Chianti vineyards. Wherever and whatever you want to explore Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway. ">For many discerning travellers, eating and drinking is as much a part of the holiday as the sightseeing and relaxing, and when on holiday in Italy, the gastronomy and the wonderful wine are integral parts of everyday life for visitors and locals alike. Discovering the off-the-beaten-track restaurants, their authentic dishes and quality ingredients is all part of the fun when on holiday in Chianti, that special little corner of beautiful Tuscany. So, to help you make the most of your stay in the area, we have put together a list of eateries that you really must try if you want to make the most of the trip. Uscio & Bottega A beautiful location, nestled deep into the heart of the hills in Castellina in Chianti, this charming spot has a rustic terrace area that leads into an altogether more up-to-date interior. Every day the menu changes and the chef decides on what he will make depending on what ingredients are in season and what he feels like treating his guests to. I can highly recommend having a gentle stroll in the area then heading here for a relaxing and rather romantic bite to eat. La Posta When you eat a dish that you remember forever, you know that the restaurant you ate at was a good one. This fabulous place has many dishes that linger on in the mind long after you have returned home. Recipes are authentic but also combine the traditional with the slightly more contemporary. The wood fired oven is the star of the show here, especially for lunchtime visitors when the pizzas are flying out of the door. Osteria al Ponte The highlight of this restaurant is its excellent selection of wines from local Chianti vineyards. The menu is equally extensive and offers traditional dishes with a more minimalist finish. You can choose to sit in or out at this venue too, so choose a hot summer Italian evening and you can enjoy ‘al fresco’ dining at its finest. Le Panzenelle The antipasti here is a meal in itself and, despite the rather ordinary look of this little eatery, its food is big, bold and plentiful. Main courses are all made fresh and desserts are particularly good. Taverna del Guerrino The view is the main appeal of Taverna del Guerrino; the panoramic terrace that looks over the Chianti vineyards offers the perfect accompaniment to a plate of homemade Tuscan pasta. Main dishes are cooked on a ‘focolare’ (fireplace) and the authentic sugo (tomato-based sauce) is among the best I have ever tasted. The off-the-beaten-track charm of this place is very much part of its attraction, but its opening hours can be hit and miss, so make sure you check before you go. Wines from local Chianti vineyards are served here and many are from such small producers that they are not available in the shops. Try It Yourself If you are keen to learn more about Tuscan food and wine, book on a tour of the Chianti vineyards and you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best food and wine this region has to offer. Group tours also mean that you’ll be able to meet like-minded travellers! While this region is well known for its gastronomy and wine, it can sometimes be tough to choose where to eat. Hopefully our suggestions above will give you a few ideas to get your taste buds tingling. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable day trips from Florence including Vintage Vespa tours, cooking classes and wine tours in Chianti vineyards. Wherever and whatever you want to explore Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.
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