Castello di Ugento is a love story, and no one knows better than Diana Bianchi and Massimo D'Amore, 21st century promessi sposi who've transformed the former fortress and Baroque castle into a beautiful home and hotel. Join me for a voyage to the very heel of Puglia - the Salento-  for a conversation on history and hotel-making.

A castle in Puglia

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina

There is a something about a beautiful shoe that can make you feel like a walking fairytale. Edoardo Cavovilla shares the stories behind René Caovilla, Venice's heritage, couture shoemaking atelier.

Stilettos and Sparkles in Venice

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina

What’s soaked in coffee, slathered with mascarpone, and started off as a post-coital snack? Tiramisu, of course! Join Erica as she discovers what makes Tiramisu the pinnacle of Italian desserts with guest Gaia Passi de Preposulo.

Teasing Tiramisu

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina

Karole P.B.Vail, Director of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection has a personal relationship with Venice. Join us as we take in the Grand Canal with Karole from the gardens of the PGC to talk modern and contemporary art, Peggy and Venice, of course!

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina

Everybody loves Lambrusco! Join Erica for a trip to Emilia Romagna to chat with Julia Prestia, co-owner of Venturini Baldini, a historic estate dating back to 16th century to talk about Lambrusco, organic wines and an ancient acetaia.

Venturini Baldini

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina

Sicily is a cornucopia of incredible and unforgettable treats and sweets but there is nothing like il bacio di Pantelleria, an unforgettable pastry only to be found on the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean. Join Erica and food writer Salvatore Spatafora to discover food and culture in Pantelleria, Sicily.

Kiss Sicilian Style

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina

Is Italian coffee really the best?  Caffe consultant, co-founder of 3 Coffee Guys, long-time Piemonte resident and all-around coffee expert Damian Burgess spills the beans on what makes Italian caffe and coffee culture so beloved.

Caffe Consigliere on Italian Coffee

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina

Alessia Antinori has seven hundred years of wine flowing through her veins, but it's recent history that keeps the wine maker in Rome at Fattoria di Fiorano. Vineyards in the Eternal City?! You bet. Lazio wines, Italy and more.

CITY LIMITS AT ROME'S FATTORIA DI FIORANO

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina

There's nothing that tortellini in brodo can't fix, or at least make feel a little bit better.  And that simple concept is what led Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore to create two community programs - Il Tortellante, the local Modena tortellini-focused alternative education program for special needs kids, and Food for Soul, soup kitchens across the globe that feed the community while fighting food waste. 

Tortellini to Make the World Better

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina

Drink up, it’s Negroni time! Epicurean Coral Sisk of Curious Appetite Travel shares all about the Negroni - from its Florentine history and where in Florence to find the very best today, to the variants we love (and don’t love). Grab a high ball and join Erica and Coral discussing Italy's iconic cocktail.

Florence's Negroni

Ciao Bella

INSTAGRAM: @ericafirpo

TWITTER:  @moscerina