Culinary Adventures: Food and Wine tasting along the Trails of the Apuan Mountains
Food and wine tasting along the trails of the Apuan mountains will provide culinary adventures to remember for years to come. Before we begin the Walking in Tuscany tour with The Adventurous Ewe on our women’s only small group tour, we spend the first night in Florence and learn about Italian food with Jenny Handley, the editor of the Gourmet Guide magazine. The next day we head out to the picturesque region of Tuscany, the Apuan Mountains, not only offer breathtaking natural scenery, but also a rich culinary heritage waiting to be savoured. As you traverse the winding trails and explore the hidden valleys of this enchanting landscape, immerse yourself in a culinary journey like no other, where every bite tells a story and every sip transports you to the heart of Italy’s gastronomic delights.
A Taste of Tradition: Tuscan Cuisine at its Finest
Tuscany is renowned for its simple, yet flavourful cuisine, rooted in centuries-old traditions and locally sourced ingredients. Along the trails of the Apuan Mountains, hikers have the opportunity to sample authentic Tuscan dishes that celebrate the region’s agricultural bounty and culinary craftsmanship. Start your culinary adventure with a classic antipasto platter featuring an array of local delights, from cured meats and aged cheeses to marinated olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Pair it with freshly baked bread and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, sourced from the olive groves that dot the hillsides.
Farm to table Delights: Taste the Freshness of the Mountains
One of the highlights of hiking in the Apuan Mountains is the chance to enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at its finest. Along the trails, you’ll encounter family-run agriturismi and rustic trattorias that showcase the bounty of the land through seasonal menus crafted with care and passion. Indulge in hearty soups and stews made with locally foraged mushrooms, wild herbs, and tender legumes, or savour the delicate flavours of handcrafted pasta dishes adorned with garden-fresh vegetables and savoury sauces. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste traditional dishes like ‘orta di erbi’ a savoury herb pie, or “pappa al pomodoro”, a rustic tomato and bread soup that warms the soul.
Sip and Savour: Wine Tasting in the Heart of Tuscany
No culinary adventure in Tuscany would be complete without indulging in the region’s world- renowned wines. As you traverse the trails of the Apuan Mountains, take time to explore local vineyards and wineries nestled amidst the hills, where ancient grape varieties thrive in the mineral- rich soil and Mediterranean climate. From crisp and refreshing whites to bold and robust reds,
Tuscany offers a diverse selection of wines to suit every palate. Sample a glass of Vermentino, a fragrant white wine with notes of citrus and wildflowers, or savour the rich flavours of Sangiovese, the region’s signature red grape, in a glass of Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino.
Sweet Endings: Desserts to Tempt the Taste Buds
Photo from florafoods.com
No culinary journey in Tuscany would be complete without indulging in the region’s irresistible desserts and pastries. Along the trails of the Apuan Mountains, hikers can satisfy their sweet tooth with an array of delectable treats that showcase the finest ingredients and time honoured recipes.
Indulge in creamy gelato made with fresh fruit and local dairy, or savour the delicate layers of a traditional tiramisu, infused with espresso and mascarpone cheese. For something truly indulgent, treat yourself to a slice of “castagnaccio”, a rustic chestnut flour cake flavoured with rosemary, pine nuts, and raisins—a perfect way to end a day of hiking in the mountains.
A Feast for the Senses in the Apuan Mountains
The Apuan Mountains offer hikers a unique opportunity to embark on a culinary adventure like no other, where every trail leads to new flavours, aromas, and experiences. From farm-to-table delights to world-class wines and irresistible desserts, the culinary landscape of Tuscany’s mountains is a feast for the senses that promises to delight and inspire at every turn.
So lace up your hiking boots, pack your appetite, and prepare to indulge in a culinary journey through the trails of the Apuan Mountains. Whether you’re sampling traditional dishes at a local trattoria, or sipping wine overlooking the Apuan Mountains from our farmhouse terrace, one thing is certain, you are in for a culinary experience you’ll never forget.
