Radda in Chianti: Tour Chianti Pathways
ChiantiOur centre for the Chianti Pathways is Radda in Chianti. Radda’s origins go back to 2000BC. It is a small, unspoilt hill town which retains many original medieval features. The local’s (or inhabitants) are very personable, warm and welcoming.
The town provides an excellent base for walking out into the beautiful and famous rolling hills of the region between Florence and Siena. The main industry is agriculture. The renowned Sangiovese grape is grown in this region which producing the Chianti Classico and Chianti Reserve.
For tour information
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For more information
www.raddainchiantilife.com
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History of Radda in Chianti
The village of Radda (53Om, pop: 1,655) is situated on a hill covered with woods and extensive vineyards forming the watershed between the Pesa and Arbia valleys. Formerly belonging to the Guidi family, it came under Florentine control in 1203. It was fortified in 1400 and from 1415 onwards the head of the League of Chianti. It has preserved the remains of its ancient walls. The structure of the medieval village is still intact; it grew up elliptically around the 14C church of San Nicolò and the Palazzo Pretorio. Built about 1415, its facade is adorned with the coats of arms of the podestà (chief magistrates). The latter is now the seat of the municipality.
For more information
www.bardotti.com
www.ilpalio.org
Accommodation
Our accommodation in Radda is a delightful family run hotel in the centre of the town complete with views of both the Chianti countryside and the character-filled streets. It is a charming building with traditional wood beam ceilings fully restored with all of today’s modern facilities. We can guarantee a warm and generous welcome that immediately makes you feel at home. The attached bar/bistro has a great atmosphere, excellent service and an enjoyable place to sample local produce.
Wine
Radda in Chianti was the capital of the Chianti league in the 13C and is now the capital of the Chianti Classico wine country. Wine lovers will be delighted with the towns many Enotecas (wine bars) ideal places to sample the wide selection of wines this district has to offer. The Enotecas of Radda nor only specialize in wine but also carry delicacies for sale, Tuscan olive oil cheeses, local honey cakes and pasta. You may also choose to sample the desert wine ‘Vin Santo. Explore the ancient stone vaulted walkways where many of these are located. Enotecas
For more information on Chianti wine
www.chianticlassico.com
www.albola.it
Tuscan Food in Radda in Chianti
After walking and exploring the Tuscan pathways there is always time to sit back, enjoy a glass of Chianti, dip wonderful Tuscan unsalted bread in local olive oil or try Crostini with the traditional Tuscan toppings of fresh herbed tomato, and chicken or game livers.
A good place to do this is at La Bottega di Giovannino but this is only one of many choices.
In Piazza IV Novembre is Casa Porciatti a butcher and delicatessen. Casa Porciatti is the place to buy local produce for a picnic lunch. He is one of the last artisan pork butchers. For vegetarians there is a wide range of pecorino cheese, olives and other delicacies.
For more information
www.casaporciatti.it
Radda Shopping
Radda also has an excellent variety of good quality shops specializing in ceramics, terracotta, handmade jewellery, Tuscan leather goods as well shops which service the local community.
For more information
www.gielle.rtd.it
Talking good food, a classic walk with Via Walking takes you to Volpaia. Before our picnic lunch we take a tour of Castello di Volpaia winery and olive oil fattoria or mill concluding with a wonderful wine and olive oil tasting.
For more information on Volpaia
www.volpaia.info
Useful Notes on Radda in Chianti
- An internet café is open six days a week if you need to keep in touch with home. It also sells excellent pastries, ice cream and coffee and is one of the meeting places for locals of all ages.
- Two EFTPOS machines are available to access your bank account.
- There is a Co-op/Supermarket for groceries if you need additional snacks, tissues etc.
- Radda has a very good delicatessen that will make your heart melt and make you wish you could take everything home.
- Both a Pharmacy and Doctor are available although opening hours are somewhat limited.
- There is no Laundromat at this stage. Washing can be sent out to another village but takes a couple of days and is expensive. A travel clothes line plus a couple of blow up coat hangers are very worthwhile taking with you.
- Excellent fresh fruit is available in Radda (often needed to offset the abundance of beautiful cheeses and meats).
- We carry our picnic lunch some days so space is needed in your day pack along with room to peel off unwanted clothes as the day heats up, and of course room for your own water supply. The local water is fine to drink and you can refill your bottle each day if you choose.
- If hay fever is an issue for you we strongly advise carrying antihistamine. Perhaps two varieties in case your regular brand does not overcome the prolific and beautiful Tuscan spring blooms.
- Retail closing days are often rotated between similar shops. An example of this is at either end of Radda’s main street sits a bakery. They each close for one day but not on the same day. Generally this is the pattern for all the restaurants and shops.
- Shops generally open between 8.30am and 1.00pm and from 4:00pm to 8.00pm. A civilised siesta takes place in the missing hours.
- We prefer to walk in shorts and these are acceptable at our lunch time restaurants. The choice is yours, long pants or shorts what ever you feel comfortable in.
- It’s not a bad idea to refresh your memory by rechecking our “What to bring and Wear” section of the web site. One item that is often forgotten is a light rain coat. Yes, it does rain in Tuscany at times.
- For a healthy choice for breakfast bring your own muesli or nuts as the Italian breakfast is fantastic but limited.
Via Walking. 534 Park Street,
Princes Hill, 3054 Victoria, Australia
ABN: 1234 1234 1234 t: +61 3 9387 8045 f: +61 33 9380 2541
m: +61 417 590 535 e: sue@viawalking.com.au
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