Although our visit of Toronto was short, it was really delightful. On the first night we enjoyed a dinner with friends – the company was exceptional. Great people who love wine. What more can you ask for?

The day after we did a “get to know Toronto” tour of the city and at the end of the day we dined in a genuine Canadian restaurant – lovely environment, great food.

Then we flew to Atlanta where 3 intense days awaited us, filled with visits of restaurants, hotels and wine stores.

Atlanta is a city where I would love to open a wine store – for now it is just an idea I am playing with, but if all goes well we could get this going shortly…

On one of our first nights we had the pleasure of dining in Craft, where I got to know the extremely competent sommelier Scott Schackelford. The food was superlative. www.craftatlanta.com

We also visited a great expert of wines Christopher Soluri – his place Fine Wine Connection has a truly admirable selection of wines. From Christopher I bought 2 bottles of pinot: one was from Oregon, Rambouillet Vineyard (Duscky Goose 2006), and the other from The Beaux Frères Vineyard  (Beaux Frères 2007). After I will have tried them I will send you my feedback.

Another night we visited the exclusive Buckhead Club where we had the opportunity to do a wine tasting with Cathy Phillips – a woman with a truly refined palate and excellent taste.  www.buckhead-club.com

We also enjoyed a superlative dinner in the Tasting Room Restaurant – the chef has a real talent and knows his craft. Greg Sisto is the director of the wine shop and he understand perfectly how to match wines to each mood and atmosphere. If you have a chance, you should absolutely come to dine here. www.atlwines.com

My overall impression of Atlanta was extremely positive: a city with a great potential and many people interested in good wines.

These are just a few notes and impressions from my visit. I surely did not thank everyone I should, but I must not forget expressing my gratitude to Adam for his hospitality. My warmest thanks to you and your family, Adam.

Many greetings from Tony, and I will come again to Atlanta soon! 

My next trip to North America is in March 2010: Miami, Atlanta, New Jersey, DC and Boston.