Today we had our own mini-bus and driver to take us to the Chianti countryside. Our first stop was the American World War II Cemetery where more than four thousand Americans who died here are buried. The setting is so serene and beautiful and it gives us an opportunity to pay tribute to those who gave all for freedom. After another stop for coffee and the fresh grape cake make only this time of year during the harvest season, we found Castello Verrazzano Winery among the vineyards and olive groves of Chianti. You will see from the photos how lovely the castle grounds and the scenery around it are. It is truly a Tuscan landscape painting in reality. Our guide, Gino, was great and his explanation of the winemaking at Verrazzano was heartfelt and almost poetic as we explored the cellars below the castle tower. However, the best was to come in the tasting room where we had an elegant lunch and wine tasting experience - for over two hours! Our last stop for the day was in the charming town of Greve in Chianti where we did a little shopping and wandering about. It was indeed a fine day for wine and time with friends in Tuscany! Lots of photos today - enjoy!
