Maybe it was my upbringing in Los Angeles, surrounded by the film industry, but I really haven’t had much of the starstruck excitement that follows celebrity day to day. I don’t have any autographs, watch very little television, and get more excitement over watching a documentary than a feature in the movie theater. I will say, though, that I more than jumped at the opportunity to be a guest at a small luncheon in Sausalito, CA with Lidia Bastianich. This isn’t a celebrity, this is an icon, at least in the food world, and everyone at the table knew it. While we were given Lidia’s new book “Lidia Cooks From The Heart Of Italy” (we highly recommend this, by the way) as a parting gift, the lunch at Poggio was really to taste the Bastianich wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia and Tuscany.

Lidia and her son Joseph founded their Friulian winery, Bastianich, in 1997 featuring grapes native to the area such as Friulano, Refosco, Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Picolit, Merlot and Pignolo. The wines of Bastianich are created to speak as much about the history as the place, while demonstrating the power and finesse capable in modern wine making.

In 2000, the two teamed up with partner Mario Batali to start a Maremma, Tuscany winery, to much acclaim, called La Mozza. 45 minutes Southwest of Montalcino, the Maremma is mostly known for Morellino di Scanzano a local version of Sangiovese. While La Mozza produces an especially juicy, supple version, they are also pushing the boundaries of the area with their Sangiovese/Syrah/Alicante/Carignan blend, Aragone (a particular favorite at La Pastaia Ristorante & Enoteca)

As with all good things, our lunch had to come to an end so that Lidia could go on to a book signing at Emporio Rulli ,and then off to a wine dinner. Only an icon could handle such a celebrity schedule with such grace, generosity and poise.