Archive for 'Food and Wine'

  

Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Look, it's not like there is any shortage of beautiful towns in Tuscany. The region is famously picturesque and it is not just because of the naturally verdant and lovely landscape, it is also largely because of the charming, historic, and well-preserved towns that are dotted throughout Tuscany. Of course, when one thinks of Tuscany, the likes of Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca all come to mind first but, for many, a visit to the region is all about getting off the beaten path and stumbling upon lesser-known little towns and villages that have lots to offer in their own right; rich histories, incredible little museums with collections of wonderful local artworks or specialised collections of fascinating objects, Mom and Pop eateries where you can eat like a king for a steal, family-run wineries making the best wine and olive oil that you've ever tasted, shops selling authentic locally-made goods and traditional crafts, astounding churches, palaces, and architectural gems, amazing views over the region, and much more besides.

One such town, which is often described as potentially the prettiest town in all of Tuscany, is Montaione. Browse our vacation rentals in Montaione if you're looking to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy a peaceful and authentic getaway in Tuscany or, if you just want to visit this gorgeous gem of a town for the day but stay somewhere with a bit more to offer, then browse our luxury villas in Florence, which is just a stone's throw away.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Architectural Gems, Florence, Food and Wine, Hiking, Localities, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions, Travel Tips

  

Monday, August 24, 2020
Strawberries
While the Mercato Centrale is Florence's biggest and most famous market, the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio is a close second in both scale and reputation and is actually preferred by many locals. Local chefs, foodies, food writers, and savvy shoppers, in particular, favour the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio and if you have found a luxury villa in Florence or a luxury villa in Tuscany and are planning on spending time in the city then it is definitely an excellent place to shop, wander, people-watch, and soak up the unique atmosphere of Florence.     Read More
Posted in: Events, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, Markets, Must See Attractions

  

Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Peaches
Italy is famous for her food and for her food festivals. No matter where you go in the country or when you visit, you're bound to stumble upon a food festival if you look around for a bit. These festivals can celebrate specific local produce, local dishes, harvests, feasts, saint's days, other holidays, historic events, and more. And whether any sort of festival or event is specifically about food or not, food is always central to Italian celebrations! If you're looking for excellent, authentic, inexpensive dining experience while you holiday in Tuscany, these are the places to go!     Read More
Posted in: Concerts & Festivals, Events, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, Products & Specialities, September

  

Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Italy is not a famous beer-producing country, unlike many of its neighbouring European counterparts further north. If you are planning a holiday in Tuscany, you are likely to be thinking of evenings spent sipping wine on a terrace, meals accompanied by excellent vintages and wonderful local wines, and day-trips to some of the region's incredible wineries and vineyards both small and intimate and massive and famous (read about some of our favourite Tuscan vineyards here). However, despite this long history of wine production and this reputation for being excellent producers of wine over beer, a craft brewing scene has developed in Tuscany in recent years, as it has in many far flung places the world over. If you're planning a trip to Tuscany and like wine well enough but can't quite give up your beer (and who can blame you; does anything hit the spot quite like a cold brew when you're on holidays?), then never fear! Read on to our guide to some of the must-see and must-sip craft beer spots that can be found in Tuscany.

Today, in fact, there are over 100 craft breweries in Tuscany alone! Despite the restrictions and intense specifications that are enforced in the production of craft beers in Italy, the industry has flourished in the region. The oldest example of one such establishment dates back to 2006...     Read More
Posted in: Central Italy, Chianti, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, San Gimignano, Tuscan Coast, Tuscany, Wineries & Breweries

  

Friday, June 19, 2020
Sgroppino
Since you have managed to get to another Friday (well done, it's been hard lately) and since it has been a while, we thought we owed you another Italian cocktail recipe to congratulate yourself and toast the weekend. Especially as things start to slowly open up once more and all seems a little more hopeful, it is a perfect time to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen and look ahead to holidays in Tuscany that seem nearer by the day...

Sgroppino is a frozen cocktail that resembles a slushie or smoothie and is one of many cocktails that is said to have originated in Venice. While thought to have been originally a digestif served up to Venetian nobility, the exact origins of the drink are unknown but one thing is certain: it is a perfect summer refresher! Enjoyable both in its own right after a long day of work or as a palette cleanser between courses (if you are recreating a Tuscan feast at home to bring a little bit of Tuscany to you for now), this is light, delicious, completely refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. Here's a recipe to make it at home until you can enjoy the real deal while holidaying in Tuscany!     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Food and Wine, Recipes