It beckons with greenery, full-bodied wines and hearty cuisine! Even the Albion's rich and famous have fallen prey to the charms of this disarming region: the singer Sting, members of the British nobility and political scene (including British Prime Minister Tony Blair) have enjoyed vacations in Chianti.

Indeed the English have always been drawn to the area, and left a record of their experiences and impressions in diaries and journals, particularly those stemming from the days of the "Grand Tour", which began in the 1700's. Families of means considered an extended trip to Europe an absolute must to put a polished finish to their sons' educations. Because of its rich political and cultural heritage, Italy was especially dear to youthful visitors and the lovely surroundings of Chianti and Tuscany were particularly appealing to such personages as John Evelyn and Charles Dickens, Lady Blassington and Ruskin, Layard and Symonds. Their accounts are not, however, confined to descriptions of the landscape, but include also ample mention of the "kindness of the local people, and their hospitality in particular".

Though still quite young, these travellers were highly educated individuals from good families who were immediately able to appreciate what they saw and experienced. Indeed, their love and affection contributed greatly to the conservation of the area's appeal.

Chianti's countryside is characterized not only by its beauty, but also by its diversity; by its undulating pattern of hills and valleys, by endless rows of wine grapes hanging from their vines; the symmetrical graphic of the vineyards in stark contrast to the gentle movement of the hills.

The walls and turrets of ancient castles mark the region, perched on hilltops and precipices, and surrounded by the proud vineyards which have made the region famous (and beloved!) throughout the world.

Refined Simplicity
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