Italy has always been a land of discovery and fantasy – especially for Americans. Around 16.8 million people in the US self-identify as Italian-American, according the Census Bureau, there are close to 50,000 Italian restaurants in the US, and Italy is in the top five countries that Americans pack their bags and go visit every year.

The heady blend of luxe languor (La Dolce Vita!), glitzy glam (Versace!) and sexed-up danger (the Godfather!) is the lifestyle crack that most everyone (even Italians!) want to smoke. So it’s no surprise that the US drinks more Italian wine than any other country – $1.8 billion worth last year alone.