The wind blew us to Basilicata. Deep, deep, deep down in the heart of Italy. What I did know – Francis Ford Coppola has a hotel there. What I didn’t know – that an incredibly delicious wine was waiting for me, even better than Amarone, which has been at the lonely top of the list for years.

Good. Let me guide you through my Francis Ford Coppola-quest. The good man has a hotel in Belize. Which also happens to be the name of my middle daughter. I have to go there. WE have to go there. But Belize is a feisty paradise. Yes a long flight, but apparently lots of drugs too, okay we Dutch can handle these things. But sea and swimming pools in abundance also, so all kiddies need to be able to swim without the use of swimming aids or gasping for air before we go.

Francis has an Italian dependance, Villa Margherita in Bernalda, Basilicata. Seemed the perfect try-out. I had already discreetly fantasised about meeting Sofia there, who was coincidentally also chillaxing, we’d become great friends, she’d take me to several frows and film premieres, and we’d naturally enjoy hours of intense and introspective woman-to-woman conversation.

The hotel was expensive. Too expensive. For a decent room to house our entire travelling circus, we’d have to pay nearly €4500 for three nights. Though squandering money is one of my strengths, this was one step too far, even for me.

Luckily Francis had also built a bar next to the hotel. Not terribly originally called Cinecittà, after the Roman film paradise from days gone by. I found it interesting that The Hotel and it’s Famous Owner were not very well sign posted or advertised as you enter Bernalda, which is a pretty standard town really with no other huge calling cards. Thankfully I speak a bit of Italian. And my love recognised the grey colour of the doors from their website. We parked the car and wondered onto the palazzo. Life would never be the same again.

I ordered a frappé (a person can have an intense desire for one on a fierce summer day), a caffè and three fresh juices for the girls. Then they needed to pee. All of them. Perfect excuse to check out the place. The girls had spotted a fountain in the inner courtyard and all ran over to it. I followed. Sofia awaited…

As I drifted towards the upward water ballet, I heard voices behind me. Sofia? Francis? Marc-who-was-here-for-Sofia-inspiration? Inez-and-Vinoodh-conversing-with-Sofia-about-the-new-Vuitton-Campaign? I turned around. I saw – 2 excited chambermaids. 1 Manager. 1 Assistant Manager. Two, excuse me, ugly American tourists who had hoisted their pants high over their fat bellies and styled it off with some plastic sandals. In their hands, clearly showing, their big fat room key. I pay so I say was the credo. Obviously.

Would we please vacate the inner courtyard was the request. Out of respect for the guests. Because? It’s not like we had three submachine guns draped over our shoulders or anything. The route to the toilet ran very close to the inner garden. To quote Prince, I said: “I don’t want to be ruhuhude.” So off we went back to the terrace, where we were welcome. The good news; delicious pieces of homemade chocolate cake served with the coffee and we paid a pittance for all the service. But as for the rest…I’ll leave my critique to a heartfelt ‘mwah’.

Our humble abode in Torre Fiore in the little town of Pisticci, was quite the opposite, simply amazing. The most charming service, fresh towels at the infinity pool, the very best chef Nicola (I seriously, tried everything on the menu) and the sweetest owner, Canadian Marianne who waved us goodbye until you really, really, really couldn’t see us anymore.

In Torre Fiore I tried and I wrote down: The Fiano, a delectable white wine and The Primitivo, the best red wine that I have ever tasted. And let me tell; I have been around the block. Both local wines obviously.

I’m not sure this girl will be ever be returning to Basilicata (though I miss Marianne and her awesome staff already), but bringing a bit of Basilicata back to Holland seems like a great idea. Gall & Gall, stock the shelves, because I’m on my way!