Scenes from Abruzzo

The hillside above Anversa degli Abruzzi, a fortress-hamlet built into the cliffs in such a dizzying fashion that M.C. Escher actually came here to draw it. Michael James O'Brien

Abruzzo, Cataldi Madonna Ofena, Roadtrip

MIdday snacks turn into hours-long feasts when you visit the Cataldi Madonna winery. Michael James O'Brien

The town of Torano Nuovo. Michael James O'Brien

Winemaker Emidio Pepe in his cellar, inspecting a bottle of 1990 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo. Michael James O'Brien

Rosa Pepe and Chiara Pepe, Emidio's wife and granddaughter, preparing stuffed olives (oliva scolana). Michael James O'Brien

The labels for back vintages at Emidio Pepe winery. Michael James O'Brien

Marcello Spadone and his wife Bruna at La Bandiera restaurant in Civitella Casanova. Michael James O'Brien

Maccheroni la chitarra on a traditional stringed wooden box used to slice pasta (which has strings like a guitar). Michael James O'Brien

Pecorinos and other cheeses aging at La Porta dei Parchi. Michael James O'Brien

A typical cobblestone street found in the many medieval hillside towns dotting Abruzzo . Michael James O'Brien

Corso Gabriele Manthone in Pescara, home to both Taverna 58 and the museum in the birth house of the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio. Michael James O'Brien