Clutch your cocktails, lushes, the Boozy Blondes have officially dropped their 100th episode!! They have somehow laughed, sipped, spilled, overshared, talked out of their asses, offered some really valuable tips and tricks, and occasionally remembered to hydrate for 100 whole episodes!
To celebrate this milestone, the girls decided to bring back the best of the best; some of their favorite guests from the past four seasons! They’re also bringing back a Power Hour. Sixty minutes of sips and stories!
Not only can you listen to this episode, you can watch the chaos unfold on their YouTube Channel! (Be sure to subscribe while you’re there!)
Now, to introduce the guests:
The Boozy Bros – Phil & Rainer EP026 – Drinking at Home, Tournament of Champions (listen here!) EP047 – Power Hour: The Boozy Blondes Host Q&A (listen here!) EP082 – 6 Pack To-Go Series: St. Augustine Bars with the Boozy Bros (listen here!) EP090 – Disney Drinking: Magical Monorail Pub Crawl (listen here!) EP094 – Season 4 Wrap Up with Game (listen here!)
Jose Hernandez of 4EverAcresKitchen EP080 – 6 Pack To-Go Series: Tequila with Jose Hernandez of 4 Ever Acres Kitchen (listen here!) Follow Jose! Instagram | YouTube
Joey & Rachel Molina EP026 – Drinking at Home, Tournament of Champions (listen here!)
Tune in to hear the guests answer random questions and spill stories along the way – and you can play along! Take a sip every 60 seconds along with the group! Cheers!
The Boozy Blondes are bringing you back to Italy in this episode, and they are letting you in on a little secret: if there’s one travel rule they swear by, it’s to book a food (preferably paired with booze) tour for early on in your trip, ideally on day one or two, especially when you’re visiting a new city.
The DOE is a Bianco Spritz in this episode in honor of a valuable tip the girls learned during their tour. This spritz, a refreshing mix of Prosecco, white wine, and sparkling water, became the group’s go-to drink for the remainder of the trip. And bonus, learning a drink you can easily recreate at home makes it feel like the vacation keeps going!
Venice is magical! But it’s also overwhelming. Crowds, winding alleyways, and more than a few overpriced spritzes aimed squarely at tourists can make it tricky to know where to eat and drink well, and that’s where a local-led food tour comes in.
Instead of tourist traps and Tik-Tok bait, this tour focuses on authentic Venetian spots: tiny wine bars, standing-room-only cicchetti counters, and neighborhood restaurants that locals actually frequent. The kind of places travelers would likely walk right past without a guide pointing the way.
This tour covered a lot of ground! The girls definitely got their steps in and worked off some of the indulgences they enjoyed.
Tour details:
Price: Around $93 per person (September 2025)
Start time: 10:45 AM near the Rialto Bridge
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Stops: 7–8 local bars and restaurants
Tastings: About 15 food and drink tastings total
Group size: Small and intimate
Guide: An expert local who shares history, legends, and insider tips along the way
Those 15 tastings are spread across multiple stops, meaning guests sample a variety of cicchetti, pours, and bites without ever feeling rushed—or stuffed too early.
One standout moment for the Blondes was their first cicchetti stop, featuring a topping of tomato confit…slow-roasted tomatoes and garlic in olive oil. It was so good it inspired Chrissy to recreate homemade versions as Christmas gifts back home. Another great stop was for gelato at the conclusion of the tour. Everywhere you look in Venice, you’ll find gelato shops showcasing their variety of flavors towering high. But that’s not where to go. Find a smaller shop off the beaten path. You’ll find better ingredients and flavors!
By participating in the tour, the Boozy Blondes had:
A mental map of the neighborhood
A list of bars to revisit later in the trip
Trusted restaurant recommendations
They even ran into their guide, Anastasia, later in the week—proof that after a tour like this, Venice starts to feel a little less like a maze and a lot more like home.
Remember these key tips if you’re planning to book a food tour:
Book early in your trip. Don’t save food tours for your last day.
Bring cash. For tips, snacks, and impulse buys.
Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking and standing A LOT.
Hydrate. Wine math works differently in Italy, but water still matters.
Communicate dietary restrictions early. Preferably when booking.
Use reputable booking platforms. Viator offered flexible payment, free cancellation, and peace of mind.
Use restrooms when you can. Bathrooms are different in Italy compared to the states. Just trust the girls on this one.
Take photos with location enabled. Future-you will want to find these places again.
Plan buffer time before and after. Don’t rush—leave room to linger or return to favorites.
And maybe bring a backpack. If you’re anything like the Boozy Blondes, you’re probably going to buy something. And remember. This tour is not a power walk. The pace is easy, with plenty of stops to sip, snack, and soak in the city.
By the end, Venice felt less intimidating, more approachable, and a whole lot tastier. And if blending in while slightly buzzed is the goal of every vacation… this tour absolutely delivers.
Have you booked a food tour in Venice or another city? Let the girls know what you think! Message them on Instagram or email them!
Listen here! Watch here!! (Yes, watch on the Boozy Blondes YouTube Channel!)
After three weeks apart, the Boozy Blondes were long overdue for a proper catch-up. Both Chrissy and Molly had visited some Boozy Blondes Podcast-worthy spots, so they decided to host their own virtual Happy Hour and invite their listeners along!
The conversation spanned two very different vibes: off-season wine country in North Georgia and festive cocktail magic in Charleston. Speaking of wine country, the DOE is red wine. Both girls enjoyed a glass (or two) during their chat, and the proof is shown in their purple-stained teeth! Commonly referred to as “wich-mouth” by the blondes, you can check out what they mean on YouTube. This episode was recorded and now lives on the Boozy Blondes YouTube Channel for you to enjoy!
While most people don’t immediately associate North Georgia with wine country, that might be their first mistake. Tucked into the scenic mountains near Clayton and Sky Valley is a surprisingly impressive wine scene — complete with microclimates, European varietals, and boutique tasting rooms!
One of Chrissy’s standout stops was Tiger Mountain Vineyards, a boutique winery nestled in, you guessed it, Tiger, Georgia.
Established in 1995, Tiger Mountain was the first vineyard in Georgia to successfully establish European grape varieties — a move that continues to pay off in award-winning wines. And for Florida girls used to muscadine-heavy blends, discovering structured, balanced European-style wines in the North Georgia mountains feels like uncovering a secret.
Chrissy was surprised to find the former tasting space a storage area while a beautifully renovated outbuilding houses the main tasting area and event venue. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the vines and mountains, creating a dreamy backdrop. Chrissy ordered a bottle of Cab Franc and enjoyed charcuterie and vineyard views upstairs. Downstairs, there’s a covered patio, a stage for live music, and heaters for year-round sipping. Tiger Mountain Vineyards is also home to the Red Barn Café, cellar tours and barrel tastings, and harvest events where guests can stomp grapes! There is also a fully renovated vacation rental home on the property that is ideal for weddings, girls’ trips, or bachelorette weekends.
Chrissy’s next standout spot is Old Know Beverage Company in downtown Clayton, Georgia. Chrissy swears this micro-distillery and cocktail lounge is exactly what the mountain town was missing. Founded in 2021 by Mary Catherine Matheny and Ryan Warner Wood, Old Know distills all of its own spirits using botanicals sourced from local farmers. Standout drinks included the Green Wood Punch (gin-based), Han’s Island (bourbon-based), Golden Hour (gin-based), and Mister Brightside (rye-based).
But perhaps even better than the cocktails is the vibe and décor inside – it was Chrissy’s dream space! Vintage meets botanical meets big-city cocktail bar.
When a longtime favorite restaurant in Clayton closed its original location, Chrissy was really sad. She looked forward to meals there when she visited each year. But turns out, it wasn’t gone; just relocated and reimagined.
Now operating as Fortify Pizza & Burger Bar, the concept combines wood-fired pizza, burgers, craft beer, sports bar, and a hidden rum bar inside! The Road Town Rum Bar feels like stepping out of the mountains and into the British Virgin Islands. Umbrella drinks, colorful tiki menus, and tropical vibes tucked behind a casual sports setting create an unexpectedly fun contrast.
Chrissy ordered a wood-fired forrest mushroom pizza with rosemary oil, truffle oil, fresh herbs, and vegan mozzarella cheese, and she couldn’t resist ordering a fun drink from the tiki menu!
Meanwhile, down in Charleston, South Carolina, Molly was soaking in holiday magic. She stayed at The Charleston Place, which in addition to being beautiful boujee, delivered full festive energy — Christmas trees, elaborate train displays, and snowfall each night! The Thoroughbred Club inside the hotel set the mood with piano and cello music, delicious old-fashioneds, and classic Southern elegance.
Molly spent her time in Charleston eating and drinking through the town and had a few standout spots she mentions. The first is Well Hung Vineyards, serving up wine flights, craft cocktails, and delicious food! Seasonal drinks like “Winter in Jalisco” (tequila-based) and festive hot toddies paired beautifully with shareable plates.
Since it was Christmastime, Prohibition had a holiday pop-up bar takeover called Sippin’ Santa. It was spectacular! The girls love the holiday pop-up at their hometown bar, Forgotten Tonic (listen to their interview with owner John Moore in Episode 004), and they agree it’s fun to see how other pop-ups illustrate a Christmas theme.
She really enjoyed By The Way, a cozy neighborhood bar with fantastic drinks and impressive food options! She enjoyed an espresso martini and wine paired with truffle deviled eggs and a crab grilled cheese sandwich!
Miller’s All Day was recommended for breakfast and Molly sadly passed on the espresso martini flight that morning. She did enjoy a rosemary poinsettia, and Boozy Bro Rainer loved his bacon-infused bourbon Bloody Mary! Molly vows to return with Chrissy to tackle the espresso martini flight!
Frannie & The Fox was another great spot for both food and drinks. The Ranch Water comes in a mini Pellegrino bottle! You can find this bar in the Emeline Hotel.
Molly’s gluttonous adventure ended at Circa 1886, located in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion. Molly ordered the tasting menu with a wine pairing, and although she didn’t love all the wine options, she loved a new glass with each dish! She highly recommends Circa 1886 if you want an elevated dining experience.
One thing is for sure – the Boozy Blondes lived up to their name on their respective time apart! They are now armed with a list of places to enjoy with each other! So stay tuned – it’s only the beginning of Season 5, so who knows where the girls will end up next!
Be sure to subscribe to the Boozy Blondes YouTube Channel to see all the photos and videos from this episode. Make sure to follow the girls on Instagram too. If you have recommendations in Charleston or Clayton, leave them in the comments below!
Venice isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. A floating city of winding canals, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old history, Venice feels frozen in time in the best possible way. In this episode of The Boozy Blondes Abroad, the girls take listeners along on one of their most memorable trips yet: a Venetian adventure filled with Prosecco, planning spreadsheets, spritzes to-go, and a vow renewal inside a 16th‑century palace. And speaking of Prosecco, that is the Drink of the Episode (or “DOE” as the girls say).
The Boozy Blondes stand by it: Venice is worth the hype! Founded in the 5th century and traveled only by foot or boat, Venice’s preservation is unmatched. Narrow alleyways lead to quiet neighborhoods, bustling piazzas open up unexpectedly, and nearly every turn reveals a view that feels cinematic. It’s romantic, chaotic, overwhelming, and magical all at once, especially when experienced with a large group and a well-stocked Prosecco supply.
For the Boozy Blondes, this trip wasn’t just about sightseeing. It marked a major life milestone: Chrissy was celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary and vow renewal, which Molly officiated, hosted inside a jaw-dropping Venetian palace – which also doubled as the Boozy Blondes’ residence for their time in Venice. Red carpets leading to the canal, priceless art lining the walls, dramatic staircases, and strict house rules from Chrissy (no red wine allowed) made it feel less like a rental and more like living inside a museum.
Chrissy found this magical gem through Truly Venice Apartments. The pros? Privacy, incredible views, a central home base, quality time together, and the ability to stock the kitchen and play bartender. The cons? Lugging suitcases up endless stairs, navigating trash pickup schedules, limited air conditioning in historic spaces, and the constant fear of breaking something priceless. #WorthIt
For travelers considering hosting an event in Venice, the Boozy Blondes recommend focusing on budget and timing. Prices are high year‑round, but shoulder season can help with both cost and crowds. And a key tip: avoid using the word “wedding” unless you want to watch prices skyrocket. Hotels, private venues, and event planners like Love Gracefully are all solid options depending on your priorities.
Whether you are there to celebrate a special event or just take a vacation, Venice may be small, but its food and bar scene is mighty. With restaurants and bars often seating just a handful of tables, planning ahead is essential—especially with a group of eleven, which was the number of people in the Boozy Blondes squad.
Highlights included:
Retro Wine Bar – A Boozy Blondes favorite, known for expertly crafted cocktails, generous portions, and a cozy, vinyl‑lounge vibe that feels like a stylish living room.
Al Giardinetto da Severino – A relaxed courtyard dinner with great wine, espresso martinis, and an atmosphere perfect for lingering.
Spritz Bianco – The group favorite after learning about it on a food and wine tour (hear all about this tour in an upcoming episode!). Made with white wine or sparkling wine, soda water, and a white bitter liqueur or dry vermouth, it became the official drink of the trip.
Pro tip from the blondes: Venice is a city made for strolling with a drink in hand. Yes, open containers are allowed!
If there’s one thing the Boozy Blondes believe in, it’s planning hard so you can relax harder. This trip came with a 40‑page itinerary, spreadsheets, index cards, and color‑coded schedules. It sounds extra, but it worked. Coordinating so many people with so many places to see and so many eats and drinks, this planning helped keep everyone organized and prepared so vacation was relaxed!
But just as important as planning was building in downtime. A designated free day allowed Molly to explore hidden gems like the Scala Contarini del Bovolo and the Secret Itineraries Tour of Doge’s Palace, while Chrissy stayed back, made cocktails, and soaked up palace views from the balcony. Venice rewards both curiosity and rest.
The girls also discuss Venice transportation in this episode because if you don’t pre-plan, Venice is a monster to navigate, especially upon arrival and departure.
Top takeaways:
Consider flying into larger hubs like Milan or Rome, then taking a train to Venice.
If flying directly into Venice, splurge on a private water taxi for arrival. It’s expensive—but unforgettable. The girls recommend Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia.
Public water taxis are affordable but crowded and not ideal for those prone to seasickness.
Walking is often faster than you think – just allow enough time.
Train travel out of Venice requires serious planning, especially with luggage. Private water taxis to the train station are worth it.
Book guaranteed trains when possible, especially during strike season.
Always carry coins; train station restrooms aren’t free.
Some of Venice’s best moments happen away from the main tourist sites. The Boozy Blondes recommend:
Visiting lesser‑known churches
Wandering around to find quieter streets and local vibes
Taking evening passeggiatas after dinner
Exploring nearby islands like Murano, Burano, and Lido
The girls also talk about the importance of making dining reservations – especially if you are traveling with a larger group. Restaurants are small and fill quickly. Also, remember dinner will take a long time – embrace it. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
If you listened to Episode 085 | Italy: Roman Angels & Demons Pub Crawl (listen here), you’d know the girls have a favorite souvenir – tattoos! Venice was no different. Most of the group opted to bring home this (permanent) souvenir, and the Boozy Blondes highly recommend Underskin Studio in Venice. Roberto and Lorenzo took care of the group, and everyone had the best time at the studio. Remember if you plan to get a tattoo on your trip, plan it towards the end of your vacation and remember to bring aftercare!
Between vow renewals, palace living, spritzes, train chaos, tattoos, and unforgettable laughs, Venice left its mark on the Boozy Blondes. It was proof that thoughtful planning, the right travel companions, and a little lot of Prosecco can turn a trip into a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.
Venice may challenge you—but it rewards you even more. And for the Boozy Blondes, it will always be a city worth returning to. If you’re planning a trip, reach out to the girls to help you plan, give recommendations or help you plan! Message them on Instagram or email them! Saluti!
Holy shots! Can you believe it, lushes? The Boozy Blondes just wrapped up Season 4 of the Boozy Blondes Podcast! Mind blown emoji!
This season was packed with travel, tastings, and so many special guests. The girls are so happy to celebrate another boozy season. They created this podcast to share their travels, drinks, and stories with fellow booze travelers. Four seasons later, they’ve done just that and more! In this episode they reflect on meeting amazing people, learning about beer, wine, and spirits, and sharing adventures across the U.S. and abroad.
The DOE is Champagne, of course! The Boozy Blondes are raising a glass to each other, and to you, in gratitude for joining them these past years on this crazy, and boozy, adventure.
The girls discuss highlights from the season. Molly breaks down her top 4 into different categories:
Most WTF Moment (Molly is mortified by her screechy voice in Episode 062 6-pack To Go with the Boozy Bros –listen here-)
Biggest Educational Takeaway (Episode 080 6-pack To Go with Jose Hernandez of 4 Ever Acres Kitchen –listen here– has been a resource for tequila buying for Molly)
Chrissy shares her top 4 moments from Season 4 as well:
Italy (From planning to execution, Italy was unforgettable. There are 4 episodes dedicated to Italy, so if you’re planning a trip, the girls hope those episodes are resourceful for you! Her favorite of the four is Episode 087 Wine Tour & Tasting Near Rome with Sally and Guido of Convivo Rome –listen here-)
Washington, DC (This surprise trip left the girls wanting more DC! Check out Episode 078 for tips and tricks of the best places to visit –listen here-)
Lebowski’s Kool-Luah (Super fun founders and super fun brand! The girls really enjoyed meeting Dave and Monica Kowalski of Lebowski’s Tap Room in Episode 091 –listen here-)
One special highlight of this episode is the game at the end! If you are familiar with the classic tv game show Password, you’ll have no trouble playing along! The girls bring back the Boozy Bros for an epic battle focused on themes of Season 4 – see how well you do!
As the girls say Arrivederci! to Season 4, they look forward to more boozy adventures in Season 5. None of this would be possible without you loyal lushes, and the girls are forever grateful for your support – without you, they would be two boozy blondes drinking alone in a closet!
This week the girls stepped up their party game in a big way — from epic themed parties in Season 1 to something a little more refined: a private wine tasting right at home here in Season 4! (Are the Boozy Blondes growing up?) And yes, they even had a professional guide them through it!
Kevin Wynn from PRP Wine International arrived with a box full of wines and treated the girls and their friends to an unforgettable tasting experience. They sampled numerous exclusive wines (not sold anywhere else!), learned about each bottle, and of course, enjoyed plenty of laughs along the way. PRP makes it simple to tailor your tasting by grape, country, or sweetness level, and after the event, you can even purchase your favorites by the case – unlocking access to their members-only deals and warehouse sales.
Chrissy went all out with the party prep:
Guest List (PRP recommends up to 12 guests at the tasting)
Make an invitation
Plan the menu (what snacks will you serve with the tasting – the girls chose oft pretzel charcuterie boards, tea sandwiches, pasta salad, and mini cupcakes from Sweet City Cupcakes in St. Augustine)
Decor (balloons and wine bottle bouquets)
Party favors
Welcome drinks
Kevin was the star of the night! He was knowledgeable, entertaining, and full of stories from past tastings. Even though his wine preferences didn’t match the girls’ faves, he had the expertise to guide them through every pour.
If you’ve ever thought about hosting a wine tasting with friends, PRP Wine International makes it fun, educational, and totally approachable. You can book your own through the PRP website and be sure to follow Kevin on Instagram along with PRP Wine International.
This episode proves you don’t need to be a sommelier to throw a fabulous tasting party – just good friends, a little planning, and a whole lot of wine. Cheers!
The Boozy Blondes are bringing you another magical episode and this time they are including the Boozy Bros! The gang tackled a magical monorail pub crawl for Molly & Phil’s birthdays; this included stopping at bars in the Walt Disney World Monorail Resorts and as a bonus, they added the Wilderness Lodge, since they all love it there so much. Follow along and see how they attacked the challenge.
The DOE is a Dole Whip cocktail! In honor of the favorite Disney treat, Dole Whip, the gang is sucking up this delicious concoction as they recap their pub crawl journey. Molly blended Publix brand Banana Pineapple Lactose Free Ice Cream, pineapple juice and spiced rum to make the drinks.
Since there were four resorts on the adventure, each of the group members presented a resort:
Before they dive into their resorts, Molly explains the rules of a “Drink Roulette Poker” game the gang played at each stop:
Each player earns one card at each lounge
As a bonus, all four names go in one bag, and drink tokens, relative to each lounge, are in the other bag
Bonus card: Whoever’s name is drawn, draws a drink token. If he or she orders and drinks that drink, a bonus card is awarded
Bonus card: correctly predict monorail color
Bonus card: other random challenges that pop up on the fly (e.g., how tall is the fireplace in the Wilderness Lodge lobby)
Best poker hand wins at the end of the crawl
Losing poker hand orders transportation back to home resort or hotel
In addition to the drink roulette poker challenge, the Boozy Blondes made wardrobe changes at each Resort! They had a scavenger hunt book to follow along with too, which made the visit extra fun!
Phil starts with the Wilderness Lodge, where the group visited two lounges: Geyser Point Bar & Grill and Territory Lounge. Geyser Point offers great views on the water. Here Phil drank a beer, Rainer ordered a tequila soda and the girls enjoyed Pineapple Mules. In the Territory Lounge Phil and Chrissy split a Smores Old Fashioned, Molly had the L&C G&T (lavender and cucumber gin and tonic) and Rainer sipped on a beer. The group highly recommends ordering the popcorn sampler if you’re enjoying drinks here!
When they wrapped up, the group boarded a boat and enjoyed a short ride to the Magic Kingdom, where they transferred to the Grand Floridian boat. Chrissy walks listeners through this resort, and it was extremely busy the day they were there. They put their name in at the Enchanted Rose (pro tip to put your name in because they don’t take reservations), and ran down to the quick service restaurant Gasparilla Island Grille to grab to-go drinks while they waited for their names to be called (technically, they waited for Molly’s phone to receive a text, which is nice, so visitors to this resort can enjoy it from any place on property while waiting for a callback). Once they were called, they collectively ordered Espresso Martinis and truffle fries!
From here, the Boozy Blondes and Bros took the “highway in the sky” to the Contemporary Resort. Molly introduces the Contemporary, one of two original Disney resorts! The group squeezed into the bar at Steakhouse 71, which is always a favorite. Although it was crowded, the group still enjoyed their drinks (a round of tequila sodas) and split the Stack Burger – another favorite! And bonus – the bartenders surprised the group with Champagne in honor of the birthday twins, Phil and Molly! (Pro tip – if you’re celebrating, ask for a pin! You’ll sometimes get to experience a little extra Disney magic – like complimentary Champagne.)
By this time, the Magic Kingdom fireworks had started, so the group boarded the monorail to the final destination, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Rainer walks listeners through this stop, highlighting all the lounges. He advises if you want to get a seat at the Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Speakeasy, get your name on the list early! Feeling the effects of the heat and drinks, the group decided to stop at only one lounge here, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, outside the back of the main lobby. You’ll typically find live music at this beautiful outdoor lounge. Rainer sipped on Reposado, Molly enjoyed Rosita’s Margarita, Chrissy loved her Spikey Pineapple (made with Dole Whip!) and Phil had the Mosquito Mojito. It was time for more food, so they shared a tuna roll (with pink rice!) and dumplings.
The Boozy Blondes are wrapping up their Season 4 Italy tour with an episode all about Rome! Are you planning a trip to the Eternal City? This episode will help you plan for some of the hot spots you don’t want to miss!
First things first – the DOE. Chrissy continues to try to warm Molly up to spritzes, but it’s not going so well. Molly reluctantly sips the Campari Spritz Chrissy made because, well, “when in Rome!”
If you’re traveling by plane to Rome, chances are you’re flying into Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. From here you can take an Uber to train to your destination. The girls stayed in the neighborhood of Trastevere, and you can hear an episode dedicated to this beautiful community in Episode 088 (listen here!).
One must-see stop when in Rome is Vatican City. Its headquarters to the Roman Catholic Church and full of cultural, religious and historical significance. The girls toured the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square and the Sistine Chapel. Understandably so, Vatican City is a popular spot and gets extremely crowded with tourists. The girls planned for the crowds and booked the earliest tour possible through The Tour Guy for about $150 per person. This 3-hour tour included:
Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican
Pio-Clementino Museum, Gallery of the Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps
Raphael Rooms and School of Athens
Entry to the Sistine Chapel
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica
A Professional, English-speaking guide
Max group size of 10
The girls highly recommend the tour, especially if it’s your first visit. There is so much to take in! One pro tip is to dress for the weather – much of the tour actually takes place outside, and the girls were not prepared for that! Other tips include:
Go as early as you can to beat the largest crowds
You are allowed to take pictures (no flash) everywhere except inside the Sistine Chapel
Dress modestly – your shoulders and knees must be covered
Bags are allowed but must be small backpacks or purses
Following your tour, there are cute restaurants close by where you can grab a cocktail (or espresso) before your next adventure! For the girls it was touring the Colosseum, but unfortunately due to the miserable weather, they skipped it. This is the tour they had booked again through The Tour Guy for you check out.
One of the best experiences the blondes had was renting e-bikes and exploring the Appian Way. Chrissy packed a picnic lunch for the group, and they took off from an e-bike rental store near Circus Maximus. Beware – there are no bike lanes, so navigating the traffic can be a little treacherous. Over the course of the ride, they stopped at:
Catacombe Di San Callisto – the catacombs here were built in the 2nd century around 150AD! The tour is about 10 Euros per person and lasts about 45 minutes
Appia Antica Caffe for spritzes and beer
Borghese Park
Church of Domine Quo Vadis – where Saint Peter was said to encounter Jesus when he initially fled Rome – you can see Jesus’ footprints here
The girls agree this was a great way to experience the Roman countryside and some history too! Having a picnic lunch alongside one of the oldest roads in the world was surreal! After biking the group enjoyed aperitivo at Da Etta and Freni e Frizioni (details in Episode 088), then had an amazing meal at Divin Ostilia Wine Bar.
Other must-sees in Rome are the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. You can listen to our Angels and Demons Pub Crawl episode (Episode 085) to get more details about those stops.
A few more tips as you plan your trip:
Stop in random churches! They are full of history, art and faith, and breathtaking!
Stop for aperitivo! It’s an Italian lifestyle – enjoy drinks and small snacks before dinner. Molly’s favorite was at the rooftop bar of FortySevenHotel.
Beware of bathrooms – or lack of seats on toilets. BYOS! (Bring your own seat!)
Make reservations in advance but leave some room for flexibility! Sometimes getting lost leads to the best adventures!
If you can, add an extra day or two to your original plan – vacation goes by so fast. If you’re planning for 7 days, see if you can swing 10! Having downtime days is a blessing!
Is there a place in Rome you love that we didn’t mention? Share it with us in the comments below!
Bentornato lushes. In this episode the girls are taking you on a tour of the cutest neighborhood in Rome, Trastevere! The girls sip Italian wine as their DOE while they reminisce about the magic this place brings.
On their trip, the Boozy Blondes wanted to stay a little outside of the craziness of center-city Rome but still within walking distance, so they found an Air B&B (check it out here!) in Trastevere. Trastevere is a funky, bohemian area of Rome that clings to its centuries-old, working-class roots. It’s known for traditional and innovative trattorias, craft beer pubs and artisan shops. From the pre-dinner passeggiata until late, a young crowd buzzes around tiny Piazzas, and mosaic-filled churches, enjoying the area’s great restaurants, pubs and nightlife. This neighborhood provides the perfect blend of history, food and art!
Staying in Trastevere allowed the girls to explore on foot rather than booking ride shares. Here are some of the gems they found through their travels:
Freni e Frizioni | translates to: brakes and clutches; a fitting name considering the bar was once a mechanic shop! This bar is highly recommended by the Boozy Blondes. Chirssy got a taste of what their legendary bartenders could do when Riccardo Rossi and Manuel Di Cecco came to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail. (Check out the girls’ mini series on the podcast to hear more about that, starting with Episode 066!) Chrissy visited Freni e Frizioni twice while she was in Italy, spinning the drink wheel and sharing shots with Manuel on her visit. On her second visit, with Molly and the Boozy Bros, they all ordered the Un-Social, which was tequila, passion fruit, coconut & Sichuan liquer, Agavecito infused with coriander, citrus and grapefruit soda. The girls (and guys) still drink about this cocktail! Freni e Frizioni has been recognized by World’s 50 Best Bars and Anthony Bourdain! This place also offers a nice buffet for those enjoying cocktails inside.
Ristorante le Mani in Pasta | translates to: hands in pasta. This restaurant was directly across the street from the girls’ Air B&B door. So convenient! This place provides a realtraditional-style trattoria experience. But make sure you have a reservation, this place is always packed! The second you step inside Le Mani in Pasta you’re wrapped up in a warm and informal atmosphere, typical of a Roman osteria. And on the same note, the food here is delicious! They serve Roman cuisine as well as seafood, meat and pasta dishes from different Italian regions. All the dishes are of high quality and extremely fresh. Le Mani in Pasta makes it its mission to order fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, home-made pasta and cheese every day. This was another double-dip stop for Chrissy. She and Phil enjoyed dinner here so much, they went again when Molly and Rainer arrived in Rome! And they had the same server both times!
They had a wide selection of wine, and the prices were incredible – each bottle was under $30! As in most of Italy, you can get a killer bottle of wine for a fraction of what you’d pay in the States, and as good Boozy Blondes, the girls certainly made the most of it at Le Mani in Pasta. Chrissy had the Kressman Monopole on her first visit which is a white Bordeaux and Sauvignon Blanc blend. Molly ordered a bottle of St. Michael- Eppan Pinot Noir. But it didn’t stop there. The group ended up drinking 4 bottles between them all. (Randomly the group ran into friends from Florida, Lloyd and Lisa, who ended up joining them for dinner!) And the best part was they only had to stumble across the street to get home.
La Punta Expendio de Agave | Molly and Rainer found this great tequila bar just around the corner from their Air B&B. Walls inside are filled with tequilas up to the ceiling! They have a menus of specialty drinks, and Molly started with a classic Paloma and then the El Grtio which was mezcal, sage, lime and agave. Rainer had the best time choosing tequilas to drink neat. The food menu is small, but with a small menu, you know they really nail the items. They had street tacos, and fun fact, it was on Thanksgiving, so definitely the most unique Thanksgiving dinner they have shared – Thanksgiving at a Mexican bar in Italy.
Taverna Trilussa | This classic has been open since 1910, operating with the same motto: we don’t care who you are, the important thing is that in the end you have eaten and drunk more than well. This is the only thing that really matters. Pasta is served straight from the pan!
Jerry Thomas Bar Room | This tiny cocktail bar is everything a speakeasy should be, right down to the little password window in the door. You can check out the Boozy Blondes Reel on Instagram highlighting their visit.
You can learn more about this amazing bar in Episode 085 – Italy: Roman Angels & Demons Pub Crawl (listen here!) to hear the insider information about the world-renowned cocktails the girls tried at this speakeasy’s new location in Trastevere. Just know, the hand-crafted drinks are amazing, they gave the group (and the entire bar) shots and the team there was so welcoming!
Da Etta | Boasting “an all day venue open 7 days a week from 8 am to midnight,” Da Etta has anything and everything. Part breakfast, gastro pub, restaurant, cocktail bar, pastry shop, and wine cellar the possibilities are endless. You can enjoy the cozy atmosphere inside or the large outdoor terrace.
Settled in the shadow of Tiberina Island and historic Trastevere, this little gem was perfect for the group to visit. Located in Piazza Piscinula, it was a short walk from the Air B&B. Phil and Chrissy went there for wine and light bites one evening and then the group went back for beer, wine, and espresso after surviving our biking adventure. (You can here more about that in the upcoming Rome episode!) Check out all their locations here!
There is so much to explore in Trastevere; it’s one of those places with such an original charm that it’s almost impossible to explain. There’s so much to do, like concerts, food tours, pub crawls, and more. It’s close enough to the hustle and bustle of downtown Rome but still tucked away from the major touristy areas. The girls were able to absorb the culture and let the neighborhood guide them.
Have you been to Trastevere? Is there a place you’d recommend to the Boozy Blondes? Leave a comment below!
Ciao, lushes! The Boozy Blondes are taking you back to Rome in this episode to give you all the details on a half-day wine tour they experienced just outside of the hustle and bustle of Rome. This episode takes you through beautiful countryside.
The DOE is a bottle of Pecorino, a light-skinned white Italian wine grape variety that grows in Italy’s eastern wine-growing regions. It’s similar to a Sauvignon Blanc.
During the girls’ stay in Rome, they knew they wanted to take an excursion, and they found this Half Day Rome Wine Tour with Convivio Rome just outside the city. This tour is managed by the sweetest couple, Sally and Guido, who, spoiler alert, turned out to be the most amazing hosts the girls could have asked for!
This tour included a drive through the beautiful countryside on the way to visit the local winery, where the girls enjoyed a tour and sampled (3) different wines with a light snack. It also included a visit to Sally and Guido’s home complete with other quality local wines and an amazing spread of food they had prepared, while overlooking a spectacular view. There was even a medieval village down the mountain from their home!
That’s the overview – here are the steps to take and expect if you want to enjoy this beautiful day:
Take the train to Fara Sabina. Sally and Guido will send you all the details so you know which station to leave from and where you need to go. Remember: when you’re taking the train in Italy, and you buy your tickets at the station, you need to get your ticket validated BEFORE you board. — Pro tip when traveling to the Fara Sabina station: Buy provisions before you go or bring them with you. There is one shop outside the station in Fara Sabina, and you can get an espresso or pastry, but you can bring whatever you want to eat or drink on the train. Yes, that includes your boozy libations.
Once you get to Fara Sabina, Sally and Guido will pick you up in a passenger van. From here they drive you through the beautiful countryside to the winery.
At the winery, you experience a behind-the-scenes tour of production and bottling, and you get to see the barrel room! After the tour, you gather in the main room. Just off this room is a giant deck which overlooks the vineyards and the Roman countryside – so incredibly beautiful.
In the main room you sample some wines and enjoy some snacks! At this point, you can purchase any bottles you like.
From here, pile back into the van and head to Sally and Guido’s home! The hospitality they showed the Boozy Blondes was so genuine and heartfelt, like the girls were old friends rather than tourists. More wine is served along with a delicious selection of light bites.
After taking in the views, enjoying each other’s company, and wine, of course, Guido drives you back to the train station.
Sally and Guido have been hosting this tour for over a decade, and they have it nailed down to a science. They also host cooking classes, cooking holidays and olive oil tours. They are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the wines, food, culture, landscape and more, we can’t begin to give this experience justice by trying to describe it to you.
Be sure to follow them on Instagram, and follow links at the top of this blog to see all they offer! You can see the Boozy Blondes’ Instagram reel from the day here. The girls give the Half Day Rome Wine Tour their stamp of approval. If you embark on this beautiful day, be sure to tell Sally and Guido the Boozy Blondes sent you! Salute!
Boozy Blondes 