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Valerie Quintanilla

Valerie Quintanilla

Ciao I'm Val, an American expat living in the Langhe, a magical wine region in Northern Italy. I'm a marketing pro by trade, but since living abroad have been working in travel planning, wine tourism, and freelance writing. My expat chronicles include wine, cooking, travel, and other bits and bobs. I'd love to have you join me virtually - and look me up if you make it my way. I'm always up for a glass of vino. Cin cin!

i bricchi barbera
Val's Book ClubFebruary 9, 2022<January 26, 2023

Armchair Travel: Wine Pairing and Books

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that books have been one of my escapes during this super cool pandemic chapter of our…

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Books in shelf
Val's Book ClubDecember 29, 2021<January 26, 2023

My Favorite Books of 2021 & an Invite to Read with Me

What a year, y’all. Not quite as recovered from this whole pandemic thing as we’d hope. But, whatcha gonna do? Me? I read. A…

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alba-white-truffle
Alba, Piedmont TravelJuly 30, 2021<January 25, 2023

Piedmont Travel: Alba White Truffle Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve got Piedmont travel planned, don’t miss a chance to experience the storied Alba white truffle.  The Alba white truffle is a full…

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alba, italy
Alba, Dining, Lodging, Piedmont TravelAugust 23, 2020<January 27, 2023

Alba Italy Guide: One of the best small towns in Piedmont

Alba Italy – your inside scoop on one of the best small towns in Piedmont Italy!  The Piedmont region is a haven of gastronomic…

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where to stay in alba, italy
Alba, Lodging, Piedmont TravelAugust 15, 2020<January 27, 2023

Where to Stay in Barolo Wine Country: Geography, Practicalities

Where to stay in Barolo wine country or the larger Piedmont wine region: an insider’s guide to what you need to know.  A question…

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barbera food pairing
Food and Wine, Food and Wine Pairing, Piedmont Travel, WineJuly 25, 2020<August 2, 2020

Barbera Wine Pairing: Lessons from Piedmont

Barbera wine pairing – that tantalizing acidity makes it oh-so food-friendly!  Let’s start our Barbera wine pairing lesson with a look at the grape…

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Barbaresco food pairing
Cooking with Denise, Food and Wine, Food and Wine PairingJuly 25, 2020<December 29, 2021

Barbaresco Food Pairing: Lessons from Piedmont

A Barbaresco food pairing lesson, complete with recipes!   Okay, so you may have already read our piece on Barolo wine pairing. Since Barbaresco and…

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Rivetto_Winery_Italy
Cooking with Denise, Food and Wine, Food and Wine Pairing, Piedmont TravelJuly 25, 2020<December 29, 2021

Barolo Wine Pairing: Lessons From Piedmont

Barolo wine pairing lessons – and, don’t forget to apply test your learnings!  To get things going, I created a quick and easy food…

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piedmont wine delivery
Wine OffersJuly 25, 2020<November 22, 2022

Next Piedmont wine delivery: The Mamma Mia Offer!

How ‘bout another Piedmont wine delivery!? We call this the Mamma Mia offer because these wines are…MAMMA MIA!! It’s been 4 months since our…

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barbera wine pairing
Cooking with Denise, Food and Wine, Food and Wine Pairing, RecipesJune 26, 2020<September 4, 2020

Denise’s Pressure Cooker Brisket with Molasses BBQ Sauce

Pressure cooker brisket with molasses bbq sauce that’ll blow your mind. And, don’t forget the brisket wine pairing!  When I visited Denise of Castello…

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brioche hamburger buns recipe
Cooking with Denise, Food and Wine, Food and Wine Pairing, RecipesJune 26, 2020<August 23, 2020

Denise’s Delish Brioche Hamburger Buns Recipe

Brioche hamburger buns recipe and your favorite meaty BBQ makes for a mouthwatering masterpiece.  Denise of Castello di Sinio treated me to her brioche…

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summer slaw recipe
Cooking with Denise, Food and Wine, Food and Wine Pairing, RecipesJune 26, 2020<July 28, 2020

Summer Slaw Recipe for Barbecue

Have we got a summer slaw recipe for you!  Who doesn’t love a fresh, creamy slaw in the summer heat? Well, Denise’s summer slaw…

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oven roasted pulled pork
Cooking with Denise, Food and Wine, Food and Wine Pairing, Recipes, UncategorizedJune 19, 2020<July 8, 2020

Oven roasted pulled pork recipe with wine pairing

Ready for some fun flavors? Here comes an easy oven roasted pulled pork recipe! Denise of Castello di Sinio decided we should do pulled…

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pizza dough recipe by hand
Cooking with Denise, Food and Wine, Food and Wine Pairing, RecipesJune 19, 2020<December 29, 2021

The Most Excellent Pizza and Focaccia Dough Recipe

Bomb pizza and focaccia dough recipe – ya ready!?   One thing I learned quickly during lockdown in Italy…pretty much everyone has a recipe for…

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