Archive for 'Wineries & Breweries'

When one thinks of castles in Tuscany, the great urban palaces of the Medici tend to spring to mind. However, in reality, there are many more examples and a great deal of variety all across the region that are just waiting to be discovered.

Sarteano, for example, is a stunning Tuscan town that has long been a bit of a hidden gem and is very distinctive; a lush and green place with a medieval core and topped by its famous giant castle. The castle is the main highlight and dates to the twelfth or thirteenth century. It is surrounded by a double circle of walls enclosing an imposing square keep with round towers at the sides and is a bold and striking building in a perfectly strategic location. Bought by the city of Sarteano in 1998, it was opened to the public in 2006, after a long series of restoration works. Inside, you can explore the service rooms necessary for a castle to function, head to the ramparts for stunning views across the surrounding landscape, wander the courtyards and uncover secret passageways and outside you'll find the pretty park that the complex is located on. Just find a holiday rental in Sarteano and you can begin exploring this fascinating building.     Read More

Castello di Ama is a famous winery located in the medieval Tuscan village of Ama in the Chianti region. The setting is picturesque, perched on a hilltop surrounded by vines and black cypress trees, with views across the surrounding landscape. The village, itself, is a charming collection of buildings largely dating to the 18^th century and is almost entirely owned by Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti, the couple who run the winery. Once you venture through the village and on to the winery, you will find a unique experience that combines art and wine in an engaging way. When you arrive, brightly-coloured paving, mirrored walls and other oddities will catch your eye which heralds what sets this winery apart from others; over the past 15 years, some of the worlds preeminent artists have been invited to contribute works to the estate. If good art and even better wine are your thing, then finding a vacation rental in Chianti and planning a visit to the estate during your time in Tuscany is a must.     Read More

Food and drink are two of the big reasons that people choose to find a holiday villa in Tuscany and visit. No matter where you go in the region, you will find that culinary delights abound in markets, little family-owned restaurants and festivals, among countless other dining establishments.

Wine, in particular, is a speciality of the region with many varieties being produced. Most towns have their own types or brands for you to sample as you make your way around the region and some whole areas are world-famous because of their wines, such as Chianti.

Montepulciano is one such area and its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a very good reason to drop by.     Read More

Vignamaggio is an historical wine estate in Tuscany which has been producing and selling wine since 1404. It is located in the hills between Greve in Chianti and Lamole, in the heart of the Chianti Classico. It is also often attributed as the birthplace of the sitter from Leonardo's Mona Lisa. Some even claim that the scenery in the background of the painting is the view from the terrace of the villa on the estate. Whether this is actually the case or not, it is a beautiful estate with fine gardens, a lovely villa and extensive vineyards. You can take tours of the estate and go on tastings to sample the famous wine and other products which are produced there. If you're a wine fan or just interested in immersing yourself in Tuscan culture, you need to find a luxury villa in Chianti and spend a day exploring this prestigious estate.     Read More