supper , to show how very food-friendly these wines truly are when paired with the local produce . It ’ s just five minutes on foot from the hotel , so an easy walk back .
Day five - San Gimignano and home
We check-out of the hotel after breakfast and leave the vineyards of Chianti behind , and make our way to one of the most iconic of Tuscan towns , San Gimignano . The vineyards of the classification here are mostly planted with the white Vernaccia grape variety , which we discover during our visit to Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara . This estate makes three styles of Vernaccia di San Gimignano , which are fascinating to compare and contrast during our tasting . The profile of San Gimignano has long dominated the skyline in this part of Tuscany thanks to its towers ; striking in size , number and state of preservation . In mediaeval times , there were 72 towers within the 13th century walls of this hilltop town , though today only 14 towers remain . Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , it is a delight to explore the narrow streets , lined with artisanal shops of ceramics , print and local foodie specialities such as saffron , wild boar salami and of course wine ! There is free time over lunch for you to explore this picturesque town before we depart for the return transfer to Pisa airport , about one and a half hours ’ away .
Tuscan vines and cypress trees - Love Wine Food Ltd
Your tour leader
Cindy-Marie Harvey tells us that having discovered a love of Pinot Noir at an early age , she seemed destined for a life in the wine trade . However , her love of languages led her to work in Italy . After living in Piemonte for five years , discovering the delights of Nebbiolo and white truffles , she returned to the wine trade in the UK . She has spent the last 20 years planning and escorting wine tours to all the main wine regions of the world , from South America to Burgundy and Bordeaux . She now shares her passion for food and wine on her own website , Love Wine Food Ltd as well as in her own kitchen where she is often found surrounded by recipe books in Italian , French or Spanish . She looks forward to sharing her passion for the wines and food of Tuscany with you . Some of the images supplied in this leaflet have been taken by Cindy-Marie ( credit Love Wine Food Ltd ).
Your hotel
Palazzo Leopoldo , Radda-in-Chianti The four-star Palazzo Leopoldo is a charming hotel steeped in an historic and romantic atmosphere . Dating from the 14th century , but carefully renovated over the years , the original frescoes , cotto tiles and grand fireplaces hark back to its colourful history . La Perla del Palazzo Restaurant offers dining in fine weather on the beautiful terrace that overlooks the vineyards and hills of Chianti . Here , wrought iron balustrades add a touch of Mediterranean style , while the white-clothed tables hint at a fine-dining experience . The cuisine is built around a local , traditional menu , comprised of home-made dishes and seasonal ingredients . An outdoor pool is available for hotel guests to use at L ’ Ultimo Mulino Hotel , just five minutes away . Our allocated rooms are located in the new wing of the hotel , the Residenza .
Castello di Brolio - Love Wine Food Ltd Radda town hall - Love Wine Food Ltd Palazzo Leopoldo
Telephone number 01392 441250 Email info @ expressionsholidays . co . uk 4