Testimonials
from Our Guests

“I wanted to take the opportunity to THANK YOU for the "above and beyond" "over the top" reunion dinner. It was extraordinary.

The warm personal experiences we enjoyed:

  • The owner of the villa, offering us the estate wine
  • Gretchen’s morning treats
  • The Duke, so proud of his castle, which he must maintain but the State could take over at any time
  • Timing the olive oil factory visit so we can see a fresh pressing (and taste the results)
  • The neighbor opening St Conon’s just so we can visit
  • The goldsmith opening late at night for us
  • The middle-aged son showing us how to make Torrone - only to be interrupted by his venerable-aged mother (wielding a serious knife) to
    show us the RIGHT way (we ask, as an aside, joking among ourselves, what wine goes with Torrone )
  • Our hosts head over to their house and bring back a pitcher of white wine for us! while we chew on the freshly made candy
  • The restaurant near Padula that opens for us when the one we planned to visit is closed (due to the rains)
  • Watching the last of the line of Sfogliatelli makers (and learning the secret - lard)
  • Caciocavallo, cheese from heaven (and Ricardo constantly demanding
    Denise get him some)
  • Warm chestnuts and chestnut butter
  • Fresh mozzarella di bufala and yogurt
  • A cello and viola concert just for us, in “our” villa”

    – Jim Obeldobel