Italian Tour
Saturday, March 21, 2009
9:00am
Event planned by Mike Sevel
4700 N. Lamar
Austin 78751
Closeup map of the Triangle here - Mandola's is #1.
- Meet at 9:00 a.m.
- Italian and regular coffees available and ample Italian pastries.
- We can gather in the market and depart at 10:00 am.
Bella Vista Ranch Wimberley
- Arrive appx. 11:15 am.
- Located at 3101 Mt. Sharp Rd. BV
- BV desbribes itself as "A touch of Tuscany in Texas" and has historical significance as it is the first commercial olive ranch in Texas.
- It is designed around a typical Italian farm. They have 174 acres and 1,000 olive trees along with mediterranean vegetables and fruit trees.
- Appx. 1 1/2 hours is required for the tour which includes a walking tour of the orchards and processing rooms and a narrative of olive oil production techniques in Italy and Texas.
- In addition there are tastings of olive oils/bread, jams/jellies and hand crafted wines.
- The cost is $10 per person. They also have a small retail store for purchases of the farm's products. Depart appx. 1:00 pm
Mandola's Winery, Trattoria Lisina Restaurant
- Arrive appx. 1:45 pm.
- Located in Driftwood.
- Owner suggests we have an informal and easy to learn Italian bocce ball game in the court adjacent to the patio dining area after lunch.
- He will provide the winner a gift certificate to the restaurant for $50 and a bottle of Mandola's wine to the runner up.
- Anyone not interested in the game can take a wine production /bottling tour.