During a fall trip to the Mediterranean, I was looking forward to visiting the Tuscany region of Italy. I had booked a seven-day cruise on the Pullmantur Sovereign and decided to experience the rolling hills of vineyards on an excursion sponsored by the ship. The opportunity to sample the Italian wines outside of Florence was an unforgettable experience and from that point forward, I became fascinated by the wines of Italy from Chianti to Sangiovese.
The day was absolutely beautiful for a morning in Pisa then a short bus ride to the Tuscan region of Lucca. Famous for its wine and spectacular countryside, vineyards of Semillon and Pinot Bianco grapes surrounded us as the bus arrived at Fattoria il Poggio.
Fattoria means “farm” in Italian and the il Poggio is what the Italians refer to as an agritourismo, otherwise known as a farm stay. Farm stays are perfect for guests who are interested in immersing themselves in the local culture based in an agricultural setting. In most cases, the restaurants at a fattoria will incorporate the “farm to table” concept using its own fresh produce and meats.
With voracious appetites, we were eager to sample the local wines as well as the olive oil produced by the farm. This beautiful eco-tourismo exports seven red and white wines as well as a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegar.
We arrived to elegantly prepared tables draped in white linen tablecloths where empty wine glasses patiently waited to be filled. Our host welcomed us to Fattoria il Poggio as servers filled our tables with copious bottles of wine and antipasti. I could not wait to indulge in the estate wines, snack on locally prepared meats and cheeses and enjoy some of the finest ingredients organically grown at the farm.
The hospitality at Fattoria il Poggio was exceptional, the scenery mesmerizing and the food was more than outstanding. Enjoying the generous portions set before us, we learned so much about the daily farm activities as well as how their products are made.
The wine pours were flowing and there were plenty of meats, cheeses, bread and olives. Served family style, I can assure you that no one left hungry and not a drop of wine was left in the bottles. What an amazing way to spend the afternoon.
We were offered six wines to sample as well as the wide range of items produced at the farm. Fattoria Il Poggio has been making high quality wines since 1845 as well as growing fruits and medicinal herbs. These items were available for purchase at the gift shop where other wine related souvenir items were sold as well.
A day in Tuscany is certainly not enough time to visit the region of remarkable wines which has made such an impact on the country’s culture. With seven World Heritage Sites and endless charming villages, this area is one of the most visited in Italy.
Should guests decide to book a stay at Fattoria il Poggio, luxury accommodations include such amenities as WiFi, satellite TV, floor heating, a private spa and a rooftop pool. Additional services include local tours, onsite events and cooking classes. The il Poggio is the ideal location for wedding ceremonies, anniversaries and other monumental celebrations.
I absolutely love the idea of supporting local families and booking a stay at an agritourismo. With first class service, outstanding amenities and fabulous produce, Fattoria il Poggio is the perfect farm stay for a future visit to Tuscany.
Are you a wine lover? Have you visited a winery that you absolutely loved? Or do you have the experience of staying at an agritourismo? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. And if you have visited Lucca and can recommend other wineries, I would love to hear about your favorites as well. Many thanks for reading about my wine tasting in Lucca and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone: +39 0583 22088
Where to Stay:
Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone: +39 0583 22088
Where to Eat:
Fattoria il Poggio
Via S. Piero, 39
55015, Montecarlo LU, Italy
Phone: 39 0583 22088
During our wine tasting, we sampled various delicious Antipasti dishes.
What to Eat:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak with the filet on one side and sirloin on the other.
- Cacciucco is a fish soup dish from the port towns of Livorno and Viareggio.
- Castagnaccio is a cake made from chestnut flour.
- Crostini Toscani is bread topped with chopped liver sauce.
- Lampredotto sandwich is made from the fourth stomach of a cow served in broth and served with a spicy sauce.
- Lardo di Colonnata is cured pork meat.
- Panzanella is a bread soup served cold made from bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil and vinegar.
- Pappa al pomodoro is a simple soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and basil leaves served with stale bread.
- Ribollita is a soup made with cabbage, beef, carrots and onion.
What to Read:
- A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany, by Beth Elon
- A Thousand Days in Tuscany, by Marlena de Blasi
- A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream, by Ferenc Mate
- Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life, by Frances Mayes
- Not in a Tuscan Villa, by John and Nancy Petralla
- The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone
- Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes
- War in Val D’Orica: An Italian War Diary, 1943 – 1944, by Iris Origo
Photo Guide for Tuscany:
Here are some amazing locations to photograph Tuscany, Italy:
- Florence:
- Canonici Palace
- Florence Baptistry
- Florence Cathedral
- Florence Skyline: view from Palazzo Vecchio
- Il Duomo
- Marcampo
- Michelangelo’s David statue
- Montalcino Street
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Perano Castle
- Piazalle Michelangelo
- Piaza del Duomo
- Pienza
- Ponte Vecchio
- The Streets of Florence
- Uffizi Gallery
- Volpaia
- Pisa
- The Leaning Tower
- Marina
- Tuscany
- Abbazia San Galgano
- Abbey of Sant’Antimo
- Agritourismos
- Basilica di Santa Magherita
- Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
- Carrara Marble Quarry
- Castel Boccale
- Chianti
- Cortona
- Crete Senesi
- Firenze – the Arno River from the Ponte Santa Trinita
- Monte Divalli
- Montepulciano
- Monticchiello – Strada dei Cipressi
- Palazzo Pitti
- Pitigliano
- Podere Belvedere countryside in the Val D’Orcia
- Poggio Covilli d’Asso
- San Gimignano
- San Giovanni
- Seminario Maggiore
- Siena – view from the Torre del Mangio
- Terranuova Bracciolini
- Tuscan Tunnel
- Volterra
- Wineries
- Avignonisi
- Barone Ricasoli
- Capezanna
- Castello Banfi
- Castello di Ama
- Castiglion del Bosco
- Poggio al Casone
- Poggio Antico
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