Let Us Introduce Ourselves
We’re Susan Guerra and Richard Corazza—sommelier and chef, licensed Italian Tour Leaders, food, wine, and all things Italy lovers. And we’re on a mission to connect you to local Italians and help you create lifelong memories of your time in Italy. We design uncommon journeys that you won’t find in a guidebook. All you need to do is show up and relax, eat, drink, and be Italian!
Our Story
Via Del Vino was born of a lifelong dream to live in Italy, a giant leap of faith and a special talent for eating and drinking! At the tender age of fifty-something (and after raising 3 sons), we sold our house and all of our possessions, and moved to Perugia, Italy.
Our Taste Perugia Food Tour, was conceived after showing countless visitors our favorite restaurants, markets and shops, introducing them to the chefs, servers and small business owners who have since become dear friends and neighbors.
With the idea to show you our Italy—not the one that’s only in the guide books, but the authentic Italy, full of local traditions, customs and craftsmanship—our business has grown to include weeklong itineraries designed to immerse you in authentic places, meet the locals and discover the true flavors of this endlessly fascinating country.
Meet The Founder, Susan Guerra
I’m a second generation Italian American, born and raised in New Jersey. My heritage sparked a lifelong interest in Italian language, travel, food and wine. While working in graphic design and marketing, I earned the Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, because someone had to pair wines with Richard’s delicious cooking! I’m currently a candidate in the Italian Wine Scholar program. Prior to founding Via Del Vino, I worked in the wine business for 10 years and wrote about wine for New Jersey Monthly Magazine. When I’m not leading tours or designing new ones, I’m skiing to my heart’s content in the Dolomites.
Meet Chef Richard Corazza
As the tenth of fourteen children, I was raised in a family where no one sat around idle. I learned to cook at a very young age and became a professional chef late in life. After 31 years at UPS, I fine-tuned my skills at The French Culinary Institute, then worked in the New York City kitchens of City Field, Maialino, and Blue Smoke/Jazz Standard. I opened an American Cafe in Perugia that’s been wildly popular with local Italians. I’ve since sold the cafe but still help them out for special events. When I’m not leading tours or cooking dinner for Susan, I’m waiting for her at the bottom of the slope wondering what’s taking her so long to ski down!