In Tuscany 9/25-26

We will be driving from Florence the morning of 9/25, staying in Radda that night, and returning to Florence late on 9/26. I was THINKING of the following, but am open to suggestions:

Lunch at Ristoro di Lamole, wine tasting at a couple of places on our way from Greve to Radda. Walking around Radda early evening, then going to dinner at La Bottega in Volpaia. Next day, breakfast at Relais Vignale in Radda, then onto to Castello Meleto and Castello Brolio.

Do you recommend altering this itinerary? I really am open to any suggestiongs. The only thing that is firm is our hotel for 9/25 in Radda. Other than that, we can try anything. I would welcome other restaurant suggestions or ideas as to wineries to try along our route. Thanks!

Hi Larie,
Your itinerary sounds very well mapped out and I don't really have anything to add to it.
A part from the fact that you shouldn't miss some of the cool wineries around Panzano, e.g. Fontodi, Castello dei Rampolla. Radda also has its own to offer such as Montevertine. Stop in at Poggerino also and say hello to my friend Benedetta! Some very good wine at some very decent prices.
It's not obligatory to buy anything at the wineries, but I might add that it is an expectancy. So make sure to be selective or you'll end up with a large bunch of wine!
Have a great trip!

Rebecca, thank you SO MUCH for the prompt reply. I have a restaurant question for you. The folks I am traveling with are big "foodies", so restaurant choice will be important. If you were to select three of the following which would you choose? If you prefer to email me rather than post a reply here, I am at llq@lrplaw.net

La Bottega in Volpaia
Ristoro DiLamole outside of Greve
Mac Dario
Solociccia
Le Braci at Castello di San Donato
Il Ristoro di Amole

Thanks again!!!!

Hi Laurie,
I've hesitated a little in responding... I don't feel like being a restaurant critic, at least not publically...

But you deserve an honest answer, so here we go...
Firstly, I have never been to the restaurant at San Donato. If you go, please get back to me here on the forum and tell us about it.
For the other ones mentioned... Generally, I feel like I'm too discriminating towards restaurants since I had one myself. I either love them or not.
In any case, I feel confident in recommending Butcher Dario's places in Panzano - they are worth the experience!

My second favourite in the area is "A Casa Mia" but however, it's a good windy ride from Radda and perhaps too far away.

Lamole isn't bad at all even though I find it a slight bit pricey... - perhaps the view (and the tourists that the view has attracted) has been added to the price list?? Others would probably argue that the Chianti region as such is famous and therefore is entitled to particular treatment...

I don't really feel like commenting on the kitchen of the Bottega in Volpaia. I know the owner Carla rather well and she's a great person who's backed up by her sister Paola (BarUcci) and her mum Mamma Gina (featured in the book Too Much Tuscan Sun)
I haven't eaten there in over a year so I can't give you a recent feed-back, but - quite honestly - the thing that really annoyed me when eating there was that the menu NEVER changed with the seasons - as it should according to available foods (which is expected of a good country restaurant in Tuscany). In fact, I was never impressed by the food and had negative feed-back from certain clients also. However, the setting is absolutely enchanting and, in fact, the town is definitely worth a visit!

As mentioned before, I would love to hear from you when you get back with your experiences and preferences. It might enlighten myself and help other travellers also!
Thanks,
Rebecca

Rebecca, thanks for your candor. I will definitely give you and your loyal following a detailed description of our experiences upon our return. Many thanks.

Hi Laurie,
Hoping to hear about your trip, if and when you have a moment to spare...