Marianna

We will be staying in the area between Pisa and Florence near Montopoli. We hope to visit a couple of vineyards in the general area while we are there. We appreciate any recommendations for those you have visited and enjoyed for the wine, the tour, the views, the experience, etc.

Thank you.

OzDan

Hi Marianna, Its great you put this post up as i will be going to Florence as well and am interested in some wine tours. Looking forward to the response. tx Dan

Marianna

Hoping to get a few recommendations for wineries to visit.
Thanks.

bobthenavigator

I am not sure how you picked your location, but that region is not one of the primary wine regions of Tuscany. I know several good places to visit in Tuscany but they are all from one to two hours drive from your location. Holler if you still want them. Tuscany is quite large and location is always key.

Marianna

Hi Bob,

Yes,please give me a couple of your favorite wineries in the general area. We don't mind the driving. We would love restaurant recommendations as well.

We have been to Italy many times but only spent one or two nights in Siena years ago on our way to Venice so we are looking forward to going back to Tuscany for a longer visit.

We chose the location because it was not too far from the coast, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignano, Volterra, etc. The villa is lovely, large and was available for the week and the rate dropped a substantial amount for the week we chose.

Thanks, Bob.

Marianna

bobthenavigator

OK---here are some good places to eat. The one in Lucca is my favorite. You ca see manof my choices are in south Tuscany:

GOOD EATS IN TOSCANA

I have never been called “ BOB THE FOODIE” , but here are some of the best places to eat in Tuscany based on feedback from many of my clients. Reservations are suggested for most!

$=inexpensive $$=moderate prices $$$= expensive

FLORENCE:
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco $$ Across the river & very good.
La Giostra $$$ Excellent, but you must book in advance

SIENA:
Osteria Le Logge $$ Great place for lunch and near Il Campo
Cane e Gato $$$ A fixed price & menu for a true feast—allow 4 hours

LUCCA:
Buca di San Antonio $$ Best in town and near San Michele
Il Giglio $$ In the piazza of the same name---favorite with locals

SAN GIMIGNANO:
Il Pino $$ Very good typical Tuscan fare
Le Vecchie Mura $ Good value for a tourist town

MONTALCINO:
Taverna Grappolo Blu $ Popular with locals as well.
Ristorante Poggio Antico $$ Excellent cuisine 5km south of town at winery location
Enoteca Osteria Osticcio $ Best wine tasting & small meals in town

MONTEPULCIANO:
La Grotta $$ Near San Biagio church & very good
Café Poliziano $ Great place for lunch on shopping street
Osteria Acquacheta Best bistecca in Tuscany

PIENZA: Latte du Luna $$ Best choice in this charming village

BAGNO VIGNONI: Osteria del Leone $ Good lunch choice in this spa hamlet

MONTICCHIELLO: La Porta $ Charming place with outside terrace

SAN QUIRICO: Trattoria al Vecchio Forno $ Good food & fair value

bobthenavigator

For winery visits, here are some of my favorites:

http://www.avignonesi.it/en/hospitality
Nice experience between Cortona and Montepulciano

Badia a Coltibuono---near Gaiole in Chianti

Tenuta Fanti---near St. Antimo south of Montalcino--call to book

Poggio Antico---good food and wine near Montalcino

Marianna

Thanks so much, Bob! I will share these recommendations with the rest of the family.

A month from now we will have started our 3 day visit to Rome (brief, but we have been there several times) and will then head to Tuscany for a week. After that, DS goes on to another country for business purposes, DDIL, my brother, SIL, DH and I will spend one night in Rome before they all had home and DH and I go to Sorrento for 4 nights.

We are all looking forward to the trip!