Drink Italia! The best wines for Christmas

Wine at Christmas

Here’s our round up of really special Italian drinks to take you through the rest of the festive season and all its celebrations! Information correct at time of publishing. Please check for current availability and prices   A well-chosen drinks menu is essential for an exceptional Christmas celebration, so we asked our experts to suggest fine […]

Italian chestnut festivals

Chestnuts in Italy

If you’re heading for Italy in the autumn months, you may be lucky enough to stumble across a chestnut festival – wonderful events for foodies to enjoy! Photos by Getty   Chestnut festivals take place all over Italy in autumn. As well as the one at Vallerano, there are chestnut festivals at Marradi near Florence, […]

Chestnut and chocolate cake

chocolate and chestnut cake

Chestnuts and chocolate are a winning combination in this delicious torta di castagne e cioccolato recipe…   Chestnut flour is a great gluten-free alternative, giving cakes and biscuits a delicious nutty background flavour; and in many European countries, such as Italy, France and Spain, chestnut spread or jam is found slathered on bread and croissants at the […]

Chestnuts roasting…

Chestnuts Italy

Julie Friend attends a special food festival in the province of Viterbo, and discovers that here the chestnut is not just for Christmas Photos by Getty unless otherwise stated   Clinging to the side of Mount Cimino, in the province of Viterbo, is the hilltop town of Vallerano. Perched 400 metres above sea level, the […]

A Very Milanese Christmas

Pretty Panettoni at Cova, Milan, Italy

Milan has something to offer the visitor at all times of the year, but Rachael Martin finds its café culture particularly appealing in the lead-up to Christmas… Photos by Rachael Martin unless otherwise stated It’s late afternoon along Corso Magenta. The streetlights have come on, and the orange Carrelli trams wind their way through the […]

A Wild Christmas

Krampus festival in a snowy field just outside Castelrotto, South Tyrol, Italy

Each December, the terrifying costumed figures of Krampus paint South Tyrol red with their extravaganza. Marina Spironetti attends a traditional parade of the monsters in Castelrotto Photos by Marina Spironetti   If your idea of a typical Italian Christmas involves getting dressed up as Babbo Natale for the fun of the little ones in the […]

Old Cascina, Piedmont

Old Cascina, Piedmont

In the countryside of Nizza Monferrato, surrounded by vineyards, not far from town. Recently refurbished with great care for the interior, keeping details of the old farmhouse such as vaulted ceilings and the original staircase. From the spacious and bright entrance, you enter directly into the living room with fireplace, then to the functional, modern kitchen with a vintage […]

Restored Stone House, Piedmont

Restored stone house in Piedmont, Italy

A few kilometres from Acqui Terme, overlooking the hillside. Large entrance hall, dining room, kitchen, a beautiful living room with access to a cellar with infernòt, bathroom and laundry. Upper floor: 4 bedrooms, two ensuite, third bathroom, living room. Attic floor: large ensuite bedroom and 2 other rooms. The porch leads to a romantic garden […]

Villa Vista Lago, Umbria

Villa vista lago, Umbria, Italy

Castiglione de Lago, Umbria. With this villa it’s all about location! On Lake Trasimeno, in the centre of Castiglione del Lago – just outside the city walls – but due to its unique position and 6,000 sqm of private olive groves it feels like you are in the countryside. The views are amazing – to […]

Spacious farmhouse, Piedmont

Agliano Terme farmhouse

Agliano Terme, Piemonte. Resting on a hill crest with views towards the Alps on one side and the charming hilltop village of Agliano Terme on the other. Private, sunny position with courtyard/garden of 7,000 sqm. Two living units. On the left, a separate apartment with private entrance. In the main habitation: on the left, a […]