Novio’s Radio: The Grass Ain’t Greener

There’s something magical about sipping a Negroni under the Mediterranean sun or watching the world go by with an Aperol Spritz in hand at a Parisian bistro. This week’s episode of Cocktails with Friends transported listeners to France and Italy, where our host, Bob Cutler, recounted his European escapades. His journey through vineyards, bustling restaurants, and even 30,000 feet in the air offered more than just a travelogue—it was a sensory exploration of food, wine, and spirits.

The Vineyard’s Whisper: Grapes, Rain, and Resilience
Bob’s travels began in Piedmont, Italy—a region steeped in wine lore and famed for its Barolo, Nebbiolo, and Barbera. Amidst torrential rains and frantic grape harvesting, he observed how nature’s whimsy shapes the winemaking process. “A dry season stresses the vines, intensifying flavors,” Bob explained, “while a wet season yields fruitier notes.” It’s a delicate dance between earth and sky that determines the essence of the glass.

This reminded him of childhood days, where making bathtub wine was less about terroir and more about fun. “The Italian kids would stomp the grapes, sell the wine, and buy new shoes,” he said.

This is just a taste of what you can hear on Cocktails with Friends. Catch the entire episode on your favorite podcast platform; all the links are here: noviosbistro.com/cocktailswithfriends.