CASA DEL CASTAGNO "I really miss Tuscany!" When we first arrived at Calcione we were stunned by the view. We had driven through Tuscany all day, sightseeing, until our arrival. The view here was just as breathtaking! The house (Castagno) is situated high on a hill, in the midst of a 1600 acre olive grove/vineyard/farm. On either side and the back of the house was true Tuscan farm country. Across the valley to the front - a sweeping vista where we could see the ancient walled village of Lucignano. We immediately took off hiking, poking about the grounds, exploring. Later that evening, after our group scrounged up dinner and enjoyed great food and wine in the large dining room, we went outside and watched the moon and the stars - and listened to the wild boars rooting around. During our stay, we were treated to several meals by your recommended cook, Amel - what a great learning experience, and a lot of fun! She fed us well - even bringing vegetables and herbs from her own garden. You also did us a great favor recommending ValdiChiana-Tours. Giorgio and Claudio planned a wonderful two days of wine tours. Chianti was beautiful and we had a wonderful picnic in between winery tours. We also went the other direction another day and visited the Brunello region - different but just as beautiful, with wonderful wines as well. It was great having our own personal tour guide who came to pick us up and drop us off for these tours. We are settled back at home after two weeks, and I have to say I really miss Tuscany! The food and the old buildings and the wine. Back here at home, I struggle to find anything that looks nearly as enticing in our local markets. I even went to a popular Italian market in St. Paul looking for some of the wonderful Italian groceries - no luck... Jennifer Brigham MN, USA email: jbrigham@brighamgroup.com