01/09/2011
It goes without saying that the entire team at Cottages to Castles have a real passion for all things Italian!Be it the food (let’s face it there is plenty to choose from), the breathtaking land and seascapes, the people, the fashion, the culture and history, the cars, the traditions . . . . . oh, the list is endless.
So every month, one of the team will let you in on their very own favourite Italian treat. This month, we are heading to the beautiful hilltop town of Panzano for wine, cheese and general good times . . .
Located almost exactly halfway between Florence and Siena, Panzano is a rather magical and vibrant little hilltop town, unbeknown to most tourists to this area of Tuscany.
Well known locally for its festivals and annual celebrations throughout the year, it is also a picturesque spot with surrounding lush green Chianti hills, vineyards and church steeples that appear far into the distance.
Every Sunday morning until 1 pm a market is held on the main square where you can find anything from flowers, vegetables, cheese, fruit, meats to shoes, clothes and hardware ..... the list is endless!. And being away from it all means all shops in Panzano are open on Sunday until 1 pm only.
A visit to Italy is never complete without a glass of wine. Vino al Vino in the beautiful hilltop town of Panzano is the largest wine fair in Chianti and celebrates the local vineyards and farmers produce every year. The procedure is to buy a tasting glass for 12 Euro and is your ‘ticket’ to taste the wines on display at the booths of over 19 wineries. Vino al vino is a true gift for the senses.
The Festa dei Macellai (butchers festival) is a prepared meat festival inspired by Dario Cecchini (whose family shop and excellent cooking skills has drawn celebrities from all over the globe to Panzano) held in the main square of Panzano and the nearby Via XX luglio. Butchers and other food preparers come from all over Italy to publicise their creations by providing samples for tasting. For a small fee you can sample the meaty creations and enjoy music and the atmosphere. All proceeds go to the Fondazione Ospedale Pediatrico Meyer di Firenze (The Children's Hospital Foundation Meyer of Florence).
We have a selection of properties local to Panzano to allow you to enjoy all the festivities, all year round.
Casa Conca d’Oro a lovely little apartment for up to 4 guests in the heart of Panzano, from £24pppn
Capannina dei Ramoli with some of the best views of Panzano and the surrounding area, for up to 6 guests from £30pppn
Cottage Pineta just 4 kms from Panzano and set in your very own forested garden, for up to 6 guests from £29pppn.