FOOD & WINE   Our region is a food-lover’s paradise. A land blessed with centuries-old vineyards and olive groves producing excellent wines and extra virgin olive oil.    All along the Setteponti Wine Road connecting Villa Belpoggio with Arezzo, there are quite a number of wine-making estates where it is always possible to have wine tasting. Wine making is a local tradition handed down from generation to generation and most of the vineyards are completely family-run. Red wines and “vinsanto” are widely know and very much appreciated.   From mid November to the end of December oil mills are working 24 hours a day: it’s the olive oil season, a great event in every little town. Local restaurants are proposing special menu to exalt the “olio nuovo”, and celebrate the harvest.    Another mouth-watering event to discover genuine and unique flavours is the “Mercatale”. An open air market devoted to typical and organic products, that takes place once every month. Small farmers, breeders and artisans are selling directly very special products such as “zolfino” beans, chestnut flour, sheep and goat cheese, “tarese” and Pratomagno ham, truffles, Chianina meat, chestnut honey and so many other for gourmand’s treat.

Olive press in the Museum of Country Life in Gaville Valdarno chicken "Zolfino" beans