Tuscany is one of the most incredible places on Earth. This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the “Strade del Vino, dell’Olio e dei Sapori,” the initiative involving twenty designated Wine & Oil roads covering Tuscany’s 8,000 miles to offer a unique opportunity for excellent tastings and purchasing. Following these themed itineraries gives you not only a road map of Tuscan bounty but also a suggested list of producers located along the route who are committed to respecting their heritage with quality products.
This delectable event is a fast and easy way to find places to stop for wine tasting. The “strade” include a long list of products such as wine, extra virgin olive oil, and a wide range of special recipes for local ingredients like honey, saffron, chestnuts, and even treasured and secret recipes for sweets, cheeses, pasta, and main courses. These items represent more than economic resources for the Region, but rather a way of life to be protected and shared, especially for visitors searching for the Tuscan culture of good wine and food.
Val d’Orcia
This valley’s landscapes close to Siena—so exceptionally beautiful they have been awarded World Heritage Status from UNESCO—excel in locally produced items. In addition to wine, this area is also well-known for its production of extra virgin olive oil, white truffles, salumi, saffron, their own special brand of pig called ”Cinta Senese,” the white Chianina cows, and famous sheep that give us a wide selection of pecorino cheeses! The CDO wine production area is nestled between Montalcino and Montepulciano and includes the following communes: Buonconvento, Castiglione d’Orcia, Pienza, Radicofani, San Giovanni d’Asso, San Quirico d’Orcia, and Trequanda, as well as parts of Abbadia San Salvatore, Chianciano Terme, Montalcino, San Casciano dei Bagni, Sarteano e Torrita di Siena.
Chianti
This itinerary for the Strada del Vino, dell’Olio e dei Sapori follows a road leading from Florence to Siena that crosses a wide territory full of vineyards, olive groves, picturesque small towns, and lots of opportunities for wine tasting. Greve is possibly the most famous town in Chianti and most visited due to its proximity to Florence; Radda, Castellina, and Gaiole in Chianti; San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Barberino in Val d’Elsa, and Poggibonsi are also iconic places to enjoy good CDO Chianti red wine.
Maremma
Situated in the province of Grosseto in southern Tuscany, famed for its beaches and Etruscan remnants, these seven communes comprise the areas designated for the production of Montecucco wines. Even though the recognition of these DOC wines is rather recent (1998), this area has been producing wine since Etruscan times, as artifacts have proven several times over.
The youngest of the three designated wine roads in the Maremma area, the Strada del Vino di Montecucco, radiates from a center position. An interesting blend of the Maremma hills, Etruscan ruins, and the heights of Mount Amiata blend together in one landscape.
Pisan Hills
The Pisan Hills Wine Road crosses typically Tuscan scenery made up of many small villages with fine traditions. The itinerary, easily accessible, winds near Pisa in the inner areas of the Valdera and the lower Valdarno, up to the Val di Cecina. The route can also be traveled on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback. You can learn more here and discover all the magical places Tuscany can offer.
August is the favorite month for shooting stars expected at the peak of the Perseids, the meteor shower par excellence that will reach its maximum activity starting on the 10th for a sparkling “Night of San Lorenzo.” While visiting the region, join in the tradition of star gazing with great wine called Calici di Stelle (Glasses full of Stars). Get ready for a summer full of magic, taste, and conviviality.
Barbara Benzoni
Barbara Benzoni was born in Milan and lives between Rome and Tuscany. She is devoted to USA, the land of courage and innovation. She’s Peter's super-lucky mum and Ale's wife. Cinema, art, good food and only beautiful things are the themes of her existence. With a degree in Italian literature and a Masters in Sports Management she can both enjoys books and basketball matches. In 25 years she has been organizing sport events all over the world and she’s been lucky enough to meet the greatest champs ever. Curiosity in everyday life and people are her drivers. Her personal icon is Mohammed Ali : "It's not bragging if you can back it up".