Volpaia to Panzano - Chianti Country
On Day 10, we chose the Radda to Panzano route via Volpaia. There were four other ways to go but one was inadvisable because of HUNTING SEASON. (I'd hate to be mistaken for "Little Bunny Foo Foo.")
leaving Radda
The trail was waymarked with red/white and yellow/blue signs. Route-finding should be fairly straight-forward today. Through vineyards, and roads in the direction of Volpaia. Volpaia is a beautifully restored village with narrow lanes, leading from one square to another.
Notes from today: "....cross the square and go up the right of the Castello wine shop opposite. Go straight on out of the village. After 10 minutes or so you pass the last of the olive groves on the right." Explicit, yes?
We passed picnic areas, and descended to the main square of Panzano. Tonight's stop was La Piazzetta Bed & Breakfast.
Notice the flags?
Panzano sits on the ridge surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The village has Roman origins but only a stretch of paved road remains among fields and gardens.
There were a surprising number of good restaurants here. The Piazza Bucciarelli (opposite of the Hotel) had many homes and shops, displaying the American flag. It was very touching.
A little information about Tuscany's superb wines. The Chianti Classico area (our walking trip) ranks among Italy's most important wine-producing areas. Two reasons: the temperature is cooler than the hot south but warmer than Italy's northern region which includes the Alps.
The vineyards have been yielding wine since ancient times, and many famous wineries are located here. Ruffino, Antinori and Agricola Querciabella are a few of the famous ones. (I hate to think what our blood alcohol was throughout this trip.)
Sadly, we're done walking and take a direct bus to Florence tomorrow...
