From Valerie,
With Love
I traded the Rockies for the Alps back in 2013, leaving my PR and marketing life in Denver behind to chase a slower rhythm—and better wine—in Northern Italy.
What started as a blog about my expat adventures turned into Girl’s Gotta Drink, a go-to resource for wine travel in Piemonte.
These days, I spend my time planning immersive Italian travel experiences all across the boot for curious, culture-loving travelers who want to go deeper.
From Barolo wine tours to custom itineraries, multi-region travel to deep dives in one place, destination weddings to milestone celebrations, and more—for curious, culture-loving travelers who want to go deeper. I design programs the way I like to travel: slow, thoughtful, rooted in people and place.
Wine is usually the guidepost, but the magic happens in the stories—told over long lunches, from garage winemakers to cult producers, truffle hunters to Michelin-starred chefs.
I get to know my clients like friends (because often they become just that), and I collaborate with local partners who trust me to help share their world. Together, we create the kind of experiences that stay with you long after the bags are unpacked.
TEAM MEMBERS
Meet The Team
Meet my core team! The faces of you’ll meet on your tours and helping with Italy travel design!
Barolo Tour leader / sommelier
Luca
I love a wine that transports me to the vineyard rows by putting the glass to my nose. These wines help me understand the wine maker, particularly those who celebrate the difference in every vintage.
A certified AIS sommelier, Luca is a native of southwestern Piedmont. He began his career in architecture, but when he spent all his time at work talking terroir and wine, he realized a 9 to 5 office job wasn’t his jam. Soon he was studying, tasting, reading, and traveling with a focus on wine. For Luca, moving and exploring through the lens of wine is his fuel, nourishing body and soul, discovering hidden gems, and introducing them to friends, family, colleagues, and clients.
While Luca doesn’t have a favorite wine, the scent of Nebbiolo takes him home. He also recently became a Sake sommelier and enjoys playing with Piedmont cuisine pairings. He is also our resident mixologist, whipping up custom cocktails for happy guests.
TESTIMONIALS
Words From Our Clients
Karl & LindseyCustom Wine Travel
