Wine TrailsArezzo Country.
The AREZZO COUNTRY Wine Trail transports the "enotourist" into the heart of Tuscany, with its gentle landscapes, excellent wines, traditional crafts and high quality gastronomic delights.

The route winds for about 200 km through various wine-growing areas which are famous for the following wines: Chianti DOCG, Chianti Colli Aretini DOCG, Colli Etruria Centrale DOC, Valdichiana DOC and Cortona DOC as well as Vin Santo from Chianti (DOC) and from Chianti Colli Aretini (DOC). This typically Tuscan countryside boasts not only vineyards, olive groves, tobacco plantations, chestnut trees and forests, but the visitor may also enjoy the numerous artistic and archaeological attractions to be found along the way. We set off from S. Giovanni Valdarno, birthplace of Massaccio, and head towards Montevarchi, where the Cavriglia Nature Trail starts. An incredible variety of land forms strikes the visitor - old mining excavations and natural erosion have created a kind of crater-filled lunar landscape recalling its Pliocene origins. In fact, it is easy to imagine here the tropical forest and lake which even today turn up fossils of tigers, hyenas and mammoths.

The vines are grown on dry-stone dyke terraces, surrounded by little medieval villages and castles. Near Cavriglia are to be found the Fineschi Rose Garden, with over 8,500 varieties of roses, and the Cavriglia Park in the heart of the Chiantigiani mountains. Then we return to the main road in the direction of Mercatale Valdarno and proceed among vineyards and landmarks like the Galatrona Tower and the Petrolo country church as far as Bucine. Another itinerary - among castles and olive groves - leading to Pergine and Montozzi starts at the crossroads at Capannole. Here splendid extravirgin olive oil is extracted from the centuries-old trees. A marvellous view of the whole Valdarno area on one side, and of Valdichiana Aretina on the other, is to be had from a rock at Civitella. We set out from the crossroads at Capannole for the heart of Valdambra, where we find the Cennina Castle, the ancients Ruoti Abbey and little villages dotted among the hills. A further itinerary, "the Montebenichi road", commences at Ambra and leads through evocative hilly scenery where a plethora of rural buildings harmonise perfectly with the fabric of the land, that is largely given over to holiday farmhouses today.

Set among vineyards and olive groves are the Church of S. Maria in Altaserra, the village containing the Palazzo known variously as Stendardi or of Captain Goro da Montebenichi (who served under Giovanni of the "Black Bands" in the sixteenth century) and the square with its castle restored in Arragon style at the beginning of the century. Continuing on the vine-lined main road from Ambra towards Colonna del Grillo, we head towards Monte S. Savino, passing the historic Gargonza Castle. The route then takes the direction of Lucignano, with its interesting spiral form, and Foiano. After a brief stop to admire the Ammannati Temple at Pozzo della Chiana, we ascend to Cortona, which is famous for its Etruscan and Roman remains, Museum of the Etruscan Academy and stupendous view over the whole Valdichiana area.

Now we are in the heart of Valdichiana, with another fascinating itinerary taking us among vineyards, olive groves and the imposing houses that are testimony to the land reclaiming project implemented by Grand Duke Leopold. Then we proceed along the Umbro Casentinese road, via Castiglion Fiorentino, with its wonderful square that bears witness to Sangallo's genius, and on to Arezzo. This medieval town is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves and bestrides four valleys which are rich in history and culture, as well as farm produce of the highest quality. The renowned Antique Fair, which takes place in the historic town centre on a monthly basis, is a must. Two museums stand out: the Etruscan Museum, housed in a convent built atop a Roman amphitheatre, and the well-furnished Medieval Gallery, which contains works by Piero della Francesco, Giorgio Vasari and Andrea della Robbia, to name but a few. From Arezzo the provincial Sette Ponti road winds along the foothills of the Pratomagno.

Brushing beautiful terraced vineyards which reflect perfect harmony between Man and Nature. Along this route we pass through the fortified rural town of Borro and Loro Ciuffenna, near which is the Romanesque Gropina church. Finally we return to San Giovanni Valdarno via Castelfranco. Further information is available at the Punto di Informazione (information centre) situated in Arezzo's stunning Piazza Grande as well as in various information offices scattered throughout the area. This itinerary, then, provides the opportunity of appreciating all the riches that this area offers, as well as acquainting the visitor with Arezzo's wines, cuisine, people, hospitality, traditions, natural attractions, and art. The visitor will come away with a lasting impression of the high quality of life to be enjoyed in AREZZO COUNTRY.