If you've spent the better part of the last year dreaming of soaring the skies, sightseeing and sipping vino under la luna then hold on to your capello because Barilla, Ruffino and Flight Centre have partnered up to give away a trip for two to Italy, redeemable until 2023.
Combining the authentic Italian pasta roots of Barilla, the art of good living with wine producer Ruffino, and hand-picked holiday experiences from Flight Centre, this contest allows Canadians (excluding those in Quebec) to get excited about international adventures again.
Valid until 2023, the prize includes $4,000 in flight and hotel credit for two people provided by Flight Centre; a VIP tour of a Ruffino vineyard in Tuscany, including transportation, valued at $1,000; and $2,000 to spend on delicious food and beverages throughout the trip.
As long as you're the age of majority in your province or older, just head to the contest entry page and enter your name and email address to go in the draw to win. That's it!
And if you're willing to get creative in the kitchen, you can get a bonus entry by cooking one of these recipes and sharing it on Instagram; just tag and follow @barillacanada, @flightcentreca and @ruffinocanada and use the hashtag #BarillaPastaport. Delicious food and an extra chance to win a trip to Italy — who can say no to that?
With life for Canadians slowly but surely returning to normal (more or less), this contest couldn't have come at a better time.
Just imagine: once international travel is allowed again, you could be touring Tuscany's scenic vineyards, basking in the sun on the Amalfi Coast or marvelling at the history of the Roman Colosseum, gelato in hand.
Until then, you can travel with your palate to Tuscany, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Trentino, Lazio, Calabria and Sicily with these seven Italian recipes and wine pairings.
Try Penne With Shrimp & Cannellini Beans For A Taste Of Tuscany
Nothing quite embodies the sophisticated simplicity of one of Italy's most famed destinations than penne with shrimp and cannellini beans. An ideal pairing with Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio, it's the extra virgin olive oil, which is a regional staple of Tuscany, that makes this dish soar. Serve with a generous grating of pecorino for a taste of Tuscany any day of the week.
Travel To Liguria With Basil Pesto Linguine
Situated along the Mediterranean coastline, Liguria is known for its fresh flavours that are the star of almost every dish, including linguine with basil pesto. Bright and herbaceous, it's the earthy pine nuts and zingy garlic that give fresh basil pesto its oomph. Don't forget to pair it with the smooth and clean-tasting Ruffino Orvieto Classico for an authentic Italian experience.
Take A Bite Of Emilia-Romagna With Rigatoni Bolognese
Surprisingly understated and yet packed full of flavour, this dish is the embodiment of Emilia-Romagna itself: decadent, authentic and definitely worth experiencing.
Combining freshly grated parmesan cheese, ground beef and tomatoes, there's simply no going wrong, especially when coupled with Ruffino Modus 2017. Just one sip of this full-bodied wine is sure to transport your taste buds to Emilia-Romagna in an instant.
Take A Tour Of Trentino By Making Fettuccine With Wild Mushrooms
With a whole host of mushrooms to be found in the region of Trentino, this fettuccine dish is certain to deliver a little something of Italy no matter where in the world you are.
Though this recipe doesn't call for foraging the mushrooms themselves (a common pastime in Trentino throughout the fall), it's just as delicious as anything you'd find in the region itself, especially when paired with the medium-bodied Ruffino Chianti.
Relax In Lazio With Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe
Lazio is where you'll find the iconic Italian capital, Rome. Like the region by which it's inspired, this aromatic and appetizing spaghetti cacio e pepe recipe is a go-to classic. Pair it with the crisp and bubbly Ruffino Prosecco, and you have a match made in paradiso. It couldn't be easier either — all that's needed is a few minutes, a handful of ingredients and a fork to make this delicious dish yours.
Soak Up Calabria With 'Nduja & Octopus Ditali Pasta Salad
Located at the very tip of Italy's "boot," Calabria is blessed on all sides by the bounty of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. This simple pasta salad brings together two iconic Calabrian ingredients — 'nduja and slow-cooked octopus. 'Nduja is a spread made from smoked pork and chillies and adds intense flavour to every dish it graces. A recipe like this needs a robust wine to stand up to its heat, which is why it pairs excellently with a Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale.
Stop By Sicily With This Pasta Alla Norma
Tender eggplant and tomato are at the heart of this iconic pasta dish from Sicily. Pairing this penne recipe with a nutty and fruity red wine, like the Ruffino Modus, will bring out the sweeter, caramelized flavour of the eggplant. After one bite of this simple, no-fuss recipe, you'll understand why it's such a classic dish.
With vibrant art, breathtaking landscapes, history and (of course) fabulous food, travelling through Italy is an experience well worth the effort. If you feel inspired, check out the sample packages put together by Flight Centre or reach out to one of their Travel Experts.
Whether you opt to tour some of the country's most iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Venice's Grand Canal, La Torre Pendente in Pisa, or settle in for some R&R along the Amalfi Coast, one thing's for sure — you're going to want a taste of Italy.
To learn more about how you can win a future trip to Italy, check out the official contest website.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
Narcity does not condone the overconsumption of alcohol. If you are going to drink alcohol, please do so responsibly and only if you're of legal age.