Annie’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
For Food, Wine & Italy Lovers
Indulge in amore with my Valentine's Day Gift Guide, where culinary delights, delicious wines, and memorable travel experiences come together to create the perfect celebration of love.
A Romantic Dinner at Home: Tasty Ribbon’s Spicy Pasta Kit
Paired with Castello Tricerchi’s Rosso di Montalcino
Tasty Ribbon's Spicy Pasta Box is a flavorful ensemble crafted for those seeking a spicy dinner affair. Featured in the box are some artisanal, Italian delights: penne pasta by Mancini—a premium, dried pasta brand who sources their durum wheat from fields in the heart of Le Marche; Ursini’s fiery arrabbiata sauce; and Fulvi’s Pecorino Romano cheese, crafted from 100% sheep’s milk near Rome in Nepi. An added bonus: “Elementa” olive oil from Frantoio D'Orazio in Puglia, and Vestri's Peperoncino chocolate bar, where 63% dark chocolate is kissed with a hint of chili, leaving a delightful, lingering heat.
Keeping with the red hot theme, pair with a bottle of Castello Tricerchi’s Rosso di Montalcino, a pure Sangiovese wine showcasing a vibrant palate of juicy cherries, strawberries, anise, clove and black pepper, with smooth tannins and fresh acidity.
A Subscription to Vin Concierge
If your loved one likes to cook, eat or drink wine, then give them the gift of Vin Concierge. Every month, they’ll receive a newsletter detailing new Italian wines to try, including the story beind the winery, the wine itself, and even where to purchase it. Alongside every wine is an Italian food pairing suggestion, including a special recipe.
Subscribe here, month-to-month, or annually.
Donnafugata’s ‘Ben Ryé’ Passito di Pantelleria
Paired With Gentilini Biscotti
The tiny volcanic island of Pantelleria, nestled in the middle of the Mediterranean between Sicily and Tunisia, is well-known for its sweet, luscious Passito wines made from sun-dried Muscat grapes.
Donnafugata’s Passito, called Ben Ryé, translates to “son of the wind” and is a testament to the strong winds that frequent the islands and bring a profusion of fragrances. These winds, in combination with the hot sun, help to dry the grapes, disintegrating the water and concentrating the sugars, leading to this fresh, intense candied liquid boasting notes of dried apricots, figs, caramelized orange peel, peach and honey.
Passito pairs beautifully with Gentilini’s Osvego biscotti, a traditional treat native to Rome. Crafted from an original recipe dating back over a century, these biscuits are made from butter, honey, and malt, and undergo a meticulous production process that includes slow cooking to enhance their quality.
Legend has it Passito di Pantelleria was served by the goddess Tanit, on the advice of Venus, to seduce Apollo. One taste of Ben Ryé, and you can see why. It’s a perfect way to cap off your Valentine’s day evening.
A Customized Italy Itinerary from Vin Concierge
Planning a trip to Italy but don’t know where to begin? Choosing the right destinations and making reservations at multiple hotels, restaurants, and wineries can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the local establishments or don’t speak Italian. Vin Concierge not only provides you with a complete trip itinerary, we also take care of all the arrangements, saving you valuable time and effort.
We have extensive local knowledge and insider tips about hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path venues, and lesser-known restaurants and wineries across Italy that can enrich your experience. Send us a message to inquire
D.S. Durga x Jupiter’s Pasta Water Candle
About a year ago, I dined at Jupiter—a restaurant in the heart of Rockefeller Center in NYC, operated by the same owners as King. The pasta was incredible, especially the genovese and pizzoccheri, but the real show-stopper, believe it or not, was the candle in the bathroom. The scent was mesmerizing: a sweet, umami blend with a starchy, salty tang. I was even more enamored when I discovered that the candle's scent was labeled "pasta water.”
Gift this unique candle and let the air around your loved one be suffused with the rich sweetness of boiling pasta.
Slim Aaron’s La Dolce Vita Coffee Table Book
Having initially visited Italy as a combat photographer during World War II and later establishing himself in Rome to photograph for Life magazine, Slim Aarons maintained a profound connection to Italy, returning almost yearly for the remainder of his life. This captivating collection of Slim Aarons photography celebrates his enduring fascination with Italy spanning several decades. From stunning, aerial views of the Sicilian countryside to intimate portraits of celebrities and elites captured within opulent villas, Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita encapsulates the essence of "the sweet life.”
