Local Attractions
There is an array of beautiful and interesting towns throughout this area of Tuscany, and all of these have at least one fantastic restaurant at which to dine. Below is a selection of our personal favorites, all of which are within 30 minutes' drive of the Villa.
PIENZA (30 mins drive)
This gorgeous little town is home to an array of boutique shops that specialize in local pecorino cheeses and cured meats. A favorite town restaurant is La Terrazza del Chiostro, which boasts a spectacular view of the countryside. Be sure to order the burrata - it's the best you'll ever eat. Hopefully, the chef will also be preparing pici cinghiale when you dine with them - the famous meat-sauce with thick pasta that is a traditional dish of this region. The panoramic walk into the town is also quite breathtaking and not to be missed.
MONTEPULCIANO (25 MINS DRIVE)
Winding its way up a steep hill, this majestic town is filled with heady old-world charm. Start at the bottom and amble your way towards the Piazza Grande at the very top. Just before you reach the summit you will find a couple of great restaurants (avoid the tourist-trap of dining somewhere further down the hill in the town, you'll be glad for the extra effort!)
TREQUANDA (15 mins drive)
One of the best restaurants near to the Villa is Il Conte Matto. It has fabulous traditional Italian food and a great wine list to get through as well (they also sell excellent and affordable wines by the bottle to take away with you.) Ask to be seated on the gorgeous outdoor terrazza if the weather is nice. Get a good bottle of Brunello and definitely try the lamb with the roast potatoes as a side. Booking is essential during the peak-season of the summer months.
SINALUNGA (15 mins drive)
Located on the outskirts of Sinalunga, L'ocanda Dell'Amorosa is an exquisite hotel built within the original walls of an ancient Italian monastery. The hotel restaurant, Davide Canella, is both quiet and intimate; with great food served in spectacular surrounds, this is truly a Tuscan dining experience not to be missed. Head over before sunset and enjoy an Aperol spritz in the stunning courtyard.
SAN GIOVANNI D'asso (20 mins drive)
Nestled on the side of a narrow roadway in this small town, Osteria delle Crete concentrates on a singular specialty: truffles! These fresh delicacies are featured in a multitude of different dishes, including the obligatory house-made pasta of the day. You may only encounter one or two other customers during the lunch 'rush', so you can take your time and linger in the warm breezes and serene quietude of this rare local gem.
MONTEFOLLONICO (15 mins drive)
With characteristic external brickwork and sweeping interior archways, Ristorante La Chiusa is a slice of old Italy. Both a restaurant and small hotel, you will be greeted like old friends by the owners, Umberto and Diana, who will make you feel as though you are dining in their home. If the weather is warm, sit outside under the gnarled chestnut trees and enjoy uniquely homestyle Italian hospitality.
CASTELMUZIO (10 mins drive)
Sometimes looks can be deceiving, and this is certainly the case with Trattoria Della Filiera Siena. Very understated, in a new building near the car park, the quality of the produce is astoundingly good. Everything is made in-house by the chef, Daniela. If they are doing their lasagne that day, don't hesitate for a moment; it is genuinely the best you'll ever taste. With silken pasta, the sauce is deeply flavorful yet playfully light. The pici agliolo is also really delicious. Sit outside and enjoy the view one day for a casual lunch.
SINALUNGA (15 mins drive)
The Coop supermarket in Sinalunga is the best place to pick up your main supplies for your time at the Villa. It's a short and beautiful drive and there is ample parking right by the market. Inside you will find everything your heart desires for your Italian getaway from Mozzarella Di Bufala to Chianti Vino Rosso. They have a large array of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, fresh bread, a fantastic cured meat and cheese section, and plenty of wine, beer and liquor. Opposite the Coop, there is a cafe that serves great espresso and fresh pastries daily. Stop in before or after your shopping adventure for that extra bit of energy.
Within the town of Sinalunga, there is also two pharmacies, a post office, a train station, some shops, and a few cafés. This is not necessarily the town where you wander, wine, and dine but it has everything practical you could need for your stay.