  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! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
I love Radda. It was a Florentine fortress and capital of the Lega di Chianti in 1415. It is still a very active village with locals and tourists mingling in the small streets. There are lots of shops and places to eat. It is a great base for touring the hilltowns. Market Day: 4th Monday Afternoon of the Month  
La BottegaPiazza della Torre, 2 La Volpaia, Radda in Chianti Tel: 0577-738-001 Closed Tuesday This seemingly tiny alimentari, or deli, of the village La Volpaia, has a few tables inside, and more outdoors in the piazza. It's great for grabbing a sandwich or a snack. But if you want a full Tuscan meal, reserve a table, and enjoy the upstairs dining room, or in the summer for large groups, dining in the back garden. Carla Barucci and her mom and local women prepare fresh pastas, home-made salamis, and traditional dishes all accompanied by a great wine list. I love coming up here and then walking around the village-turned-winery. Too good to be true! 
Bar-UcciPiazza della Torre, 9 La Volpaia, Radda in Chianti Tel: 0577-738-042 Closed Monday The Barucci family has expanded! Now Carla's sister, Paula, has opened a cute little coffee shop/light-meal bar with a terrace in front of her sister's place. Mamma Gina can be seen running between both to lend a hand! Gina began the trattoria as a young woman and it is nice to see the daughters following her footsteps. 
Chianti Cashmere Company
Azienda Agricola La Peninsola Radda in Chianti Tel: 0577-738-080 www.chianticashmere.com Okay, so you can't eat cashmere! I heard about this American raising cashmere goats, so I thought she would be making goat cheese. But no! How about soap from the goats' milk and incredible hand-woven shawls and baby blankets! Nora Kravis is the sole cashmere-goat breeder in Italy, as well as the creator of the only beauty products in the world containing milk from the prized animals! Even if you can't stop by , visit her web site. Watch for a new sunscreen product, using goat milk as a skin softener. If you are in the neigborhood of her organic farm La Penisola, call first. Fun to visit if you have kids...and want to see her KIDS! See her kids now! 
Ristorante VignaleVia XX Settembre, 23 Tel: 0577-738-094 Taverna Vignale Located below the hotel When there is a Relais & Chateaux hotel in town, there must be a fine dining experience as well. The ristorante is the fine dining experience for full meals. Just below the hotel itself is the taverna and wine shop where you can have a lighter meal. The menus change often. Don't think you are seeing double; both places are run by brothers! 
Le VignePodere La Vigne Est: 1 km Tel: 0577-738-640 Closed Tuesday Podere Le Vigne is hard to see from the road, except for this sign. A fabulous meal and an inn! Open all but January and February, this is a big a favorite with my clients. What more could you ask for than to eat about the vineyards withgreat food, fabulous wine, and good service in a relaxed atmosphere! 
La Volpaia WineryLocalità Volpaia Tel: 0577-738-066 Fax: 0577-738-619 I have to include this winery--it is the village!! This state-of-the-art winery is hidden in the village. Roofs were removed to lower in the equipment, and the tubes for transfering the wine are under the roads. They make great wine, olive oil, and fabulous infused vinegars. To tour you must make reservations, but there is also a tasting room and shop.  |
|
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 
|