Eat, Drink & Explore
Dreaming of the ultimate Italian getaway in 2026? I’ve been returning to Tuscany almost every month for years not just for pleasure but also for business, and every time I’m in Tuscany, it feels like coming back to a place you instantly love. Strolling through the Chianti vineyards, I soak up the views, take in the smells of the olive groves, and stop by family-run wineries to taste some amazing local wines. I’ve hung out in tiny trattorias where the chef greets me like an old friend and watched Nonna stir pappa al pomodoro with hands that have kneaded generations of dough.
Tasting Tuscany here isn’t just about food and wine — it’s about feeling the region with every sense. A first sip of Chianti after a long drive feels like meeting an old friend, bold and alive, while a bite of freshly made pici pasta tells the story of centuries of tradition. Tuscany doesn’t just fill your stomach — it fills your soul. And if you follow in my footsteps, you’ll see why it’s the ultimate destination for food, wine, and the heart of Italy itself.
Top Tuscan Dishes You Have to Try
Are you planning to visit Tuscany and looking for the top local dishes? Here are my must-try recommendations. I always make time to enjoy these hearty meals, especially those prepared by Nonna in small, family-run trattorias. Each dish offers a taste of authentic Tuscan cuisine and highlights the region’s culinary traditions.
1. Truffles
Tuscan famous white and black truffles are a rare culinary treasure, prized for their earthy aroma and rich, luxurious flavor. Found in pasta, risotto, and eggs, they turn simple dishes into unforgettable tastes of the region.
2. Bistecca alla Fiorentina
The legendary Florentine T-bone steak, typically from Chianina cattle, grilled over wood or charcoal and served rare. It’s simple yet rich — a must for any meat lover visiting Tuscany.
3. Pici Pasta
Thick, hand-rolled pasta from Siena, often served with a garlicky tomato sauce, wild boar ragù, or simple cacio e pepe. Every bite feels rustic and comforting.
4. Ribollita
A hearty, soul-warming soup made with stale bread, beans, and seasonal vegetables. This dish perfectly embodies the Tuscan tradition of cucina povera — simple ingredients, incredible flavor.
5. Pappa al Pomodoro
Another beloved bread soup, rich with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. Creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying, it’s a staple of Tuscan home cooking.
After savoring Tuscany’s incredible cuisine, it’s only natural to turn your attention to what perfectly complements every meal — its world-famous wines. From the rolling vineyards of Chianti to the hills of Montalcino, Tuscany’s winemaking tradition is as rich and time-honored as its food culture. Let’s explore the region’s most celebrated wines and discover why they’ve become symbols of Italian excellence.
Top 5 Must-Try Wines from Tuscany
Everytime I’m in Tuscany, wine is a must! not just because I’m Italian and loves wine, but because each sip connects me to the land and the people who nurture it. From sharing a glass of Brunello with a local winemaker or enjoying a crisp Vernaccia while the sun sets over the hills or should I say La dolce Vita. That is why I am sharing to you my Top 5 wines to try while you’re in Tuscany.
1. Brunello di Montalcino
This is my top-tier wine go-to Tuscan wine — bold, rich, and full-bodied, with deep cherry and earthy flavors that make every sip feel like a taste of Tuscany itself.
2. Chianti Clasico
The most iconic Tuscan red, made primarily from Sangiovese grapes. Known for its bright cherry notes, balanced acidity, and earthy undertones — a perfect match for pasta, steak, and aged cheeses.
3. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
I’ve fallen in love with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano for its smooth, elegant taste. Its fruity notes and gentle tannins make it perfect for Tuscan roasts or cozy evenings in a hilltop town.
4. Super Tuscan
Whenever I taste a Super Tuscan, I’m reminded of Tuscany’s adventurous side. Blending traditional Sangiovese with international grapes, it’s complex, bold, and always a conversation starter at the table.
5. Vernaccia di San Gimignano
I can never resist a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano on a warm afternoon. Crisp, refreshing, and slightly almondy, it’s the perfect companion to seafood or a light pasta while soaking in the view.
If you’d like to dive deeper into Tuscany’s culinary traditions, our Cooking Classes in the Florence countryside offer the perfect hands-on experience. Guided by local chefs, you’ll learn the secrets behind regional recipes, from selecting fresh ingredients to preparing authentic dishes passed down through generations. It’s a warm, immersive way to connect with Tuscan culture — and bring a taste of Italy home with you.
At My Exclusive Italy, we don’t just suggest places because they’re on a list — we recommend them because we’ve lived them, enjoyed them, and shared a meal with the people behind them.
From winemakers to villa owners, from chefs to farmers, we’ve built this network with our hands, our heart, and our time.
Because in the end, the only way to truly recommend something… is to have experienced it yourself, to have loved it — and to pass it on with passion and a deep love for Italy.