We owe much of modern-day society to the Etruscans, as well as our wine!

As the light of day began to soften into late afternoon Luigi drove us home through the rolling Tuscan countryside.

Yes, we were deeply drinking and savoring every drop of Tuscan culture and tradition.

And when I did, I remembered why I love this country so much. My heart had come home!

Our lite dinner was paired with a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from the Gracciano cellars. Ah, back home in Italy - la dolce vita!

We should have been somewhere over the Atlantic tonight - heading to Tuscany and Normandy for a six-week sleepover to celebrate my 60th!