Slow Down and Savor Central Tuscany
Located so close to Italy’s sparkling coastline, residents of Camp Darby will understandably find themselves pulled to beaches and seaside towns when its time to get away. But drive an hour inland instead, and you’ll find yourself in the heart a region that looks, tastes and feels as quintessential “Italy” as it gets: Central Tuscany.
Famous for its iconic green-gold landscapes, numerous cinematic appearances (Gladiator! James Bond! Twilight!) and powerhouse wines, Tuscany is a dream destination for vacationers worldwide. And although visitors will inevitably be drawn to cultural hubs like Florence, an even more authentic representation of the region exists outside city walls: in the slow-paced, farm-to-table tuscan countryside that offers all the right conditions for a gastronomic getaway.
Wine Tasting
Italy is the world’s top producer of wine, and each of the country’s 20 regions yields its own special medley of grape varieties and wine styles. However, few are as well-known and beloved as those produced in central Tuscany.
In the Chianti region, bookended by Florence in the north and Siena to the south, you can sample famous red wines of the same name like Chianti and Chianti Classico. These are often simple, moderately-priced wines that pair wonderfully with a variety of foods, making them a smart choice for group outings and dinner parties.
Near the opposite end of the spectrum is a Tuscan superstar called Brunello. Produced near the charming city of Montalcino, these reds are bold and packed with flavors. They can also get quite pricey! Visit the Enoteca la Fortezza (a wine shop in the ruins of Montalcino’s hilltop fortress) for a flight, and splurge on a nice bottle or two for special occasions.
White wine lovers, fear not - Tuscany isn’t all reds and rosés! Many Tuscan vineyards produce a variety of white wines, but to taste one that’s truly local, head towards San Gimignano. There’s no better way to admire the town’s unique medieval skyline than from one of the many vineyards that surround it, with a glass of refreshing white Vernaccia in-hand.
Local Cuisine
Romans love their cacio e pepe and Bologna boasts the best tortellini, but a pasta called “pici” is the one to try in Toscana. Originally served to peasants in Siena, pici noodles are essentially very thick spaghetti, hand-rolled and served with cheese, bread crumbs or a delicious garlic sauce. You’re likely to find some variation of this dish as a first course at any given osteria.
Another fixture on Tuscan tables is pecorino cheese from Pienza. Visit the lovely little town itself and sample at leisure from the the rows of cute little cheese shops, or book a tour at a nearby sheep farm and see how it’s made, start-to-finish.
if making mouthwatering meals by-hand is more your style, cooking classes abound in central Tuscany. Often offered through hotels or local farms, they are a wonderful activity for couples and families alike. Learning the basics of Tuscan cuisine means you can enjoy your favorite Italian dish in your own kitchen, whenever nostalgia strikes!
pienza’s famous pecorino cheese
thick sienese “pici” pasta
Getting There & Around
While Italy has a great railway system, even the local trains won’t allow you to reach the small towns, farm-to-table restaurants and wineries that people escape to Tuscany for. Exploring by car – whether your own or as part of a guided tour – is the best way to maximize the experience.
Plus, without a trunk, how will you get your cases of Chianti back home?