Lidia Bastianich needs no introduction and to all Italians-be it in Italy or in the US, she embodies the very essence of her native country thus has been the perfect spokesperson to highlight and promote Italy's culinary and cultural traditions.

This genuine representation of what is "Italian", is appreciated by everyone, irrespective of ethnic background, as evidenced by her hugely successful restaurants, TV program-for which she has just garnered an Emmy, and her many other endeavors.

Almost twenty years ago, Lidia Bastianich launched Esperienze Italiane, a high end food, wine and cultural travel company with her daughter Tanya, but due to their many other projects, it ceased to operate several years ago.

It is then with great pleasure and pride that we announce the revival of this effort through the newly launched Lidia's Italy Travel in collaboration with Shop Wine and Dine.

In Lidia's own words: "We believe travel is another vehicle to fully appreciate the Italian culture as well as the Italian lifestyle, through its oenogatronomic traditions; thus every group tour or custom-designed travel experience, created in collaboration with Shop Wine and Dine, will be a reflection of my own vision and preferences"

To celebrate the launch of Lidia's Italy Travel, the first group tour, inspired by Lidia's own sense of what a genuine Italian experience should deliver, will feature the region of Piemonte. Scheduled for October 28, it will encompass the Alba Truffle Fair, a hands-on cooking lesson, visit to top wine producers, a truffle hunt and meals at restaurants that represent the best in Piedmontese culinary traditions. Guided sightseeing tours of the historic towns in the Langhe and a pre-tour to Torino, will highlight Piemonte's historical, cultural and oenogastronomic impact. The tour will be limited to a maximum of ten guests.

The custom-designed programs, whether traveling for business or vacation, will be created to fit each group or person's specific vision and preferences.

For additional information on Lidia's Italy Travel options, please contact:

Anna Maria Sorrentino

President & Founder

Shop Wine and Dine Travel Concepts

[email protected]

Office: 973-467-4418

Cell:    973-271-5117