comments

Rebecca,
As an avid Scotch Drinker I was not looking forward to the “grape tour” as I had it in my mind. I had also made up my mind that wine, no matter what the color or kind was not much of a drink and that I would be suffering throughout the day – looking forward to my Scotch in the evening. How absolutely wrong I was and have been. Thank you for you knowledge, you well thought out and wonderful tour. You certainly are a ‘Cut Above” the competition. I’m not only a convert to Chianti but a big fan of you and your tour.
Karen, Linda Jake and I all agreed the Tuscany Wine Tour was a highlight of our trip. The Wineries you chose to visit were excellent and the wine was much better than I had envisioned. We will continue to recommend you to our friends and colleagues and gladly take credit when they praise you as well.

Thanks again for a wonderful experience. Salute
Norm (September 2007)

We wanted to thank you so much for a fabulous day in Montalcino! Our tour of San Polino was informative and educational as well as delicious! Our wine order made it home before us and now every sip brings back memories of one of our best days in Italy! Unfortunately, I didn’t log the name of the place we ate lunch (Scuola di Cucina Agreste?) but none of us will ever forget how delicious it was! Every morsel was scrumptious, the wine was smooth and mellow and the host & hostess, Roberto & his wife, were charming and warm! We also enjoyed the stop at the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo. It was a very beautiful and moving experience. It was a pleasure spending time at the Enoteca La Fortezza and tasting more delicious Brunelli! The staff was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. All in all it was a glorious day and we are so glad to have you guide us through it! Our whole family truly felt embraced by the arms of Italy; surrounded by wonderful people, gorgeous landscapes and superior wine and food! We will definitely contact you as soon as we plan our next trip to Italy! Grazie per tutto! Elizabeth Lopez, Mike Klein & Alexa Lenox (2007)

Rebecca, Ever since we got back from our trip to Italy we have wanted to write you and let you know how much we enjoyed our wine tour through the Chianti region. My husband and I learned so much from you about the region's wine and the history behind the Chianti wine. I would have to say that it was the highlight of our Italy vacation. We were really able to immerse ourselves into the culture and the people. The homemade Italian meal at Podere Terreno, the small family owned vineyard, was amazing and beyond our expectations! You really are an excellent tour guide . . . very knowledgeable, personal, and down to earth. Thanks again for everything. If we are ever back in Italy we plan on booking another tour:) Sincerely, Aaron and Jamie Wegner (2007)

Rebecca:
I have been wanting to email you and let you know we absolutely loved the tour to Montalcino. I wrote a wonderful email to Rick Steves Graffiti Wall on the Ricksteves.com web site about your tour. However, if you have looked recently, there are several very positive emails and they would not publish mine since it is "redundant" to the positive comments already posted. But, I am telling everyone I know about your wonderful tour and I am still trying to figure out a way to get Rick Steves to publish something more.

Best of luck to you. We will tour with you again on our next trip to Tuscany. Keep in touch with your emails of wine offers. We will undoubtedly order some more.

Randy Harelstad (2007)

Ronnie and I thoroughly enjoyed our Chianti Classico Wine tour with you on July 3, 2007. I was a bit apprehensive about the mixed group (you never know who you will be with), but we enjoyed our tour with the accountants from Chicago. They were a lot of fun. As for the wine tour, Ronnie and I learned a lot, but still have a great deal to learn.
The Tuscan countryside is magnificent and I could see ourselves renting a villa for a week or two. Our wines made it back to the states in one piece as well as the wine encased in chocolate. I'm trying to eat one piece every few days to make it last longer and each bite reminds me of the beautiful day we had with you. Thank you again for an informative tour and a wonderful day. It was the highlight of our trip.

Lois & Ronnie
Las Vegas, Nevada (2007)

Dear Rebecca,
I wanted to write on behalf of Eve and myself and let you know how much we enjoyed the recent trip we took with you on the tour to Montepulciano and Pienza. The towns were nice and quaint, the scenery wonderful, but what made our trip most enjoyable was yourself and the people you work with to make this touring experience what it is. Both Eve and I think this was the highlight of our trip to Europe and will be recommending your service to anyone we know who will be visiting Tuscany. We definitely plan to return to Italy again, and hope to see you then.
Until that time, take care (of yourself and Louise).
Grazie & Best Regards,
Phil and Eve Jones Atlanta, GA USA (2007)

Finally have got around to thanking you for the wonderful time you showed us on our "Chianti" tour. Had we had more time available, it would have been fun to do more than one day. Thank you, Rebecca, for the super day--we had such a great time and learned so much. We would never have found the places you took us to and I think of you every time I see my olive oil and balsamic vinegar set I purchased. I hope we will get back to Italy again and we will definitely arrange more than just one day with you at that time. You are a very gifted guide and your love of the area rubs off on your clients. We had such a wonderful time--thank you so much.
Sally & Bob" (Vancouver) 2004

Rebecca, We are sorry for waiting so long to write this letter. My wife Jennifer and I would like to thank you for the most amazing day you planned for us in Chianti Classico. It was one of the most memorable days in our lives. We constantly reminisce and look at photos of the beautiful vineyards, towns, and landscapes that you revealed to us. Last week we drank one of our souvenir bottles of Chianti from Le Fonti vineyard. It was wonderful. We will never forget that day. P.S. We will be returning in 2010 for my 30th birthday and if you are not overflowing with reservations we would love to have you as our guide again. We will be in touch. Thank you so much for enhancing our incredible trip. Jarred and Jennifer Tedino + Jody Churico (2007)

Rebecca!
We have returned to reality, and think fondly of our visit to Italy, especially the time we spent with you in Tuscany.
We'll send you some pictures soon, as we have some neat ones of the Brunello caves especially.
You made it such a special experience, and we truly appreciate it! Thanks again for everything. When I organize my thoughts to communicate to Rick Steves group, I'll forward you a copy.
Erica and Tim Blue" (Washington)

"Thanks for the "fantastic" tour. We really enjoyed ourselves and the wine tasting. You're an excellent guide. My pictures came out great and I am attaching 3 for you. Hope you enjoy.
We also had a great time in Bologna and Venice. It took over 24 hours to return from Venice to Riverside. Found lots of rain and flooding when we returned.
Hope you have a great year.
Van" (California) 2004

"We have been back in the US for about a week now and we are still longing for Tuscany. We want to send you this note to thank you again for such a wonderful day--it was by far one of the most special days of our trip. It is so nice to spend the day with someone who has as much exuberance for food and wine as we do. Our first night back in the US we recounted all this highlights of our trip and toasted you with our Grappa from Fattoria dei Barbi. If you are ever in need of a reference, please feel free to ask. And, of course, we will be sending friends your way."
Katherine Restuccia and Rick Matthews (US)

"We're back home in Annapolis. The trip was wonderful, but we're ready to rest up a bit (and do laundry).
We want to thank you again for your help in Tuscany. We never would have found the Avis office in Siena without your guidance, and it was so much better going up to Florence by car. When we got in the station, we learned that there was a train strike scheduled to last all day! Despite the strike, we were able to get a Eurostar train to Venice, but it was very crowded. We loved Venice and the rest of our trip to Italy and France. Next time we'll take less luggage.
It was great meeting you, and I hope you'll get in touch if you ever visit our area. Best regards.
Georgia & Don Hyatt " (US)

"Thank you again for the wonderful day of touring the beautiful Tuscany countryside.
We are back home and it hardly seems possible that we were with you only eight days ago. The following day we had a 3 three+ hour lunch atop the hill at Volpaia "under the Tuscan sun", (perhaps Too Much Tuscan Sun). We bought Dario Castagno's book and are enjoying it.
If we get back, we'll call you, and if anyone needs a recommendation, we will certainly give it. Thanks again.
Tom and June Denton" (US)

"Everything on this trip has been wonderful.
I must say however that our first days with you, your restaurant recommendations and your everyday practical tips certainly are the best of the Italy experience so far.
I must say I truly loved Tuscany and the Vino.
Have a great day. Ciao for now
Ronnie and Gail" (Ontario) 2004

"My girlfriends and I had the pleasure of taking your Tuscan Wine tour on May 30, 2005 with Rebecca Christophersen. This was simply an incredible addition to our trip. Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Colle Val d'Elsa and Cesani Vineyards were amazing. We loved the combined wine tastings and shopping opportunities like the beautiful crystal jewelry at La Grotta Del Cristallo. I can't imagine missing out on what we learned & experienced that day. This tour is a must! Rebecca is so knowledgeable and witty, just an awesome host. We *highly* recommend her! Thank you, Rebecca for making our first trip to Tuscany one of the most memorable days of our trip. We can't wait to come back.
Angela, Sarah, Lori and Britt from the USA"

"We will drink our Tuscan wine and think of our wonderful time there and think of our wonderful tour guide....YOU!
Cannot wait for the 2004 wines! For sure we will have to purchase some! Let us know your choices when they are out so we can try!
Have a wonderful night....day....or whenever you read this.
Warmly, Chris and John" (Iowa)

Rebecca:
Just a short note to thank you for a wonderful day. Fitting chains on the front wheels was a bit of excitement we did not expect but why let the weather spoil the day? Press on! Lunch at the farmhouse was a highlight of our week.
You are obviously very knowledgeable about wine and Tuscany and a charming guide as well. Thanks from all of us.
Best regards,
Doug and Carol
Peter and Jocelyn (Dec. 2005)

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful time we had with you. Those two days were "amazing"! We will be sure to tell all about you....I think I have a good picture of us all when we were having lunch. I will be sure to send it to you for your journal!
Sandy and Jessie Gaetano, Carol Filippi

Rebecca,

I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful Tuscan wine tour. I am back in the US and when talking with friends and family about the trip I have always brought up the wine tour. Meeting the vino makers and hearing their stories makes it so much more personnel. Knowing how much they love what they do, their passion for making the vino perfect, and wanting to share that with others.
Again, the day was very enjoyable
Grazie, Eva :-) (August 2006)

HI Rebecca - Marge and I wanted to both thank you and compliment you on the wine tour to Montalcino we took with you on May 17. We had a great time; we would definitely do it again if we get back in the area. We certainly will recommend it to our travelling friends.
While on the tour, one fails to notice how well conceived and executed the tour actually was. Only in retrospect can one actually appreciate your professionalism. The juxtaposition of the "mon & pop" winery with the middle market winery and the timing of the stop at San Antimo were a stroke of genius. And the meal - indescribable, simple in concept yet delicious in execution - really the highlight of the tour.
Ending the tour with a brief stop in Montalcino helped put the entire day in perspective.
Best of luck
Bill and Marge Sturm

I am tired and about to fall asleep, so this email will be short, confusing and full of typos.
The day we spent with you was the highlight of our week. The time we spent with you was really special. We learned a lot, tasted and drank a lot of wine, saw places off the beaten path, and experienced so much more than a drive through the region on our own. It was perfection, better than your wildest dreams.

I am torn between reporting our day with you, or keeping it a secret! It was that great!

I have so many thoughts and ideas to share with you, but I will leave them for another time when I am more awake. But I couldn't go to sleep or leave Tuscany without letting you know how much I enjoyed meeting you.
I have a great photo to share, of you and the key to your new house. Will send when I get better internet connection. Typing on the cell phone is difficult!
Good night my new friend, we shall keep in touch and see each other again soon. You are truly a special woman and feel so fortunate to meet you!
Paula (2006)

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to drop you a short note and tell you thank you very much for a wonderful day in Tuscany. We received the wine we ordered at the various places last week and are looking forward to enjoying a few bottles this weekend.
The day we spent with you in Tuscany was without a doubt the highlight of our trip to Italy. We are recommending your trips to anyone we meet and look forward to once again visiting such a beautiful part of the world.
I have a attached a couple of pictures from the day. Thank you again for all of your efforts and we all wish you the best of luck in the future.

Jay, Jean, Amy, Sef, Diane, Jessica, and Ali -- The group from Colorado! (2006)

Thank you so much for the wonderful time last week. It is, by far, one of the best times and most beautiful places we have ever been to. You are a wonderful and gracious person (you should also charge more, it is worth it!) I hope Alex and Lisa had a great time too. They had actually scheduled the Friday 15th tour with you. They are due back to the states until Tuesday. Here are a few pics and the one you requested. Take care.
The one with me holding your wine opener is on the train to Venice. We did not plan to go to Venice but we got a little tipsy one day and ended up doing a quick trip there. The opener came in handy.

P.S. Lori still wants to run away with Alberto
(2006)

Rebecca,

I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful Tuscan wine tour.
I am back in the US and when talking with friends and family about the trip I have always brought up the wine tour.
Meeting the vino makers and hearing their stories makes it so much more personnel. Knowing how much they love what they do, their passion for making the vino perfect, and wanting to share that with others.
Again, the day was very enjoyable.
Grazie, Eva :-)

Hi Rebecca,

Hope you are well. We just wanted to thank you so much for the wine tour. It was so much fun & the drive in the countryside was a breath of fresh air, especially after spending a few days in crowded Firenze! We took your advice & visited the monastery at Piazza San Marco... we had a pleasant & peaceful visit.
We're keeping one of the bottles for our 1 year anniversary next May... we'll think of you then!
Take care,
Nancy & Peter

I wanted to send an email of thanks to you – Ben and I had such a wonderful day with you and the group whilst in Tuscany. We’ve both mentioned that the day was an absolute highlight of a trip filled with amazing sights and experiences. You made our day so interesting and lovely; your pride in your work certainly shines through.
Thank you again, Rebecca. We wish you every success in all of your endeavors and hopefully we’ll meet again in Tuscany on another trip!
Warmest regards,
Lisa (2006)

Rebecca -
Nicole and I really enjoyed the Chianti Classico wine tour we took back in April.
This was one of the highlights of our honeymoon and we can't stop talking about it to all our friends. We have a few friends planning a trip to Italy. We have recommend your tour to all of them.
I hope you are doing well and thank you again for a wonderful time
Thank you,
Rob Spinelli
Anthony Vineyards, Inc.

We want to again thank you for a wonderful experience during our Tuscan Wine Tour. Now that we are back home in the states, we talk constantly about what a fabulous day we had with you. It truly was the highlight of our trip to Italy. Not only did we learn about wine, but we also got to see the beautiful Tuscan countryside. The day was perfect! Thank you for making our trip complete.
Sincerely,
Miguel and Sarah Ocampo
Mukwonago, Wisconsin, USA

We had such a great time on our trip. Thanks for making it so, and thanks for sharing it with us. We will certainly be passing your name on to people we meet. Amy is President of the American Women's Club in London this year and I know she will make lots of recommendations.
Here are just a few of the hundred or so pictures we took. I will be uploading all of them to a Kodak website I use. You should get an email link to view them. You can order prints direct from them, but really if you are interested in any, just drop me a line and I can email a copy.
And, keep an eye out for that just right, quaint, for sale, villa on a hill down in Tuscany and let me know. Who knows!
Best of luck in business and life and hope we see you again.
Marty Schweers (2006)

We thought we would drop you a note and send you some pictures from our tour October 20th in the Montalcino region. We had a great time and would definitely do it again when we come back to Italy. This time the Super Tuscans!! I hope you get the photos through. We saw your fun web page and you are more than welcome to post them there. If you can not open the zip file, let me know. We have some friends who will be in Italy in May and we are definitely going to send them your way. We saw pictures of your daughter in your site and she is gorgeous. God bless her. Again, thank you very much for a wonderful time and see you next time.
Arlene and Victor (from Puerto Rico) 2006

Hello Rebecca,
I miss you so much and I have never even met you. Debbie has gone on and on about you and your wonderful wine tours. Can't wait to come over and experience them for myself. Also, when are you coming to stay with me? Our home is always open to you and your daughter. My kids would love to have a new playmate.
Debbie is busy with work for the next week or so and will email you as soon as she gets a chance. She did want to send you some pics from her tour however. Hope you enjoy them.
Debbie's brother. 2006

Rebecca-
We want to again thank you for a wonderful experience during our Tuscan Wine Tour. Now that we are back home in the states, we talk constantly about what a fabulous day we had with you. It truly was the highlight of our trip to Italy. Not only did we learn about wine, but we also got to see the beautiful Tuscan countryside. The day was perfect! Thank you for making our trip complete.
Sincerely,
Miguel and Sarah Ocampo
Mukwonago, Wisconsin, USA

Dear Rebecca,
just a quick note to say thank you again for such a wonderful tour. It truly was our highlight to the Tuscan region and we thoroughly enjoyed the program that you set up and the wonderful people of the region you included. You can tell you have found your passion! We gave your card to Mr. Davanzati of the Davanzati Hotel on Via Porta Rossa and gave him a full report. I hope that it helps you to continue to grow your business. We will also write a trip report on trip advisor when we get home (in Venice now for 3 more days, then home).
Sincerely, Angela and Scott Hosking
on the Friday June 30th Montalcino tour
Charlotte, North Carolina USA

Hi Rebecca,

Well, we're finally back home in the states and I wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for a wonderful tour and day. I'm so glad that I found your site and got the chance to meet you. And it was so wonderful that we all got the chance to see parts of Tuscany that we would have never seen if not for your tour. We all learned so much...my husband refuses to buy anything but DOCG's now! :) It truly was a lovely, lovely experience and we'll be sure to contact you again the next time we make it back to Italia (possibly next May if all goes well.)

Thanks again, Rebecca, and good luck in all your future endeavors.
Samantha Shewalter
(May 2006)

Hi Rebecca, we would like to thank you for providing the highlight of our stay in Florence. Our day trip to the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany was perfect. We could not have imagined a better way to see the beautiful countryside and taste the wine. We enjoyed the way you planned the day so that the wine tasting was interspersed with olive oil, vinegar and honey tasting, a fabulous lunch and a look around the old towns. We appreciated your sharing your local knowledge with us, we felt that we learnt a lot and certainly went back to Florence feeling that we had consumed some excellent food and wine in true Tuscan style. We have been raving about it to everyone. Kaylene and Natalie (Australia/UK).

Dr Kaylene Young (Spring 2007)