I want to sip Lambrusco in Mantua.

Last week I was invited to an Italian Tourism event highlighting the region of Lombardy, it’s food, wine, fashion, art, architecture…You know, all that is yummy, luxurious, creative Italian. The take away for me–visit Mantua.

This provincial Capitol, in the southeast foot of the Lombardy region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palazzo Ducale, a labyrinth of churches, piazzas, gardens and porticoes was built over five centuries, from the 13^th to the 18^th. Visiting it would make a pleasant morning adventure. Followed by picnic procurement at the Farmer’s Market, perhaps a stand-up espresso and some scarpe (shoe) shopping (I’m in Italy, shoe shopping is a must!) and then a nap. Dinner might start with pumkin tortelli, a regional specialty and Lambrusco of course.

The next day I’d hit Mantua’s wine trail (perhaps part of it on horseback or bike), check out the cellars, enjoy merlot, pinot, cabernet sauvignon… In the evening, Opera? The Regoletto festival continues through October. One week left…