WB Family,
I am fairly new to this community (as a registered user) but already very much loving it, and have for many years used old forum posts as reference. However, I feel that with an upcoming trip to Italy now confirmed, I’d like to lean on you all for recommendations and guidance.
I will be traveling to Florence with my girlfriend, arriving 8/19 in Rome and making our way up to Florence by 8/25-26 for a wedding on the 27th. I have done Rome (only plan one night there) and Florence before, so no recommendations or insights needed there. What I am looking for is guidance on wine route between the two. We plan to rent a car and thus will be flexible as to where we may go. This is after all, to my understanding, the beginning of harvest season for the region.
I have done wineries in Sicily (SW + Marsala) and the environment there is very much walk-in friendly. I have also done Napa/Willamette, and I think the opposite can be said for many places (not all). That said, I do have a preference in visiting/tasting at places with quality wines having 1) historical significance 2) family owned/operated 3) boutique production 4) not necessarily readily available in common market. That’s not to say I’m not interested in the Antinori/Casanova di Neri’s.
As for lodging, I’d rather not stay in large establishments, and more am seeking charm - AirBnBs not out of the question but I imagine these are few and far between.
Basically - give me everything you’ve got - the loves, the hates, the must-do/eat/taste/see and the “please avoids.”
Much love and thank you in advance, friends.
Nick