Italian Wine Tasting

Fattoria Dianella: After visiting Pisa, we drove to this winery for a wine tasting and appetizers before reaching Florence.  The view was beautiful and inspiring, showcasing grapes and olive trees in the valley and up the hillsides.

Our hostess explained the wines that were served - here she is speaking with Belinda, our tour guide

Belinda and Ita

Mark visits the wine cellar

View from the tasting room

Mark wants to have this garden - all of it!

Another view

Machiavelli Family Villa and Estate: We drove up into the Chianti Hills surrounding Florence for dinner al fresco with a view of the countryside at the 500 year-old Machiavelli Estate.  This is the area where Chianti is made, usually a blend of 80% San Geovase grapes with 20% merlot or other red grapes.  Below is a portrait of Machiavelli and a photo of the desk on which he wrote “The Prince.”  The other photos are of our group eating the wonderful Italian feast they served and listening to the music serenading us, and of the countryside around the estate.

Next stop . . . Venice!