After months of emails, chats and planning, at last I was actually here in Italy and able to spend a long-awaited day with Arianna and Alessio in Chianti Country!
Arianna and Alessio are the founders and curators of KM ZERO TOURS in Chianti Country. Not only have we become wonderful friends but they are Friends of Victoria, YOUR Friends, too! It is such a pleasure, professionally and personally, to work with them. We love planning custom itineraries here in Chianti Country just for YOU!
♦ Learning with Locals
Of course, part of the planning is experiencing first hand! When I first met Arianna and Alessio and spent several days with them, I loved meeting many of their local contacts. I immediately knew that YOU would love it all, too, and many of you have since shared how much you enjoyed your travels with them.
Their dedication, passion, enthusiasm, and love for their land and for sharing it with others is contagious! So, upon returning this fall and with several custom itineraries “on the calendar” (originally for 2020, now for 2021!), I looked forward to meeting more local artisans and winemakers.
♦ A Day in Chianti Country Begins with Olive Oil – A Family Affair ♦
On our first stop I was introduced to Livia and Tim at their boutique olive oil fattoria. Livia’s parents, Janet and Stephano (who I had the pleasure of meeting later), have been producing artisan olive oil, Sagittario, for 20 years. Along with Livia and her partner Tim, they are in the middle of harvest and production!
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It’s a busy time and it’s hard work but they are committed to providing their loyal customers (all over the world!) with their spectacular olive oil.
Janet and Stephano live just across the valley and we head to their home to sample their olive oil. After a warm welcome, we gather on their cozy patio for a “light snack”.
Traditional Tuscan fare including “fettunta” (grilled bread), schiacciata baked by Stefano, tomatoes from their garden, and cannellini beans -all drenched in their heavenly new olive oil!! OMG! Then, the traditional pecorino with fresh pears, all served with Chianti Classico, of course (this was from Ormanni). Stefano insisted on offering a little dolce (almonds covered with ciocolate) and who could refuse?
Well, in Italy a light snack looks like this….(click on any photo for details)
After properly distanced hugs and photos, we are off for a wine tasting and lunch!
♦ Chianti Country Means the Black Rooster! ♦
♦ Wine Tasting and Lunch with Francesca and Anna
Just driving in this lovely area (in the vicinity of Greve which is in the heart of Chianti Country) is absolutely stunning. Picturesque golden carpets of fall blanket the soft rolling hills and valleys… Splashes of red accent autumn and the end of grape harvest but olive harvest is in full swing!
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Our next stop is at a boutique family-owned and run winery (they only produce 1000 bottles of wine annually). The infamous Black Rooster, symbol of Chianti Country, is everywhere, of course.
I get an overview of how traditional Chianti is produced (in concrete/cement barrels) and then we are treated to a sumptuous traditional lunch paired with their Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and Gran Selezione. (Yes, I brought a bottle of each home!)
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We feasted on fresh tomatoes from their garden, two traditional crostini (one with sausage and stracchino cheese one with sala tonnata, a delicious tuna salad), pecorino cheese and homemade charcuterie, and fettunta (bread with their new olive oil).
And there was more! Homemade spaghetti with meat ragù and a little dolce, “ciambelline”, with wine.
Completely satiated we head off to visit another boutique winery…
♦ A Winery with Medieval Traditions Where the Black Rooster Reigns!
Si, this winery dates from 1385! Can you imagine? What an experience to just walk around the grounds knowing that wine has been produced here for over 600 years! These same vineyards, the same spectacular views…
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The winery is closed now but we enjoy a private tour with Simona. I’m loving the feel of it, the respect for its legacy and tradition of quality. They, too, have a full kitchen and offer wine tastings for visitors, private events and groups on their patio or in a private “cellar” surrounded by bottles of vintage Chianti… Incredible!
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We don’t have time for a tasting but Simona generously gifts me with a bottle of their 2018 Chianti Classico and their Assai Olio! What a treat!
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What a fabulous day! And there is one more stop! We stop to visit Miranda and Massimo at their lovely agriturismo. I loved staying here (and you will, too!). It’s getting dark so no photos (we will just have to return!)…but there is time for un caffè or a cup of tea, a little dolce and conversation.
♥ It’s wonderful to see everyone again and it confirms how much I love this place, these people and sharing it with you! Si, 2021 will be the year you join us! Along with my Friends in Tuscany and so many other fabulous regions, I simply cannot wait to welcome you to Italia in 2021! ♥
Wait! There is Something New and VERY Special from Arianna and Alessio!
I’m so excited and honored to share this very special project! And I’m thrilled to have received the first gift box (see my video then order!)
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A Peek at KM ZERO’S New Project!
Based in the beautiful Chianti region in Tuscany, Arianna and Alessio are fantastic Tuscany guides and dear friends. They believe in slow, sustainable travel and love creating meaningful and immersive travel experiences in Toscana.
They have always supported and valued the amazing craft and talent of passionate local farmers and artists in their beautiful Tuscan countryside.
This commitment and passion inspired them to begin a wonderful new project – offering gift boxes representing the incredible cuisine and art of award winning artisans and producers of their region.
Every product is of the highest quality and has been personally selected by Arianna and Alessio. Every gift box will have a theme. The theme for their first gift box is Christmas with all its magic and delicious traditional products.
Please CLICK on their link for more information and how to order:
KM Zero Christmas Edition Gift Box
Let’s celebrate together! Until you can join us here, bring a taste of Tuscany to your home!
♦ ♥ ♦
♦ Are you ready to plan YOUR 2021 trip to Tuscany? ♦
Si?! I’m ready to help you! Let’s begin today!
