The Tuscan landscape is charming and famous around the world for its rolling hills with rows of cypresses and vineyards, among them cottages or medieval towers.

This is the image of Chianti: the countryside between Florence and Siena, with churches, farms, fields in bloom and many unforgettable paths. Driving along the Chiantigiana (SS222) with its winding curves, climbing up and down steep hills, touching the main villages of the region. Immersed in the vineyards famous for its red Chianti wine.

Although the area is accessible by bus, it is better to rent a car to stop all the time you want in each winery.

The important thing, when going through the Chiantigiana, is to keep your eyes open for these signs that indicate the possibility of a "DEGUSTAZIONE DI VINO" (wine tasting). Almost all the farms that produce wine, offer the possibility of tasting and buying bottles of Chianti, at a much lower price than the stores.

Morning

One of the places where to stop is Castello di Verrazzano (about 20 minutes from Florence), not far from Greve, the "capital" of Chianti. It is an old castle which took its name from a Tuscana esplorer who landed at New York in 1500, discovered New York harbor (island of Manhattan). It is possible to visit the castles’s cellars, tasting many types of delicious wines, perhaps accompanying them with a choice of cheeses.

Lunch

The next stop is Greve, this town is famous worldwide for wine bars and shops which sell special Tuscan gastronomical products. The square is full of many wine bars and restaurants, the right place where to eat good Tuscan cured meat in company of a good glass of red wine. In certain periods of the year, you may have the good fortune to come across the Wine Festival and antiques market of Greve.

Afternoon

Back on the road after a relaxing coffee around this beautiful region among the beautiful landscapes, and more hillsides, green cypress trees, snaking roads. We seem to go back in time, until we arrive at Castellina in Chianti.

Castellina is a town that seems gone back in time at 1400, with its fortified walls, the old castle and its tower and “Via delle Volte” with its oil and wine shops. If you want to see more towns in the Chianti region, visit Radda, a small medieval town, and then Gaiole here is found the Geographic Farmers Cooperative Chianti which gathers over 200 local producers.

Evening

After an interesting day, what better than finishing the evening at the Castello di Brolio (10 km south), owned by Baron Ricasoli, former Prime Minister of Italy, which for years has been dedicated to his wine. Before a tour visit to the wine cellars with wine tasting, finally a dinner in one of the local Inns among the flavors and fragrances of Tuscany, all with fresh ingredients grown near the castle.