I wrote to the Wall Street Journalist who wrote this article about the wines of Southern Italy:
Dear Ms Teague,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article about wines of Southern Italy and A16 restaurant.
I live part time in California. The rest of the year I live in Guardia Sanframondi, a hilltop medieval village in the Campania region of Southern Italy. Surrounded by vineyards of Fallanghina and Aglianica grapes and olive groves. This area, named the European Wine City since 2019, called to me in 2015. At the age of 50, after raising my 2 sons as a single mother, I followed my heart to Guardia and purchased an old home in the historical center and changed my life.
A few years ago, on a visit to the bay area where my son who was studying podiatry at Samuel Merritt, I discovered A16 while searching for authentic certified Napolitano pizza, and they did it right. Then I discovered they had several wines from Guardia Sanframondi. I took a photo of the wine list and sent it to my Italian friends who were the grape farmers and wine makers. They were amazed and proud to see their wines in a restaurant in San Francisco.
Since then, Ive been organizing tours for Americans, to come experience our authentic Italian village. I arrange cooking classes with the nonnas, pasta by hand, wine tasting and education and helping to pick grapes with the families during Vendemmia. Im also part of the folk dance group, and my guests are treated to local celebrations where we dance, play music, taste regional delicacies and drink wine. My guests are treated like family and have an unforgetable time.
It's been my goal to help promote tourism in this region in Benevento called the Sannio and introduce Americans to the simple joys found in everyday living in the South of Italy. I consider myself very fortunate to have made a life here and I want to inspire women in their 50s and beyond to know that it is never too late to follow your heart and live the life you dream of.
After reading your article, Im inspired even more and I would like to invite you to be my guest in Guardia Sanframondi and be your private guide. In early August is Vinalia, our week long wine festival, when the town springs to life with art, music, artisanal local foods and wines. September is Vendemmia and a great opportunity to hands on experience the beautiful wine culture when all the family members return to help pick grapes, sing while they work, and lunch under the vines. Its a very beautiful family tradition we just dont have in the USA wine industry. In 2024 is the next Riti Settinale, a religious and deeply spiritual festival that happens only once every 7 years. Last time was in 2017, over 250,000 people came from all over the world, including famous art critics and New York times journalists.
I have a website and blog called Sweet Life Italy and Facebook, Instagram accounts with the same name . Im not a big tour operator, I simply share my magical life in Italy and people find me and come for a unique experience, some have purchased a casa and end up living here part time, as well. I handle all aspects of travel, except airline bookings. I can arrange transportation, lodging, tour guides and create a unique custom designed itinerary based on my clients desires. Im happy to send some examples of past trips. Professionally, Im a CPA and I coach women over 50 to live the life of their dreams, as I am. I call my practice CPA for Create Prosperity and Abundance.
My dream now is to host a group of wine journalists to my village and help Create Prosperity and Abundance for the people of Guardia who have adopted me into their families and culture. It's time for the South of Italy to experience a Renaissance.
I look forward to your response. Please contact me by this email: abccpa@sbcglobal.net.
In gratitude,
Alecia Caine
