Wine TrailsMaremma Hills.
This Trail crosses what might be termed "the Flower of the Maremma", and includes 13 Comuni and 4 DOC wines. Here we can trace the history of Man from Etruscan (or even pre-Etruscan) times up to today, where the modern has been inspired by the traditions and customs of the past; where nature gives the best of itself - its colours, climate, perfumes and sea-reflecting hills; and where the woods are wild and rugged while the countryside is civilised by Man. Agriculture is of course the main economical resource of this area - one thinks immediately of cheeses, olive oil and especially wine, wine which is slowly and silently scaling the heights of excellence.

This fact in itself gives us an idea of the land which produces it. There is also an enormous natural heritage to be discovered as well as cultural, social and business attractions. The Maremma Hills Wine Trail Project, then, has been set up in this context, to link together and harmonise this vast potential, but at the same time to give a voice to individual initiatives. The idea was to create a kind of synergy between the various business concerns in the Wine Trail area, all chosen for their suitability to meet the specific requirements of "enotourism" in order to exploit to the maximum what the area has to offer.

The principle DOC wines to be found here are Morellino di Scansano, Pitgliano White, Ansonica and Parrina in an area which is already subject to both mass and elite tourism, but with further prospects for development in relation to organisation and exploitation of resources, economic and otherwise. The Comuni involved are Monte Argentario, Capalbio, Orbetello, Grosseto, Magliano in Toscana, Scansano, Manciano, Sorano, Campagnatico, Roccalbegna, Pitigliano and the Island of Giglio.

The Visitors' Centre will be set up at Pitigliano, the "town of tuff", in the ancient Salvini Theatre, which is important in the town's history. Here the "enotourist" can find out about excursions, vineyards and cellars to visit, accommodation (including in farmhouses), gastronomic possibilities and local cottage industries. Special made-to-measure itineraries are also available with appropriate literature. Another key point of reference will undoubtedly be the Wine and Vine Museum, to be situated in the historically renowned Palazzo Pretorio.

Here the past and the present and the everyday will meet in an exhibition of arts and crafts, ancient techniques and objects which all bear witness to a fascinating enological past and help to explain the rustic origins and roots which have contributed to this wine "culture". Comprehensive signposts will aid the traveller on this trail, which has one principle itinerary and 11 "mini-itineraries" to ensure that nothing interesting is missed. The main aim of this initiative is to make the honoured guest feel at home.