Our first stop on the way to Orvieto was at one of the many ceramic galleries in Deruta.

 

A potter threw a number of pieces while we watched.

He then trimmed some leather-hard pots he had thrown previously.

The glazer then dipped some plates into glaze and set them out to dry before firing them in the kiln.

Photo by Allan Colby.

Next we saw the painters painting colored glaze on the ceramic pieces. The color of the glaze is different at this point and the true color only shows after another firing in the kiln.

 

The resulting ceramics are brilliant in color and design.

 

 

A second stop before getting to Orvieto was the estate of Le Velette, from which we had a great view of Orvieto in the distance over the vineyards.

 

First we were shown Etruscan caves below the estate where wines are stored.

Although this is not the place where their commercial wines are stored, some wine is still stored in these cool caves.

Photo by Mike Lincicum

Then we were treated to a tasting of two white wines, a red wine and a dessert wine. With the first white wine we were to eat a mild pizza, then with the second white the cheese bread, then with the red we were to try prosciutto and sausage. Finally with the dessert wine it was suggested we try the biscotti and the delicious pastry.

Photo by Mike and Bernice Lincicum

After this, we were ready for another bus ride across the valley to the hill town of Orvieto.