Customer Feedback:

November 16th 2009

We just returned from our 4th trip to Florence and the Tuscany region. We have seen the sights and visited the wine country. This tour with Vittorio gave us new insight into the region and the wine. We had a private tour (4 of us) and throghly enjoyed every minute of it from the car ride to the amazing lunch to the wine tasting and of course Vittorio himself. Treat yourself to a day with this wonderful guide.

Nina and Artie, Atlanta, USA

July 5th 2009

My husband and I had the opportunity to visit Italy in March 2009. After researching wine tours online, I located Italy and Wine Tours (ItalyandWine.net) which is owned by Vittorio Del Bono. I noticed the company in particular due to the many current favorable reviews. My first email with questions about tours and availability was promptly answered. We were particularly interested in visiting Montalcino to learn about the renowned Brunello wines produced in that area. Vittorio responded that he was personally available and could take us to Montalcino for the requested day. It was enjoyable to see the countryside and villages along the way and to discuss wine with Vittorio who is quite knowledgeable about wines and the area.
On the arranged day, Vittorio picked us up promptly at our hotel in Florence and off we went. The first winery we visited was Tenuta le Potazzine. Upon arrival we were met by the owner, Giusepppe Gorelli, who took us through the stages of production with the help of Vittorio’s translation. The tour was outstanding with discussion about the wine making process, touring the cellars, then tasting of the wines at the end. We learned so much in the detailed discussion from selection of the grapes to bottling and labeling the finished wines. Talk about a personalized tour! The owner, Giuseppe Gorelli, obviously has a passion for wine and is a ‘purist’ in terms of using Italian methods in making the fine wines they produce which include a highly rated Brunello as well as Rosso di Montalcino.
Vittorio had arranged our lunch at Trattoria il Leccio in a charming tiny village nearby. The meal was true Italian fare served with multiple delicious dishes. It was as if we had the entire restaurant to ourselves. The food, service, and ambience were perfect. Thank you Vittorio!
Leaving there, we happily headed off for the next wine producer with a lovely intermediate stop at the medieval Sant’Antimo Abbey. Vittorio managed to time this perfectly. We arrived to see the monks walking in for the afternoon chants. We enjoyed hearing the Gregorian chants and viewing the ancient structure and gorgeous setting.
Tenuta San Filippo was our next tour which is the producer of Fanti Wines. After visiting the smaller Tenuta le Potazzine, it was very interesting to hear about the processes and wines of this larger producer. Again, we had a private tour with a charming Italian employee at the company who told us about the production techniques and the wines they produce. We were impressed with the quality and care that goes into wine production even in this larger winery.
We were so happy with our experience of visiting Tuscany for the first time. This tour with Vittorio was one of the most memorable days of the trip! We purchased wines that have now arrived and we will continue to enjoy the fruits of Italy. Vittorio did a wonderful job introducing us to the area and the wines. The tour was everything we had hoped for. We hope to have to opportunity to come back for another adventure in Tuscany with Italy and Wine Tours. Grazie, Vittorio!

Catherine Helms, Collierville, USA