It’s a quiet Sunday morning and after two cups of coffee, baking oatmeal cookies, and humming Gray Skies Are Gonna Clear Up, I am getting ready to head out to my first barbecue of the season. The weather isn’t being overly cooperative, but the wind is frisky and so here’s hoping we see some sunshine. I don’t have too much to report today, but it makes me sad to see the story about Cinder every time I open my blog, so I thought I would write a little something.
Earlier in the week I met a lovely couple from South Carolina who after we chatted for a minute asked me if I was the author Jenny Criswell. After I affirmed that I was, they ebulliently informed me that they’d read my book. ROCK STAR. MOMENT. It was awesome. Not only did they gush about me to the other poor souls who were on our afternoon wine tour, but I am giving serious consideration to asking them to handle my publicity. Seriously, they know my life better than I do. I met them for drinks the other night and we chatted about Montepulciano. They come here frequently, so they get my love of this place.
But probably the biggest news of the week is that I passed the first level of my FISAR Sommelier course…. in Italian!!!!! We celebrated last weekend with a dinner with many many bottles of wine… and now I eagerly await the second level of the course in the fall. Not only was the course fun and instructive, but I have gotten to know a lot of wonderful new people. I also want to say thank you to Christian and Bianca, my Poliziano clients from Germany who when they heard I passed my exam came back the next day with chocolate cake!
The book continues to do well, so thank you to all of you who have read and rated online. I am grateful for your support. And not just support on the book. All of the love and messages that I have received since Cinder died have been appreciated. My house is still lonely, but I am accepting lots of invitations and getting out more.
Here’s to sunny skies all around. Buona Domenica!
Federico and Anna Carletti may own one of the most important wineries in Montepulciano, but they didn’t hesitate to pitch in and prepare wine for clients one Saturday when I was working alone!
Rosso di Montepulciano 2013 vintage in progress… Honestly how great is my job?
Our celebration dinner for the wine course… before we started taking turns slicing champagne bottles with swords… Don’t try this at home folks 🙂
One of our instructors, Luca, explaining to Giulio the importance of finding the g-spot of the champagne bottle before slicing off the cork… erm it didn’t go so well!
jennifercriswell.com 
Hi Jennifer,
I worked with your aunt, Kris Randall, for many years and she told me about your book, “At Least You’re in Tuscany”. I’m planning a trip with my family to Italy in June of 2016 (I call it my “Italy Project”….I have been researching Italy for two years now and have even purchased Rosetta Stone to learn some of the language!) My motivation for choosing Italy as our vacation destination was the food and the wine. However, my research has left me completely smitten with the Italian way of life! I’ve just read your blog for the first time and I’m excited about reading your future adventures….recipes included! I’m also eager to read your book and plan to read it this summer. Our travels to Italy will allow several days in Tuscany….my plan at this point is to do some day trips out of Sienna. I would love to see your travel tips, recommended tours and must-sees and must-dos while we are there. Specifically, I would love to spend a day devoted to exploring the wine in that region.
Be well…
Beth Finkbeiner
Auburn, California
Hi Beth!
Your trip sounds like it will be a lot of fun! I will be happy to give you some tips on wineries to visit here in Montepulciano or in Brunello if that helps. I don’t have much information on tours, etc, but I do have friends who do day trips. check out Just in Tuscany. My friend manuele does some nice half day or full day trips centered around wine in Chianti and Brunello. Let’s keep in touch as your trip gets closer! Best, Jenny
Hi Jennifer,
I just finished reading your book and loved it. I spent three weeks in Italy for my 50th birthday. 7 days of that trip was spent in a house just outside of Chiusi. We loved Milan, Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast and Rome, but none affected us like Tuscany, even with the record rain (we were there late April/early May). I fell in love with Montepulciano, the countryside and the people of Tuscany. After reading your book, Ryan and I were curious to find out if you were still there. He googled your name and found your blog. It was heartbreaking to read about Cinder and I’m terribly sorry for your loss, but excited to see your blog and continue to follow your story.
Congrats on passing the first level of your FISAR
Thank you so much!!! You made my day!!! If you have a minute to write a few words about the book on amazon or goodreads, rave reviews are welcome!!! I am trying to spread the word!!! Thanks also for your kind words about Cinder. It’s getting a bit easier, but I still have my moments when I am just inconsolable! I am glad you love Montepulciano, it is really a special little town and I feel lucky to be here. Next time you are here, let me know and we’ll have drinks! Thanks again for the support!!! 🙂