect Espresso? An Italian Barista Shares His Secrets](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_82decab5f4384765820a7a99443d4dd7~mv2_d_5184_3888_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_82decab5f4384765820a7a99443d4dd7~mv2_d_5184_3888_s_4_2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Oct 22, 20194 min read
How to Make the Perfect Espresso? An Italian Barista Shares His Secrets
How to make a good epsresso? An Italian barista shares his top secrets!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_129e3d5c7f644ea1813e4f905a139aad~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_129e3d5c7f644ea1813e4f905a139aad~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.webp)
![Rosh Hashana in Tuscany: Cooking Traditional Jewish Italian dishes](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_129e3d5c7f644ea1813e4f905a139aad~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_129e3d5c7f644ea1813e4f905a139aad~mv2_d_4608_3456_s_4_2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Sep 30, 20193 min read
Rosh Hashana in Tuscany: Cooking Traditional Jewish Italian dishes
Rosh Hashanah is my favorite Jewish holiday. What can I say? I’m a sentimental person who cherishes the concept of new beginnings,...
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