Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Calling all wine-lovers and enthusiasts: Tuscany really is the destination for you!

So many beloved wines come from this lush and bountiful part of Italy and so many incredible wine experiences are on offer that can educate you further about this ancient beverage, introduce you to some amazing varieties and producers, and allow you to properly unwind during your holiday in the most magical of surroundings. So, if that sounds good to you, read on for a list of some of our favourite wine areas and regions where you can vacation in Tuscany:

Cannoli are among the most beloved Italian desserts and are now available in restaurants and bakeries all over the world. However, it is always best to try a food where it comes from...

Well, I guess we just have one more reason to book a villa in Sicily, then...

Coming from the Sicilian word, cannolu, which is a diminutive meaning, “little tube,” these classic treats are called cannolo in the singular form in Italian and cannoli in the plural but generally just referred to as cannoli in both singular and plural in English. A tube-shaped fried pastry that is filled with sweet ricotta, it is considered a staple of Sicilian cuisine and for good reason – they’re incredibly delicious!

While we often talk about the museums and art and architectural gems that one must make time for if they book a villa in Florence, it is important to remember that, as a city at the heart of Tuscany, this is also a dream holiday destination for all of the serious foodies of the world. From historic coffee houses serving incredible brews, to pastry shops where recipes have been passed down for several generations, to family-run eateries boasting hearty and delicious meals for a steal, to chic restaurants offering cutting-edge delicacies, to wine bars boasting amazing city views to pair with unbeatable Tuscan wines, and beyond, there are all sorts of culinary experiences on offer in the city. Among all of the foodie tourist attractions and musts, a visit to one of Florence’s famous markets is also unmissable. One of the most exciting among the markets in town is the Mercato Centrale.

Amaretto is a liqueur that is well-known to many as a popular ingredient that is used in several Italian desserts (including Tiramisu), chocolates, ice-creams, and more. It is also, of course, enjoyed in its own right and is used to make cocktails and mixed drinks. For foodies who are planning a vacation in Italy who love to try local tipples, it is definitely a must-try if you have not yet already had the opportunity to sample this classic liqueur.

Originally from the town of Saronno in Lombardy, there are several Italian brands today with Disaronno being undeniably the most well-known among them. Coming from the Italian for, “a little bitter,” this is, funnily enough, actually a sweet Italian liqueur though there is some mild bitterness. Made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones, or almonds, depending on the brand, these are all natural sources of benzaldehyde, which lends its almond-like flavour.

We believe that eating local dishes is one of the most important things to do on holiday and one of the best ways to become more familiar with a culture and a place. This, of course, is especially true when it comes to Italy and to Tuscany. So many famous and beloved products and dishes come from this part of the world and eating is a key tourist activity if you have found a villa in Tuscany. There are endless delicious things to eat from this especially lush and fertile part of the country but one of the must-try products from Tuscany is Pecorino cheese.

Made from 100% sheep’s milk, there are six varieties of pecorino cheese that received Protected Designation of Origin status. Pecorino Romano is one of these and one of the most famous cheeses from Italy. Other pecorino cheese are produced on the islands of Sardinia and in the Tuscan Province of Grosseto. Dating back to Roman times, when it was a staple of the diet of soldiers at war, pecorino is now often an alternative to Parmesan.