September in Tuscany

The annual grape harvest in September is a very exciting time in Tuscany. As the weather cools off, the colors of autumn awaken, the grape leaves turn gold, then russet, and the countryside becomes a photographer’s dream.

Lots of food and wine festivals are held in the month of September throughout the region.

One of the best wine festival is held mid-September in Greve in Chianti, main center in the Chianti Classico wine-district. This is a showcase for the best Chianti Classico wines that takes place in Piazza Matteotti, the main square of this lovely little town nested on breathtaking rolling hills. For a small price you can buy a glass and then you are free to sample any wines offered at the many stands.

A great food festival is Cacio al Fuso held the first Sunday of September in the small town of Pienza located in the province of Siena. Pienza makes among the best Pecorino cheese (sheep's milk cheese) in Italy. the Cacio al Fuso is a cheese rolling competition. Cacio is the original Tuscan word for Pecorino cheese and the Fuso or spindle is the target of the game.

These are just few of the many events that are held in Tuscany during the month of September.

Come and join us to discover the real Tuscany left behind from other travel companies.

We offer small and customize tours on your requests.

Contact us with any questions or comments on our upcoming 2010 September in Tuscany Tours at tours@utuscany.com

Ciao e a presto!

The simple art of greatness

Perhaps because it was the birthplace of renaissance, our region is often associated with wealth and refinement. And so most of the people assume that everything in Tuscany will exhibit these characteristics. It is actually quite the opposite and that is what I love most about my region.

The food of Tuscany is a great example on how simple things in life are the most beautiful.

Our food is never elaborate and everyday meals are more likely to be dominated by the simplest yet freshest and seasonal ingredients. The entire Cucina Toscana revolves around bread and olive oil.

Tuscan bread Pane Toscano tastes like no other bread in Italy, mostly because it is made without salt. Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil is known among the world's best.

The most glorious way to serve these two simple ingredients is as Fettunta, a piece of toasted Pane Toscano swathed with just pressed, green, unfiltered Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil. The name Fettunta comes from Fetta, the name workers used to describe the hunk of bread intensely flavored by extra-virgin olive oil as it ran fresh from the press.

Join us and get to know the real food of Tuscany and how people make it everyday.

Discover the simple art of greatness.

Check out Tuscan Roberto Benigni speech at the 71st Academy Awards for "Life is beautiful" on Dante, love and his parents biggest gift...Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cTR6fk8frs