jamikins

That's funny isn't it! I always wonder if we will run into other Fodorites!

I hope the weather warms up for everyone soon!! We are still being attested by gales and rain here in London, don't know why I bother blow drying my hair in the morning!!!

Next trip will be Barcelona and San Senastian for a week in April! Stay tuned!!!

TravelerKaren

Fantastic trip report! We are returning to Tuscany this fall and will certainly be sure to try some of your restaurant choices.

Really beautiful photos too!

After driving in Italy many times, I had to chuckle at your rules for driving - so true

hanabilly

Jamikins-so funny about the memory foam. Now that we no longer have our old dog waiting for us at home, our Tempur-pedic mattress is really all that we miss when we're away! I could sing "You're So Nice to Come Home To"

Love your reports and photos...getting me through the workday ;o)

jamikins

Thanks guys!

Even I am happy to get home to our mattress...little luxuries

Thought I would add the other restaurants our agriturismo recommended in montepulciano:

Gattavecchi Ristorante e Cantina - located in an old Etruscan church, even has a tomb! Park in parking 8 to be closest http://www.gattavecchi.it/storia.en.php

Ristorante Il Covo - on the highway coming into town from the south. http://www.ristoranteilcovo.net/en/

Ristorante La Grotta - by the large church just outside of town, more of a splurge http://www.lagrottamontepulciano.it/...tuscany.en.php

jamikins

Argh hit submit too soon

Ristorante I Quattro Venti - no website but in Piazza Grande

Wine Bar La Dolce Vita - great for a meal anytime of day. http://www.enotecaladolcevita.it/eng...ca/enoteca.php

Wine Bar E Lucevan le Stelle - great for wine flights, no food that we could see http://www.locandasanfrancesco.it/wine-bar-tuscany.html

Ristorante Le Logge del Vignola - just off Piazza Erbe. http://www.leloggedelvignola.com

Ristorante Briciola - right through the gates but surprisingly good food! We ate here our first day and we were surrounded by local families that all knew one another. No website that I can find.

Ristorante La Corte Medicea - on the circular road heading into town http://www.ercolanimontepulciano.it/...ciano/?lang=en

And of course the infamous meat restaurant Osteria Aquacheta http://www.acquacheta.eu

Hope this helps people out!

LowCountryIslander

Jamie...

Not sure if you are on Facebook, but the Slow Italy Facebook page has posted some of your pictures, they have given you (as Pug Girl) the photo credit. Just wanted to let you know.

jamikins

Interesting...thanks for letting me know!

sassy_cat

Oh my, do not look at these photos when you are even the tiniest bit hungry, thirsty or in need of an Italy fix. They're stunningly gorgeous and and will just exacerbate all the aforementioned feelings!

Time for a pathetic cheese sarnie

jamikins

Haha thanks sassy_cat! Hope your sandwich was a bit satisfying!!!!

Judy

Thanks so much for the links....have bookmarked them for spring.

jamikins

You are most welcome!

sarge56

Jamie and Scott- just managed to find this delightful trip report and so happy I did.

This so makes me want to do Tuscany in winter! I hope I get the chance. The pictures are simply amazing and I'm not surprised some were chosen for Slow Italy!

Happy New Year to you both! Looking forward to your next adventure!

Flame123

I have just today noticed and read the entire trip report and LOVED it. Thanks so much for AMAZZZZZZZZING pics and lovely reporting. We also spent a week with Nico (which cottage did you stay in? I think it sounded like the same place we had) several years ago and agree with everything you write.

Aquacheta and Giulio are something else!! I enjoyed re-living and re-going to all the towns and restaurants you write about, we did almost the very same things!!

Happy New Year and happy travels!!!

Sberg

Thanks for all your tips. We are renting a villa near Pienza the beginning of July for two weeks. We will love exploring the places you mentioned. I know we will be there with the summer crowds but hope we still get a good feel for the area. Can't wait!

jamikins

Glad everyone is enjoying!!

flpab

Hey, love my Smart car, so easy to park but with luggage it can be tight. I never ate any meat in Italy last May. The veggies were so good but sounds like the winter you better be a meat lover. I would have been afraid to have asked that guy for a well done steak. We are really fanatical about the designated driver, one drink and then it is water. That is why we always get a place close to restaurants. You did really well Scott. I loved your pictures and that is a beautiful place.