The guidebooks will tell you to visit Tuscany in the spring and fall, but this August I could not resist braving the heat to explore the newly-opened Castello di Casole.  I am so glad that I didn’t wait to go. The owners are wonderful, and so is the food, the vineyards, the spa – you name it.  What a wonderful stop for my clients. Although my friends say that I never stop moving, I can imagine never wanting to venture away from Castello di Casole.

I always find something magical in Italy, something that stays with me long after I come home and that entices me back again.  My most recent trip this past September was filled with such moments, including a chance to visit an 11th-century castle and meet its famed owner, celebrated wine-maker Bibi Graetz.  Bibi, artistic, energetic, and joyful is right at home in this lovingly restored estate, and his small-production wines are highly sought after and enjoy and inspire an almost cultish devotion.  I visited the castle at night, when it was illuminated by torches and bonfires, and stayed for a lavish dinner.

A very special thanks to my friend Suzanne Moore from Tuscany for introducing me to Bibi and to Castello di Vincigliata.  Here I am pictured at the castle with Suzanne, and in the second photo, with Bibi

TRAVEL WEEK

What an adventure.  This August, I spent a week in Las Vegas, connecting with other travel professionals, spending time with hoteliers and chefs, and generally immersing myself in all things travel, all things luxury.  One of the highlights of Travel Week was an invitation from Mario Leon, president of MJL Select, to dinner at the Mandarin Oriental.  The restaurant, Twist, is perched above the city on the top floor of the hotel, with a spectacular view of the Vegas skyline.  Pierre Gagnaire, the restaurant’s celebrated chef – and a fellow travel enthusiast – prepared delightful, imaginative cuisine, and the wine list was one of the most impressive I have seen.  Last winter, I had the good fortune to dine at Chef Gagnaire’s restaurant at Les Airelles.  Included among the group are hoteliers from the Hotel du Palais, Les Airelles, the Negresco, and Les Prés d’Eugénie, as well as Mario Leon in the front, and me at the opposite end of the table.