If you are missing the flavours and colours of Siena, why not help out local businesses and have some of Tuscany shipped to you?
treats
Michela and Giordano have wonderful Sienese and Italian treats in their shop, Dolci & Cantine, located on Via dei Pellegrini right near the Baptistry of Siena. They’ve prepared some special gift boxes just for the holidays! Click here to see their suggestions, and visit their website for more ideas! I highly recommend the panpepato, cavallucci, and pecorino aged in walnut leaves (hard to cut but well worth the effort!). And if you have a real sweet tooth, as them to throw in a tartufo or 2 (the pistachio and white chocolate ones are my favourites).
Please note that due to customs, shipping wine is very expensive, meats can no longer be sent, but dry goods and aged cheeses are good to go!
Ah, la ceramica! Since 1979, Antica Siena has been producing beautiful hand-painted pottery, and everyone in my family has something from their shop! Contact charismatic owner Leonardo for more details, and be sure to visit their facebook shop. Particularly pleasing are the olive oil jars with this year’s olive oil from Le Tre Pietre, a family-run agriturismo in Siena (the 3 pietre -stones- are the 3 children). I also love the hand-painted bàrberi (marbles that represent horses) with the Contrada colours, and they have an impressive collection of Nativity scenes too.
All items shipped with Leonardo’s guarantee. Please note that if adding EVOO to an order costs might increase due to customs.
Best-selling author and now olive-harvester extraordinaire, Dario Castagno is full of tales to tell. Visit his website to order 2020’s EVOO (that’s extra virgin olive oil - this year’s press is delicious) from il Palagio, and maybe pick up a book or two as well! Too Much Tuscan Sun is a great one to start with!
And our very own Ambra (the “AS” of “ASAP Adventures”!) also helped pick the olives for La Mania del Verde. Contact them directly to order!
Remember, your olive oil should be consumed within 1 year (so give a tin or 2 to friends!). Drizzle on toast or white rice with a pinch of salt (or parmigiano), or on salad (try without the balsamic first!), or pour some over a rare (OK, or medium-rare) steak. Delizioso!
Looking for delicious Tuscan wines produced in small family owned wineries? Look no further than the Tuscan Wine School! Giorgia and Milo have carefully chosen some of Siena’s best wines from local and organic producers. And when you can finally visit in person, be sure to check out their wine bar and day tours!
Originally from Sardinia, Caterina studied classical art at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence before discovering Flash Art and developing her unique style. Her vibrant Florence cityscapes and Tuscan landscapes pulsate with life; the Pinocchio sculptures are playful and cannot help but make you smile. Visit her facebook page or contact her directly!
The 2021 calendar is underway, so click here to find out about virtual tours and online classes on offer! Gift cards also available!
Siena Reading List
There are so many books about Siena, but here are some essential reads that I highly recommend!
The fine print: I have signed up to the Amazon Affiliates Program, so if approved, I could make a small percentage from your purchase (though to be quite honest I’m not yet sure how this works!). As for my recommendations, I just wanted you to meet some marvellous people and give you the opportunity to buy some wonderful local items and stunning works of art!
