Day 1 on the Amalfi Coast—A Vineyard, a Homecoming, and a Perfect Start

We spent our first full day in Italy at Reale Vineyard and Restaurant, nestled in my father’s hometown. It was the perfect way to begin the trip — full of connection, nostalgia, and beauty.

Several relatives, including some I hadn’t met before, stopped by when they heard I was in town. The Italian grapevine works fast! I also had the chance to visit my grandfather’s old house, which always stirs something in me. It brings back memories of the time I spent living on my grandparents’ farm as a very little girl — a few short months that left a lasting impression. The smells, the rhythm of life, the sense of family — it all came rushing back.

The food and wine at Reale were, of course, excellent. Every dish was made with such care and authenticity, you could taste the love that’s been passed down through generations. Between the family visits and the stunning scenery, we even managed to get some painting done. The landscape was irresistible — golden light over the vineyards, rolling hills in the distance, and that calm Italian stillness that seems to settle into your bones.

We had the entire restaurant to ourselves, which made it feel even more special. Every direction you turned was a potential painting — rows of grapevines, terracotta rooftops, and soft clouds drifting across the mountains. You can get a sense of it all in this video by Reale Vineyard  — it captures the beauty far better than I ever could describe.

I loved starting the trip here because it brought everything full circle. We came to Reale the very first time I brought a group to Italy, and every single person said it was their favorite day of the trip (though, to be fair, there were a lot of “favorites,” LOL). There’s just something about this place — the warmth, the hospitality, the feeling that you’ve come home even if you’ve never been there before.

What inspires me most is the care that’s evident in every detail: the food, the wine, the hospitality, even the way the vines are tended. It’s a family-run operation that’s been passed down through generations, and you can see the pride in everything they do. The next generation is already involved, continuing the legacy — and I love that.

I’m already looking forward to returning next year. We’ll be there in October, during the grape harvest, which promises to be an unforgettable experience — the colors, the energy, the scent of ripening fruit in the air. If the first day of this trip is any indication, it’s going to be another magical adventure.

Follow along as I share more stories from our Italian painting journey — from the vineyards to the sea, each day revealed new beauty, inspiration, and connection.