Day #? exploring the Colline Montalbano area

February 17, 2011
I had the best sleep last night! I fell asleep to the pouring rain on the roof and woke up to the sounds of birds in the trees surrounding this old Medicean hunting lodge- It was also wonderful to know that I am here for two nights!
I spent this morning driving around this area - the Monte Albano area and explored San Miniato, Montaione and Montopoli. I returned to Vinci to get some essentials in town and grab a caffe and a panino. Afterwards, I hiked back up the hill to the car and went back to the B&B to do some work and wait for some of my clients to arrive from Venice. They had a very long day - early morning train from Venice to Florence, pick up car rental and drive to Vinci. As this was going to be their first stop in Tuscany, I had arranged with Samantha, my contact at the B&B to have a wine cellar tour and tasting for their arrival. Rhyan and Seth, understandably exhausted by the time they arrived, needed a little rest time before the tour and tasting. They had had a very interesting couple of days in Venice with heavy rains - flooding of the ground floors in buildings. temporary elevated walkways were constructed around the canals. Note to people interested in visiting Venice - go soon!!!! These are signs that it cannot possibly be around forever!

outside of Montaione

In Vinci, home of Leonardo

a pathway in Vinci

In Vinci

looks like a good place for skateboarders :)

main piazza in Vinci

When Rhyan and I were planning their trip, we had had grandiose plans of driving to Lucca for dinner - the extensive spread for the wine tasting was plenty for food and the wine they provided (and the bottle I received from a property owner earlier in the week) was plenty.

our snacks

the new cellar

old barriques

store

the older cellar

old corker

the oldest cellar

old bottling machine

 So, we stayed at the B&B and chatting for hours. We had a great time talking about all they saw in Venice and what they were hoping to see in Florence and Rome in the coming days. I am really VERY glad our time overlapped and I got to meet them in person. They are a great couple and I hope we are able to stay in touch and that they fell in love with Italy, like I continue to.....