Women’s Day cocktail

This is Mario Matassa’s variation on the classic Mimosa cocktail (champagne and orange juice), though of course we are using prosecco instead of champagne… Serves 4-6 Preparation time 5 minutes Ingredients: • ½ a bottle of Prosecco • 500ml apricot juice • 250ml freshly squeezed orange juice Instructions: 1 Mix the apricot and orange juices together in […]

48 hours in the Po Delta

The mighty Po flows for 400 miles across Italy and in many ways defines the north of the country. Penny Wainwright visits the area where it meets the sea… Photos by Penny Wainwright The Renaissance city of Ferrara and the River Po Delta are a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, linking Ferrara, the Delta and its […]

Italia! issue 171 is on sale now!

The February issue of Italia! is on sale now – and it’s packed full of travel, property and cultural features from across Italy (plus a few delicious helpings of recipes and food & drink reviews!) From the Po Delta in Italy’s north to the sun-soaked southern region of Puglia, our new issue has something for […]

Time to sparkle

Mionetto. More than just a Prosecco. Here we explain why… In the heart of the Veneto Valley, where Prosecco originated, is Valdobbiadene, the home of premium Prosecco brand Mionetto. Founded in 1887 by master winemaker Francesco Mionetto, Mionetto Prosecco is still produced on the original site. The company tells a story of heritage and authenticity, […]

Castello: the quiet sestiere

Adrian Mourby takes a walk around the tranquil backwaters of Venice as he explores the city’s fascinating Castello district… Photos by Kate Tadman-Mourby   It’s the sestiere that Venetians call truly Venetian. The neighbourhood of Castello consists of the same narrow lanes, broad campi and monumental churches as the other five sestieri, but it lacks the […]

Fizz in Franciacorta

Sarah Rodrigues has a sparkling time on the southern shores of Lake Iseo, where they produce champagne-method wines to rival the best… Images by Sarah Rodrigues unless otherwise stated   “Why wasn’t I born the daughter of an Italian winemaker?” This green-tinged thought ripples through my mind as I stand in the cavernous space below […]

Walking the Dolomites

With wonderful locations, a warm welcome and delicious food, the Alta Badia mountains aren’t just for the winter, says Amanda Robinson Photos by Amanda Robinson unless otherwise stated Think of the Dolomites and what do you see? It usually conjures up a picture of snow-capped peaks twinkling in the sunlight, rustic mountain lodges, bustling cable […]

Puccini: the sound of Tuscan music

Travel to Tuscany during the summer months and you can enjoy thrilling operatic performances in the region’s historic towns and villages. Adrian Mourby visits Lucca as it comes alive with the music of Giacomo Puccini Photos by Kate Tadman-Mourby   Towards the end of his life, Giacomo Puccini admitted that one day he’d like to hear […]