Panzano in Chianti: My (second) great love!

NinainChianti

They always say that real, true, great love only comes once in a lifetime... But I have to tell you: that's not quite true. Of course, first and foremost there is my husband - my man in life, my better half. But: I have managed to fall head over heels in love for a second time in my life. It happened on a trip with my husband, of all places. When we were driving through Tuscany in 1998, we discovered this wonderful, special place by chance: Panzano in Chianti. And then I came back. And came back again. And came back again... 

Outdoor Office

I now spend a few months a year in total in Panzano in Chianti. A lot of that time is spent with "my" winemakers in vineyards and wine cellars, with my friends. But I also use a good part of my time in Panzano to work on the terrace that belongs to the apartment in the agriturismo where I have lived for years. Over the years, this accommodation has become a little bit "mine": My little wall, where I often drink my breakfast cappuccino or a glass of wine in the glow of the setting sun - very often with friends! My fireplace, which I like to light in the evening. My blackbird, who comes to visit me in the hope of a piece of bread. And since I am here from time to time, I now know many Panzanese. Those who were born here. But also those who have come from far away and - like me - have fallen in love with this wonderful corner of the world.

Around the piazza - where the heart of Panzano beats!

Enoteca Baldi

Bar la Curva

Il Palagio di Panzano

What I immediately think of when I think of Panzano is, of course, the piazza! Because this is where the heart of the town beats. You can find everything you need for a (good) life here. And that includes food and drink, of course! One of my favorite places is the Enoteca Baldi. Mimmo, the owner, is the place to meet: for a snack and a glass of Franciacorta at lunchtime. In the evening for a portion of pasta with a glass of wine. The tables directly on the piazza under the trees next to the fountain are particularly popular on warm summer evenings. But you can also have a relaxed evening inside at the bar or at one of the tables, directly opposite Mimmo is the bar La Curva -where "nomen est omen" applies. In my opinion, the bar in the curve serves the best espresso in the whole of Chianti. A brioche and a chat - the perfect way to start the day. A tip for anyone with a sweet tooth: Owner Salvatore makes an excellent gelato.At the other end of the piazza, Il Cardo - a mixture of café, bistro, wine bar and restaurant - invites you to eat, drink and buy. Here you can not only taste wines by the glass from practically all the winegrowers represented in the Unione di Vitcoltori di Panzano , but also buy them.By the way, while we're on the piazza - a little reminder: this is where the annual Vino al Vino wine festival takes place from September 13 - 16, 2018. An absolute must for anyone who wants to taste the best Chianti Classico wines. And of course I'll be there again this year - a point of honor! Another tip: If you want to get a taste of the wine in advance, it's best to make a short detour to the Il Palagio di Panzano wine store, which is located just a few hundred meters below the piazza on the road towards Castellina.

Antica Macelleria Cecchini: The place to meet Dario and eat meat...

Dario Cecchini

Just around the corner from the piazza is Panzano's international hotspot: the Antica Macelleria Cecchini with its notorious owner Dario Cecchini. It's really hot here: AC/DC is blaring from the speakers right in the sales room, there are lots of people milling around, wine is served and you can taste the famous fennel salami, Chianti butter and other delicacies. When Dario blows his trumpet, it's time to eat, because the butcher's shop has a restaurant that combines three food concepts: the Officina della Bistecca. Here you can enjoy a Bistecca alla Fiorentina or a Bistecca la Panzanese fresh from the charcoal grill in the middle of the room. In the second concept, the name says it all: Solociccia means "only meat" - and that's what is served: only meat. Concept number three: "Dario Doc" - where the burger is served without bread, but with many side dishes and with the excellent homemade mustard and spicy paprika sauce. Other specialties from Macelleria Cecchini can also be enjoyed here. Fun fact: the macelleria also offers a "Menu Vegetariano"...

High up to Alto Panzano for a view over the Conca d'Oro

If you need a little digestive walk after all the Dario delicacies, you should take the path up to Alto Panzano - the historic part of Panzano. On the way, you will pass the Macelleria Checcucci. If you haven't indulged your "meat cravings" enough yet, you can buy excellent sausages, prosciutto, salami and other delicacies here to your heart's content! Let me tell you: If you follow the road further up, you will come to the Chiesa Santa Maria, which dates back to the 13th century. From up here, you can gaze out over the famous golden, shell-shaped valley with the evocative name Conca d'Oro, on the edge of which lies Panzano in Chianti. And this beautiful setting is of course home to many of the wineries that can be found in my online store .

As a little help

In my very personal Google "My Maps" map, you can find my favorite places and wineries, read my comments about them, and get all the information you need to make a reservation. Enjoy your visit to Panzano in Chianti!