This weekend I took a trip through Tuscany. My study abroad program organized a weekend getaway to the quaint cities of Siena, Montalcino and Trequanda.
First I stopped in Siena, home to Saint Catherine, the patron saint of Italy. Medieval castles dot the town’s horizon, and ancient family crests decorate the streets. Siena is made up of seventeen contradas, or wards, that date back to the Middle Ages. These districts are still in existence today, although their primary function now is to promote patriotism. I toured San Domenico, the church that contains the relics of Catherine of Siena (her head and her thumb). I lounged in the central Campo, people-watching and enjoying a delicious margherita pizza. I explored the Siena Cathedral, a gorgeous medieval church that contains works by Donatello and Bernini.
Next stop was Montalcino, a hillside town world renowned for their Brunello di Montalcino wine. After several tastings, I decided to purchase two bottles of Brunello and one bottle of Rosso di Montalcino.
After Montalcino, we arrived in Trequanda at the Fattoria del Colle, a farmhouse turned winery/estate. The property is gorgeous with its vineyard, gardens and old stone buildings. Not to mention it is situated on a hill overlooking the rolling green hills of Tuscany. We stayed at Fattoria del Colle for one night, enjoying a delicious dinner. In the morning we had a pici (thick, hand-rolled pasta native to Montalcino) making demonstration, as well as a tour of the estate. After eating the pici, we did a wine tasting in which we sampled a variety of wines made on the vineyard.
A Year of Adventure 