Aperitivo

Two years ago, we began the tradition of hosting Aperitivo at Patina Collection. I wanted to create an intimate evening to celebrate and thank our customers and friends. The idea was born from my love of the Italian tradition of Aperitivo. In essence, it is a long, languid “happy hour” of sorts.

Wherever you go in Italy, restaurants, coffee shops, gelaterias, and wine shops all host Aperitivo. Locals gather in town squares, where so much of Italian life takes place, and enjoy a spritz, a prosecco, or their drink of choice, accompanied by fresh local olives, chips, nuts, bruschetta, salami, prosciutto, Parmesan cheese, or whatever happens to be offered that day.

We are fortunate to be near so many towns that celebrate this ritual: Lucignano, Sinalunga, Arezzo, Cortona, Siena, and Rigomagno. The warm and inviting essence of Italian culture is incredible. It is the very reason we bought a house there in three days. It transcends common sense.

Originally, Aperitivo was designed to open the palate for the long, late dinners for which Italians are so well known. But as we have become more a part of our community, I have come to see that it is truly something more. It is a moment to sit with new neighbors, meet family members, chat with the owner of the local flower shop, or talk with vendors from the weekly market you attend. It is a time when you begin to know people for who they truly are.

A Presto,