05/28/2026
Content gave me permission to share her experience of CORKSCREW WISDOM’s recent Piemonte Tour. It was our privilege to witness Content’s journey as she discovered her homeland and was embraced by the Piemontese. In the words of winemaker Francesca Poggio, “Cortese…you are from here, you belong to us.”
Please take the time to read Content’s love letter to Piemonte. It is worth the read.
CONTENT TO BE A “CORTESE”
Still on a high from the amazing past 11 days of my visit to the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. I began my adventure with a goal of renewal and awareness. With the last name of Cortese – it was with happiness to learn about the meaning of my Italian name- “peaceful” “serene”. The wines made with the Cortese grapes were named such because of their versatility. The wine is regional to the Piedmont area – Gavi. It carries with it much history as it began historically as a house wine for Italian homes. Before I get into the vines of the week prepared by Corkscrew Wisdom, I will convey (if I can in Cliff Note version) my takeaway from the towns of Alba and Turin. The towns are beautiful but mostly historical and preserved and honored. The countryside of endless vineyards and hazelnut trees. Of course, both cities were filled with dogs of ALL kinds (not stray). Watching them walk with their owners in such a peaceful way...confirmed my thought on how dogs pick up positive energy from the owners. Loved it. On the first day, I walked a Farmer’s market and came upon a Slow Foods area (sent msg to Angie White, who replied – yes. Italy is the Mother Ship of Slow Foods). In Turin, while sitting in a square, a Lamborghini drove toward me in the middle of a pedestrian square. To think this car draws more attention from men than a woman who wears a C cup. No politics were discussed during this tour – Peace. I learned from Fred (Dad) that you, individually, carry the representation of you, by your name, by your words and actions, and with that your character can be defined by others. Therefore, each of our representations start with ourselves > family>home>city>state>country. Traveling outside of the country is the core of what representation we convey to those we visit. My Piedmont travel group represented many diversities of people and individually learned so much of each other. As one traveler said, there isn’t one person I didn’t want to sit by. I was gifted a handmade cork topper from Sorth Carolina wood from a wonderful traveling couple. I have a new circle of friends who experienced a week that only we will remember. The Italian people in all areas that we encountered were polite, friendly with smiles, peaceful, areas filled the air with the Italian language in conversation.
Now the Corkscrew Wisdom sponsored tour (I know Pam and Laurie were waiting on this) but savor the best for last. Seeing the beautiful countryside of the Piedmont area, our group was in awe of how fortunate we were to be in this place and guided by them. Over the past recent years, I have been intrigued by how Pam met many of these small independent wine makers. It all started with an inquisitive mind, a passport and a KNOCK ON A WOODEN DOOR. Truly. I heard the story (from the winemaker) of how she knocked on the door of their family home, introduced herself and was invited to work during harvest and learn, and learned she did. Then over the years, she continued to educate herself with her passion for wine and knock on many more doors. With my education in geology and work experience in the oil/gas industry, I began to understand a linear similarity of the wine business. As one wine producer conveyed...” we are treasure hunters for a good wine.” Some are independent explorers of the fine soil and elements to produce quality wine. Because the cost of land has increased over years, there isn’t a spot where grapes are not grown or area utilized. Some years it is hard. Also importantly, the vineyards we visited are family owned and passed down generation to generation. Some of the winemakers started working in the vineyards as young as 11. In Italy, it was common for the son or male to take over the family business. Sometimes there was not that opportunity available so in comes the daughters or wives to take over. We visited those impressive female wine makers. Pam and Laurie took our group through a week off the “vine” education of alternative wines to learn and enjoy. The tastings were held in a small room in the home of the winemaker or in an impressive VIP setting of the Pio Cesare winery. Not forgetting the intimate cooking class instructed by a world renown female chef and I personally will not forget the truffle hunt or my backup team. 😊. Also impressive was the truffle food pairing after… our hunter pup Charlie located 5 truffles, and we won’t forget that soft boiled egg with truffle caviar.(OMG).
With each tour, you could feel the relationships that have been cemented between Pam and Laurie, the wine maker, the grape grower, the friends made in Alba. We were fortunate to be part of these relationships. The observation to detail by these ladies regarding the hotel, transportation, and area of interest was above a 10 score. Class all the way ! Corkscrew Wisdom is not trying to make a sommelier out of you but educates you on what to truly look for in a wine pleasure you may enjoy. Let’s face it, our taste sensory enjoys something good that we think..I need another sip or bite and sometimes will crave that sense again. Ya know – we have all traveled on the highways and thought man...I need an order of McDonalds fries..lol. Thank you Pam and Laurie – if it hadn't been for you guys. I would not have learned the history of Cortese grape.
Did I meet any Italian men? Well yes, I got a crush on an 87-year-old Italian man whose daughter was a wine maker. Very shy but truly spoke with the twinkle in his eyes and yes reminded me of Fred. (not the shy part if you knew Fred)
I have been blessed with travel over my years, and this trip (my second to Italy) is in my top 3 of memorable. My goal for this trip and the happy vibe was accomplished. As I said when I turned 50- I have fermented...now I can breathe.
Amore ~ Let’s all learn to explore, take chances and go off the vine!
