Tuscany is a gastronomic delight. Ripened under the glorious sun even the simplest tomatoes taste truly delicious. Sliced on toasted ciabatta, drizzled with olio and grazed with herbs from the garden, they take on a whole new meaning.
Did you know that….
- The finest olive oil can taste of apples (visit Montaione in late November to taste the first local pressings).
- Tartufo Nero (black truffles) are collected in late Spring and the prized Tartufo Bianco (white truffle) are freshly available in late autumn. Addiction beckons.
- There are over 1000 different types of edible mushroom from the famous porcini to the extraordinary towering parasol, growing wild in the Italian woodlands. See how many appear around San Martino as the warm mists of autumn approach.
- October and November are the months when chefs and hungry food enthusiasts flock to Tuscany.
- Tuscany has undergone a wine revolution in the last twenty years.
- Vendita Diretta – roughly translates as “try and buy”. You will not see the majority of local wines outside Italy; they keep them for themselves.
The starting point for our visits to San Martino is always our local osteria at Il Castagno. It is renowned for its cuisine, which always includes the finest and freshest local ingredients. Local restaurants, ranging from the simple to the most sophisticated and romantic, are featured on our Food and Drink page. Other local information is available on the links below.
Restaurants Menus Wine Guide Hampers and Supplies
Shopping and Markets Cooks and Cookery lessons |
