Here's a guide to my favorite wine bars, trattorias, and special eating places along La Strada del Vino. Look for my decal in the window. And tell them Divina Cucina sent you!

Monteriggioni is one of the best known Italian walled towns. Its fame was so great that Dante made reference to its "round enclosure" in the Divine Comedy. The walls are nearly intact, and cover 570 meters, alternated by 14 towers and two gates. Market Day: Thursday Bar dell'Orso Localitá La Colonna, 23 Tel: 0577-305-074 Just off the highway exit for Monteriggioni, this is a great little sandwich bar to stop and refuel with a light lunch. There are tables inside and out. Look for the Porchetta, head and all! It's great with a Chianti or a beer. They offer an incredible selection of meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. If you have a sweet tooth, finish your meal with the biscotti from Mattei in Prato and a glass of Vin Santo. Il Piccolo Castello Via Colligiana 8 Tel/fax: 0577-304-370 www.ilpiccolocastello.com Also a hotel in the Castle Il Pozzo Piazza Roma,20 tel: 0577/307-300 Closed Sunday dinner and Monday www.ilpozzo.net Inside the walls of the old city, both of these restaurants serve traditional Tuscan food in an especially nice atmosphere. Both have gardens for summer dining. Reservations recommended. Bar Antica Travaglia Piazza Roma If you don't feel like a full meal, stop here for a drink, a slice of pizza, a sandwich. or a gelato. Take advantage of the back garden. Click on the city below that you plan to visit and I'll recommend the best places to stop for a bite to eat on La Strada del Vino. Strada in Chianti Greve Lamole Panzano Castellina Radda Gaiole San Casciano Certaldo Poggibonsi San Gimignano Monteriggioni Castelnuovo Berardenga Siena