Picnicking in the Tuscan Countryside: Enjoying the Flavors and Scenery of Chianti Hills

Everyone has dreamed about wandering around green fields in the famous Tuscan countryside: we will lead you through the perfect picnic experience to enjoy the countryside dream!

Table of content:

• Springtime is coming 
• Spring in Chianti hills: picnics and country wandering
• What to bring on a picnic
• Enjoying the Tuscan flavor
• Food and wine tips
• San Michele a Torri’s Picnic in Chianti experience

Springtime is coming

Have you ever dreamed about driving around the gentle curves of Tuscan countryside roads? You get lost and eventually stop in an open space at the top of a small road. You park your car and start wandering from there out to the green wideness of nature. 

This all sounds like a romantic movie about a summer love story, but little do people know that Tuscan countryside walks are not really enjoyable during summertime: temperatures are way too high to stay under the sun, walk through fields (there is no longer grass in the fields in this season) or to have a picnic outside.

The best season to enjoy this scenario is springtime for sure! Spring in Italy, and especially from the center of the country down, is pleasantly warm, there are blossoming flowers all over the green areas, and most of the days it’s sunny. 

Approximately, we can say that spring begins around end of March/ begin of April – except for some years when the winter and rainy days arrive in early May, but that’s rare. 

Therefore, we highly recommend you to start planning your next trip during springtime to Italy and to choose the majestic Tuscany as your destination.

Spring in Tuscany hills: picnics and country wandering

Besides the visit of the many beautiful characteristic towns around the region, there’s another way to truly get to know the essence of Tuscany and it’s by enjoying its nature in all aspects. 

Whether you cross some fields or you follow a tiny path, you certainly get this sense of calm, serenity and peace while walking through Tuscan countryside.

Wandering through nature is an amazing activity that we all have a bit lost, since we’re now more used to look for crowded places, world famous attractions, activities that give us a bit of adrenaline, forgetting about our need for still and breathe.

And what could make a peaceful walk through nature even better? A stop on a beautiful spot on the green grass to have a tasty picnic. 

Chianti hills are the best place to find the perfect picnic spots: you can spread a blanket on a green field up on a hill, to catch the sunlight as long as possible. And you don’t need to drive a long way from Florence.

Heading up to the hills around San Michele a Torri, in just 25 minutes you’ll be surrounded by the marvelous green of Chianti fields. Here you can have your well deserved Tuscan picnic.

What to bring on a picnic

It sounds tempting, but what to bring with you on a picnic adventure? 

First of all you need to wear a comfortable outfit, in order to be able to walk on dirt paths and to sit down on the grass. Then, you will need a typical picnic blanket, wide enough to accommodate all the participants and all the food! It’ll be useful also to have some wicker baskets where to pack all the food and provisions. 

If you want to taste the Tuscan flavor in its authenticity, you will definitely need to bring also a small chopping board and glass goblets.

Enjoying the Tuscan flavor

Now, let’s dive into some specific food options to make your picnic experience in Chianti even more enjoyable:

1. Bread – Italian bread is a staple food in Chianti and goes well with any picnic spread. You can choose from a variety of options like focaccia, ciabatta, or baguette.

2. Cheese – Tuscany is famous for its cheese, especially pecorino, which is made from sheep’s milk. You can also try other types of cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Gorgonzola.
   
3. Cold Cuts – Salami and prosciutto are popular meats in Chianti and make for great picnic food.
   
4. Fruit – Tuscany is also known for its delicious fruits like peaches, plums, and strawberries. You can pack some fresh fruits in your picnic basket.
   
5. Vegetables – You can also add some fresh vegetables to your picnic basket like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or carrots. They can be great for making salads.
   
6. Olives – Tuscany is known for its high-quality olives and olive oil. You can bring some olives to snack on or use them as a topping for a salad.
   
7. Wine – Chianti is famous for its wine, so it would be a shame not to bring a bottle of your favorite local wine to enjoy with your picnic.

In addition to food, don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially if you’re going on a sunny day. Now that you have some ideas for what to bring on a picnic in Chianti, go out and enjoy the delicious flavors of Tuscany!

Food and wine tips

When pairing food and wine, it’s important to consider the flavors and intensity of both. Rich, bold dishes usually pair well with full-bodied wines, while lighter dishes pair well with lighter wines. 

Additionally, try to match the flavors of the wine with the flavors of the dish. For example, a tomato-based dish pairs well with a wine that has good acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce. 

By following these simple guidelines, you can create delicious food and wine pairings that showcase the best of Tuscan cuisine.

San Michele a Torri’s Picnic in Chianti experience

At San Michele a Torri, the picnic experience is taken to the next level. The organic farm in the Chianti Hills offers a variety of local, organic food and wine. 

The menu will include cured meats, bruschetta with Extra Virgin Olive Oil “Laudemio”, Pecorino cheeses, San Michele’s organically produced eggs and Seasonal fruit, all accompanied by Chianti Colli Fiorentini wine.

As you enjoy your picnic, take in the stunning views of the Chianti Hills, the rolling vineyards, and the picturesque olive groves. It’s a great opportunity to connect with nature and learn about sustainable agriculture.

San Michele a Torri’s picnic experience is not just about the food and wine; it’s about the entire atmosphere. The farm creates a relaxing and comfortable ambiance, with blankets and pillows spread out throughout the vineyards. You can enjoy your picnic in the shade of a tree or soak up the sun and take in the stunning scenery.

Breathe the fresh and pleasant Chianti air and be a spectator of its extraordinary beauty.