Tuscany: Which town(s) to stay in if main priorities are wine & food?
Jun 21st, 2016, 04:49 PM
#21
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NYC FoodSnob, by these people I mean the ones who have been warning myself and others posting on forums to be extremely careful not to drive after eating.
I understand the dark curvy roads at night but I don't see how someone can get intoxicated off alcohol when you're eating pretty heavy meals.
Thanks guys! I think we will be okay staying only 10 minutes from town, we have wine at dinner all the time and my husband drives all the time without any issues (it may also because I drink 80% of the bottle lol).
I understand the dark curvy roads at night but I don't see how someone can get intoxicated off alcohol when you're eating pretty heavy meals.
Thanks guys! I think we will be okay staying only 10 minutes from town, we have wine at dinner all the time and my husband drives all the time without any issues (it may also because I drink 80% of the bottle lol).
Jun 21st, 2016, 05:23 PM
#26
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That was my original point kybourbon, until NYCSN's arrogant post suggesting that it's merely a question of knowing how to drink. I think that's a gross oversimplification of how, when and why alcohol affects people. And I really dislike the implication that those of us who don't trust ourselves behind the wheel after a few drinks just don't know how to drink. That's ridiculous.
Jun 21st, 2016, 06:22 PM
#27
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<i><font color=#555555>"until NYCSN's arrogant post suggesting that it's merely a question of knowing how to drink"</font></i>
I <b>never</b> suggested that. Another example of some forum stranger with an agenda twisting my words and calling me names. I said, "there are a lot of variables."
If you have a regular problem with alcohol, then you may need to deal with the problem if you drink in a foreign country.
If you don't know how to drink wine properly, and you're inclined to get drunk during a normal dinner, then driving at night with no street lights on the winding roads in Tuscany will be dangerous.
I've been driving after dinner in Tuscany for three decades. Typically, there aren't that many drivers on the road at night. Most night drivers are afraid of deer.
I've never seen anyone get stopped by a cop, let alone breathalyzed. I do know an Italian man who drove off the road once after lunch. Yes, he was exhausted, and he had too much too drink. He fell asleep at the wheel. I helped him out of his ditch.
If you're going to drink wine with dinner and drive, learn how to do it properly. Contrary to what you read on the internet, many people don't become "impaired."
I <b>never</b> suggested that. Another example of some forum stranger with an agenda twisting my words and calling me names. I said, "there are a lot of variables."
If you have a regular problem with alcohol, then you may need to deal with the problem if you drink in a foreign country.
If you don't know how to drink wine properly, and you're inclined to get drunk during a normal dinner, then driving at night with no street lights on the winding roads in Tuscany will be dangerous.
I've been driving after dinner in Tuscany for three decades. Typically, there aren't that many drivers on the road at night. Most night drivers are afraid of deer.
I've never seen anyone get stopped by a cop, let alone breathalyzed. I do know an Italian man who drove off the road once after lunch. Yes, he was exhausted, and he had too much too drink. He fell asleep at the wheel. I helped him out of his ditch.
If you're going to drink wine with dinner and drive, learn how to do it properly. Contrary to what you read on the internet, many people don't become "impaired."
Jun 22nd, 2016, 07:31 AM
#29
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I know plenty of people who have been pulled over and "breathalyzed" here in Italy. The limit in Italy is 0.5 g/l. I believe that's lower than in any of the Canadian provinces.
Most people I know won't drink wine at all if they'll be driving. I do know some who drink wine at a meal and then drive.
I also have seen more than a few Italians who have had too much to drink at a meal, and I've seen more than a few arguments between spouses over whether the driver is fit. I've even seen a wife sequester the keys.
On the average, Italians are very moderate drinkers. When I lived in the US, the amount of wine I served to dinner guests was about twice as much as I serve here. Many Italians don't drink anything.
Most people I know won't drink wine at all if they'll be driving. I do know some who drink wine at a meal and then drive.
I also have seen more than a few Italians who have had too much to drink at a meal, and I've seen more than a few arguments between spouses over whether the driver is fit. I've even seen a wife sequester the keys.
On the average, Italians are very moderate drinkers. When I lived in the US, the amount of wine I served to dinner guests was about twice as much as I serve here. Many Italians don't drink anything.
Jun 22nd, 2016, 11:25 AM
#31
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Thanks a lot for your input guys!
I still don't know if we should stay in Pienza, Montepluciano or Montalcino LOL I've been looking at hotels for like 10 hours and I keep flip flopping! Why is this so difficult?
I still don't know if we should stay in Pienza, Montepluciano or Montalcino LOL I've been looking at hotels for like 10 hours and I keep flip flopping! Why is this so difficult?
Jun 22nd, 2016, 01:12 PM
#32
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Hi Ashley,
Did you see my suggestion above of staying at Fonte Bertusi? It's just 5 minutes outside of Pienza and 5 minutes to San Quirico d'Orcia. 20 minutes to Montepulciano and 30 to Montalcino. Probably as central as you can get to all of those towns. It's quick in and out with the car and you won't be searching for a parking spot- easier than staying in a town. You will be staying in a gorgeous spot. I've spent months in the area and wouldn't stay anywhere else. I guarantee you will love it.
The nearby (within walking distance) agriturismo La Fonte serves very good dinners each night. You don't have to stay there to eat there but do make dinner reservations.
Did you see my suggestion above of staying at Fonte Bertusi? It's just 5 minutes outside of Pienza and 5 minutes to San Quirico d'Orcia. 20 minutes to Montepulciano and 30 to Montalcino. Probably as central as you can get to all of those towns. It's quick in and out with the car and you won't be searching for a parking spot- easier than staying in a town. You will be staying in a gorgeous spot. I've spent months in the area and wouldn't stay anywhere else. I guarantee you will love it.
The nearby (within walking distance) agriturismo La Fonte serves very good dinners each night. You don't have to stay there to eat there but do make dinner reservations.
Jun 23rd, 2016, 03:16 PM
#34
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Ashley,
This may help http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm
This may help http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/hs_planning.htm
Jun 23rd, 2016, 05:31 PM
#35
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Check out Terre di Nano
http://www.terredinano.com/index.asp?lang=eng
and I agree with palatino82 ~ La Porta in Montichiello is consistently excellent ~ a 5-10 min drive from Terre di Nano. We went there twice the first time we stayed at Terre di Nano, twice the second time we stayed at Terre di Nano, and will repeat again in 2017!
http://www.terredinano.com/index.asp?lang=eng
and I agree with palatino82 ~ La Porta in Montichiello is consistently excellent ~ a 5-10 min drive from Terre di Nano. We went there twice the first time we stayed at Terre di Nano, twice the second time we stayed at Terre di Nano, and will repeat again in 2017!
Jun 24th, 2016, 02:27 PM
#36
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Zoecat- Yes! We really like it. We're having a tough time choosing between your recommendation and Salcheto Winehouse. They're so different and I know your recommendation will be more authentic and really give us the experience we're looking for but we're juts soo picky when it comes to hotel beds that it's hard to pass up the new, fluffy ones at Salcheto lol I've had some bad experiences in Italy with the stiffness and springs in my bed 
Wrenwood- That looks beautiful too! It looks like they're booked up for our dates but I will email them. How are the beds there?
Definitely planning to go to La Porta and Osteria Acquacheta. They look amazing!! I can't wait
Wrenwood- That looks beautiful too! It looks like they're booked up for our dates but I will email them. How are the beds there?
Definitely planning to go to La Porta and Osteria Acquacheta. They look amazing!! I can't wait
Jun 25th, 2016, 12:11 PM
#37
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Dear Ashley,
I recommend you to visit Castelnuovo Berardenga, staying at Convito di Curina, is really a special place.
Look at this article and you will understand what I mean http://mytravelintuscany.com/giorgio...er-in-chianti/
I recommend you to visit Castelnuovo Berardenga, staying at Convito di Curina, is really a special place.
Look at this article and you will understand what I mean http://mytravelintuscany.com/giorgio...er-in-chianti/
