Five Chateaux in France
Fulfilling any childhood fantasy of being royalty might be easier than you think with a trip to a few spectacular Chateaux in France.
Chateau Chambord
Hidden in the center of a forest is the Chateau Chambord. If you close your eyes for a moment and envision what your idea might be for a house only occupied for the occasional nights stay or whose primary use would be as a hunting lodge – a castle with 440 rooms, 84 staircases, and 365 fireplaces would certainly not be what most people would have in mind. Yet, this was the structure that filled the desires of King Francois I. For a hunting lodge, it is the largest Chateau in the Loire Valley.
At its center you will find a double spiral staircase that was said to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It has passed through a variety of owners ending with the Count of Paris before it was eventually purchased by the French government and turned into the attraction it is for visitors today.
Chateau d’ Usse
Another notable chateau, found in the beautiful Loire Valley, has served as the inspiration for more than one princess story. This castle is literally a fairytale come to life. Its image served as inspiration and sparked an idea for the writer Charles Perrault. The basis for his story Sleeping Beauty can be linked back to the blue slate roof and gothic turrets of the Chateau d’ Usse.
It has been appropriately nicknamed the castle of dreams. It was originally intended to serve as a fortress, but for many it has become the ultimate symbol of a fairytale. It is even said to be one of many castles that inspired Walt Disney when he was creating his famous Cinderella Castle.
Chateau Villandry
Here it is not the beauty of the chateau’s design that draws people to what is known as one of the most visited castles in France, but the gardens surrounding it. Villandry was built in the 16th century near the Cher River. While the chateau itself is certainly impressive, its French mosaic gardens are the main draw. You can experience what is truly the finest example of formal Renaissance gardens in France. This is a place that anyone with even the slightest tinge of a green thumb could admire and appreciate.
Chateau Chaumont
Chaumont holds the title of being one of the oldest chateau’s in the Loire Valley. Built in the 10th century, it was the one-time home to Catherine de Medici, the queen of France and wife of Henry II. Eventually she was able to switch residences with his mistress in favor of a grander style, but this castle certainly has its charm. It is now owned by the French government and serves primarily as a museum.
Its English style gardens play host to the Festival des Jardins, which lasts from June to mid-October. This unique festival allows for the true creativity of individuals to come alive as they are challenged by a unique theme each year. This past year it was “gardens of color” and previous years it has been “at play in the garden” and even “movement”. Since the gardens are constantly changing, the festival provides just another reason to return annually for a visit.
Chateau Versailles
Any list of chateaux in France would not be complete without including the palace at Versailles. I realize that most people are aware of Versailles and its beauty, but there could be no justification in creating a list without including it. It is easily one of the most widely known palaces in the world. This was a residence literally created for the Gods. Much like Chateau Chambord it began as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII.
Over the years it has been updated and expanded upon to achieve the splendor we recognize it for today. Within the palace walls you will find 700 rooms, 67 staircases, and over 2,000 windows. Visiting this national museum of history, a true testament to what architecture, wealth, and design can achieve, would be the perfect conclusion to any French Chateaux traveling experience.
So what are you waiting for? Start booking your flights to Paris and go chateaux hopping as soon as you get there.
Have you visted a French Chateau? Share your experiences in the comments!
Written by Molly. Photo Credits : MACSURACK / ell brown / cookipediachef / aschaf / CpaKmoi
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Travel Tip Tuesday : Staying Safe While Traveling
Travel advice comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s garnered from an unfortunate event – even from a tragedy. There are experiences that make us take a second look at things we seem to take for granted. This Travel Tip Tuesday, Stephanie has written a travel essay as an important reminder of why it’s important to stay safe and be aware while traveling.
Here’s Stephanie:
In the middle of November 2009, the death of Robert Stone brought Marist College to its knees. I still remember when I opened the email on a Saturday morning after having a fun, carefree college student Friday night. Covering my mouth as I read that my classmate Robert Stone had died from falling down the stairs at Santa Maria d ‘Aracoeli in Rome, Italy, I couldn’t stop myself from saying out loud “Oh my God,” in a disbelieving stupor. For the next few weeks, I kept thinking of how Rob had been abroad in Europe for the semester, having the time of his life, and that all he had been doing on that day was sightseeing with his roommate.
I realized from this tragedy just how easily an excursion could turn into a nightmare, and that something like this did not even seem preventable. Some tragedies can’t be avoided, even with the purchase of cheap travel insurance. How do you stop yourself from a miss-step or being bumped by another tourist and falling? But upon reflection, I think I can see that Rob’s death, though it could not have been prevented, does give us an important insight: that when we are on vacation and exploring new places we are not invincible.
It may seem like a preschool redundancy, but I think that no matter where we are, we should try to remember how to keep ourselves safe, especially while on vacation. I know that when I go to new places I am never thinking about looking both ways while crossing the street, being aware of my surroundings outside of their aesthetic value, and making sure I am not in the wrong place at the wrong time. Though freak accidents are hard to prevent, being aware is the most we can do for ourselves and there is a lot of value in that.
Potential accidents are not the only things that can encroach on our safety while travelling. There are still the problems of criminal activity to try to prevent from affecting you. While on vacation, you should definitely make sure that your hotel is in a safe area and that you always lock the door behind you, even if just briefly leaving the room to go down the hall. To combat the problem of pick-pocketing, which is a real threat in Europe, hold your purse or bag close to your body, and try to use something with a zipper so that it is harder for the pickpocket. If you plan to drink, try to set a specific limit of intake so that you are not too drunk in an unfamiliar setting, making it easy for immoral people to take advantage of your state.
All of these points may seem like common sense, but I think we all need to be reminded about the realities of certain situations. A safe trip is a good trip, in my opinion, so let’s all try to keep this in mind while visiting new places.
How do you stay safe while traveling? Care to share something that may have happened to you while traveling- and what you learned from it?
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Don’t forget to check out My Bella Vita for more travel tips today!
Hudson Valley Restaurant Week 2010
I’m so excited to announce that Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is coming! The fourth annual event runs from March 15th through March 28th this year. And for the first time ever it includes Saturday nights, which is a wonderful bonus for those coming to the Hudson Valley region for a weekend getaway.
All participating restos will offer three-course prix-fixe lunches for $20 and/or three-course dinners for $28 {excluding beverage, tax and tip). This is an opportunity to sample some of the best cuisine the valley has to offer at really reasonable prices.
Many of the participating chefs will be highlighting the locally produced ingredients that the area has become know for. Hudson Valley farm products like venison, duck, pork, cheeses and even wine. The event has grown more popular- this year over 125 restaurants will be participating across Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester, Ulster, Orange and Columbia counties.
You’ll find a complete list of participating restaurants on Hudson Valley Restaurant Week.com
But, I am no stranger to good Hudson Valley Restaurants. I can not only recommend quite a few on the list, but can provide you with some reviews of those I have enjoyed dining at.
Restaurants I recommend and have reviewed:
Restaurants I recommend, but have not reviewed here:
Beechtree Grill *
Artist’s Palate
Beso
Brasserie Le Bouchon*
Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill *
Il Barilotto *
La Puerta Azul *
Portofino Restaurant
Raccoon Saloon
Shadows on the Hudson
Twist
Terrapin
*denotes a favorite
This is a popular event and though many don’t require reservations, I highly recommend it!
Bon Appetit!
Winter in Venice
Even though we get to celebrate holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and Valentine’s Day during the winter, somehow most of us find ourselves yearning for a vacation before the spring hits. Venice, Italy is one travel destination that is very special to visit in the coldest months of the year.
A place like Venice “hits the spot” with its crisp, clear days, exciting activities, as well as its wintry serenity. The landscape becomes hauntingly beautiful, with fog permeating the city and the chance of snowfall at any minute. If you like photography, this is a perfect place to capture the lightly grayed, slanted light of Venice – winter produces eerie, yet spectacular images. Lovers of romantic scenery will certainly be wooed.
Better Prices, Lesser Crowds
Budget travelers and those preferring smaller tourist crowds will be pleasantly surprised. A winter vacation can be much easier on your budget. You can travel to Venice for a cheaper rate than in the spring and summer. Though it’s hard to say you’d ever find cheap hotels in Venice, during this time, you are sure to see lower prices than normal. Moreover, since winter is the “off season,” Venice has fewer crowds, meaning fewer lines at museums and other attractions. Traveling between November and March often yields much cheaper flights than during any other months.
Venetian Hot Chocolate
Before I go onto any other subject, I have to mention hot chocolate. Venice is known for its art of chocolate making and indulging. This is not anything like Starbucks (though I must say, Starbucks’s Hazelnut hot chocolate is outrageous). Venetians make this irresistible drink thicker, richer and smoother than mousse. If your stomach is sensitive to decadent sweets, don’t worry, you’ll get just the right amount with those European portions! If you need more, there’s always the chance to get morning chocolate, afternoon chocolate, evening chocolate, and of course in between.
The Arts
During the Venice off-season, Venetian opera, symphony, and theatre are in full swing. During Inverno Veneziano – the Venetian Winter Festival, which has been going on for the past seven years from November to February, the arts are really celebrated all winter long. It is a diverse festival, full of special events and concerts to enjoy. This year Celtic music was introduced into the festival, among its traditional Gospel music concerts, art exhibits, and gastronomy events. To make it even more invigorating, most of these events are held in historical churches and villas.
Carnivale
If you want to see a bit of unstructured performance, or even take part in it, then you should visit Venice during Carnivale. Carnivale is much like Mardi Gras in the U.S., except in Italy, the people go wild for almost a fortnight instead of a day! The annual “party” festival lasts about two weeks and ends on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), the day before Ash Wednesday. During this time, the Venetians celebrate their freedoms before the 40 days of Lent, a practice that dates back to the 13th century.
People dress up in elaborate costumes and don classically decorated Carnivale masks to hide their mischievous behavior while partying. Venice is much more crowded during Carnivale, for sure, but most tourists are only there for the playful festivities. Unless you are on the streets designated for the festival, most of the other areas of the city are empty, so you can get away from the crowds if need be. Though this years Carnivale has just wrapped-up, it’s something that should definitely go on your must-see list on your next winter visit to Venice.
Written by Stephanie Photo Credits : James Michael Hill / TracyElaine / LinksmanJD/ marjolein.visser
Five Hudson Valley Bed & Breakfasts
This past weekend we celebrated a national holiday dedicated to love. Why not extend that love to a place such as the Hudson River Valley? This is a place that I love. Here we are surrounded by both great beauty and rich history. So take some time to stop and smell the roses, perhaps ones you’ve just gotten for Valentine’s Day, and enjoy the beauty of a few Bed and Breakfasts close to my home and my heart.
Maplestone Inn
Breakfast at the Maplestone Inn
The Maplestone Inn, circa 1790, was built alongside a stone farmhouse. It is classically decorated, recognizing the history of the structure while providing modern day conveniences. It is located on beautifully landscaped grounds in the town of New Paltz. Most notably marked by the presence of an authentic red barn, inside the inn you will be pleasantly surprised to find unique touches such as a Vermont casting stove and a 1928 claw foot tub.
No detail was overlooked in creating the atmosphere of this charming B & B. Wireless internet access and a plush robe will round out your experience. The Inn has managed to maintain the integrity of the space while creating a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere in a unique little town. Nearby is the Mohonk Mountain Preserve, the largest member and visitor-supported nature preserve in New York State. Mohonk provides you with an opportunity to utilize its numerous climbing and hiking trails, which might be necessary after enjoying the Inn’s complimentary three-course breakfast.
Maplestone Inn
541 Route 32 South, New Paltz, NY 12561
845.255.6861
Journey Inn
Staying at this Inn will truly be a journey as the artfully decorated rooms transport you to the different places that each represents. My personal favorite is the “outback room”, which is decorated in an Australian theme. Here you can find a vacation within your vacation. The Inn is located in Hyde Park – an area replete with historical significance, where you’ll find the Vanderbilt Mansion and The Franklin Roosevelt Library. The dining choices in Hyde Park are exceptional. The nearby Culinary Institute of America offers up delicious fare whether it be Italian, French or Americana. Finally, in true New York fashion, a meal in Hyde Park would not be complete without making a visit to the local diner. Eveready Diner, which has been featured on the Food Network, is the perfect spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or satisfy a late night craving for a milkshake!
Journey Inn
1 Sherwood Place, Hyde Park, NY 12538
845.229.8972
The Porter House
Innisfree Gardens in Millbrook, NY
The little town of Millbrook is the setting for the Porter House. In a previous life The Porter House was a 1940’s phone exchange. It has been adapted and turned into a charming little B & B. The house itself was built by Italian stonemasons in 1912; their intricate stonework and craftsmanship gives a unique feel to the outside of the house. The five rooms and shared common areas retain their authentic wood floors. In the town of Millbrook you will find a winery, access to Hudson Valley River cruises, and numerous other activities showcasing the beauty of the region. One particularly beautiful attraction is the Innisfree garden. You can explore a 150 acre garden that is truly unique filled with exotic plants, streams, waterfalls, and terraces overlooking a 40 acre glacial lake.
The Porter House
17 Washington Avenue, Millbrook, NY 12545
845.677.3057
Mt. Beacon Inn
View of the Hudson River from Mt. Beacon
The town of Beacon is easily accessible on the Metro North Railroad’s Hudson Line. This is where you will find the Mt. Beacon Inn. Each of its three rooms are spacious and uses décor in keeping with the history of the house. The colonial home, built in 1911, is filled with Victorian fireplaces, authentic hardwood floors, and period furniture. Upon entering you will feel like you have stepped back in time. The Inn is within walking distance of the town’s main street, which provides ample opportunity for exploring shops. It is also a popular spot for hikers and city-dwellers looking for a weekend escape.
Mt. Beacon Bed & Breakfast
829 Wolcott Avenue 9D, Beacon, NY 12508
845.831.0737
The Delamater Inn
Beekman Arms Inn - Oldest in America
The Delamater Inn is located on the grounds of the Beekman Arms in the historic center of Rhinebeck, NY. These historic buildings make up what is known as America’s oldest operating Inn. The Inn is right in the center of town surrounded by numerous little shops and restaurants. Located just down the street is Upstate Films where you can catch a foreign or indie film not available at a mainstream movie theater. There are also plenty of opportunities for antiquing and dining out. The Beekman Arms boasts a fabulous restaurant that serves tavern-style fare. Rhinebeck allows you to take in the history of a quant New York town while enjoying the culture of a city.
Delamater House
Route 9 Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845. 876. 7077
Written by Molly – Photo Credits : dennisandluba / Robin Locker / John Weiss / Ben Ramirez / James Kun
Travel Tip Tuesday : Travel eBooks
There is so much great travel information on the Internet – problem is sometimes it is hard to find. Some don’t know where to look, others just don’t have the time. More often than not, lots of good stuff goes unnoticed.
This Travel Tip Tuesday, I bring you a few great travel eBooks that range from informative to inspirational to destination specific. And if you are new to the term eBook – it’s basically a downloadable document that you can either read on your computer (think environmentally friendly!) – or print out.
General Travel:
First up is a free eBook with 10 Inspirational Solo Travel Stories. Travel Alone and Love It! is a nice collection of travel stories based on going it alone.
Another option is near and dear to my heart – it’s about Travel Tips. Aimed at first time travelers and students the “How to Travel” eBook is $9.90.
Frequent Flyer Master is a how to guide on gaming the airline frequent flier system and is most beneficial to travelers from the United States. It’s backed by a “one free plane ticket” guarantee. The cost is a hefty $49 – so make sure this is something you will invest your time in. The author also wrote another set of eBooks on “How to be a Travel Ninja” – someone who travels wherever they want, whenever they want. This eBook series offers two levels- The Basic version is $39 and the Complete version is $58.
Christine Gilbert shows us how to use Twitter for Travel for a reasonable $7 download fee.
Destination Specific:
Headed to Rome? You won’t want to miss the free downloadable eBook of Rome’s Angels and Demons. It’s got insider info about the places in Dan Brown’s book.
If France is more to your liking, this book, which is a journey through Matisse’s eyes, covers the South of France, with a splash of Paris mixed in. It’s available for download for only $6.70.
Those lucky enough to be able to visit Cuba would be smart to grab this download for first-time visitors- A Beginners’ Guide to Havana Cuba.
And if you are headed to Calabria, don’t miss 65 travel tips in Cherrye’s eBook, Don’t Get Caught with Dirty Drawers.
What am I missing? What travel-related eBooks have you seen or used that you want to share?
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And speaking of Cherrye, head over to see her travel tips today!
La Cucina Povera : White Beans and Chard
One of the things I love so much about Italy is how Italians cook. They prepare dishes from seasonal foods while making use of everything they have. They don’t waste food and they have smart, creative ways to make use of leftovers.
La Cucina Povera is a term that Italians use to describe this type of cooking. It means The Poor Kitchen.
Some of the best Italian recipes were and still are created this way.
Often, when faced with an empty pantry the day before my scheduled market visit – I need to get creative. I don’t like to waste food or money for that matter.
Last week, I had some left over chard staring me in the face as well as about 50 assorted cans of beans picked up at a recent Can-Can Sale.
I figured that someone out in Internet Land must have an Italian recipe utilizing these ingredients.
And I was correct.
Enter Joe Bastianch and Food and Wine Magazine.
I used the recipe as inspiration for my dish, but since I rarely follow a recipe to the T while cooking I just winged it. I’ll give you an overview, but you can find the actual recipe here.
This is a simple, quick, healthy dinner – a perfect cold-weather meal for vegetarians. And it’s very budget friendly, which is so important these days.
I was also very surprised that this tasted as good as it did. It just goes to show you that you don’t need a complicated ingredient deck to wind up with a hearty, delicious dish.
Quick White Bean, Chard and Tomato Stew
What you’ll need:
Swiss chard, larger stems removed, and leaves roughly chopped
a few glugs of extra-virgin olive oil
a few thinly sliced garlic cloves
a pinch of crushed red pepper
1 cup canned chopped or diced tomatoes
1 16-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper
Grated Parmesan
What to do:
1. Throw the chard in a pot of boiling water. Turn the heat down and simmer till nicely wilted. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, pour olive oil in a Dutch Oven and turn the heat to medium. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook for about a minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
3. Add the tomatoes, turn up the heat . When mix reaches a boil, toss in the beans. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often.
4. Reduce heat again to a simmer and add the wilted chard. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls topped with a good amount of grated Parmesan cheese.
Buon Appetito!
Travel Photo Friday : Italian Vespas
As you know, last Friday should have been Travel Photo Friday. But more pressing and delicious things took priority – namely World Nutella Day 2010.
So, I am making up for it this week.
This months photo is a stunning group of shiny red vespas all lined up in a row behind the wrought-iron gates of the Verrazzano Winery in Greve, Italy.
The photo was taken in the fall by Patsy Gallery, from Italy by Vespa.
Patsy says ” Tuscany in the fall is beautiful with all the leaves turning and the smell of them burning in the air. What better way to see Tuscany than on a red vespa!?
Do you want your travel photo to be featured on Travel Photo Friday? Just submit your favorite travel photo along with a description of why it’s your favorite to mymelange {at} yahoo {dot} com.
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See you on March 5th for our next edition!
5 Reasons to Visit Loire Valley
The Loire Valley has a history of luxury beginning in the 11th and 12th centuries. It is a place of fairytale castles, rich history, and of course, tasty wine. Numerous French kings and barons built their castles along the beautiful river Loire.
Royalty through the ages traveled here, just an hour? outside of Paris, to “get away from it all.” And now that we peasants can afford to go on holiday too, we can venture to this special place and explore any and every castle, or even experience the other exciting sights to see in the Loire Valley.
Chateaux and Mini Chateaux
Every castle has its own story, be it charming or risqué. Like at Chateau Chenonceau, where the 12-year-old King Henry II took on a 32-year-old mistress and threw transvestite parties in the gardens. There are large and lavish castles throughout the valley, but the seven must-see castles are Cheverny, Ussé, Amboise, Chenonceau, Chambord, Clos Lucé, and Villandry.
It may be hard to get to all of those castles in one trip, so that is why someone decided to create Mini Chateaux Parc. On its five acres of landscape, this park has 45 scale replicas of the finest castles throughout the Loire Valley. The park is very family oriented, where you get lost in or conquer Le Labrynthe végétal (a classical renaissance maze), watch live performances of old fables and plays, or perambulate La Roseraie de Ronsard (the poet’s rose garden). The children can even dress up as medieval knights and let their visions of royalty and gallantry run wild, at least for one day.
The Hounds
Witness the feeding of the hounds at Chateau Cheverny. From April 1st to September 15th, the dogs are fed every day at 5:00pm for everyone to see. However, the attraction is not famous just because you get to watch dogs ravage raw chicken. All of the hounds, about 50 in number, are trained to halt before their food and wait in restless anticipation until the trainer yells, “RELEASE THE HOUNDS!” in French. Then the animals begin their feast. Throughout the open season, however, visitors to Cheverny can view the kennels and imagine what it must have been like for the royalty to hunt with man’s best friend in medieval Loire Valley.
Leonardo Da Vinci
At Chateau Amboise, you can wander through the manor house, Chateau Clos Lucé, where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his last 3 years. King Francis I, an Italian art enthusiast, invited Leonardo to stay at Chateau Clos Lucé (attached to Amboise by an underground tunnel), where he asked the famous artist to work as the royal painter, architect, and engineer in 1516. When Leonardo died in 1519, he was buried at the nearby Chapel of Saint Hubert. You may want to go to the chapel and see Leonardo’s tomb (make sure to bring some flowers). Back at Clos Lucé, there are 40 true-to-Da Vinci-design models on display for visitors, such as a parachute, helicopter blade, and even the first car.
Wildlife
The Loire Valley has a very mild, enjoyable climate, which makes it a great place for outdoor adventures. There are a few nature reserves to visit. The largest in the valley is The Orléans Forest, located on the north bank of the Loire, where Booted and Short-toed Eagles, and Osprey breed. The reserve is also teeming with many other species of bird (like Woodlark and Honey Buzzard), insect (like Brilliant Emerald), and plant (like Moon Carrot and Pyramidal Bugle).
If you want to see some non-native species to the Loire, you also have the option of visiting some of the famous zoos. There is La Fléche, the oldest zoo in France, Zooparc Beauval, oriented toward breeding endangered species, and Zoo de Doué, which also conserves species and holds the largest Aviary, over 200 birds, in Europe.
Markets
After thinking about all of the various things to do in the Loire Valley, you’re probably wondering when and where to fuel yourself for them. Many of the towns have markets that sell fresh produce and foods, wine, as well as flowers and other items. Angers and Tours have daily markets, so you never have to worry about missing out.
At Angers, there is a special flea market on Saturdays, and Tours boasts a large flower market open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Loches even has a “Moonlight Market,” held on two nights every summer, where you can buy crafts, honey, cheeses, cakes, and the like. There are so many markets in the region, each with their own specialties and personalities, that you are sure to find one, five or ten, you adore.
Written by Stephanie Photo Credits Gilles92 / Peter Long / Ell brown / Hans S / Rose des Vents
Five Wine Bars in Florence
It would be hard to imagine a trip to Italy without taking advantage of the amazing selection of wine that the country has to offer. Luckily this is made a little easier by the many Italian wine bars, or enotecas. Here you can sample a variety of wines without having to eat a full meal and in some cases, if you prefer, you can enjoy a glass without ever even having to sit down. This is a convenience worth taking advantage of. A few places that seemed particularly enticing can be found in the capital city of the Tuscan region, Florence.
1. Cantinetta del Verrazzano boasts the ownership of arguably one of Chianti’s best-known wine-producing estates. It’s hard to imagine how one could go wrong sampling a full-bodied red wine such as Chianti here. Inside you will find a charmingly antiquated design of authentic wood paneling. This, along with a giant wood fired pizza oven fitted into the back wall, provides warmth to an already pleasant atmosphere. The quality of wine offered is only matched by the food. Patrons here have the option to sample items from the bakery along with their wine choices. Chianti is a wine meant to be enjoyed with food. All the more reason to indulge and order a piece of freshly baked zucchini flower focaccia while sipping a glass filled with truly authentic Chianti.
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Cantinetta del Verrazzano
Via dei Tavolini 18-20r.
055 268590
2. Cantinetta Antinori is truly fit for a king. It can be found inside a 15th century palazzo in Florence on the left bank. It has held residence there for some thirty years, surely a testament to its popularity. While reservations are usually necessary it is well worth the extra few minutes it takes to plan ahead because it would be impossible to only order a simple side dish. The dishes offered seem to rival the expansive selection of Tuscan wines. When ordering something such as bistecca fiorentina you can be sure all ingredients used are grown on actual Antinori farms. The servers here boast being able to speak almost all languages, so no need to worry if your Italian is a little rusty. This will certainly not get in the way of enjoying the fine wines and dishes offered.
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Cantinetta Antinori
3 Palazzo Antinori
055 292234
3. Gianni Migliorini’s Casa del Vino, while not located inside an ancient castle holds a somewhat historic title. It is the oldest winery in the city and you can find it behind the open air market on Via dell’Ariento. Here you can grab a small bite of bruschette or even sample the family olive oil made in Tavernelle. This seems to be all that is necessary for his expansive collection of fine wines outshines any dining menu. It also lends him the title of having one of the best wine cellars in Florence, which is as popular with locals as it is tourists. Along with sampling a variety of wines here you might find yourself discovering your inner Hemingway while examining their collection of rare cognacs. This is a collection that is specifically unique to them and certainly makes it worth a visit.
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Casa del Vino
Via dell’Ariento, 16r.
055 215609
4. Pitti Gola e Cantina is a much more recent addition to the Florentine wine bar landscape. To some it could be considered a virtual wine museum. Inside patrons can view a beautiful structure which holds a large variety of wine. Bottles here serve as both their fare and decoration as they line the walls. You will find yourself surrounded with both possibilities for your wine selections and a colorful almost enchanting atmosphere. Along with this stunning inside view you can look out upon the street and enjoy views of the Pitti Palace. Though an order of authentic Italian white, red, and dessert wine can get a little pricey, it is not too upscale. You will find the bar formal, but welcoming. Finally any dining experience here is rounded out by the friendliness of the servers.
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Pitti Gola e Cantina
Piazza de’ Pitti, 16r.
055 212704
5. The oldest option, which has been open since 1875, removes the necessity of servers altogether. Here tucked away behind Piazza Signoria you will find I Fratellini, which roughly translated means, the “younger brothers”. Only Tuscan wines are served across what is literally simply a bar. It is fit snuggly inside the doorjamb of a cellar. Charming in its evident simplicity, here you can find an affordable drink while never having to set foot inside. This is a rare convenience as it is one of only a few of its kind left in the city. This would certainly serve as a welcome site for travelers weary after a long day of walking through Florentine piazzas in search of the perfect glass of wine.
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I Fratellini
Via de’ Cimatori, 38/r.
055 2396096
Written by Molly Photo Credits : Il Carca / rfarmer
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Traveling to Florence? Click here to see a selection of food and wine tours or here to find out about a foodie adventure.
