On Friday, we were scheduled for a private tour and tasting at the Monsanto Winery in Tuscany. Our hostess, Veronica, led us on a two hour journey through the beautiful estate of the Bianchi family and their extensive wine cellars. We were lucky enough to be there during harvest time and learned how the grapes are harvested, pressed, aged, bottled and labeled. We also learned that the skins and seeds of the grapes are later used for balsamic vinegars and an Italian after dinner liquer called "Grappa"