I just finished it and am still a bit emotional about this book. It is " VANILLA BEANS & BRODO" by Isabella Dusi. What a delightful insight into the life and people in the wonderful wine village of Montalcino.<BR>It is written by a transplanted Aussie named Isabella Dusi. It has been a big hit in the UK and Australia, but only recently released in the States. You can buy it on amazon.com. Montalcino has always been my favorite venue in southern Tuscany, but this book made me appreciate how little I really understood about life in this unique village. You can see more at these web sites. If you love Italy, you will love this book.<BR>www.vanilla-beans-and-brodo.com<BR>www.montalcino-tuscany.com

Thanks Bob--I will check it out !

In the interest of full disclosure, it maybe should pointed out that Isabella Dusi is in the tours business. Maybe limited. Can't tell.<BR><BR>Listing the web site here is different than recommending the book. It indirectly leads people to the webpage where the tours are described.<BR><BR>http://www.vanilla-beans-and-brodo.com/author's_tours.htm<BR><BR>Note that Bob did not make any reference to the tours. And plugging people and companies that are admired has long been considered okay here.<BR>

Grazie for the source. Our book club has been looking for something like this. We loved the Tuscan Sun book.

I am confused--is this the same gal that wrote the books about Cortona???

No, the Cortona books, "Under the Tuscan Sun" and "Bella Tuscany" were written by Frances Mayes, a San Franciscan.

Thanks---you are right--Frances mayes.

Thank you Tom for your vigilant stewardship. Keep up the good work.

Who can tell me the best time to travel to Tuscany, and can it be done on a small budget??

I loved Vanilla Beans and Brodo, which I read this spring.<BR><BR>The book explains about the tours, which have been set up to raise fund for the "quartiere" in Montalcino where Isabella Dusi lives.<BR><BR>I emailed because I was interested in the cookery courses they are doing and had a lovely courteous reply.

Shelia, I have just recently contributed to the fund to restore the San Pietro church in Montalcino. This book touched me so that I felt part of the village and wanted to help. You can see more at www.montalcino-tuscany.com<BR>I have exchanged several emails with Isabella Dusi and she seems very nice.<BR>You can also see my review of the book at amazon.com--although you may have a different site for the UK.