There’s something to be said about staying “Under the Tuscan Sun”. This breathtaking tranquil scenery goes on further than the eye can see. Shades of green carpeting across the countryside with uniform cypress and olive trees lined up like soldiers as if they were standing over a sacred ground.
This late September has been delightful weather. We are staying at Villa Poggino an amazing estate sitting in a hilltop overlooking the valley of Montepulciano. This is where you can soak up the serenity of Tuscany…….Under the Tuscan Sun…..
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Yesterday we had a private wine tasting tour. It was fantastic! Our driver Marco who is also a Sommelier, took us to some of the most intimate wineries in the area. Learning their secrets of what makes their wine better than the others. Tasting wine, enjoying bites as we sit in the privacy of the owners homes. Meanwhile in between wineries, Marco would tell us of the uniqueness of the buildings in the area that we were driving through.
The winemakers take such care that the grapes are hand harvest and each cluster is put on the conveyor carefully as it is cleaned by the machine. They have a tremendous amount of passion for what they do.
I could show you 100 or more pictures of this beautiful place. But, l would just repeat myself.
Just a few pictures to show you how beautiful it is.
You know my motto, “to travelers to inspire and to be inspired”. Well, tonight I was truly inspired by an amazing chef named Paolo Coluccio.
We were introduced by our wine guide Marco.
When I came to Tuscany I wanted to be able to prepare wild boar. It is a staple on menus here in Tuscany. I searched for a cooking school to help me with that and it wasn’t possible. Well Marco made it possible by introducing us to Paolo.
We spent the evening with him in his own kitchen and had “hands on” with everything we prepared for dinner. What an amazing experience! He has been an executive chef for many years at a well known resort here in Tuscany and now owns his own business.
Check it out!
www.gustoevoluto.com
Paolo Coluccio Personal Chef YouTube
Me and Paolo
Today we went truffle hunting. What an experience! Our guides Francesco Acerbi and his son Cosimo.
Years ago they used pigs to search out truffle, but now they use dogs. They sniff out where the truffles are under the ground. Here in Italy, they are located beneath oak and cypress trees. There are two different kinds and many varieties. Black being the most common and white being very expensive, and it has a short session to harvest.
You follow the dogs as they trek through the woods and fields to search out these unique fungi.
Just a video to show you what happens.
Francesco & Cosimo
More fun to come!
Stay tuned,
Lisa
Off The Beaten Trail 