Travel to Lidia’s Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and a recipe for Herb and Wild Greens Fritatta
There is a lot to experience and enjoy in this part of Italy. It is still an undiscovered treasure. – Lidia Bastianich (Fodor’s – 2007)
There is nothing that impacts your life quite as much as travel to new destinations and far away places. It opens your mind and can change your perspective about people and different cultures and within these cultures how food and wine play a significant role.
As you may remember, we recently traveled to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise. We had the opportunity to visit several countries and experience the unique food and cultures of places as far away as Asia and some more familiar like Italy. One of the highlights of this incredible journey was the time we spent prior to the cruise in the northeast corner of Italy in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. At the invitation of Lidia Bastianich, we traveled to Friuli to experience a little bit of this beautiful region which has become known as Lidia’s Italy through her books and television series.
Situated on the border of Austria to the north and Slovenia to the east, this part of Italy has been called “the land of contrasts” due to the diversity in the landscapes, its complicated history and influence of different civilizations on the region. Surrounded by the Alps to the west and north and the Adriatic Sea to the south, there are indeed many contrasts in topography, language, culture and food in this region.
For our visit, we traveled approximately one and a half hours north of Venice to the historic town of Cividale del Friuli. We stayed on the outskirts of the city in a beautiful agriturismo, Il Roncal. This property is surrounded by its own vineyard which rises up the slope of Montebello. From this base, we set out on a whirlwind tour of Friuli with our guide, Wayne Young.
Wayne is the Sales Communication and Marketing Manager for Bastianich and La Mozza wineries in Friuli. The Bastianich Winery is a joint venture between Lidia and her son, Joe Bastianich. La Mozza is owned by Lidia, Joe and Mario Batali. Having worked with the Bastianich family for 17 years and as the Sommelier at restaurant Becco in New York City between 1995 and 1998, Wayne is very knowledgeable about all aspects of wines and in particular, the wines of this region. He guided us through several wine tastings and meals at local trattorias where we experienced the flavors this region has to offer. He also escorted us to several local artisans and winemakers and provided translation since many of the people we met spoke only Italian.
Wonderful! Mouthwatering! Beautiful pictures. I definitely want to go there.
Glad I read this post after dinner….yummy and delicious.
Looks yummy. We have tried some La Mozza wines at Pizza Mozza in LA and enjoyed them. Looking forward to your next post!
This is one of my favorite regions of Italy. I was talking today with an old friend from Trieste that told me it has seen in increase in tourism the last couple of years (was happy to hear that:). Beautiful photos and I really like the old polenta mill photo. Fantastic fritatta that is a perfect and fun summer dinner for us any night of the week;)
Gorgeous pictures Roger! Wonderful stories Gwen! I want to go back!!!
“The Italians take time to enjoy life. I feel like we (in the United States) are always racing to get ahead. We miss the simple things that life has to offer: good food; great wine; friendship; and idle time to enjoy these things.”
The Italian way of living and eating cannot even be matched in France and it is why we loved and miss living there so much. Your gorgeous photos and your words capture is magnificently! I don’t think I have ever visited Friuli but now I’ll tell husband we must make it our next vacation destination. Wonderful series of posts, Gwen!!
Although I’ve never been to Italy..I will quote my sister who toured Italy and France a few years ago. “I liked Italy so much more than France – the food was exquisite..the people warm, open and friendly – their accents were like music, and the ambiance and beauty, unmatched” I think you captured all of that in this post. Seeing Friuli, Lidia’s Italy…through your lens, is exhilarating. You know what I’m going to say now – bucket list!
Italy is magic, and you captured so much of it that your detailing and images. It’s indeed a special place, and I can’t wait to go back. When I do, will definitely travel northward to Fruili region.
I’m very excited to learn more about the Bastianich wine varietals, and hope to see them here in the States, if not already?
The frittata, bellissimo!
Spectacular photography.
And as for the food, it’s the simple things, done exceptionally well, that make life grand.
I loved your article, and you summed it all up for me in your opening remark about travel.
I was also privileged to stay and eat at Lidia’s in Friuli, and it was the best and original meal I’ve had – and I’ve lived in Italy for the last 3 years, and many other places in the last 30 years.
Keep traveling and eating and writing about it – you do it so well !
I have a wonderful property to sell, 1km from Bastianich winery in Cividale del Friuli. This unique property extends for 2,000 mt. Please feel free to contact me for any info: timberbill@gmail.com
What an amazing experience! I haven’t been here in awhile… James Beard award nominated?! That’s awesome Gwen! I’m so happy to see you’re doing so well!
Hi Julie,
It was so nice to hear from you and yes, a lot of exciting things have been happening here since we last connected. I followed a bit of your new home renovation. I’m sure that’s been crazy, but fun for you. I’m glad to see you back here and I hope you’ll stay in touch!
Best,
Gwen