We get an early start this morning from your Hotel in Florence, as we drive towards our first destination, the historical estate of Bibbiani. Winemaker, Luigi Donato, best described as an expert gardener and professor, grows the ultra rare Pulignano on his estate. A clone of Sangiovese, it only grows on his hill. The botanical garden, and historical estate of Bibbiani are amazing gems! From here, we drive to Podere Ciona, deep in the heart of the Chianti, where we arrive just in time for a swim, weather permitting, and a cooking class with Franca. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, we enjoy our hand-made dinner, and taste the families Super Tuscans. Make yourself at home here for the night in her lovely estate.
Today we visit the hillside town of Cortona with our private guide and real life descendant of Luca Signorelli. Made famous by Frances Mayes, author of "Under the Tuscan Sun", Cortona is a town brimming with culture. The Etruscan Tombs, Le Celle, and Santa Margherita, are only a few of the beautiful things we will visit this morning. A stop at the olive mill on the way back to our comfortable digs is a great experience. You will see how the olive is pressed in the old-fashioned way. One rarely used anymore due to modern technology. Tonight, with our Chef, Roberto Russo at his beautifully restored 16th century convent, we not only enjoy a 4-course dinner under the pergola, but a full Small Vineyards tasting with our own Antonio Sanguineti, Opera Lover, Race Car Driver and Winemaker.
Today we visit 2 of Small Vineyards estates. From Montecucco, to Val
d’Orcia to Montalcino.
Taste along the way and learn of the land and the ways of the Tuscans
in this beautiful countryside.
Our first stop, is a short visit to Pienza, a sweet, picture perfect
city, famous for two things. The Movie producers passion, such as "The
English Patient", and "Romeo and Juliet", and cheese! Sheep dot the
valley floor, and Pecorino spills from the shops. We enjoy a stroll
through the streets and taste a variety of Balsamic Vinegars, in
flavors too numerous to mention.
Then, Perazzeta, where Alessandro Bocci makes both olive oil and wine.
A passionate man, he named two of his wines Rita and Sara, after
daughter and wife and, of course, father "Irio" which is the last great
wine from Perazzeta. Every year they throw away twice as many grapes as
they press, for the pursuit of the most perfect wine, and it is
delicious. After a tasting, we walk next door to try a plate of
Flavio's pasta while gazing at the beautiful valleys. The countryside
here is glorious, and we enjoy more of it on our way back to Siena via
Maestro Sanguineti and La Magia, his vineyards, where he is rightly famous for his
Brunello di Montalcino.
After this incredible day, our tour ends back in Siena at your Hotel,
or at the station for transfers back to Florence.