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September 9, 2010

Where in the world is Andy – European Tour

On the road with Andy

Where in the world is Andy? Honestly…it’s hard to keep up with him these days. At the moment he is on his European bike tour – making cameo appearances at our bike tours in Italy and bike tours in France as he drops in to visit guests on the road. He reports that “things in Italy are magical – gorgeous hotels and sunny skies help…as does pici con fungi”.

He spent 2 days in Tuscany ‘working’ on creating a special new November offering – a truffle hunting, olive picking, cooking class tour with Dania at La Chiusa. But all work and no play makes Andy a dull boy… that’s why he enjoyed a great ride in the Tuscan hills with his fellow DuVine guests and a delicious dinner at Botte Piena. And apparently the meal was so great…it inspired song! (or something along those lines ) According to our insider scoop, as our Tuscan guide Angelo entertained the group with his guitar, Andy joined in with some inspired back-up vocals. Yup…. just another DuVine “day at the office”!

Epic ride day in Piedmont

And why stop there? Andy was off to join another group on a bicycle tour in Piedmont on an epic climb to Barolo amid sunshine and the clearest of blue skies – which revealed the majestic peaks of the surrounding Alps and Apennines. Here they celebrated life and landscape with an out of this world lunch at a Michelin starred restaurant – featuring a plethora of gastronomic delights including savory ravioli, veal and tuna fish, carpaccio, and truffled risotto among others – followed by a Barolo tasting. It was another inspired Andy moment as he decided to purchase a few bottles. He later joined the group for pizza with said bottles in hand and opened the Barolo to celebrate the day! According to Andy…our very happy DuViners “cannot believe that life can be this good”. Oh…but it can. After all…this is just another day in the life of DuVine.

Epic lunch in Piedmont

Andy sends a big shout out to all of those Italian guides who are making dreams come true and blowing our guests away with their DuVine style – including David, Angelo, Michael, Giovanni and Guido!

Another day, another adventure…as Andy left Italy behind and made his way to France to see if our French guides could top their Italian counterparts. He arrived just in time to witness the shipment of our new fleet of Giant bikes in Provence. That’s right…new bikes in France! (as usual…DuVine is continually striving to improve and provide the best experience possible for our guests)

After visting the DuVine office in Orange and spending a great evening with French manager, Camille, and fellow guide Greg…he headed to our Bordeaux bike tour to join guides Jenn, Justin and Thomas on tour with Team Vergara…a private group of DuVine 3 time “repeat offenders” from Brazil (first Tuscany, then Napa, and now Bordeaux). It sounds as if the French guides are giving the Italians a run for their money…and the tour is shaping up to be another epic adventure for our Brazilian friends.

With Team Vergara at Chateau Figeac tasting

Tastings of St. Emilion Cru wines, a visit to Chateau Figeac, an exquisitely “French” dinner at Chateau Grand Barrail, a private tour by local Guy Petrus at Chateaux Gaudet in St. Emilion with a member of the Brazilan consulate (and perhaps a bit too much foie gras?). Oh..and apparently the great roads through the vineyards are laden with perfect looking Merlot grapes just waiting to be harvested.

Is there really more to see? But of course! He is currently en route to visit Gregory and Avery in Provence who are hosting a group of 14 DuViners…and then it’s off to ride with a small group in Burgundy, joining Keith and Vincent for what might just be considered a Burgundy rite of passage: the tasting of cremant.