Pat, Rebecca, and Travis at FormaggioTeca Terroir
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.
1 Comment
La Gualda Vecchia
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.
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. 
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.
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! 
Piazzale Michelangelo-Florence, Italy
Omaha, Nebraska, Mayor Jean Stothert had never been in Tuscany. Recently the three-term Mayor found an opportunity to visit Sicily and Tuscany.
Mayor Stothert and 80 other Omahans visited Carlentini, Sicily. The two cities share a friendship agreement that will eventually become a Sister City agreement. The bond between Omaha and Carlentini goes back to the early days of mass immigration to the United States. Sicilian families, many from Carlentini, found employment working for the railroad in Omaha.
Emanuele Giannelli's "Mr. Arbitrium."
Firenze dall’alto
What a summer in Florence! Ungodly heat, a government in shambles, and the tourists have returned in the full flock! The streets of Florence are jammed packed, and business seems to be booming again for those who suffered so much during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ahead to what is coming up in the coming months! Additionally we disucss the study abroad programs in Florence and the positive impact they have on Florence and the region.
About the Florentine: The Florentine is published 11 times a year. There are over a thousand subscribers worldwide and a circulation of 10 thousand copies per month. You can find the magazine for free at over 150 locations in Florence.
Do you want to go to Tuscany but don’t know where to start? We are here to help. Drop us an email, total Tuscany at Gmail dot com. That last thing you want or can afford is to be stressed out about where you will stay. Can you really do it all in a short amount of time? We work with some of the best Italian-based Travel Planners and guarantee you are going the time of your life. Start planning your Tuscany trip today, email us at [email protected].
Make sure to follow The Total Tuscany Podcast on whatever platform you listen on. This way, you know right away when a new episode is out. If you have time, give us a five-star rating and write a review, we love to see your feedback. Follow Total Tuscany on Social Media. Just search Total Tuscany on: 
Italian America
Andrew Cotto has worn many hats in his career. Teacher, novelist, freelance writer. He’s written about his love for Italian food and travel in magazines for years. You are never too old to reinvent yourself, right?
Italian America magazine is a full-color quarterly in English. It is the official publication of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America®, the nation’s largest and oldest organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. According to the Organization, the magazine is the most widely read quarterly for people of Italian heritage in the United States.
Andrew is trying to grow the magazine outside just Italian heritage. You don’t have to be Italian to enjoy all things about Italy. It’s probably why you are listening to this podcast. The country and the culture are so appealing to many of us who don’t have family that comes from the old country. We can be Italian without actually being Italian.
Make sure to follow The Total Tuscany Podcast on whatever platform you listen on. This way, you know right away when a new episode is out. If you have time, give us a five-star rating and write a review, we love to see your feedback.
Follow Total Tuscany on Social Media. Just search Total Tuscany on: 
Commonwealth Wine School
You are never too old to go back to school. Now with online learning, it’s easier than ever. What if we could tell you can start your journey to becoming an Italian wine expert from the comfort of your own home? You can because the Commonwealth Wine School makes dreams come true.
Located in the heart of Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Commonwealth Wine School is dedicated to providing you with the best in wine, spirits, and sake education. Whether you are a beginner, connoisseur, or industry professional, their dedicated and knowledgeable instructors share their expertise and passion for providing you with a fun and engaging experience. Classes are in-person and online.
and Rhone Valley, have partnered with Jo-Ann to provide educational programs for staff and customers of retail stores and restaurants. An avid traveler to wine destinations, Jo-Ann always brings this firsthand appreciation of a region’s wines to her multi-sensory presentations. With over 30 years of professional speaking experience, she delights wine industry professionals, as well as corporate and private audiences at numerous venues. One of her lifelong goals is to visit all 20 of Italy’s regions; she’s been to 15!
We will be in the online classroom in October, we hope you will join us!
We will be in the online classroom in October, we hope you will join us!
Make sure to follow The Total Tuscany Podcast on whatever platform you listen on. This way, you know right away when a new episode is out. If you have time, give us a five-star rating and write a review, we love to see your feedback. Follow Total Tuscany on Social Media. Just search Total Tuscany on: |
Total TuscanyTravis Justice & Pat Campagna have been traveling to Tuscany since 2009. They produce the Total Tuscany Podcast and all the content on this website. Categories
All
|
RSS Feed