July 14 – Tuscan Women Cook
If you missed it LIVE… Click here to listen or download this show! Show files are listed by date and the 4 segments are in reverse order.
The Good Life begins this week with Coleen Kirnan and Rhonda Villardo, two inventive business dynamos who decided to take a career risk that changed their lives. In 2014 they purchased Tuscan Women Cook, a unique culinary immersion vacation where participants learn to cook authentic Italian meals from legendary women in the Tuscan village of Montefollonico.
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“Have you ever wanted to learn to cook in Italy, to participate in Tuscan cooking classes? And return home with recipes handed down over generations and collected by us since 2000? Coleen Kirnan and Rhonda Villardo run a week-long travel and culinary experience in Tuscany called Tuscan Women Cook in the medieval town of Montefollonico. Each day participants learn to cook at the best cooks in all of Tuscany, local “Nonnas” who teach recipes handed down over generations. And for wine lovers, Tuscan Women Cook is situated in the heart of Brunello de Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano country, and border on the Chianti wine region. This is the center of the new Italian wine renaissance.”
Coleen Kirnan & Rhonda Villardo
“Put on your apron, gather around the old farmhouse table, get wrist-deep in pasta dough and learn Tuscan cooking from the source. Participants learn first-hand how to make gnocchi, tagliatelli, and pici—thick strings of handmade eggless pasta made originally in the area of Montefollonico. Multi-generations of family members gather here with Tuscan Women Cook to raise a glass in celebration of family milestones such as anniversaries, birthdays, and retirement. We even had one family stage an impromptu wedding!” Visit www.TuscanWomenCook.com for more info!
Here’s a Tuscan Woman Cook recipe for Vegetable & Bread Soup as featured on Parade.com
In the second half my good friend Dan Stockemer joins us to talk about a fun wine related event at Prairie Hill Vineyards in Colwich
Movie Night Under the Stars! – Featuring “Bottle Shock” 10th Anniversary Showing
Prairie Hill Vineyard Pavilion, Show at 8:30 PM
10.00 per person includes the movie, burgers or hot dogs and ice tea. Pay at the door. Drinks can be purchased at the Horseshoe Bar. Bring your family and friends, a lawn chair, or a lawn blanket. “Bottle Shock” is a romantic comedy drama starring Alan Rickman, Chris Pine and Bill Pullman. It is based on the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” which vaulted Napa County onto the world stage. You will love this movie.
Check out the event on Facebook!
Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2012 Villa Puccini Toscana Italy
This Super Tuscan is 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot. Villa Puccini shows bright fruity aromas of cherry, violets and fresh spices. Hints of oak, vanilla and a little light licorice are echoed on the palate. The taste is full-bodied with flavors of ripe cherries, chocolate and fresh spices. Long finish with lingering fruit and tannins.
James Suckling: 92 Points: Plenty of dried fruit and chocolate aromas and flavor. Medium body, lovely ripe tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Really pretty to drink now.
This wine is on SALE this week at Jacob Liquor Exchange on North Rock Road!
Only $10.99 – Tell them you heard about it from Good Life Guy 🙂
Famous for its radiant light, vibrant colors, beautiful architecture, flavorful foods, and opulent wines, Provence is one of the most visited destinations of the world. To turn the pages of Windows on Provence: Musings on the Food, Wine, and Culture of the South of France is to be immersed in the magical region. 
Georgeanne Brennan is the author of the popular food memoir, A Pig in Provence as well as the culinary classic, Potager. She is also the author of My Culinary Journey:Food and Fetes of Provence. She lives in both France and Northern California. Learn more at 
In the second half my brother Brian joins me to talk about “Wines for Summer and Grilling” something that we are both very fond of. Brian will be sitting by his pool on the Gulf of Mexico in Reddington Beach Florida…I will be here in the studio 🙂
From Wichita’s own Dr. Theo Mellion – The inaugural vintage of Espirit du Mistral Rosé is the perfect choice for hot summer entertaining and is particularly food friendly for summer fare off the grill. A 
• First 50 guests receive a free gift!
In his debut cookbook, Joe Gurrera, one of New York’s most-beloved fishmongers, and owner of the prestigious Citarella markets, is on a mission to show us how easy it is to cook seafood. Customers tell Joe again and again that they’re afraid to cook fish. They don’t know how to buy it or prepare it. Enter JOE KNOWS FISH. This book is a roadmap for novices looking to learn the basics of sourcing and cooking fish. With his easy-to-follow recipes and experience-based tips, Joe takes the intimidation out of cooking seafood. 
Here’s a classic family-owned French wine estate. Domaine des Côtes Blanches was founded in the 1930s by Bernard & Pierre Millet. Fast-forward to 1980 and François & Monique, the next generation, expand the estate to 21 hectares, split between Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir (15 to 6 Ha).
A tangy, herb-infused version, with lots of thyme and chive notes and hints of asparagus and fleur de sel. Offers a brisk, bony finish. (JM) 
Discover the hidden life of wine. 
Kevin Begos is a former MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellow whose stories and research have appeared in major newspapers and other publications, including Scientific American, Harper’s, USA Today, the New York Times, and others. He reviews books for the Associated Press and is a former AP correspondent. Follow Kevin on 
A wine that really does offer something for a large array of individuals, from someone purely interested in a nice drink to those seeking to explore the nuances of these “alternate” varieties. The Viognier certainly takes center stage on the nose in the guise of stone fruits, candied ginger and florals. In the background for those keen on honing their senses, Marsanne adds slightly more exotic notes of green mango, hay and almond. The palate has a lovely medium bodied weight to it, without any of that oiliness that over ripe Viognier can deliver. Precise acid throughout and a mild pithy texture on the finish ensure freshness and spice to keep the sweetness of the fruit in check. Fruity and spicy yet dry make this an all occasions wine. Wine & Spirits 91/100 
In addition, the Sangiacomos wanted to honor the family’s rich history in Sonoma County, as well as create a legacy for generations to come. “We’re getting to the point where the next generation is coming up, and we thought having our own wine label would be a nice addition to the family business,” says Mike Sangiacomo. “We love what we do and we now have the opportunity to share our wines at the table.”
Our Bottle: