Archive for 'Food and Wine'

For the fifth year the Melodia del Vino festival is taking place in Tuscany. The festival aims to bring together Tuscan flavours, with the beauty of the surrounding landscape and good music. It is a cultural event which presents concerts in beautiful locations accompanied by delicious food and wine each year. As 2015 is the year of Archaeology in Tuscany, the festival also aims to tip its hat to this heritage as well this year which is why it is taking place at Rocca di Frassinello. This famous winery was designed by the internationally acclaimed architect, Renzo Piano and is the site of Etruscan archaeological discoveries.

Throughout the summer, there is no shortage of festivals in Tuscany – normally centred around food as all good festivals are – but there is one that stands out as just a little different. Vivamus festival, which takes place in the south of the region, is a festival that combines the Italian passion for food and fashion. Events take place in a variety of towns in the area from May through to August each year. The closing event takes place on the first of August 2015 in the picturesque town of Manciano. A three-hour drive from Florence and the bustle of that famous city, the quaint town of Manciano suddenly becomes a cultural hub of activity for the festival and will showcase what the Tuscan countryside has to offer tourists from music to fashion, history to cooking.

Brunello di Montalcino is a red wine made in vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy. It is one of the most famous and highly regarded red wines in Italy and was the first to be awarded the first DOCG designation (modelled on the French AOC) back in 1980. Brunello di Montalcino first appeared in the 19th century when Clement Santi made a wine from a selection of Sangiovese Grosso grapes. It wasn't until the 20th century, however, that it became known outside the region. Due to its rich, intense flavour and very long life, it has remained particularly popular. It makes the perfect accompaniment to meat and cheeses and is suited to a range of cuisines internationally.

Any trip to Florence inevitably means a touch of insanity as you try to see everything the city has to offer and considering its status as one of the most historically, culturally and artistically rich places in the world – that's a lot to see. All of that walking from museum to museum, lining up for said museums, craning your neck to see the architectural gems all around and influx of new knowledge is bound to work up quite the appetite! Luckily, Florence is also a fantastic place to eat with more restaurants to choose from than any one article could mention. Here are just a few highlights so why not find a luxury villa in Florence, see those sights and get eating?

Siena's centre is a historical and cultural treasure trove but when in Italy one of the major attractions has to be the food!

Tucked into corners and down winding little streets, the city has plenty of amazing little restaurants to keep any visitors happy. Here are just a few of the places that are unique to Siena and certainly add to its charm.

Why not find yourself a luxury villa nearby and spend a week or two living the good life – wandering the city, seeing the sights and, of course, tasting the food!