The Fruits of Italy

A little while ago, I decided to take a day trip to Stresa. It's another small town on Lake Maggiore and about a 20 minute train ride from Sesto. I wandered through all the cobble stone streets and found some unique gifts to bring home. Just as I was about to head back to the station, I happened upon the most original wine shop/bar that I have seen. From Milan to Rome to Florence, this is by far the best.

It's called La Cambusa and from the front you would not think much of it. The store front is overflowing with spices, pastas, and souvenir bottles of limoncello. It's overcrowded, overstuffed, and overpacked with a million little Italian treats. But, you walk in and realize there is a little bar in the corner that is hidden by olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Then, you turn another corner, and discover that this little shop probably has more wine than any bar, restaurant, or hotel. Next, you ask the owner, Rosaria, to help you pick out a good red wine to take home. And this is where the true adventure begins.

Rosaria and her family have owned this shop for 52 years. It started off as a small store where she sold breads, fruits, veggies, sandwiches, and a few bottles of wine. Then, she decided that that was not enough. So, gradually, she improved her wine collection and now has over 800 different labels. As you can imagine, choosing just a few bottles to bring home in your suitcase would be quite difficult! But, do not worry, they ship all around the world!

We sat in the back of the store where she holds her wine tastings and chatted over a glass of red wine. She brought out some slices of bread with olive oil and some special spices from the south of Italy. If you like, you can do the "Taste of Italy" with Rosaria. It is a very special tasting that is unique to this shop. How do I know this? Because, Rosaria said she does not let anyone else in town see the tasting because then they will copy her! So, you know you are getting a one-of-a-kind experience.

Rosaria knows good wine and is not afraid to tell you what she thinks! Red is her specialty and she will not drink a bottle that is less than 8.80 euros. Why? Because then it is not wine. Wine, she says, must be able to breath. So, she prefers bottles with an actual cork. And, she will not try to sell you the most expensive bottle in the shop. She will tell you the best wine to buy for the best price.

From the smells, the sounds, to the entire family, it truly is a memorable time. You walk in as a tourist and leave as part of the "famiglia". Plus, Rosaria and her 3 children all speak about 5 different languages. So, translation is not a problem!

Come in for aperitivo around 5pm. Sit and drink whatever wines they have open that evening and feel right at home.

Check out the video!

Buon Appetito Ya'll ;)