So we had a day to just drive around Tuscany and we found ourselves in Greve in Chianti looking for…read moresome lunch. After looking at reviews we settled on La Cantina and we were not let down. It's a very nice place offering both indoor and shaded, outdoor seating overlooking a nearby square. We asked to be seated outside, ordered some Aperol spritzes and began to check out the menu. Our server was friendly and efficient. She took our drink orders and dropped off a breadstick-like appetizer of baked, thin, crispy, yummy pizza or pasta dough scraps and we started to check out the menu. We could not narrow down our appetizer selection so we ordered three. A delicious assortment of goodies soon hit the table. We had some parma and melon, bruschetta, and fried pasta cuddles with stracchino cheese and raw ham. That last one I had never had before and boy was it good! In fact, they were all excellent. For mains we had pizza, paccheri with bacon and ricotta, and potato gnocchi with fresh tomato and basil. They were all very delicious. The paccheri with bacon and ricotta was another new dish for me. It was sort of like Pasta alla Gricia except with ricotta instead of pecorino. It was different, not better or worse, just different. And yes, I would order it again. The owner stopped by the table to say hi and check in to make sure things were going well. That's always a nice touch. All in all, an excellent experience and one I would recommend.

While visiting wineries in Tuscany we made plans to stop in here for lunch. We chose La Contina…read moredue to all the great reviews we read and it surely did not disappoint! We got there right about the start of lunchtime for the day and we were seated quickly, but it soon got very busy. Their menu is loaded with many pasta, pizzas, and other amazing Italian food. They also offer a nice sampling deal for couples, described in the menu. We were served their table bread and glasses of wine when we were greeted soon after sitting down. The bread is this amazing cracker-like bread which is covered in EVOO and herbs and then baked off in their amazing pizza oven. This stuff tasted great! And the free wine was a very nice, impressive treat too! We tried a couple things, including their meat and cheese board called the "Cellar Platter" and one of their pizzas, called the John. The food was all spectacular! The fried bread that came with the Cellar Platter was crazy-good! Everything was amazing... Would highly recommend stopping in!!

Imagine our excitement when we stopped in town to pick up some beer and wine for our fridge, and…read morestumbled into one of the highlights of our trip! We had been on the trek to Greve, and not purchased anything, nor had any great experiences. On the way back to our farmhouse (Antico Borgo San Lorenzo) we stopped in town to purchase some vino for our fridge. We walked in here, and were warmly greeted by Manuela. She insisted that we come sit at the rustic table, and try some wine with her. What an experience! Before we knew it, there were 5+ bottles open - plus olive oil, balsamics & bread. We were delighted as she guided us through local wines. It was a far better experience than we had found in Greve. After an hour we realized that locals were coming in & filling their own bottles with wine - something we had never seen. They have 2 reds, and 1 white on tap to "fill your own bottle" - for 1.5 euro a liter! You can purchase a bottle there, or fill your own. We immediately emptied all of our water bottles, and purchased straw covered chianti bottles to refill with house vino. The kids filled and corked bottles for the next 30 minutes. We left with: (3) 2 liter water bottles of their premium red, a giant chianti bottle of white, several bottles we enjoyed at their table, and the BEST balsamic we've ever tasted. But the biggest thing we left with was a smile. This place is the real deal, and worth a stop if you're in the Siena area. It's a fun little local find you'll want to treasure.

This was an amazing tour and total experience! Our tour guide, representative, wine educator, etc…read morewas excellent! Her knowledge of the property, the amazing history, and wine was so very nicely portrayed in her excellent tour. The history here is stunning too. Wines were so very good that we bought a case to be shipped back home, to the states. Check on buying wine, as they price it with shipping. The property is gorgeous and historic! Highly recommend this particular winery to visit and tour when visiting the area!

I was so excited to visit Castello di Verrazzano and I'm disappointed that I did not have a…read morepositive experience. As a Black woman from the U.S., I faced poor customer service and discrimination. My tour guide, Tomaso, was rude and condescending. First, he ignored me and other people of color in my group by not speaking to us or even giving eye contact at the beginning of the tour. Second, Tomaso told me that I wasn't allowed to record videos as this was the owner's rule and he demanded that I delete any videos from my phone. I felt that he was singling me out and trying to embarrass me. This "policy" was not shared in writing or verbally in advance. Also, I've seen other guests post videos on social media, even days before my visit, which included Tomaso's face. The energy of the tour felt unwelcoming. During the tasting, no one followed up to ask how I was enjoying the wines or if I was interested in purchasing. It felt like the establishment didn't care about my business. Next, the staff said I could take photos with my wine in front of the amazing terrace view, then they refused. The castle shouldn't schedule tastings right before closing if guests will be pushed out. The only reason I didn't leave a one star review is due to a good experience with an outstanding staff member. Sole was very nice and offered me a ride to my car! She's the kind of employee who should be rewarded for going above and beyond and providing wonderful service to guests. Overall, the castle was beautiful, but the tour was dry with no enthusiasm and the service was lacking. Some staff seemed more concerned with showing attention to white guests and heading home than providing a memorable visit for everyone. I envisioned a once-in-a-lifetime experience that would leave me feeling enlightened, supported, and valued. Instead, I felt dismissed, excluded, and disrespected. I will return to Tuscany, but to a different winery that prides themselves on excellent service and fairness for all.

Lovely family winery. Lots of pride and care delivering tasty Chianti Classico and Reserve. Also…read morethere's a 50/50 merlot Cab blend. Tour and wine tasting reservations are a must but they may give you a glass if you show up u expected. Lovely view of the property and town of Montefioralle

Honestly, one of the most fabulous Italian meals I've ever had. The views are spectacular the…read moreservice, exceptional, and the food delicious.

Food: Unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed as I don't think I would come back for the food. I…read morewas really looking forward for the pacchero and truffle pasta but the pasta was overcooked and it didn't taste anything special. The grilled beef was also a bit overcooked and the berry tart was a bit too hard to even cut it. However, the daily special was pretty tasty and the beef was very tender. Service: The staff was amazing! Everyone was so nice and attentive. It showed that they really care for their customers and are very accommodating. Ambiance: Breathtaking view! Probably one of the most beautiful places to have a meal in. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Great for big parties and even a special night.

Delicious food, good wine and friendly service. Cozy little spot you might walk past but stop in!!!read more

We walked by this wine bar and store and decided to take a look inside. So much wine and liquor!…read moreIt's a cute store. We decided to take a break from walking and have a glass of wine. Wish we had more time to do their wine tasting. The man helping us with the wine was friendly and very nice. He was patient with us and helped us pick the wine to try. The two ladies at the entrance to the store weren't as friendly.

Came to this spot to do a wine tasting however they couldn't take us the same day. We were just…read morelooking to try some wines of the area to make the right purchases. We ended up staying outside for drinks but the wine selection was limited. We liked the Rosso they had and got a bottle to drink there. We enjoyed ourselves sitting outside people watching and letting our feet rest.

This cafe in Siena is located on one of its twisty, inclined streets near Piazza del Duomo. There…read moreare three separate doorways; one seems to be for food, one for booze, and one for coffee and pastries. The coffee door is imprinted with "KAFA Forest Coffee". We were walking along and just wanted a coffee to sip as we sat and relaxed on their covered patio. It's a great place to people watch. I went inside and ordered 2 Americanos at the counter. The helpful barista understood my English perfectly and my cups of espresso were ready quickly to take out to the patio. The coffees were bold and strong; quite enjoyable. We sat for ten minutes or so until another customer sat at the table next to us and lit up a cigarette, smoke blowing in our faces (unintentionally). Smoking on a restaurant patio is fine in Italy. They also serve pastries, small sandwiches, and gelato.