
This week, the question was:
What’s your favorite shopping find from your travels?
I'll admit that I'm not a big shopper for clothes or tchotchkes. I prefer to spend my limited funds on (what else?) WINE. So when I went to Italy, specifically to Montalcino, with MC Ice a few years ago, I was looking for a unique bottle to snag.
My rule when shopping for wine on a trip is that the purchase has to be something I can't get at home. Since more likely than not, I'll be rolling those bottles up in clothing in my suitcase (except when I go to California when I usually come home with a few cases and just check those suckers in baggage!), I have to choose wisely and make sure the stuff is pretty special.


Wine is such a great thing to buy when you're away. I mean, who could ask for more than to find an item that will allow you to transport you back to happy times in your life for the hour you spend leisurely drinking the bottle?!
In many ways, wine is about shared experiences...and to me it's better than spending my money on an awesome purse or sexy shirt. I may not be the most fashionable girl out there, but the ability to get a taste of a great time in my life a few years later certainly makes me one of the happiest!
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I love that you charmed your way into securing the wine you REALLY wanted. :-) I've never brought wine back from my travels, but your post has made me rethink that. Perhaps I shall snag a lovely bottle of my own one day soon. :-)
ReplyDeleteAs my Grandma always says, "It doesn't hurt to ask."
ReplyDeleteEven if my Italian was poor, I just had to try...and it worked! From living in Italy, I knew that a little flirting and flattery could go a long way.
So happy that this may have inspired you to think about bringing back a bottle or two on your next adventure. Make it something special, so when you crack it open you'll have something amazing to enjoy and remind you of your fabulous trip!
And don't forget to wrap the stuff up really well. I've never had bottles break -- I just make use of all my dirty clothes (making sure that I use my black pants and shirts closest to the bottle). I kind of mummify them!
Please let me know what you wind up getting.
Thanks so much for writing,
Elizabeth
Went to an Italian store in Kaiserslautern, Germany today and they had a boxed set of Cantina Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, 2006. I remembered that you highly recommended this wine so I snatched it up. Three bottles for Euro 45. Then I came home and checked to see what you said about Brunello and found this. Very cool!! Can't wait to try it, but waiting ....
ReplyDeleteRhonda,
ReplyDeleteMake sure you have it with food -- Italian wine is ALWAYS better with Italian food. It may be too rustic otherwise.
Looking forward to your full report!
Thanks a million for writing and enjoy it!
Elizabeth