Client Reviews
“I first became acquainted with Diane when I sought her Napa Valley concierge services for accommodations during Crush season in the Valley. She was very helpful and, after several phone calls back and forth, we struck up a friendship over the telephone. When asked if she might send me information about another service she provided, namely "Let's Go Cook Italian", I jumped at the chance. Once I read about the program, I knew it was something I had to try. That first year, 2007, I traveled to Italy on my own, and ended up spending almost 3 weeks there.
"The program at the Villa Campestri in Tuscany was everything I had hoped it would be, and more. I enjoyed it so much, I returned two years later with my husband. And since then, I have gone back two more times. The menus have varied from time to time, the other participants were always different but we shared the same passion for cooking and enjoying great Italian cuisine, and the outings/excursions we added in the afternoons after cooking classes were different from year to year. This past autumn, my husband and I enjoyed a French cooking experience in Burgundy, as part of Diane's new venture at the Chateau de Le Barge, 'Let's Go Cook Le Bon Cuisine.' It was a marvelous experience and one which my husband and I will treasure for years to come.
"I highly recommend both of these cooking adventures. Diane is exceptionally adept at providing concierge services--helping with accommodations, travel arrangements, transfers, advance reservations for ticketed attractions, packing suggestions, you name it. And her programs cannot be beat for cost, especially considering the amount of personal help and advice she so freely offers. Would you believe, my husband and I are headed back to "Let's Go Cook Italian" again next year!!"
-- Carol Roberts - Cincinatti, OH
“I wanted to thank you again for a wonderful holiday in Macon. I keep thinking these trips just can't get any better but there is always some special occasion or event that just makes the trips so memorable. All the work you do to make everything run so smoothly is appreciated, you are excellent at what you do. You also have my admiration I certainly don't have the patience you exert!”
-- Carolyn Benton - Greeley, CO
“THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! There just are not enough superlatives that I can use to tell you how wonderful you made this trip for us. We could not (and probably would not) have done it w/o you and all your beyond necessary help. Every place we went was wonderful and a delight in it's own way. All the hotels were superb and the people always were friendly. This was such a great trip. Thanks again and you're just the best!”
-- MMR - Pebble Beach, CA
“I am writing to recommend Diane De Filipi. Although I’m reluctant to “share” this treasure, preferring to keep her to myself, her efforts and abilities warrant a proclamation far and wide. Diane has helped me for the last 3 years as I assembled a study abroad program to Italy for groups of 8 - 10 students. Beyond her skills as a guide, her experience as in innkeeper, deep knowledge of food and natural passion for sharing knowledge positions her to provide fantastic experiences.”
-- Professor Scott Downey - Purdue University - West Lafayette, IN
"Goosecross Cellars hired Diane DeFilipi as Concierge in 2005 and immediately realized a higher level of service for our visitors. Diane has a tremendous repertoire of hospitality contacts in Napa Valley, and her recommendations have provided excellent accommodations and experiences for our club members. She is reliable, pleasant, diligent, personable and professional while caring for our customers.
"Our situation is unique in that Diane was hired as our Concierge, but we quickly recognized her skills in culinary arts and her love of teaching people, so we assigned her to Napa Valley Wine Radio® food & wine podcasts, audio segments on fun facts for foodies, and local Napa Valley events. Her efforts received accolades from our listeners and participants, and shortly thereafter Diane began teaching olive oil seminars for us. She also taught Italian cooking classes creating meals paired with Goosecross wines and served the guests. Diane’s enthusiasm and zest for life is contagious, and she is a natural salesperson. She enjoys selling wine, olive oil, food products, tickets to events, booking rooms for B&Bs, and just about anything she is passionate about.
"Diane has proven to be very flexible, a team player, and pitches in to help meet customer service and sales goals. She readily shares information to help others and has built lasting relationships with our customers. I thoroughly enjoy working with Diane, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services. She is a valuable contributor on our team."
Colleen Topper, Vice President
Goosecross Cellars Marketing/Wine Club
"I planned a surprise 50th birthday trip for my husband to wine country and included an olive oil tasting party/cooking class with Diane for family of six. It was truly a highlight of the trip! Diane was so easy to work with before the planned event--she wanted to be sure to include my husband's favorite flavors, and was very attentive to my daughter's food allergy. At the party, Diane was very knowledgeable, fun and patient with all of us! We had a great time, learned a lot and enjoyed an incredible meal. Even our youngest daughter, at 16 years old, loved the evening and the food! The only problem is that now we all want to travel with Diane to Europe on one of her tours!"
-- D. Erhard - Des Moines, IA
"Diane is our favorite concierge in the Napa Valley. This is why we have her as our Private Concierge. Her knowledge of the valley, her professionalism and her guidance is extremely beneficial to our guests and wine club members. She continuously finds 'gems' for our guests to stay in and wonderful places for them to explore. Diane provides topnotch service. We at Ilsley Vineyards highly recommend her services!"
-- Janice Ilsley,
Owner