The whole reason this trip started is thanks to my lovely friend Rachel. I have to give her the credit, because she has inspired me endlessly since I met her 2 years ago, and even more so once she decided to quit her job and leave on a European adventure in February. It is nice when your soul meets another one just like it, and it just knows by being instant friends, and that is what happened when we met. I am so grateful she has been in my life since moving to Denver.
So after my workaway farm experience for a week in Castiglion Fiorentin, I came to visit Rachel for a few days in her cute, little Tuscan adopted town of 2 months. Rachel is a wine seller by trade, and fell into an opportunity to give tours at a local winery, as well as work for a wine shop the center of the city. In the short time I was there, I went on 2 differnt wine tours (in Tuscany, I know this is the dream! SO lucky!) had endless glasses of 100 euro wine, and met some of the most interesting and incredible people that she has the pleasure of calling friends and co-workers.
I want to say we did more than eat and drink our way around Cortona, but honestly, that is all we did and it was FANTASTIC. I’m talking exclusive wine tours, and even going to an incredible pairings dinner Thursday night with some of the best wines (and Italian food) I have ever had with over 50 locals. Pinch me. I have never met such kind people who don’t make (too much) fun of my simple vino palette. From Italian food to sushi, Cortona and its residents have far exceeded my expectations.
First stop: Avignonesi Winery for a tour and tasting
Second stop: Barachi for a tour and tasting, where Rachel works. I got to open the champagne! 
Stop Three: Wine tasting in the town square.
My last night, sharing a beer at the local pub together after an expensive bottle of champagne. Thanks Marco!
I am so grateful she was going to be in Italy, and introduced me to Workaway, because it made me start looking for an adventure for myself. And I found one in the town right next to where she would be! Worked out so well. Now off to Venice and sister time!
I have been loving all of your post from this Europe trip! What a great, back roads adventure you are having 🙂 I enjoyed hearing about Cortona because that is where the movie Under the Tuscan Sun took place and I love that movie lol Have a great rest of your trip and can’t wait to read your next post!