Appropriately named with the Italian word for ‘Bee,’ Ape Wine Bar [pronounced ah PAY] is the center of the perpetual energy of Alba, Italy. Located immediately adjacent to the Duomo di Alba, whose original structure dates to the late 5th Century but whose current structure only dates to the first half of the 12th Century, Ape represents, and is, what the Langhe Region of Italy is all about … wine!

There is a reason why here you will find the greatest selection of incredible wines by the glass … the owners of Ape Wine Bar also own three vineyards … one of which is the oldest in Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage site!

My first glass of Vigneto Valeirano 2007 and I was hooked!

Surrounded by two beautiful Grandmothers on my left, an impeccably fashioned woman on my right, the beautiful plate of formaggio before me made me wonder what I had ever done to deserve such a welcoming experience.

The following night I returned again, intending to stay only for another glass of Barbaresco, but when I felt the welcome of Vanessa’s smile, instead I ordered a bottle.

Shortly thereafter I was introduced to Andrea, whose family’s wine production is revered throughout the world. It was later in the evening, as I relished the richness of the wine that only grew with each glass, that I looked over at Andrea and raised my glass and applauded his family and their wine, when he replied by bowing his head in humility, and said, ‘Grazie.’ Then, in a moment that will forever remain etched in my mind, he came over to me and touched his glass to mine, saying, ‘Saluto!’ Like the closing scene from the film Casablanca, this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship!!!