Select Italy Launches Esteemed Wine Roads Project

The web-based travel company Select Italy (http://selectitaly.com), has recently launched two novel wine road vacation packages that combines not only tasting experiences but cultural glimpses into the best wine regions of Italy through the properties of two of Italy's most prestigious wine families, Tasca d'Almerita and Allegrini.

The Tasca d'Almerita family has been making impeccable Sicilian wine for over eight generations and among their many awards they have recently also been named the best cantina in Italy. All five of the Tasca d'Almerita estates reflect a dedication to superior quality, not only in the taste of the wines but also in the fact they lead Italy in sustainable practices and dedication to research. The Allegrini family, who has lead Valpolicella winemaking for hundreds of years, runs one of the country's most innovative wineries while continuing to maintain a strong commitment to tradition. The estates are overseen by the remarkable Marilisa Allegrini, whose dedication to the Veneto indigenous grapes in the Valpolicella estates and Tuscan varietals in San Polo and Bolgheri consistenly results her wines at the top of the charts.

The Tasca d'Almerita Experience is a seven-day highly customizable venture that begins at the Hotel Villa Carlotta in Taormina, Sicily, and includes an afternoon visit and tasting at the family's Tascante vineyards, whose green foliage and fertile volcanic soil are expressed in the Etna wines. The stay continues with a dinner at the highly praisEd Osteria Nero d'Avola, which offers over 240 Sicilian wines to pair with its stellar dishes of the local cuisine.

Day three moves to Tasca d'Almerita's principle estate, Regaleali, where the warm welcome at the family's baglio is matched with the stunning sumptuous environment. The stay includes all meals catered by the family's personal chef, a cooking class at the world renowned cooking school located on property, a tour of the expansive vineyards, and a tasting of fine wines that truly highlight the family and the wine's connection to the land, its people, and their culture.

The final destination, Palermo, is host to the final property of the itinerary, Sallier de la Tour, known for its production of Monreale DOC with Syrah grapes. The stay includes an introductory tour of the vivacious city and VIP dinner reservations at the Gagini Social Restaurant.

"The itinerary was constructed as a joint venture between Select Italy and the Tasca d'Almerita and Allegrini families in order to provide our clients with a complete experience in and out of the glass," says Select Italy Food and Wine Specialist, Martina Mirandola Mullen. "We want our guests not only to enjoy the best Italian wine, but to enjoy it while getting to know the place in which it is made, the earth that it comes from, and the people who have made it their life's mission to bring this comprehensive picture to each bottle of wine."

Contrary to the Tasca Experience, which takes place in the sole region of Sicily, the Allegrini Experience offers an eight-day luxury itinerary through the properties of the Allegrini family, spanning across the Veneto and Tuscany.

The Allegrini Experience begins in Venice, with a stop at La Serenissima at the five-star Danieli hotel, and includes a tour of the Doge's Palace and a private tasting at the Danieli's new Wine Suite. The itinerary continues in the nearby city of romance, Verona, with a stay at the Allegrini family's lavish private apartment. Dinner reservations in Verona take place at the renowned Antico Bottego del Vino, owned by the 12 families of Amarone and boasting one of the most extensive wine lists in Italy. The stay concludes with a full-day customized visit to Fumane and Allegrini's acclaimed Villa della Torre Estate, where visitors tour, taste, and explore the 15th century Renaissance villa to discover first-hand the passion for the land that exudes with each of the family's wine.

The itinerary concludes with a stay in Tuscany's five star Castello di Casole resort, which acts as a home base for a visit to the environmentally friendly San Polo Estate in Montalcino and Bolgheri's scenic Poggio al Tesoro's Estate, both of which are jointly owned with Leonardo LoCascio, the US' Italian wine superstar. In between tours, tastings and lunches at both properties, relax in the resort's swimming pool or stroll through the tranquil natural settings of the Tuscan countryside.

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