From Trieste with Love: Olio Capitale 2025
Though the primary reason for our journey to Northern Italy was to attend Olio Capitale in Trieste, it was the quiet charm of the small villages we visited along the way that truly stole our hearts. Nestled between rolling hills, vine-covered slopes, and cobblestone streets, these hidden gems offered a slower, more intimate glimpse into Italian life.
Asolo: Where Time Slows Down
After arriving from opposite directions — one flight from Venice, the other from Milan — we reunited in the charming hilltop town of Asolo, a jewel tucked into the foothills of the Alps in Italy’s Veneto region. Known as “The Pearl of the Province of Treviso” and “The City of a Hundred Horizons,” Asolo greets you with panoramic views, poetic quietude, and a sense of place that inspires both reflection and celebration.
We stayed at the elegant Albergo al Sole, a historic 5 Star mountaintop hotel overlooking the old town. Our days in Asolo were spent wandering the steep cobbled streets, and browsing the local boutiques. No trip to Asolo is complete without a stop at Caffè Centrale in Piazza Garibaldi. Beneath the stone archways, locals and travelers sip cappuccinos and espresso, letting conversations stretch as long as the shadows on the square. We joined them in the morning, savoring the creamy espresso, the people-watching, and that indescribable magic of Italian cafés — where time pauses, just long enough for you to fall in love with life again.
Asolo at night
Trieste: Where Olive Oil Meets the Adriatic
From Asolo, we traveled north to the stunning seaside city of Trieste, where the Adriatic Sea meets Central European charm. Our stay at The Modernist Hotel was a vibrant contrast to Asolo’s historic quiet. The hotel is situated in a beautifully preserved historic building on the vibrant Corso Italia, which was originally constructed by the renowned doctor and philanthropist Gregorio Ananian.— the bold artwork, velvet textures in fiery orange and red, and televisions mounted on the ceilings made for a playful, Avantgarde experience. Trieste is endlessly walkable, with grand piazzas, hidden courtyards, and unforgettable food. At De Basile, we were delighted to find our Sicilian partner, Frantoio Gabriele, featured on every table. Their exceptional EVOO, 0.2, was used both for dipping and in the dishes — a proud moment for us.
The highlight of our time in Trieste was attending Olio Capitale, where we met dozens of small-scale producers from across Italy. Each shared their harvests and stories, and we’re thrilled to begin working with many of them to bring their 2025 olive oils directly to you.
Olio Capitale 2025
Trieste at night.
Villa Michelangelo: A Vicentine Escape
Our journey continued south to Villa Michelangelo, an 18th-century Palladian-style countryhouse retreat, nestled in the Berici hills above Arcugnano, in the province of Vicenza. With panoramic windows, vases of red roses, chilled local Prosecco, and fresh strawberries awaiting us, it was luxury infused with authentic Italian hospitality.
The town of Vicenza offered historic charm and boutique shopping by day, followed by a truly memorable dinner at La Loggia, the villa’s gourmet restaurant. The highlight? A velvety pumpkin ravioli that whispered of tradition and chef-driven innovation.
Castelvetro di Modena: A Balsamic Journey
Next, we headed southwest to La Vedetta, a peaceful agriturismo run by the Venturelli Family, who have been producing authentic Aceto di Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena for nearly five decades. Their hospitality was unmatched — we were welcomed with a personal tour and a deep dive into the centuries-old process of making balsamic vinegar the traditional way.
We tasted everything from fresh condimenti to their very first batch of aged balsamic — over 45 years old. The gourmet dinner that followed featured dishes elevated by their balsamic, including an unforgettable risotto drizzled with their IGP Gold. We paired it with house-made wine, slept soundly in beautifully appointed rooms, and left with full hearts and full stomachs.
San Marino: A Republic in the Sky
Our final destination was the breathtaking microstate of San Marino, one of the world's oldest republics. We wound our way up Mount Titano, entered the medieval stone gates, and spent the afternoon exploring the walled city’s cobblestone streets and castle-like Three Towers ending the night at the Grand Hotel San Marino.
Boutique shops, cliffside views, and the romantic atmosphere of this mountaintop nation made for a magical end to our journey.
View of surrounding countryside from San Marino
Why We Travel
This trip wasn’t just about discovering new products — it was about deepening our connections to the people, stories, and landscapes that define Italian food culture. Trips like this are a reminder of why we do what we do at Cesena Family Imports.
From the tranquil elegance of Asolo to the vibrance of Trieste, from the rolling hills of Vicenza to the heights of San Marino — the soul of Italy lives in these places. Every town, every producer, every cup of coffee has a story — and we’re here to bring those stories home to your table.
We can’t wait to share these flavors, stories, and new collaborations with you throughout 2025. Grazie mille for being part of our journey.
Stay tuned. The best of Italy is on its way to your table.