Situated along the borders of picturesque Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Umbria and Lazio, Tuscany is a globally-renowned region of Italy. Learning Italian is the best way to experience a country and live like a local!
The Culinary Landscape of Tuscany
Tuscany is relatively hilly, meaning that much of its geographical planes are dominated by agriculture. Italy, generally speaking, is most well-known for its wide variety of cheese, wine and cured meats, as well as its fresh breads. Italians are passionate about using the best quality and locally-sourced ingredients in their cooking, whether this is for fine-dining or for family’s Sunday cena (main meal of the day, usually eaten around 8pm), the key for creating a truly memorable meal is to not overdo it with the number of ingredients used.
Rest assured, the pecorino toscano from Tuscany is among the best in the world. A hard cheese made from ewe’s milk, Pecorino holds the coveted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), meaning that it is the only region that can claim to produce this food due to specific geographical or cultural features. Pecorino holds the PDO since 1996. The most well-known area in Tuscany for pecorino is in Pienza, near an area that is famed for its production of Montepulciano.
Just like pecorino toscano, this olive oil must be produced entirely within the region of Tuscany in order to keep its status as PGI Certified (another European excellence standard in food production). This stunning olive oil is made from the grapes of the indigenous Moraiolo, Leccino and Frantoio grape variety and is yellowy-green in colour. With a peppery and intense taste, this oil is recommended for dressing on roasted or grilled vegetables, in bruschetta, or to enhance the flavour profiles of cooked meats.
Vineyards and Wineries
The Antinoria Chianti Clasico winery is an award winning experience in luxury and Tuscan authenticity. Wander around the stunning scenery while taking full advantage of the guided tours and tastings at this 26-generation winery. The Marquis Antinori is one of their most rated Chianti wines.
If an unforgettable vineyard experience is going to be part of your itinerary (and it should be!), the Cestello di Ama vineyard offers some of the most popular tours in the region. In 2005, this winery was awarded the prestigious “Winery of the Year'' Award by the wine guide Gambero Rosso International. Enjoy their famous Merlot L’Apparita while also enjoying the impressive gardens and various art installations which are dotted around this 250-hectare paradise.
Language and Culture
Tuscany’s capital city, Florence, is breathtaking in beauty and is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance architecture and art. The official language of Florence is, of course, Italian. However, the Florentine dialect is alive and well in the city, being spoken by many locals. To get the most out of your trip, learn to speak Italian (or even a little), before you go, so that you can really commit to learning as much as possible about this region.
Italians eat a light breakfast of fruit or pastries, while lunch and dinner are much longer affairs, spread out over several courses. Courses may include pasta, meats, bread, vegetables and seafood. The evening meal typically is enjoyed any time between 8pm to even 11pm.
When dining out, remember that spaghetti is actually eaten with a fork and not a spoon. And most importantly – don’t rush! Italians love to take their time with their meals, and most meals are finished with a deliciously refreshing shot of limoncello.
Luxury Accommodation and Experiences
Relais Santa Croce, By Baglioni Hotels is one of the most sought-after hotels in Tuscany. This Renaissance-era renovated castle features a ball room and multiple conservatories, while the spacious rooms are decorated impeccably. This beautiful gem is right in the heart of Florence – perfectly located for sightseeing.
With so much cuisine on offer, why not experience as much as possible with a Florence Food Tour? You can enjoy curated trips to the most authentic spots in the city. Another must-do is to book a cooking class with Florence & Beyond – make authentic Italian dishes with some of the best Michelin-star chefs in the world.
Travel Tips and Itinerary
This includes countless museums, such as the Borgello National Museum and the Museo Novecento, as well as numerous destinations of artistic and cultural legacies, like the breathtaking Uffizi Gallery and the Palatine Gallery. For visitors to the capital, any one of the many historical and artistic sites would be an experience worth undertaking, as well as the unparalleled density of some of the most popular and highly-rated restaurants in the world.
Florence's best travel months (also its busiest and most expensive) are April, May, June, September, and October. When getting around, buses and trains are well-connected and affordable. Florence is also a very walkable city, so provided you have a hat and sun lotion – get those steps in!
A center of exceptional gastronomy and rich culture, Tuscany is celebrated worldwide for its rolling, verdant vineyards, rustic local produce and authentic Italian experiences. By immersing yourself in Italian language classes before your trip, you can really make the best out of your time in Tuscany. Stroll around the beautiful streets and experience one of the most unique places in the world – like a local!
