Shopping for provisions

The locals do a once weekly trip to the Iper Co-op in Montevarchi where one might find anything and everything at much lower prices. It's an advisable trip if you're feeding a large group for an extended period the savings on the wine alone might just pay for a meal out for all. And they sell everything from sewing machines to socks to sublime seafood.

Montevarchi. Punto vendita di riferimento: via A. Burzagli, 24-26 Indirizzo: c/o Ipercoop - via Dell'Oleandro, 37 - Tel: 0559109682 - 0559109772

There is also Porciatti, the local deli in Radda, which will provide all you will need in extras, or there is the recently opened and far cheaper Co-op, just below the Café Sandy . A mini version of the Montevarchi store, it sells nothing but locally grown produce, while the wines, beers and liquors are a lot cheaper than in the local enoteca's (wine shops).

One of the region's highlights is the butcher in Gaiole, which is reputed to be the best in Tuscany. This is where Elton John gets his sausage in from and where the Duchess of York was mistaken for a pork chop. It lies at the top of the village's main street, Via Ricasoli, and I would strongly recommend the steak (one is enough for three) while the spedini skewers of chicken, sausage, pork, and herbs when grilled on the barbecue are wonderful.