Thursday, January 24, 2013

Oh, Tuscany- Part Four.


The last day of our Tuscan adventure we planned on touring wineries near Greve in the Chianti region. If you're planning on visiting Italian wineries, you absolutely must make reservations ahead of time.  Not only will this give you a solid plan for your time, it will also ensure that you're absolutely positive which wineries are open and receiving visitors at that time.  I am a meticulous trip planner yet made the mistake of assuming most places would be open and willing to accept call-ahead timing.  

Click through to read about my wine tasting experience at the unique Castello di Verrazzano!


By far, our favorite winery in Tuscany was Castello di Verrazzano.  They graciously accepted us both without reservations and during the off season.  Although I'm sure visiting during the fall harvest between September and October would be fabulous, I personally enjoyed the lack of tourists and overall Italian feel we were able to get during the off season.  

While sharing about his life in Italy, his experience visiting America, and his history in the wine business, our incredible tour guide Geno walked us around the winery, clearly explaining each device and answering all of our questions.  Afterwards, Geno poured us several varieties of wine to drink while he toasted fresh Italian bread over an open fire.  He topped the warm, crispy bread with fresh olive oil (made on site, of course), and accompanied the plate with cheese, pears, biscotti, and an incredibly delicious balsamic vinegar.  The flavors combined together perfectly in a sweet, savory, and tart mixture that Geno knew just which wines to pair with.  

With delicious wines and friendly, charismatic people like Geno, I have no doubt Castello di Verrazzano will be successful for years to come.  










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