Archive for 'Food and Wine'

Cosenza is a picturesque city in Calabria that dates back to the 4th century BC and is so steeped in fascinating history and cultural heritage that it is known as the, “Athens of Italy.” A must-see for anyone who books one of our villas in Calabria, it has a beautifully-preserved Old Town with lots of incredible historic buildings as well as a more modern section of town that has a wider selection of restaurants, shops, bars, and more. For history-lovers and culture vultures who might be in the region, it truly is an intriguing gem of a place with which you are sure to fall in love.

If summer in Italy (and, increasingly, everywhere else) is about the aperitivo, then the winter in Italy is about the digestivo. Consumed after a meal, to aid digestion, this tradition can be indulged in whenever you wish but is particularly suited to the colder months, when we are all likely to eat meals that are a little heartier in order to keep the chill away. 

Grappa and the Aosta Valley

One of the most famous digestivi in Italy also comes from one of the best destinations in Italy for a winter break: grappa from the Aosta Valley. The smallest region in Italy, ringed by the rugged and romantic snow-capped peaks of the Alps, and dotted with adorable towns and ski resorts, this is the perfect place to escape to for magical winter scenery, charming Christmas markets, delicious and warming meals, and some of the best grappa in the world. Just browse our incredible range of holiday rentals in Aosta Valley and come experience this winter wonderland for yourself!

It has long been known that while those who book a villa in Italy can expect to eat well throughout their vacation, those who choose a vacation rental in Emilia-Romagna will get to dive into the foodie core of the country. In particular, the area called the Food Valley between the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, and Modena and Romanga, has an unparalleled amount of PDO and PGI foods and wines. In addition to these products, there is a wealth of incredible local dishes and foodie traditions as well, which is probably why this part of the world boasts a whopping twenty-five different museums that are entirely dedicated to different foods and food products. So, if you’re a dedicated food-lover who not only wants to eat well but also wants to learn more about some of the most beloved and high-quality products and ingredients in Italy, check out these specialised museums...

When one thinks of truffles and Italy, it is the truffles of Tuscany and Umbria that first come to mind for many but, if you are interested in eating well while vacationing a little further south, then you might consider one of our holiday rentals in Abruzzo.

Abruzzo, too, is famous for its truffles, which have been beloved foodie delights for centuries now. Typical of the region, the Abruzzo Truffle is listed as one of the PAT Traditional Agri-food Products and is a true treat for truffle-lovers who come to traverse the diverse landscape of this beautiful part of the country. 

Those who book a villa in Tuscany likely plan on venturing out into her famous countryside, to drive down winding, cypress-lined roads, to take in sweeping views over rolling green hills and valleys filled with a patchwork of fields and vineyards, to stumble upon sights like endless golden meadows of sunflowers, and to discover charming little villages and striking medieval towns that look like something from a storybook. As you drive around, maybe with particular destinations in mind and attractions on your itinerary or maybe simply for the joy of the activity itself, you’ll eventually work up an appetite. Of course, if you rent a vacation rental in Tuscany, you’ll discover that almost anywhere you go, great things can be found to eat and drink but if you are after a rather magical experience, then why not a dreamy picnic of delicious treats in a beyond picturesque setting, near the famous wine town of Montepulciano?