DAY 99

Tuesday 18 October 2011

The morning was slow, but it wasn't long before Lisa knocked on our door telling us it was time to leave for Castello Monte Vibiano, Colleen's dear friend Count Lorenzo's winery. The winery is unique in that it is carbon neutral, and takes great care not only to keep a minimal carbon footprint, but also to retain the quality of wine it has had for so long. You can read more about Castello Monte Vibiano's vision on their website by clicking here.

Colleen got a call on our way there from the DSL deliveryman saying he had our package from Sebastian containing our table for the van! Because packages coming to Piegaro must be picked up by the recipient, instead of having it delivered straight to their doorstep, we made a slight detour to pick the table up in the parking lot of a mall.

For a while we were the only ones at Castello Monte Vibiano that day, so while Colleen and Lisa relaxed on the patio, we got a private tour of the winery. This was followed by a free wine tasting. Colleen told us it is Lorenzo's philosophy that all his wine tastings and tours should be free, because wine is subjective, and he would not want someone to walk away unhappy because they personally did not have a good experience. He's right, too, no one can argue with something free! Our wine taste consisted of all the best wines they have produced each year, an incredible selection of cheeses, and also a sample of their fresh olive oil also made in the vineyard. The olive oil was exquisite to say the least, and even a little bitter because of its freshness. The olive oil is sold only in groups of small capsules, because olive oil should never be left opened for a long time if it is to be used in its finest condition. Of course we were hooked, and bought a bottle of their 2006 MonVi, and a pack of their extra virgin olive oil.

It was in electric golf carts that we drove to the site of the vineyard, away from any roads, located past the ancient olive grove where they make their oil. We got to see Colleen and Tom's "vine" which they bought and now get a percentage of profit from, and looked, though without any luck, for Robert De Niro's vine.

We left the vineyard and went to Lake Trasimeno for a lakeside dinner. Unfortunately we arrived after the sun had set, but we still enjoyed the flavors of a local-eatery. Lisa lamented that the restaurant did not still have a vending machine where one could buy underwear.

Home to our castle where warm beds awaited us.