Blog
Pinot Noir wine from Vigneron Giacomo Baraldo
Giacomo Baraldo Vigneron Giacomo Baraldo is a passionate winemaker from San Casciano dei Bagni (SI). What is a Vigneron? Vigneron is French. It derives from the word "vigne" which means grape vine. It is a person who cultivates grapes for winemaking. Giacomo makes...
Exercising outside in Montepulciano
Exercising in Montepulciano In this challenging time doing some sports are good. Running outside is what I do daily. I want to stay fit. Physically and mentally. While running face masks are not required, fortunately. It is safe to run outside in Montepulciano. Fresh...
Covid-19 update Italy
The latest news Coronavirus in Tuscany Italy was the first country outside China to face a major corona outbreak. We went into a lockdown for at least 9 weeks in 2020. The restrictions against coronavirus were strict. Last summer we managed to keep the infection rates...
Wine tasting in Campania
Wine region Campania Campania is a wonderful wine region in southern Italy. It has an old wine tradition. It was one of the most famous wine regions of the Romans. The vineyards in Campania are mostly inland, not directly along the coast. The soils are influenced by...
Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta in San Quirico d’Orcia Tuscany
Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta Between San Quirico d'Orcia and Pienza is the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta. It is an amazing territory, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta is a tall bright building surrounded by cypress...
A giant garlic from the Valdichiana valley “Aglione”
Alberto Giorgi is a local farmer and a small producer of aglione. He grows fruit, vegetables and aglione -garlic- in the Valdichiana valley. His farms are located in Montepulciano and Chianciano, Tuscany. Every Wednesday and Friday morning is a small market in...
My quarantaine blog in Montepulciano
Here’s my story and a selection of images showing my quarantaine life in Montepulciano. The lockdown measures in Italy were severe. Now that we are relatively back to normal life, things have changed in Montepulciano.
Pasta i pici at restaurant La Solita Zuppa | visit Chiusi Tuscany
Pasta i pici is a traditional pasta dish. They are originally from southern Tuscany around Siena. La Solita Zuppa in Chiusi città offers traditional dishes. On the menu they have lots of pici dishes. Chiusi is an ancient town with an interesting museum “Museo Nazionale Etrusco”. Also Chiusi’s Lake is worth a visit.
Visit Pienza in the Val d’Orcia valley
Visit Pienza Last week I visited Pienza in the Val d'Orcia. Pienza is a tiny village situated 20 km from Montalcino and a few km from Montepulciano. This period is a unique chance for me to visit places in Italy without lots of tourists. Italy has opened its borders...
A FAT e-bike tour in Umbria with Instabike Italia
The best way to explore Umbria and Tuscany is by riding a FAT e-bike. You can ride along vineyards and amazing landscapes. Instabike Italia offers FAT e-bike rental and guided tours.
New Covid-19 measures in Italy | life in Montepulciano
New Phase 2 measures in Italy The Covid-19 measures in Italy are somewhat eased since early May. Restrictions on travel within the same region will be dropped on May 18. Shops, restaurants, hairdressers and bars are being allowed to reopen. Two weeks earlier than...
Phase two in Italy and how to move on
Lockdown in Italy Last week I have seen our Prime Minister Conte on TV saying that the measures will be more relaxed from May 4. What changes? Sometimes it's a bit confusing for me to understand well Italy's new rules. But in general I know what I may do and what is...