If you are a someone who loves the finer things in life and particularly those that one can eat or drink, then a villa in Tuscany, is always going to be a good idea. Of course, most are already at least somewhat familiar with this idea, as many of the most famous and beloved Italian dishes and specialities come from the region, and the wines of Tuscany are among the best-known around the globe. However, there is something for pretty much every type of foodie who might be planning a vacation in Tuscany. So, if you are looking to spend your next getaway eating, and eating well, then check out the kinds of culinary preferences catered to by different destinations within the region…
The Famous Wines Of Chianti
Many areas in Tuscany produce world-class wines but there is a reason that the wines of Chianti are so familiar to us. Book a vacation rental in Chianti and you can spend an entire holiday – should you wish – driving around the winding, cypress-lined roads through pretty villages, rolling hills, and endless vineyards, to go from winery to winery, sampling the local vintages. Not only is the region steeped in heritage, tradition, and wine-making experience and excellence, but the sheer number of incredible wineries means that you’ll never be stuck for an interesting example to visit…
World-class Gelato
Admittedly, you could buy gelato from almost any gelateria in Tuscany and find it to be tastier than any ice-cream you might have had before. However, if you want something extra, extra special then you should find a holiday rental in San Gimignano, where Gelateria Dondoli is located. Found right in the gorgeous historic centre of this lovely Medieval town, this gelato shop has won the Ice Cream World Championship twice, has drawn visitors from all over the world, and regularly attracts celebrities due to its incredible product and sterling reputation. So, if you are in town, it is a must! And if you are an ice-cream lover considering a vacation in Tuscany, it’s one more great reason to book a villa in San Gimignano.
Indulgent Chocolate
Tuscany is home to the so-called, “Chocolate Valley,” located between Pisa, Pistoia, and Prato. In this area, you will find a variety of Italian chocolate producers, artisan chocolatiers, factories, shops, and gourmet boutiques. Some of the key spots to visit include Roberto Catinari’s legendary chocolate shop in Agliana, where you can find 30 years of expertise and over 100 varieties of pralines to choose from and Amedei in Pontedera, an iconic Italian chocolate brand that has won countless awards and produces the so-called, “Champagne of Chocolate.” There are many other incredible brands, shops, and more to discover so if you have a serious sweet tooth, be sure to book a vacation rental in Pisa and start exploring the delicious chocolate options on offer!
Craft Beers As Well As Wine
While the famous wines of Tuscany are likely familiar to most, Tuscany also has a growing craft beer industry with some really interesting beers on offer. So, if you are not a wine-drinker and are actually after some great craft beers, a villa in Tuscany is still a wonderful choice! Especially if you book a holiday rental in Lucca as there are some key beer-related businesses in the vicinity including Brùton brewery and De Cervesia Beer And Food, which has seven of their beers on tap and a range of delicious things to eat and drink as well.
Savour Sea Food
We always recommend a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast to anyone who will listen as there are gorgeous beaches, natural wonders, and charming resort towns to enjoy but another great part about visiting this somewhat less well-known and celebrated part of the region? The seafood! Enjoy some incredibly fresh fish and seafood dishes with a hearty Tuscan twist, especially delicious after working up an appetite hiking or swimming along this stunning coastline!
Extra-special Specialities
In addition to all of the aforementioned foodie delights on offer to those who book holiday rentals in Tuscany and come to explore her culinary heritage, the region also produces a lot of incredible crops and specialities that the more serious foodies will want to keep an eye out for as they shop in supermarkets and markets. Those who are more serious still might also want to head to the towns that produce them to experience them in situ. These include the likes of chestnuts and chestnut-based dishes in Marradi in the fall; San Miniato’s world-famous delicacy, the truffle; San Gimignano’s saffron; Lari’s perfect cherries; Florence’s famous steak as well as her Queen Peach; Carmignano’s figs; the bitter Amaro di Sant'Antimo liqueur made by the monks of the beautiful Abbey of Sant'Antimo, just outside of Montalcino; incredible traditional pastries from Siena and Prato; and more. Really, if you book a villa in Tuscany and have enough time, you could really spend an entire vacation simply travelling all over the region, seeking out all of the most delicious and interesting things to eat and drink, and indulging – sounds like a dream vacation to us!
No matter what you like to eat and drink, Tuscany really is a perfect hub for both the casual and the serious foodie alike and a perfect place to relax, unwind, and simply enjoy la dolce vita…
