One of my most pivotal life moments was studying abroad in Italy. The experience opened my eyes to the world and changed me as a person. In those few short months I grew more than ever before, and that is truly what sparked my love of travel and blogging.

That is why Italy is so dear to my heart and why anything Italian just speaks to my soul. I recently tried Torresella, an authentic Italian wine from Venice, and it transported me back to my weekend trip to Venice 8+ years ago.

I actually visited Venice during Carnival (see pictures below) and was so enamored by the masks and beautiful costumes. The city came alive like it was still 1296, the first official year or Carnival. Did you know Carnival begins with the Flight of the Angel (Symbolizing Beauty)– a ritual dating to the 1500s and ends with the Flight of The Lion (Symbolizing Majestic Power of City), and mascot of St. Mark?

What is truly remarkable about Venice is the cities outlook on women. Women in Venice were (and still are) viewed as intelligent and creative and leaders in society. They were (and continue) to take part in major roles, from finance to education, culture and writing. The female spirit is alive and celebrated in Venice, and it fills me with some much female power – I love it!

A few weeks ago I took Torresella’s Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Wine and Pinot Grigio Venezia DOC to the snowy mountains to share with my friends. It’s an amazing social wine for sharing because it’s light and crisp. We had a few glasses around the table and enjoyed the winter wonderland surrounding us.