Panzano in Chianti – located midway between Florence & Siena
A very well kept secret and one which must be visited when staying in Panzano in Chianti is the small hamlet of Lamole. From some of our properties, it is within walking distance but otherwise a short drive. Lamole has a wonderful restaurant ‘Il Ristoro di Lamole’ which has great reviews and must be visited for a relaxing lunch or dinner offering simple but elegant Italian cuisine. From the terrace, the famous towers of San Gimignano can be seen in the distance. View Villas in Tuscany for Rent
The very special annual wine Festival ‘Vino al Vino’ takes place in Panzano in Chianti. Smaller than the annual wine festival in Chianti (Chianti Classico Expo), this takes place mid-September. It is a much smaller affair with a more intimate atmosphere where about 21 wineries offer their wine and olive oil. There is lovely food on sale along with living Jazz on the Saturday & Sunday evening from 6-8 pm.
Panzano is also a ‘meat lovers’ paradise with several informal restaurants around the square run by the local butcher ‘Dario’ who has also carved out a name for himself in the restaurant business. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted with so much meat on the menu, but it is a great place to sit side by side with locals and enjoy a slow, relaxing meal, where your wine glass is never empty!! Be prepared to sit back and enjoy! Antica Macelleria Cecchini is the name to look out for!!
Whilst staying in this area there are many interesting and unique places to visit which can be reached by car and ideal for a day trip. Castellini in Chianti where you will find the best ice cream,
Monteriggioni, a quaint medieval walled town to wander around, find a local restaurant for a long, lazy lunch, highly recommended are Il Ceppo for a traditional and delicious Tuscan experience with the menu on a chalkboard or La Bettola Dei Vinandri for the best pizza and antipasti in town!!.
Poggibonsi is also well worth a visit, here, for the more energetic you can experience a wine and bike tour for the day which includes a guide who will take you on bike trails according to your ability. He will also take you to a lovely restaurant for lunch (by car) and then return you to the bike trail for the downhill homeward journey, a fabulous day out!