Archive for 'Food and Wine'

When one thinks of Tuscan alcohol, wine is likely what first comes to mind and, perhaps, dessert wines such as Vin Santo. One pictures the endless vines growing in the lush countryside of Chianti and the pretty wineries that range from historic and traditional to impossibly cool and innovative and from ancient estates to contemporary architectural gems. One probably doesn't immediately think of monks and, yet, if you have found a villa in Montalcino, another of the region's most important wine zones, then you'll discover that one of the most intriguing alcoholic beverages produced in the area comes from a monastery.

The verdant landscape of Tuscany, with her rolling hills and valleys blanketed in olive groves, vineyards, oaks, and farmland, is famously picturesque and is also a highly productive agricultural area. Tuscany is, furthermore, famously a foodie capital, not just because of the dishes made in the region but also due to the incredible raw ingredients grown throughout her stunning landscape. As such, while there are plenty of cakes, pasta dishes, street food favourites, cured meats, cheeses, and other delicious specialties to be tried while exploring the foodie scene of Tuscany, there are also some delectable local fruits and vegetables to be tried as well. While you shop in grocery stores and weekly markets in the region, you should try and keep an eye out for these wonderful foodie fundamentals to try and incorporate into dishes put together while enjoying the experience of cooking in the stunning kitchens of our amazing luxury villas in Tuscany. From the rich chestnuts of Caprese Michelangelo and the sweet chestnuts of Mugello, to the colourful carrots of Pastinocello, to vibrant Certaldo onions, to the famous Queen peaches of Londa, there are all sorts of delicious local produce items to get your hands on (dependent on the time of year, of course) while on vacation in Tuscany. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are exploring the foodie scene of the surrounding area, be sure to discover the incredible figs of Carmignano.

The area of Grosetto is a coastal region of Tuscany that is an excellent holiday destination for those looking to enjoy a villa on the Tuscan Coast. While a villa in Grosetto does not necessarily ensure you will be right by the sea, the sea will be within driving distance and you will also quickly discover that there are lots of other wonderful attractions and natural gems to explore in the area. From Blue Flag beaches, to Ancient Roman ruins, to Saturnia's famous hot springs, to incredible cave systems, to the astounding beauty of Lake Burano, to the annual Vivamus wine festival in the town of Montemerano each July, there are endless things to discover while on holiday in the region. However, if you're looking for a particularly relaxing outing, then we suggest a visit to a winery. Wandering the grounds on a tour, enjoying a guided tasting of their wines, and stocking up on some wine to savour during your holiday or bring home for yourself and as gifts, makes for a perfect itinerary for those looking to spend a day simply unwinding and making the most of being on holiday. While there are many wineries in the province of Grosetto to choose from, one of the best and the most interesting for those also interested in archaeology has to be the lovely La Biagiola.

The pretty and historic centre of Lucca is a lovely place to wander and explore if you have found a villa with pool in Lucca and are getting to know the area but, as you stroll around, you may soon find yourself quickly working up an appetite. If you are in need of refuelling while discovering the ancient and picturesque core of the city, then we highly recommend a visit to the charming Osteria Tosca, particularly if you happen to be headed to the nearby Puccini Museum that is a mere stone's throw away from the restaurant.

Osteria Tosca is located right in the centre of Lucca, in the Piazza Cittadella, next to the statue of beloved composer and lauded Lucchese son, Giacomo Puccini, who was born in a house only a few yards away. Cosy and inviting, the restaurant has a small garden area and an intimate interior and serves up the best of the tasty and wholesome home cooking from Lucca. Grab a seat inside in the pretty and romantic interior or relax at a table outside and take in the lovely surroundings and people-watch as typical scenes of Tuscan life unfold before you. Once you have settled in, you can then sit back, unwind, and enjoy a pleasant lunch or a relaxing evening tasting the menu of delicious local classics, paired with some great local wines, all at extremely fair prices.

One might associate the heavy scent of citrus on the air with holidays in the south of Italy, in particular, but if you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany and you want to take in that tangy smell, buy some incredible citrus products, and visit a unique garden then we suggest a visit to the Hesperidarium Il Giardino degli Agrumi (or Hesperidarium Citrus Garden). Just browse our luxury villas in Florence and our villas with pool in Lucca and plan a day-trip to the town of Castellare di Pescia, in the province of Pistoia to come explore this impressive and beautiful botanical garden for yourself.