Joe Valeri
Based in Umbria, Italy
English (fluent), Italian (B2)
Trip budgets start at $100/night
Joe Valeri
Ask me about
My Story
We have spent years traveling Europe experiencing the magic of authentic escapes firsthand. We help plan unforgettable journeys filled with one-of-a-kind experiences.
Travel Style
Lifelong explorers who fell in love with Italy and Ancient Europe and live life exploring the food, wine, art, architecture and history of the old world.
Travel ideas (3)
A Wine Expert's Guide to Historic Chianti
The wines of Tuscany inspired my journey to becoming a sommelier. It conjures memories of my childhood Sundays at Nonna’s house, where a bottle of Ruffino wrapped in its classic straw basket was always on the table. Every year, wine tourists flock to Tuscany to sample the region’s celebrated wines. But many overlook the rich history of the Chianti region and its three founding cities — Gaiole, Castellina and Radda in Chianti. Known in the Middle Ages as "The League of Chianti," these cities laid the foundation for a winemaking tradition and brand that has lasted over a thousand years. While wine tasting in Florence or Montepulciano has its charm, this guide will delve into the authentic Chianti region, showcasing its lesser-known treasures.
A Wine Expert's Guide to Historic Chianti
The wines of Tuscany inspired my journey to becoming a sommelier. It conjures memories of my childhood Sundays at Nonna’s house, where a bottle of Ruffino wrapped in its classic straw basket was always on the table. Every year, wine tourists flock to Tuscany to sample the region’s celebrated wines. But many overlook the rich history of the Chianti region and its three founding cities — Gaiole, Castellina and Radda in Chianti. Known in the Middle Ages as "The League of Chianti," these cities laid the foundation for a winemaking tradition and brand that has lasted over a thousand years. While wine tasting in Florence or Montepulciano has its charm, this guide will delve into the authentic Chianti region, showcasing its lesser-known treasures.
7-Day Wine Adventure: A Sommelier’s Guide to Umbria
Our first trip to Umbria over a decade ago captured our hearts, thanks to its exceptional wines and the discovery of Montefalco, the region’s wine capital. Since then, we've explored much of Italy and other parts of the “Old World,” but when it came time to choose a place to settle in Italy, we returned to Umbria. Back in the US, we own V-NO, a wine bar in Baltimore. Joe, an expert in Italian wines, has introduced small-production, world-class selections to the US market, including a diverse range of Umbrian wines. Now living just outside Montefalco, we spend our days uncovering hidden food and wine gems that most visitors miss. This itinerary will guide you through our favorite local finds, while also showcasing the region’s iconic highlights.
7-Day Wine Adventure: A Sommelier’s Guide to Umbria
Our first trip to Umbria over a decade ago captured our hearts, thanks to its exceptional wines and the discovery of Montefalco, the region’s wine capital. Since then, we've explored much of Italy and other parts of the “Old World,” but when it came time to choose a place to settle in Italy, we returned to Umbria. Back in the US, we own V-NO, a wine bar in Baltimore. Joe, an expert in Italian wines, has introduced small-production, world-class selections to the US market, including a diverse range of Umbrian wines. Now living just outside Montefalco, we spend our days uncovering hidden food and wine gems that most visitors miss. This itinerary will guide you through our favorite local finds, while also showcasing the region’s iconic highlights.
Italy's Umbria Region: Experience the Renaissance in Perugia
Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region, is a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be discovered. We fell in love with its rich art, stunning architecture, delectable food, exquisite wine and warm, welcoming people. You can easily spend several days immersed in the Renaissance charm of its historic center. You can also use Perugia as a convenient home base for day trips to enchanting medieval villages and famous vineyards. Must-visit destinations like Assisi, Spello and Montefalco are just a short drive away. Having made Umbria our home, we often find ourselves drawn back to Perugia, spending weekends uncovering its endless wonders.
Italy's Umbria Region: Experience the Renaissance in Perugia
Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region, is a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be discovered. We fell in love with its rich art, stunning architecture, delectable food, exquisite wine and warm, welcoming people. You can easily spend several days immersed in the Renaissance charm of its historic center. You can also use Perugia as a convenient home base for day trips to enchanting medieval villages and famous vineyards. Must-visit destinations like Assisi, Spello and Montefalco are just a short drive away. Having made Umbria our home, we often find ourselves drawn back to Perugia, spending weekends uncovering its endless wonders.
A Wine Expert's Guide to Historic Chianti
The wines of Tuscany inspired my journey to becoming a sommelier. It conjures memories of my childhood Sundays at Nonna’s house, where a bottle of Ruffino wrapped in its classic straw basket was always on the table. Every year, wine tourists flock to Tuscany to sample the region’s celebrated wines. But many overlook the rich history of the Chianti region and its three founding cities — Gaiole, Castellina and Radda in Chianti. Known in the Middle Ages as "The League of Chianti," these cities laid the foundation for a winemaking tradition and brand that has lasted over a thousand years. While wine tasting in Florence or Montepulciano has its charm, this guide will delve into the authentic Chianti region, showcasing its lesser-known treasures.
A Wine Expert's Guide to Historic Chianti
The wines of Tuscany inspired my journey to becoming a sommelier. It conjures memories of my childhood Sundays at Nonna’s house, where a bottle of Ruffino wrapped in its classic straw basket was always on the table. Every year, wine tourists flock to Tuscany to sample the region’s celebrated wines. But many overlook the rich history of the Chianti region and its three founding cities — Gaiole, Castellina and Radda in Chianti. Known in the Middle Ages as "The League of Chianti," these cities laid the foundation for a winemaking tradition and brand that has lasted over a thousand years. While wine tasting in Florence or Montepulciano has its charm, this guide will delve into the authentic Chianti region, showcasing its lesser-known treasures.
7-Day Wine Adventure: A Sommelier’s Guide to Umbria
Our first trip to Umbria over a decade ago captured our hearts, thanks to its exceptional wines and the discovery of Montefalco, the region’s wine capital. Since then, we've explored much of Italy and other parts of the “Old World,” but when it came time to choose a place to settle in Italy, we returned to Umbria. Back in the US, we own V-NO, a wine bar in Baltimore. Joe, an expert in Italian wines, has introduced small-production, world-class selections to the US market, including a diverse range of Umbrian wines. Now living just outside Montefalco, we spend our days uncovering hidden food and wine gems that most visitors miss. This itinerary will guide you through our favorite local finds, while also showcasing the region’s iconic highlights.
7-Day Wine Adventure: A Sommelier’s Guide to Umbria
Our first trip to Umbria over a decade ago captured our hearts, thanks to its exceptional wines and the discovery of Montefalco, the region’s wine capital. Since then, we've explored much of Italy and other parts of the “Old World,” but when it came time to choose a place to settle in Italy, we returned to Umbria. Back in the US, we own V-NO, a wine bar in Baltimore. Joe, an expert in Italian wines, has introduced small-production, world-class selections to the US market, including a diverse range of Umbrian wines. Now living just outside Montefalco, we spend our days uncovering hidden food and wine gems that most visitors miss. This itinerary will guide you through our favorite local finds, while also showcasing the region’s iconic highlights.
Italy's Umbria Region: Experience the Renaissance in Perugia
Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region, is a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be discovered. We fell in love with its rich art, stunning architecture, delectable food, exquisite wine and warm, welcoming people. You can easily spend several days immersed in the Renaissance charm of its historic center. You can also use Perugia as a convenient home base for day trips to enchanting medieval villages and famous vineyards. Must-visit destinations like Assisi, Spello and Montefalco are just a short drive away. Having made Umbria our home, we often find ourselves drawn back to Perugia, spending weekends uncovering its endless wonders.
Italy's Umbria Region: Experience the Renaissance in Perugia
Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region, is a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be discovered. We fell in love with its rich art, stunning architecture, delectable food, exquisite wine and warm, welcoming people. You can easily spend several days immersed in the Renaissance charm of its historic center. You can also use Perugia as a convenient home base for day trips to enchanting medieval villages and famous vineyards. Must-visit destinations like Assisi, Spello and Montefalco are just a short drive away. Having made Umbria our home, we often find ourselves drawn back to Perugia, spending weekends uncovering its endless wonders.