Trattorias, osterias and restaurants offering local delicacies such as crostini, cinghiale and porcini abound in the many tiny villages and hamlets close to San Martino.

Vendita Dirretta are signs that should be followed by anyone interested in the local wines, spumante, olive oils and honey.  Wine tasting is available at both the large estates and also at local farms. Some may require bookings and others just a knock at the door.

We think that part of the fun of your holiday in Tuscany is discovering your own favourite restaurants, food and wine. On the click through page below Local Restaurants we have detailed some of our favourites and things to try. Our staff will be more than happy to arrange bookings.

Producers in Tuscany, and especially those just outside the Chianti Classico area, have been working hard for the past few years to improve the quality of wines produced in the region.  Many new grapes have been introduced resulting in more varied and delicious new wines.  Some of the finest wines in the area are privately produced in very low volumes and are only sold into the local market.  Our wine selections (see price list) are all personally selected from among the best local producers and will not be found on supermarket shelves. 

The local vineyard owners are always delighted to explain the intricacies of wine production and to offer tasting to interested parties.  We are happy to arrange visits before or during your stay.

Contact us for details of wine weeks where you can enjoy a guided tour of 3-4 vineyards, an evening meal and tasting of local specialities (a good reason to visit in November, see Tuscan Events Diary)

Supplies

A welcome hamper is provided on arrival for all our guests. Further supplies can be arranged for your arrival, see the Hampers and Supplies and Wine Guide links below.

Il Castagno – Snacks and a handful of provisions can be bought at the local restaurant with some polite bargaining.

There are local COOP’s in San Gimignano, Montaione and Gambassi with a good stock of most things you could need; they also have delis, bread counters and meat counters. In addition, on the drive to San Martino from Pisa in Ponsacco there is an excellent COOP. Stop and stock up on route. There are also small supermarkets that stay open quite late (owner dependent), which is good if you’ve forgotten something.  San Gimignano, in particular, offers a vast selection of shops selling local delicacies.

Poggibonsi is about 25 minutes away and has two large supermarkets; Supermercato and the COOP hypermarket.  You can buy anything you will need in Poggibonsi, it looks industrial on the outskirts but the centre has some fabulous boutiques.

Food & wine  Shopping and Markets  Restaurants  Wine Guide  Cooks and Cookery lessons   Hampers and Supplies