Gaiole in Chianti
Situated on the road ss408, from Siena to Montevarchi.
Gaiole in Chianti owes its development to its position in the valley where an important market for the local populations was centered around the year 1000.
Its name likely comes from "gaggiolo" used to indicate a large forest.

Gaiole history

After 1300 Gaiole became important not only as a market but as a tertiary city of the League of Chianti, Florence's administrative and political instrument.

Gaiole today

The area surrounding Gaiole can easily be divided up into outings featuring the abbeys and parish churches or the castles and hamlets.
The oil and the wine found in Gaiole in Chianti today are the jewels of its agriculture and local economy.

Places of interest

Castello di Brolio
The Brolio Castle is truly spectacular and was so even after its neo-gothic transformation that took place in the second half of the 19th century.
The history of the Brolio Castle begins in the latter part of the 12th century. Its name is tied to the family of the Ricasoli Firidolfi who took sides with Florence against Siena. The Castle was invaded by the Sienese in 1252.
The Castle was altered and transformed over the years before the definitive 19th century version realized by Baron Bettino Ricasoli. Today you can visit the interior, the neo-Gothic Saint Jacop's Chapel, the observation deck and the palace with its beautiful tapestries.

Gaiole was not only an important commercial centre, but it was also important to the clergy, this is evident by the many parish churches and abbeys.

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Osteria del Castello
Brolio, on the road between Gaiole and Siena
Home of Barone Bettino Ricasoli (1809-1880), Prime Minister of Italy after Cavour during the unification, then in 1874 the definer of the Chianti Classico formula.  Allow time to walk up to the Castle and enjoy one of the best views around from the terrace.
Closed Thursday
Tel: +39 0577 747 194

Ristorante L'Alto Chianti
Loc Castagnoli, Gaiole in Chianti
This is a restaurant and pizzeria.
Tel: + 39 0577 731008

Osteria Castello di Starda
This is a beautiful traditional restaurant which sells good food at reasonable prices. They have a very well priced tourist menu.
Location: Starda
Closed: Monday
Tel: +39 0577 734100

Radda in Chianti
Situated on the road SS429 from Castellina in Chianti to Montevarchi.

The "Leghe" (leagues), were born between the population of the Florentine country folk in the early years of three hundred for defensive reasons. At the head of every league was a captain or mayor named by the Florentine Signoria.He was obliged to reside in the provincial capital of the league.

Radda today

The end of the quarrels between Florence and Siena, created a bit of a downfall for the village.

Today, Radda in Chianti conserves the medieval harmonious structure of the village, but in the territory operates also several wine factories and it is the headquarters of the "Centro Studi Storici del Chianti" (Chianti Historical Studies Centre), founded in 1984 at the Fattoria Vignale.

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Banks - There are 3 banks all with cash dispensers that accept Credit Cards.

Chemist - The nearest chemist is in Radda and approximate opening times are 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-20.00, closed Wednesday.

Petrol - There are 2 stations that operate 24 hour machine service, you will need a 5, 10 or 20 Euro note when they are closed, Monday to Saturday, approximate opening times are 07.30/12.30 and 15.30/19.30.

A good shop is the famous Porciattis  grocery and butchery store, he is open also on Sunday mornings from May to October.
Approximate summer opening times are 07.45 - 13.00 & 17.00 - 20.00
Approximate winter opening times are 08.00 - 13.00 & 16.30 - 19.30
For full information you are welcome to visit www.casaporciatti.it
There is aslo a small COOP supermarket in Radda.

La Bottega di Carla Barucci
Volpaia
Tour the olive presses and winery (0577 738766) before (or after) a down to earth lunch with home made pasta and one of their wines in the little piazza of this lovingly restored hamlet. 

Le Vigne
East of Radda
Le Vigne which means the vineyards,  when you go there it is easy to see why, the restaurant is located literally on a vineyard, which makes the last 500 meters drive eventful. The food is very good with a wide variety of dishes from the inventive kitchen, there is an enjoyable atmosphere and a wine list which has much to offer.

Tel: +39 0577 738640

Greve in Chianti
Situated on the Chiantigiana road, ss222.
The great navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano was born in the family's castle not far from Greve in Chianti, but today the majority of Greve's residents are involved in agriculture or wine production.

Greve today
Greve is considered the most typical of the cities in the Chianti Classico area. It is located half way between Florence and Siena.
The area surrounding Greve is well know for its beauty while the city offers the noteworthy 19th century Matteotti Square, the beautiful loggias and the small Santa Croce Square.

Greve prides itself on its Slow Status.

Greve-in-Chianti has its own website which lists some of the amenities and important dates.
To access this, go to www.greve-in-chianti.com

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Ristoro di Lamole
Lamole, on the road from Greve to Panzano
It has excellent and reasonably priced food, a high level of friendly energy (and a staff that speaks English and German as well as Italian), and the Lamole di Lamole Riserva is worth the trip on its own.  On winter weekends when the tourists have gone, you will find it full of Italians enjoying lunch - always the best sign of quality and value for money!  
Closed Wednesday
Tel: +39 055 8547050
Email: info@ristorodilamole.it
Web site: www.ristorodilamole.it

La Cantinetta di Rignana 
Take Greve Rd E from Badia a Passignano, follow signs to Rignana from first major intersection.
Inside you will find the perfect Tuscan farmhouse room with a large fire in winter, outside a peaceful isolated vineyard surrounding the warm weather outside eating area.  Especially fun for winter Sunday lunch in the company of Italian family outings (and the extrovert patriarch chef). Get something barbequed and as with all the best places, make sure to book.
Closed Tueday
Tel: +39 055 852 601

Taverna del Guerrino
Montefioralle
Simple food and great views from the balcony
Closed Monday -Wednesday
Tel: +39 055 8533609

Borgo Antioco
The "Borgo Antico" inn is part of the tiny hamlet of Dimezzano - a handful of houses hidden away amongst the chestnut woods that surround the village of Lucolena (10km from the town of Greve in Chianti) in the central Florentine Chianti area. Stefano and Patrizia are ready to welcome you to their restaurant in this old farmhouse where you can sample genuine cuisine in this area of great natural beauty there are many opportunities to visit historic hamlets or explore centuries-old woodlands.

This restaurant in the country is a dream come true for Patrizia and Stefano after years of office work in the city! Stefano was an accountant for a large firm, who also worked as a waiter in a restaurant at weekends. Patrizia was employed in an office where she spent many a moment scouring the small ads in search of her dream restaurant, which she eventually found back in 1993. Without a moments hesitation the couple left their old life in the city behind and set about resuscitating the "Locanda Borgo Antico" making it one of the most sought after locations for lovers of traditional Tuscan cooking. Here you can eat in complete peace and quiet. Stefano and Patrizia have such a passion for their work that you are immediately struck by their warmth and friendliness and the familiar atmosphere of the place - something rare in this day and age.

Borgo Antico has been mentioned in many newspaper and magazine articles and figures in all the main tourist and gastronomic guides. It is a typical Tuscan restaurant with terracotta floors, wrought iron wine cellars and simple decorations. Up to 60 people can be accommodated inside and double that in the summer when it is possible to have a table outside on the terrace in the shade of the ancient ivy pergola looking out over the beautiful Chianti countryside. Throughout the summer months live music is put on in the evenings on the adjacent terrace where there is also a separate bar. Everyone is welcome to come along, have a drink and enjoy! There is disabled access throughout the premises and a large car park.

The kitchen offers authentic, carefully prepared country flavours garnished only with extra virgin olive oil. The secrets of the restaurant's success are Patrizia's speciality home-made pasta and desserts along with the friendly welcome offered to you by Stefano who is always ready with his typical Tuscan humour. Even the liqueur is home made.
AT BORGO ANTICO OVEN CHIPS, LONG LIFE DAIRY PRODUCE AND MASS PRODUCED FOODS ARE STRICTLY FORBIDDEN!

Le Cernacchie Trattoria
Found in the hamlet of La Panca this restaurant is well know for it typical Tuscan dishes which include sought after antique recipies.
Tel: +39 0558547968

Supermarket - Usual hours 08.00 to 13.00 & 16.00 to 19.00

Butchery - This is a very good butchery and it is well worth getting your meat here.

Some shops close on Wednesday afternoon.
All shops are closed all day Sunday.

As in all Tuscan towns there are small grocery stores, that are a little more expensive but give you a good idea of the Italian village life. Sometimes they will have better products than the big supermarkets. Shopping in these also gives you an opportunity to practice your Italian.

Chemist -  There is a chemist in Greve.

Market - Saturday. Look out for the pork spit roast.