Spring in Tuscany
04 February, 2016
Tuscany is simply glorious in Spring. The crisp mornings of early March give way to warmer currents of air and shafts of sunlight, unfurling leaves and blossoms and the uplifting chirrups.
After the unforgiving rains of Winter, the sweet, undulating hills of the Chianti Classico are at their greenest, and the light at its most enchanting.
This season unleashes colors and fragrances all throughout the fields and vineyards of the region’s lush countryside. You can spot flowering rose bushes, wild daisies and fragrant wisteria, while the lush landscapes change color in the sunlight as the air turns sweet with the nectar of blossoming buds.
In Spring, Chianti hosts numerous flower markets, like the annual Flower Festival in Greve in Chianti in May, where flowers and greenery invade the local squares, while the colorful Flower market in Gaiole in Chianti is a true must.
Florence, Siena and Lucca, among the others, boast of amazing sparkling colorful botanical gardens, a triumph of nature particularly during Spring that is highly worth a visit.
There is energy everywhere as the wineries, restaurants, shops and indeed entire towns come out of hibernation. In Spring, in fact, everyone feels like going out and enjoying the outdoors, the warmer temperatures and days getting longer.
The delicate, new flavors of Spring are celebrated everywhere. This is the time to savor the sublime combination of young pecorino cheese and fava beans drizzled with olive oil pressed just a few months earlier. Local cuisine is as colorful as the season itself, as wild asparagus, artichokes and many other fresh ingredients find their way to the table.
Tuscany's culinary scene is particularly interesting and rich in food festivals called "Sagre" in Spring. Two of the most important food-and-wine events of Spring - the Mostra del Chianti in Montespertoli and Cantine Aperte, a weekend organized by the National Wine Movement throughout all Italy – at the end of May are particularly worthy. But if you come in different periods, don't worry! You can visit one of the weekly farmers markets, where you can find the freshest and the best vegetables, cheeses and meats!
Spring it is really the perfect moment to visit Tuscany an to indulge in its healthy and rich gastronomy - or even learn more about it by taking part in one of ours cooking classes!