“Best Served with Good Friends” in Fresno

When you walk into the Barcellos family wine cellar in the San Joaquin valley, the poster on the wall near the door tells you everything about this warm and welcoming Fresno family: “Barcellos wine is best served with good friends.”
A couple days earlier, Merv Barcellos had hosted me (for the second year) at the Ferguson Kitchen and Bath Showroom. This time, our Umbrian rural cuisine cooking class took me out to the family ranch in the San Joaquin valley where Merv’s warm and welcoming parents – Vivian (81!) and Martin (83!) co-hosted with Robert, another son.

Before our class started, Robert and Martin proudly showed me the wine cellar graced by Martin artisan projects: the wine racks, the table in the center (full of family history!) and even the metal stairs leading out of the cellar. Robert gave me a brief lesson on how to fill wine glasses – and then the good times started.

Before dinner, a wine cellar tour with Martin and his son, Robert:

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Vivian – descended from Bari (Puglia) immigrants – and Martin (Portuguese roots) – were flanked by family and friends as we put together the goodness.

Enjoy our good times. Feel the family warmth:

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– and thanks to all for your warm comments:

“What a great Italian meal! Good friends, good wine, good food. Great evening. Thanks for the lessons of Italy, food, recipes. I enjoyed spending the evening with someone who truly enjoys life!” Susy (with Steve) C

“What a pleasure..having you stay with us the past few days. Come anytime. We would love to have you again. The dinner was fun, fun, fun (and) everyone had a great time…” Vivian (with Martin) B.l

“Thank you so much for an entertaining evening. The feast was festive, colorful and simply delicious!….” Monica R

“Beautiful, delicious food. Enjoyed it immensely…..” Donna and John V

“You are so energetic, hilarious and sweet! I’ve learned so much today and can’t wait to try your recipes at home! …” Renee (and Ken) M

“Delicious meal and we can’t wait to come visit you in March 2017..” Don and Josette G