Truffles, wine & pecorino - culinary routes in Tuscany

Tuscany is not just a place of picturesque landscapes, Renaissance towns and cypress-lined avenues - above all, it is a paradise for gourmets. One of the most diverse culinary landscapes in Europe unfolds between rolling hills, medieval villages and sun-drenched fields. Vines grow here that produce world-famous wines, sheep graze on lush pastures and the earth's aromatic treasures are hidden under ancient oak trees: truffles.

This blog post takes you on a delightful journey of discovery through Tuscany - on culinary routes that allow you to immerse yourself in the flavours, stories and people behind truffles, wine and pecorino.

Three treasures, one promise: Indulgence with provenance

Truffles, wine and pecorino exemplify what Tuscan cuisine is all about: authenticity, quality and a connection to nature. Each of these specialities has its home, its season and its cultural significance. Together they form the common thread for a special holiday - a holiday that not only fills you up but touches you deeply.

On a treasure hunt under oak trees: Experience truffles

San Miniato: capital of the white truffle

The small town of San Miniato, roughly halfway between Florence and Pisa, is a Mecca for truffle lovers. Especially in autumn, between October and December, the town is all about the noble mushroom. The white truffle (Tuber magnatum pico) is considered one of the most valuable delicacies in the world.

Every year, the ‘Mostra Mercato Nazionale del Tartufo Bianco’ takes place here - a festival that attracts traders, gourmets and chefs from all over the world. At the market, you can taste truffle products, watch truffle dogs and talk directly to truffle hunters.

Truffle hunting - an authentic experience

Various providers in San Miniato, the Crete Senesi or around Volterra offer guided truffle hunts. Together with a trifolau (truffle hunter) and a well-trained dog, you walk through oak or holm oak forests. It is a quiet, almost meditative walk. And then: magic. The dog stops, starts digging - and you pick your first truffle out of the ground.

Truffle enjoyment in Tuscan cuisine

Tuscany knows how to use truffles. Unlike in French haute cuisine, they are often used here on their own: freshly sliced over tagliolini, scrambled eggs or crostini. Simple, direct, unforgettable. Many trattorias around San Miniato or Asciano offer special truffle menus during the season.

Wine that tells stories

Chianti Classico - the soul of Tuscany

Probably the most famous wine region in Italy lies in the heart of Tuscany: the Chianti Classico area between Florence and Siena. The red wines, mostly dominated by the Sangiovese grape, are an expression of the soil, climate and craftsmanship. The rooster in the black seal stands for controlled origin and top quality.

Wineries worth a visit:

• Castello di Ama near Gaiole - with modern art in the wine cellars
• Castello di Brolio - one of the oldest estates, origin of the Chianti recipe
• Badia a Coltibuono - a former monastery with wine, olive oil and cookery courses

Brunello di Montalcino & Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Two other fine wines thrive in the south of Tuscany: the powerful, storable Brunello di Montalcino and the velvety Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. With their medieval alleyways, spectacular views and wine cellars, both towns are perfect for extended wine tours.

Tip: Many wineries offer tasting tours accompanied by cheese and olive oil, sometimes with short hikes through the vineyards.

Wine festivals & events:

• Cantine Aperte (open winery) - every year in May throughout Tuscany
• Bravio delle Botti in Montepulciano - barrel rolling and wine tasting in August
• Festa dell'Uva in Impruneta - colourful grape festival in September

Pecorino - the flavour of pastures and winds

Pecorino di Pienza: The pride of the Val d'Orcia

The small town of Pienza - known as the ‘town of cheese’ - lies between rolling hills, bright green pastures and picturesque cypress trees. Pecorino di Pienza is a hard cheese made from sheep's milk with a flavour ranging from mild to tangy, depending on how it is matured. It matures in caves, wine cellars or even in hay.

The cheese is particularly popular in combination with:

• Honey or fig jam
• Pears or walnuts
• A glass of red wine from the region

Many cheese dairies offer guided tours that give you an insight into the production process - from fresh milk to maturing. We recommend Podere Il Casale or Caseificio Cugusi, for example.

Gourmet markets & cheese festivals:

• Fiera del Cacio in Pienza (September)
• Mercato Contadino in Montepulciano - farmers' market with cheese tasting
• Combined tours with wine tasting + pecorino + truffles in the surrounding area

Pleasure routes with a view

Whether you prefer to cycle through the gentle Val d'Orcia or head into the wooded hills of the Chianti region: Tuscany can be explored in a pleasurable way. How about a route through the Val d'Orcia, starting with a pecorino tasting in Pienza, followed by a lunch with panoramic views and a Brunello wine tasting in Montalcino? Perhaps relaxing hours in the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni will round off the day. Or you could choose the Chianti route: a visit to the market in Greve, a truffle hunt near Radda, a picnic with pecorino and wine, and a guided tour of a winery in the afternoon. If you prefer a truffle-centric experience, start in San Miniato with a truffle market or a guided search, cook a truffle dish in a class, visit an organic winery and stroll through the alleyways of the historic centre. Three regions, countless flavour experiences.

With all your senses: Cook & enjoy in your own holiday home

If you not only want to taste, but also get creative yourself, a holiday home with its own kitchen is ideal. At ItalicaRentals you will find numerous accommodations that are perfect for gourmet holidaymakers:

• Fully equipped kitchens
• Terraces for dinners with a view
• Proximity to markets and producers
• Often own barbecue or pizza oven

Many guests report that they ‘really cooked’ here again for the first time - with fresh ingredients, little technology and a lot of passion.

Tip: Book a holiday home near a winery or cheese producer to enable spontaneous shopping.

Conclusion: Tuscany tastes like life

Truffles, wine and pecorino - these are not just ingredients. They are stories, landscape, culture and passion all rolled into one. Anyone who discovers Tuscany's culinary delights is immersed in a world that decelerates, indulges and inspires. It is travelling with all the senses - ideal for those who want more than just sightseeing. With ItalicaRentals, your pleasure trip becomes a reality: find your base in an authentic holiday home and set off directly from there into the world of Tuscan flavours. The best memories often start at the dining table. Sometimes with a glass of red wine. And a quiet ‘Mmmh’.