Susan Van Allen, Venetian Wine Bars and Book Giveaway
By now it’s no secret that author Susan Van Allen’s ’100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go’ is resonating with female travelers and Italophiles all over the globe. I’ll admit that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. I was convinced that I would love it. I mean c’mon, Italy and Travel – what’s not for me to love?
Susan has graciously offered up an excerpt from the book on one of my favorite topics. Wine and wine bars in Venice, Italy. And stay tuned, because after Susan talks about wine and Venice, we are going to offer up not just her book for a giveaway – but a total of four books about Italy travel. More details about the giveaway after Susan’s words on Venetian wine bars.
Here’s Susan:
In the place that does everything differently, here in Venice wine bars are called bacari, the snacks (including fab seafood) are called cichetti, and a drink of wine is called an ombra, which means shade.
That’s because back in the old days, wine sellers in San Marco would move their carts to the shadow of the Campanile to keep their wine cool, and workers would take a wine and panini break there. In warmer months, you’ll want a spritz—sparkling water and Aperol or Campari.
Here are a few favorites:
- Cantinone Già Schiavi, Ponte San Trovaso
On a quiet canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere, near a gondola workshop, this classic family-run spot is where old-time regulars go elbow-to-elbow with foreigners. I had my first baccala mantecato (whipped baccala on toast) here and they’ve hooked me ever since.
- Bancogiro, Campo San Giacometto di Rialto 122, open 11-9, closed Sunday night and all day Monday
On the east side of the Rialto Bridge, this converted medieval bank is a comparative newcomer on the bacari scene. You can sit at outside tables for a Grand Canal view and enjoy innovative cichetti, like carpaccio di branzino (raw sea bass).
- Cantina Do Mori, Calle dei Do Mori 429 (San Polo), closed Sunday
One of the oldest in Venice, here you perch on a wine barrel with copper pots hanging over you, and have a selection of 600 wines to choose from, along with fabulous cichetti such as braised baby artichokes with lemon.
TIP: Lessons of the Vine is a new offering of wine tasting classes in Venice which are absolutely entertaining as well as informative, and well-priced. The wines and complementary antipasti presented change with the seasons and are adapted to the tastes of the travelers. This is a wonderful first stop for visitors, an enjoyable evening to orient them so they can thoroughly enjoy the bacari of Venice, and wines throughout their Italian vacation.
***
Now for the details on the awesome giveaway. Susan’s publisher, Travelers’ Tales, has decided to offer up four great books for a giveaway. 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go, Travelers’ Tales Italy : True Stories of Life on the Road, Travelers’ Tales Tuscany : True Stories and 30 Days in Italy : True Stories of Escape to the Good Life.
Just to make it interesting – and give you more chances to win, I’ve decided to have a little fun with this contest, which will run until midnight EST on August 27th, 2010. Here is how you can win:
- Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win Susan’s book, 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Visit. On August 28th, I’ll pick one winner using a random number generator.
- Become a Facebook fan (or LIKE my fan page) to win a copy of either of the Travelers’ Tales titles – Tuscany True Stories or True Stories of Life on the Road. On August 28th, I’ll select two Facebook fans using the random number generator and each will receive one of the books, not both. Already a Facebook fan? Congrats! You’re already entered!
- Use this link to subscribe to my free monthly newsletter to win a copy of 30 Days in Italy : True Stories of Escape to the Good Life. On August 28th, using the random number generator, I’ll select one winner from my newsletter subscriber list. Already a newsletter subscriber? Bonus, you’re already entered!
All four winners will be announced on the My Mélange Facebook fan page.
Thanks so much to Susan Van Allen and Travelers’ Tales for the great Italy content and awesome giveaway! Good Luck!
——-
It not only happens that Susan recommends Lessons of the Vine, but I partner with them as well. For more information on this special Venice wine tasting or to book, feel free to contact me.
Full disclosure : Travelers’ Tales provided me with a free review copy of each of the titles involved in the giveaway.
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Friends & Supporters
August 18th, 2010
My dream of traveling to Italy will soon be realized in October. I could really use a copy of 100 Places In Italy Every Women Should Go! It is a little overwhelming to decide where to go, stay, eat and enjoy Italy’s wine. It looks like a fabulous book!
August 18th, 2010
Hi Robyn I would love to win a book
I do have 100 Places in Italy Every woman should go …. though… so any of the others would be brilliant , if I win 
Fingers crossed
August 18th, 2010
I’ve already borrowed 100 Places… from the library but had to take it back (it’s a new 7 day book) before I could finish reading it. I was taking it slowly so I could savor each ‘chapter’.
I’d love to have my own copy –so I can ‘prepare’ for my next trip to Italy!
xo
August 18th, 2010
I am heading to Italy in September with two of my best grilfriends. This would be quide would be wonderful to point us in the right directions!
August 18th, 2010
I love how the Italian language rolls off of the tongue! I am presently reading a book on Leonardo Da Vinci and would love to win one of the books on Italy.
August 18th, 2010
This book sounds like it was made for me.
August 18th, 2010
Love your blog. Love Italy. Love everything Italian. Thanks for great updates. natasa
August 18th, 2010
My husband took me back to Italy for my 50th and we are anxious to return. We love exploring the little out of the way places that turn out to be magical. Even if they don’t turn out to be magical they always turn out to be interesting. Would love the book! Thanks
August 18th, 2010
This is so fun. I love travel books and Italy. Perfect.
August 18th, 2010
I went to Italy 3 years ago and I am dying to go back! I went with my daughters and it was wonderful! The book “100 Places in Italy” is one I have wanted very much to read. I hope I win this so I can use it to plan my next trip! I would love to win these books.
August 18th, 2010
This book sounds lovely! I read travel books like novels and would love to add this to my collection!
August 18th, 2010
I’d love to have the book to add to my growing list of places to see… grazie!
August 18th, 2010
Italy, Italy, Italy, how I yearn for your sites, smells, tastes and sounds. It’s been 3 years since our last tryst but it feels like a century. Thank you, so much for this FANTASTIC give away. *fingers crossed*.
August 18th, 2010
What an awesome giveaway!!!
August 18th, 2010
I’d love that book!
August 18th, 2010
Wow, I simply love italian food, loved travelling through Italy and, of course, I would love to win one of the books
August 18th, 2010
I love learning stuff like the origins of ombra as a name for a glass of wine. Also, I like the design of your page, especially the background.
August 18th, 2010
Yeah, I know I live here, but it would be great to go and explore my chosen home with this book! Sounds perfect!
Having read what Susan wrote about the bars in Venice I’m sold on her writing style and if I don’t win, then I WILL buy this book!
August 18th, 2010
I went to Italy in 2008 with my son who is now in grad school. What an experience that both of us still talk about and will remember for a lifetime! Aaah Venito – I will see you again one day!
August 18th, 2010
I am planning an Italy visit for my 50th birthday. I collect books on travel/culinary adventures in France and Italy and what a wonderful addition this book would be.
August 19th, 2010
Yeah… I did it Robin:))) This is a book right up my alley. I love bella Italia and everything that shows off its beauties. Another great giveaway!!!!
August 19th, 2010
I love reading about small hidden gems of places I’m going. This book sounds amazing!
August 19th, 2010
How wonderful to read all your comments! Best wishes to all–Susan
August 19th, 2010
Venice is a place of much romance and history. Thank you for taking me inside of it with it’s food and wine.
che bello articolo.
August 20th, 2010
the book’s a ‘must have’ for me – I’m off to Italy October 2010 and will try a couple of the wine bars in Venice (Oct 2-5) then off to Florence (Rufina) and 5 days in Umbria followed by 3 days in Rome.
August 20th, 2010
I would love to win the book. Will bookmark your blog to I can keep enjoying it!
August 20th, 2010
I’m leaving September 14 for the Veneto on a Wings’ Couture ArchiTour. Would love to get this book before I leave!
August 20th, 2010
Italy……..the place of the genius, Michaelangelo Buonarotti.
August 20th, 2010
What a fantastic book. It seems like this is the perfect timing to promote this book as well with the renaissance of Eat, Pray, Love via film. What woman wouldn’t love to escape to Italy for a while to drink wine, eat amazing food and fall in love with life?
Thanks for sharing!
August 20th, 2010
Sounds fantastico! I’d love to win a copy of Susan’s book.
August 21st, 2010
Would love to win Susan’s book and start planning a trip!! Great contest Robin
August 21st, 2010
I am heading off to Italy at the end of September. Three weeks – I can hardly stand the wait. Would live to win a copy of 100 Places!
August 21st, 2010
yay! SUPER excited about all these books…
August 23rd, 2010
Please count me in. I’ll be in the land of sunshine next month and this will be so handy.
Thanx
Shelley
August 23rd, 2010
Considering my second home is Italy, I would LOVE a book. Will continue to find great travel tips on your fabulous site
August 24th, 2010
Hope to get to Italy soon! This book looks awesome! (they all do)
August 24th, 2010
You always do such a great job with these promotions and giveaway. Brava! And I have to put in my two cents that Venetian wine bars are the way to go in Venice. You can hop around to several and call it dinner. But the thing I love most about them is that it seems to be where the locals are. I have almost always been the only non-Venetian in the wine bars I have visited and have had so much fun observing the Venetians in their routines and getting to know them by hanging out with them. And I love Bancogiro!
August 24th, 2010
Grazie for all of your wonderful tips. And what a great giveaway!!! Perhaps it is no accident that three of my favorite wine bars in Venice have been mentioned!!! Everything on this website is spot on.
August 27th, 2010
I’m always looking for good Italy travel tips & I love Venetian wine bars!
August 27th, 2010
lovely idea for a contest…
August 27th, 2010
Thanks for this post and giveaway! I love facts like that!
August 27th, 2010
Buon giorno,
I’ve always reasoned that my fascination with all things Italian is in my blood since I’m part Italian! My partner has Irish heritage and we are planning a trip in 2011 to see both the Emerald Isle and to sample la dolce vita in Italia. “100 places” (regardless of who wins it) should be a fabulous resource for such an adventure. Thanks for the opportunity!
August 27th, 2010
As a Flight Attendant, one of my favorite ways to drink wine in Italy was to order the house wine as that meant the would bring pitchers of wine with our meals much as the coffee carafes in Denny’s here in the states!
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