Links

Not only am I lucky to live in a little corner of paradise, I happen to have some very wonderful friends - some of them right over the hill, and some not so close, but all of the links below are to people/groups/organizations that I know personally and consider the best in their field of work. Feel free to contact them using my name as a reference, Nora

La Petraia, Radda in Chianti ITALY
My neighbors down the road, Susan Grant and her husband Michael have a magnificent farm, a lovely B&B, and exclusive reservation-only restaurant. Susan is a cordon-bleu chef and author of PIANO PIANO PIENO - a luscious cookbook and a good read!
www.lapetraia.com

Chianti Kitchen, Tuscany ITALY
I've known Seamus for over 20 years and his wife Patrizia since they met - their dinners/cooking classes/music/tours are not to be missed!
www.chiantikitchen.com

Eva Basile, Florence ITALY
An expert in jacquard textiles and a felter by trade, you'll find Eva's creations unique and fascinating
www.evabasile.it

Divina Cucina, Tuscany ITALY
Judy and I have known each other for so long it's hard to remember where we met!. Her shopping/cooking classes in Florence and her activities all over the globe are memorable and fun, to say the least!
www.divinacucina.com

Italian Connection, Sicily ITALY
Anita and Emanuele are probably my oldest friends in Italy (or rather they're not so old - it's just that we've known each other forever!). They've been doing what they do best for a very long time: culinary and walking tours all over Italy, earmarked by professionality and expertise that only someone living in the country can transmit... Fortunately for them (but unfortunately for us), they are no longer my neighbors across the valley, since they moved to their own farmhouse in Sicily, where many of their tours are based. For an unsurpassed walking tour you'll remember for a long time, Anita is the person to contact!
www.italian-connection.com

Biella the Wool Company, Biella ITALY
Thanks to the vision Nigel Thompson had, the wool industry is starting to pay attention to the small farmers: we wish Nigel and his team progress and success in getting this off the ground - the missing link between he shepherd and the finished product!
www.biellathewoolcompany.com

Canvas Ranch Ca USA
Quite a few years ago Deborah visited my farm anD fell in love with my Cashmere goats. When she got back to the US I put her in contact with the person I bought some of MY goats from in Dillon Montana (Ann Dooling)...and the rest is history!
www.canvasranch.com

Chester Aaron Ca USA
The garlic guru of California (or maybe of the whole world!), Chester knows more about garlic than anyone I know, and is a novelist who writes magnificently. His visit to my farm 25 years ago left its mark. Take the time to look him up and read his work - and maybe someone could convince him to come back to Italy!
www.chesteraaron.com

Castello di Spaltenna Gaiole in Chianti ITALY
Where 'improvisation' has taken over in some parts of Chianti, Guido Conti has re-invented professionality and service as director of this exquisite Hotel. Hospitality at its best, service as it should be. For a luxurious Tuscan stay or a venue for a wedding or special event, we can't give Spaltenna enough stars.
www.spaltenna.it

Poggerino Radda in Chianti ITALY
Right down the road from us, Benedetta and her brother run a successful vineyard, producing award-winning wines and delicious olive oil. Not only quality prducts, but geniunely theirs: if you want to bring home 'real' local products stop by to visit their shop - you won't be disappointed.
www.poggerino.com