Itineraries
Cecchi's South American tour
Cecchi's presence extends way beyond the Italian border. Italian wine, and most importantly its culture, is universally loved by wine connoisseurs and everyday wine lovers.
Cecchi's tour in Colombia and Peru
South America has proven to be an important importer of Italian wine. Back in February and March, Cecchi Winery was represented by Cesare Cecchi himself in South America. Cesare traveled throughout Colombia and Peru where Cecchi wines are enjoyed with passion. With great respect for Italian grapes and culture there is an intense desire for Italian wine in this region, which blend so perfectly with traditional meals.
It was a memorable time for Cesare to personally meet restaurant owners, ambassadors and importers. It was a time to personally recount stories, share culinary experiences and discuss business tactics that keep Cecchi to a high, modern standard while still respecting the tradition of Cesare's father's vineyard, land and name.
South American cuisine
Wine tastings were organized and stories were exchanged over long meals. The goal of the trip was to delve deeper into South American food to really understand the cuisine and to understand and relate to the palette that plays an intricate role within these country's history and tradition.
Pairing wine with other cultural meals is extremely important, so Cesare was there to taste, share and learn. The cuisine in these countries have excelled and proven to match the high standards of the cuisine we well know and enjoy in Europe.
Cesare was extremely impressed by the hospitality, quality and service he experienced while on this delectable journey. He was able to embark on lunches, dinners and tastings throughout some of the most beautiful areas of Colombia and Peru.
The time spent in South America was memorable—where Cesare was able to note top locations where he took in the best that Bogota, Cartagena and Lima has to offer.
Colombian cuisine
Let's begin with one of the largest clubs in South America, Club El Nogal. Their focus is on culinary excellence and offers an enormous space for events. They are dedicated to hospitality and cuisine; it's a place where you will find something for everyone.
Cesare enjoyed lunch at Giordanelli in Bogotá, which has one of the most extensive wine cellars dedicated to Italian wine. The menu keeps Italian culture alive by serving traditional plates that pair so well with Cecchi wine, like a nice bottle of Riserva di Famiglia.
Andrés Carne de Res is an optimum locale in Bogotá where you can find some of the most impressive steak and an atmosphere that entices any wine lover to sit and enjoy a meal with close friends.
As for dining in Cartagena, Cesare highly recommends Don Juan for its wide range menu including traditional South American plates with seafood, sauces and all types of cuts of meat. Another sumptuous option is La Vitrola where you will find a Caribbean flared ambiance perfectly paired with spicy seafood dishes.
If you are looking for bay views from the marina in Cartagena then head to Club de Pesca. This open-air gem serves traditional cuisine that is perfectly paired with their wine list, which includes many great Italian bottles. Dine to the live sounds of jazz and even bolero and flamenco dancers.
Peruvian cuisine
This region is well-known for their meat, seafood and sauces. All of which goes down so well with a wide range of Cecchi wine. A favorite of Cesare's is Astrid & Gastón. This is the perfect place to explore a fresh mix of the Andes, Amazon and oriental influences.
One last stop was a private wine tasting event with top sommeliers at Vinopolis in Lima.
If you are planning a trip to South America then note these must-eat-at locations to ensure that you take in the best of South American cuisine. Most importantly, each dish is perfectly married to the perfect glass of wine, leaving you with a strong understanding of their culture, tradition and where their cuisine is heading.
