This has been a very full and incredible week staying with our host and wine maker Roberto in his family’s farm house. The drive from Lake Garda started out fairly nondescript as we speeded down the superstrada. We stopped in Parma and explored the city streets and enjoyed a morning cappuccino. Since it was Sunday, all the shops were closed; however, we did run into a stand selling Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and hams. We sampled the cheese and it was so delicious and purchased a small wedge for our eating pleasure.
We continued on our way to our final destination of Poggio Al Veneto (the farm & winery). As we came into the region of Tuscany the hills turned steep and mountainous. The superstrada winded high through the mountains and down into the valley area of Montepulciano.
It was getting dark as we left the superstrada and finding the farm was an adventure in itself. We drove along winding narrow roads that climbed higher and higher into the countryside. We made a wrong turn and went into the small town of Castelina d’Orcia which was high up on a hill that was a 20% grade to drive into. What a wild experience forcing our little car up the mountain hill. Mind you, we believe there are only 2 squirrels powering the car, one is very old and tired, the other is in a sling.
After backtracking and going through another small village and then down a dirt road through the dark, we finally found our destination. However, it wasn’t except getting lost a couple times down winding dirt lanes and then turning around we managed to find the farm. Once we arrived, we were greeted by very friendly non-English speaking people who brought us in and gave us wine and sweet cake as we waited for Roberto to show up. Our little apartment is comfortable and quaint with a corner fireplace and all the necessities we need, including toilet paper!
In the morning, we woke to a beautiful sky and could see the breathtaking view of the farmhouse sitting on a mountain plateau overlooking valleys on either side. Vineyards and olive trees cover the slopes with wooded areas scattered along the mountaintops. We can see where we were the night before and several castles high on mountain tops. Towns and castles are all situated on mountaintops; which centuries ago were necessary to protect themselves from raiders.
We have ventured to Montepulciano in a heavy rainstorm and found a wonderful tasting bar where we had a lovely English speaking gal talk about the wines and local regional treasures. Then we drove over to Montalciano, which is a very beautiful little town high on a mountain top and found another tasting bar. Then to Siena, a fabulous old city and today we are touring Chianti. We had the chance to visit a olive oil coop where the local farmers take their olives to be pressed. Roberto our wonderful host took us for a tour and tasted his family’s oil, which was the most incredible green color and only pressed a couple days prior. WOW!!!
I can’t even begin to cover everything and I’m limited on wi-fi access and I didn’t finish up my blog when we happened upon this café with a hotspot in the middle of no where. I will try to fill in more details in my next email but for now I hope all is well with you all. We are definitely enjoying our time through Italy and tomorrow we have an “IN” to go on a truffle hunt tomorrow (Saturday). Can you believe it?! It will be a story to tell. Plus taste the local wines & foods.
Must go, Time is almost up! Have no idea when I’ll come across internet again.
Take care – Ciao!
Love always, Nancy
