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!

There is so much to recommend Panzano that I don't know where to begin. It's charming, beautiful, and the home of two Divina Cucina divine chefs--Dario and Mimmo. Market Day: Sunday morning Antica Macelleria Cecchini Via XX Luglio, 11R (next to the post office) Tel: 055/85.20.20 Closed Wednesday Open Sunday 10-2 (Market day in Panzano) Artisan fair in front of store first Sunday of month The Antica Macelleria Cecchini runs as it has for 250 years! Macelleria means "butcher shop" in Italian, but this is much more. When you walk into this bottega in Panzano in Chianti, you're stepping into the past. Time stops. The owner, Dario Cecchini, is a Renaissance man. More than that, an Etruscan! For more on Dario Cecchini, click here. Check out one of Dario's recipes for Florentine roast beef. Il Vescovino Via dei Ciampoli da Panzano, 9 Panzano in Chianti Closed Tuesday Tel: 055-856-0152 Located in the old city of Panzano, to the left of the church, is Il Vescovino (the "bishop"). It was taken over in 2005 by one of my favorite chefs in Chianti, Maria Zarro, and Mario Grimaldi, the sommellier. I had my first meal by Maria when she was at Fattoria di Pietrafitta on the way to Castellina, and I will never forget the wonderful experience! The lovely terrace overlooking Panzano's Conca d'Oro ("golden valley") is what dreams are made of, and when you eat Maria's food paired with Mario's wine recommendations, you will think you are in Paradise! No! You are in Paradise! Enoteca Baldi Piazza Bucciarelli, 25 Panzano in Chianti Open everyday 10 am-8 pm Tel: 055-852-843 This little wine bar owned by Mimmo and Arianna Baldi has an incredible selection of wines to enjoy in the shop. There's a great menu for a light lunch, or just snacks. Fattoria di Montagliari Via di Montagliari, 29 On the road from Panzano to Greve Tel/Fax: 055 852-014 Reservations recommended Located on the curve between Greve and Panzano, this was the family estate of the Capelli family. Recently sold, they are continuing the traditions. A wine producing villa, it's a fabulous place to stop, especially for the view of Vignamaggio, the home of Mona Lisa. It's difficult to decide here, but be sure to have the Torta di mele, their to-die-for apple tart, and the gelato alla creme with the house balsamic vinegar. And don't forget to buy some vinegar for home. It's made the traditional way and is a great buy. I love their wines; if you are in a special mood be sure to try the Brunesco. Il Vinaio Via Santa Maria, 22 Tel: 055-852-603 Closed Tuesday Located in the old part of Panzano, directly in front of the church, this enoteca is funky, fun, and popular with locals. With a fabulous terrace in the back, it's a great place for a light lunch with a glass of wine or casual dinner. I love their Panini Corretti--"corrected" sandwiches--warm sandwiches, only spiked! My favorite is spiked with grappa-- what a kick! Oltre il Giardino Piazza Bucciarelli, 42 Tel: 055.852.828 Closed Monday My friend Paolo Baldini has made a home away from home for you in Panzano! A fabulous converted house, with an incredible garden overlooking the Conca d'Oro (Golden Valley), where he serves traditional Tuscan meals at reasonable prices! We had great pasta with wild boar sauce, ribolitta, grilled asparagus, grilled pork sausages and ribs, the wonderful Peposo stew...and great desserts! Fabulous wine list and Paolo, being the head of the local sommeliers, is the one to know! Put yourself into his hands. Bon Appetito! 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