ROAD TRIP!!!!
On our last day in Greve, before heading to Florence and then flying home, we are scheduled for one of our favorite road trips! Wine tasting at some old favorites and some new places.
Today, we will be starting at a new place called Montemaggio. Located just outside of the little town of Radda. From there, we will head into Radda and then on to I Balzini before stopping in one of our groups's favorite places and wineries, Montefioralle.
First Stop - Montemaggio!
This is a new winery for everyone in our group. Located in the hills of Tuscany, the views are breath taking. Even Monika forgets how far back into the hills it is. She keeps looking for the turn until she thinks that she missed it. Nope, we just need to keep going.
Before going in into the winery, we take in the view from the roof top balcony. Although still early in the day, the heat is already starting to show up.
The main building on the property is situated where once a 14th century tower stood above the old Roman road between Siena and Florence in Italy. You can still see the original, 2000 year old pavers that make up the Roman road as you travel up the hill. Incredible!
Montemaggio is also featured on a map, dating back to 1560, of the “Captains of the Guelph Party” that is housed in the Podesteria di Radda (City Hall).
The name Montemaggio derives from “Monte Maggiore” (Big Mountain), which indicates its elevated position and provides the great views of Tuscany.
Along with wine they also grow olives for olive oil. The winery is 100% organic and is also home to a very large flower and herb garden. It was a very pretty estate to wander through, but now... bring on the wine!
Time to Wine!
The wine tasting we had was held in the main dinning room of the winery. The fire place was an original and the room had many nods to it's early Etruscan heritage.
With 6 different wines to taste, it was time to get down to business! We started off with a lovely Chardonnay that did not taste like any Chardonnay we are used to getting in the states. Even Tari, our group's Chardonnay hater, said she liked this one.
After 6 wines and even some grappa Jamie needed help filling out his purchase and shipping form.
Duane is getting serious.. his glasses came out!
One more look around the hills and picture taking of the couples before piling into our van and heading down the road.
Our fearless driver, Monika Iris. Since our very first trip to Italy in 2011 she has been our trusted guide and has the fun job of corralling all of us to keep our day on schedule. This year she also had a brand new van. Thankfully for us, this one had air conditioning and actually lessened Kelly's chances of car sickness.
Second Stop - Radda!
Since we were so close to Radda and it is Monika's home base, we stopped there to wander the streets, eat some lunch, and check out one of nice hotels located within the city walls.
With streets like these, it is always enjoyable to get lost
Time to Refuel!
Everyone raved about the melon, I will take their word for it. I can confirm the prosciutto and caprese salad were very good.
No matter how many times I see them, the deep red color of Italian tomatoes always amazes me.
While salads sounded like a good idea a few of us still could not turn down the pasta. There is something to be said about fresh home made pasta and a good classic sauce.
Normally this empty bottle would signify another bottle of wine down. Today this represented another carafe of water down. It is important to stay hydrated when wine-ing your way through Tuscany.
A Hidden Gem
Across the street from where we ate lunch was a very pretty hotel that overlooked the Tuscan hills. This hotel is where Monica used to have her restaurant before deciding to become a guide. Her restaurant was actually the first Michelin star restaurant in Tuscany!
Hidden at the back of the hotel, besides the views was a lovely patio with an old Etruscan well. This looked like the perfect place to watch a sun set!
Time for a Pit Stop!
What would make Kelly look that happy traveling in a van through the winding roads? Gelato of course! Monika heard the stories everyone else was sharing about Kelly's Gelato addiction, so she arranged a stop at what the locals claimed was the best Gelateria in Tuscany. It was located in a little town (aren't all the towns around here little?) named Castellina.
The owner of the shop was very gracious and a little nervous after Monika explained to her in Italian the obsession Kelly had with Gelato. The choices available were many and all of them were made fresh in-house. After a little bit of decision making, Kelly had her cup of goodness and all was right in the world!
Poor Duane, while Kelly was in Heaven, he was in Hell. Duane and the sun/heat are not really friends. He found any little bit of shade he could while everyone finished their treat and washed up.
Third Stop - Il Balzini Winery!
This is the second visit for Jamie, Kelly, Duane, and Tari. We all liked it so much, we wanted to make sure Christal and Davin could experience it as well. Two years ago we had a lovely lunch outside on the patio. Today we will be having our tasting inside with some air conditioning, salumi, and bruschetta.
Kel might be in a Gelato comma.
Tari looks a little puzzled... what is Duane up to now??
Jeez! Can't take Duane anywhere! Although I think we all the same reaction about this winery's olive oil!
On the Road Again!
After finishing up at Il Balzini we pile back into the van for our last stop of the day. Our last stop is Jamie's favorite stop, Montefioralle! (Ok, honestly it is the favorite stop of all of us!)
Final Stop - Montefioralle!!!
No vacation to Italy would be complete without stopping to visit our favorite winemaker and winery. Fernando is the winemaker for Montefioralle. His place is just minutes from Greve and just outside the walled hamlet of Montefioralle. His family has been making wine on this land for generations. This year, we noticed that Fernando's children have started to take over more of the daily operations. As Fernando likes to say, he can now spend his time with his grandchildren, making wine, and watching football (soccer).
In case you are confused by my earlier comments regarding the heat and the clothes Monika and Fernando are wearing, I do not get it either. Trust me, there was no reason for a sweater or layers today! It amazes me how we are all sweating like stuffed pigs and they are perfectly fine in layers and sweaters!
Nothing like the view from Fernando's front yard!
Monica always lends a helping hand when at Fernando's. She also will act as our interpreter as our Italian is not great and neither is Fernando's English.
Looking through these pictures, it looks like all we did today was eat! Of course, it is hard to pass up the fresh ingredients in Italy.
Our own version of the Kiss Cam - Italian Style!
Smiles from everyone! Yep this is great way to end a perfect day!
From time to time, the Adamsons will surprise you. We didn't know about the Duane and Tari selfie obsession until this trip. Duane is actually pretty good at taking them.
Time to Head Home
Back in the van we go, but it will be a short ride down the hill to Greve
Last Meal in Greve - Dinner at La Cantina - Alessandro's
With this being our last night in Greve, where else would we have our last meal but at Alessandro's??
One more time for all our favorites!
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Good Night Greve! Tomorrow..... On to Florence for a quick overnight and the flight home.
Go to 6/16/17
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