Serious foodies know that one of the world's must-see holiday destinations for those who like to eat well is Tuscany. Home to a rich food culture that has produced globally-recognised dishes served up in millions of households all over the world every day, hearty favourites inspired by peasant food traditions, superstar ingredients that are acknowledged for their excellence by the European Union, incredible wineries turning out endless delicious wines, ice-cream shops from children's dreams, bakeries stuffed full of traditional treats and cakes, and much more besides, there are lots of impossibly tasty things to eat and drink if you have found a villa in Tuscany and are spending time in the region. However, one particular product that might not immediately come to mind when thinking of the culinary tradition of Tuscany is chocolate. Despite this, Tuscany is home to the, “Chocolate Valley,” where most of the best chocolate in Italy and some of the best chocolate in Europe is produced each year. If you were thinking about a vacation in Tuscany and you're a chocolate-lover, then this is one more reason to bite the bullet and book your villa with pool in Tuscany today!
Located between Pisa, Pistoia and Prato, the Chocolate Valley of Tuscany is home to many different Italian chocolate producers, artisan chocolatiers, factories, shops, and gourmet boutiques. The origin of chocolate-making in the area goes back to when Roberto Catinari opened his legendary chocolate shop in Agliana 30 years ago, after having studied the techniques of Swiss chocolatiers for two decades. Browse our vacation rentals in Pistoia and you can go and sample some of the over 100 varieties of delicious pralines that he still produces to this day for yourself.
Another key chocolatier in the area is Amedei in Pontedera, in the province of Pisa. This historic chocolate brand was founded in 1990 by the Italian chocolatier Cecilia Tessieri and started producing pralines from a tiny facility only to become one of the most lauded chocolate companies in the world. They have won numerous awards including the Golden Bean Award from the Academy of Chocolate in 2013 and their Amedei Porcelana chocolate is often described as the, “Champagne of chocolate”. If you have found a villa with pool in Pisa then getting your hands on some Amedei chocolate to enjoy on your holidays and then bring home as gifts to all of your family and friends is a must! While you're in the province of Pisa, be sure to also head to the town of Cascine di Buti, where you'll find the chocolatier Torrefazione Trinci, which is famous for its delicious chocolate slab. Not only do they produce their delicious artisanal chocolate in town, they also have a wine shop and make incredible coffee blends that have fans raving. So, if you really like the finer things – amazing chocolate, wine, and coffee – then come and shop them all under one roof in this foodie hot spot in Pisa.
Another key chocolatier in the area is Amedei in Pontedera, in the province of Pisa. This historic chocolate brand was founded in 1990 by the Italian chocolatier Cecilia Tessieri and started producing pralines from a tiny facility only to become one of the most lauded chocolate companies in the world. They have won numerous awards including the Golden Bean Award from the Academy of Chocolate in 2013 and their Amedei Porcelana chocolate is often described as the, “Champagne of chocolate”. If you have found a villa with pool in Pisa then getting your hands on some Amedei chocolate to enjoy on your holidays and then bring home as gifts to all of your family and friends is a must! While you're in the province of Pisa, be sure to also head to the town of Cascine di Buti, where you'll find the chocolatier Torrefazione Trinci, which is famous for its delicious chocolate slab. Not only do they produce their delicious artisanal chocolate in town, they also have a wine shop and make incredible coffee blends that have fans raving. So, if you really like the finer things – amazing chocolate, wine, and coffee – then come and shop them all under one roof in this foodie hot spot in Pisa.
Heading to the famously beautiful spa town of Monsummano Terme, those who are really looking to relax and unwind can do so by pairing a day of enjoying the local hot springs with then going and treating themselves to some of the delicious local chocolate treats in town. Why not browse our villas in Monsummano Terme and then treat yourself to some chocolate and coffee in Slitti Cioccolato e Caffè? Founded in 1969 by the Slitti family of coffee roasters and expanded in 1989 with the addition of chocolate-making on the premises under the sons Andrea and Daniele Slitti, this local coffee shop is a beloved fixture of the area. Andrea Slitti is today considered one of the most important artisan chocolatiers in the globe and many visitors to this gem claim that it is the best chocolate and coffee combo that they have ever tasted! Plus, if you like chocolate-based flavours of ice-cream, as well, be sure not to leave town without also heading to the Da Gomma gelato shop to try some of their many artisanal chocolate ice-creams.
Finally, if you are enjoying a vacation rental near Prato and are looking for a chocolate fix in the area then you can head to Pasticceria Mannori. This Prato culinary institution is an incredible bakery where you can sit in and eat or take away handmade pralines, chocolate bars, chocolate eggs, pastries, cakes, and more and is a wonderfully elegant and typically Tuscan gem in which to do so. A must for the foodie with a sweet tooth who is spending time in this gorgeous historic town.
So, if you are booking a villa in Pisa, a villa in Pistoia, or a villa near Prato be sure to visit some or all of these foodie gems, especially if you are a chocolate-lover. Integral to the culinary tradition of Tuscany, these wonderful companies, shops, and coffee shops are the perfect place to treat yourself while on vacation.
Finally, if you are enjoying a vacation rental near Prato and are looking for a chocolate fix in the area then you can head to Pasticceria Mannori. This Prato culinary institution is an incredible bakery where you can sit in and eat or take away handmade pralines, chocolate bars, chocolate eggs, pastries, cakes, and more and is a wonderfully elegant and typically Tuscan gem in which to do so. A must for the foodie with a sweet tooth who is spending time in this gorgeous historic town.
So, if you are booking a villa in Pisa, a villa in Pistoia, or a villa near Prato be sure to visit some or all of these foodie gems, especially if you are a chocolate-lover. Integral to the culinary tradition of Tuscany, these wonderful companies, shops, and coffee shops are the perfect place to treat yourself while on vacation.
