Montespertoli - town of wine

 Montespertoli, situated in the Chianti area about 25 Km from Florence, is an important grape and wine producing town. It is known as "the town of wine" and the Wine feast of Montespertoli start at the end of the May month. Because of its position along the Via Volterrana (the road which connected Florence to Volterra), it played a strategic role in the past centuries. It is worth to visit the Parish Church of St. Pietro in Mercato (IX century) in Lucardo, the Church of St. Lorenzo in Montefugoni, the Botinaccio Convent (XVI century) and the Church of St. Stefano in Lucignano.http://www.comune.montespertoli.fi.it/

The commune of Montespertoli covers an area equivalent to 125.02 sq.km., over some of the cheracteristic hills of central Tuscany which form part of the Chianti area. The chief town sits 257 metres above sea level, 25 km from florence and is equidistant from the touristic centres of San Gimignano, Siena, Pisa and Volterra. The varied landscape consist of a morphologically uniform hill range with land which is fertile from a physical and nutritional point of view. The land of the Val di Pesa hills, in fact, being composed of marine sediment, is considered to be one of the best. On the whole the landscape can be described as Chianti-type because of its relatively modest altitude (maximum 442 metres above sea level at Lucardo) and by the presence of olive trees and wines. The climate, in spite of exposure to all winds, is mild. Continuous and free ventilation keeps the air pure and healthy.

Montespertoli, with its vineyards, cellars and the Chianti Show, is one of the Tuscan wine capitals. Historically the wine, as well as the oil and bread, has always been one of its most important features and is well-known in the region. The Commune is endowed with an efficient road network and with a series of refreshment places, featuring typical Tuscan cooking, a Tourist Information Office (headquarters of the Pro-Loco), an important tourist sports centre in Molino del Ponte with football Pitch, five-a-side field, indoor tennis courts, trap shooting, sports stadium, a swimming pool, hotel and restaurant. The layout of the area has permitted the organization of cultural itineraries which can occupy several days' stay. Of particularly interest is the Museum of Sacred Art in the parish church of San Piero in Mercato and the A. Bassi Picture Gallery in Piazza Machiavelli.