Ferenc Máté's Blog

Just wanted to announce the publication of my new book Islands of Eden: St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which will be out November 14, 2014 (but you can pre-order it now: http://bit.ly/islandsedennorton or http://bit.ly/islandsedenAMZ or http://bit.ly/islandsedenBN or from your favorite bookseller). It features breathtaking shots of these eastern Caribbean islands, from white sand beaches, to drool-worthy Vincentian dishes, to images of island life. There will be...

A sunset, before the night’s arrival, glistens over the gentle waters. Time seems to stop for the wonders of nature. Shadows beckon, but in this brief moment the silence grants serenity. 

Happiness is a full cellar. I'm grinning ear to ear because our ideal location on the southwest slopes of Montalcino has allowed 80% of our Sangiovese grapes (for Brunello di Montalcino) to make it into the cellar - perfectly ripe and mature by Friday, Oct 4th afternoon. Just in time to beat the torrential rains of Saturday.

Amazing color; perfumes to die for; tannins, acidity and PH perfect. Many say it's the best Brunello vintage in the last 30 years.

The remaining 20%? Something for the bird...

Want to vicariously travel the seven seas? Need a calendar for 2014? Ours just came out! 

"The Seven Seas Calendar will take you to the last reaches of natural beauty, solitude, and silence. Sail away to another time, to where there is only sea and sun and the night sky thick with stars. Anchor at islands with names like Orkney, Tonga, and Huahine. Nautical charts enhance each journey to hidden coves and magical archipelagos."
• 31st year as North America...

The glow of dawn. The mystery of the darkness seeps into the stones, the canals, the lagoon. In windows, the first lights shine; looking forward to the promises of the day, but still—or already—longing for the night.

Check out a fun interview I did with Rick that recently aired about my historical adventure novels. The first, Ghost Sea, takes place in British Columbia's wild northern islands and the second, Sea of Lost Dreams, unfolds in Tahiti and the Marquesas.

Romance, Anthropology and Sailing - all in one thrilling series! Stay tuned for the third installment of Dugger & Nello's adventures.

http://www.ricksteves.com/radio/protected/program336/pgm336_segb.mp3

"It's Joseph Conrad meets Elmore Leon...

On a hot July evening - the night of the Savior - Venetians drag their kitchen tables and chairs onto the shores of the lagoon and sit down to a meal that lasts into the night. 

Near midnight, the sky comes alive. Fireworks bathe the ancient city in fountains of sparkling light.

A midnight walk on a summer night along twisting canals, over graceful bridges. Such silence. 
So good to be lost. To lose yourself to the darkness.



Recent photos of Venice which appear on this blog are from Ferenc Máté's upcoming work of photography, VENICE NIGHTS (coming out in 2014)

The Dolomite mountains are a dramatic break from Tuscany’s paradise. I love the ancient hamlets, flower laden pastures, and soaring pink-rocked mountains with snow-bridges and waterfalls. 
No other place makes me feel as vibrantly alive.

A tiny chapel in a green sea of Tuscan hills. Each time I pass, I stop and linger. Something about its simplicity lifts my heart and soothes my soul.