There is no other country on earth with a wine culture like that of Italy. There are over 2000 indigenous varieties (native grapes) spread throughout this beautiful country. Each of Italy's 20 regions is home to a unique viticultural industry, from the cool climates in the northeast such as Alto Adige and Friuli to the warm, sunny zones of the south such as Campania, Puglia and Sicily. Be it delicious whites with vibrant acidity or powerful reds that age for decades, Italian wines present every color in the rainbow, viticulturally speaking!

While millions of wine drinkers love Italian wines, the subject can be a bit overwhelming and somewhat confusing, so most people need a guide to help them understand the difference between a Valpolicella and a Valtellina. Let Tom Hyland be that guide.

He has made more than 30 visits to Italy, traveling to virtually every region. He has written about these wines for such publications as Decanter, Saveur, Wine News, Quarterly Review of Wines, Drinks and Italianicious. Since 2002, he has been publishing a quarterly subscription newsletter entitled Guide to Italian Wines, which contains reviews of the newest wines he tastes during his trips to Italy.

He has a freelance photographer's contract with Cephas Picture Library in England, the leading source for wine images. His photos have been published in several publications including Decanter, Drinks and Wine News.

He also teaches classes on Italian wines in his hometown of Chicago and has lectured on the subject for the Italian Trade Commission as well as VinItaly.

Let Tom Hyland lead you through the wonderful world of Italian wines!