The Siena Chianti area is one of the most renowned and charming in Tuscany.
It has its typical, gently sloping hillsides, outlined by the rows of vines and interspersed here and there by pretty villages, medieval castles and old parish churches.
Right in the heart of this wonderful area, we can find Radda in Chianti, known as the "vineyard village" because of its large-scale wine production and because it has been home to the Chianti Classico Consortium since 1924.
The borough of Radda, the head of the Chianti League that dates back to the 13th century, stands at about 500 meters above sea level and reaches right across the high valley between the rivers Arbia and Pesa, surrounded by woods and hills.
There are another two places near Radda that you cannot miss: the Pieve di San Giusto in Salcio and the Pieve di Santa Maria Novella.
There are other fascinating, history-filled villages nearby that are also well worth a day trip to visit them:
Castellina in Chianti
A pretty Chianti village that is renowned for its wineries where you can taste the local wines and produce.
In the heart of this small town you can visit the wonderful 15th century fortress designed by Giuliano San Gallo and the Neo-Romanesque Church of San Salvadore.
Gaiole in Chianti
Gaiole dates back to 1200 when a large market was started up to supply the nearby castles with goods. Via Ricasoli, in the town center, is still the daily location of a lively, picturesque market.
Greve in Chianti
This pretty, ancient village is the first one you come across on the road from Florence to Siena. It is considered to be the "gate to the Chianti area".
Greve is extremely interesting from both an architectural point of view, with its medieval palaces, porticoes and open galleries, and from a gastronomic point of view, thanks to the numerous wineries and delicatessens in the village that sell the locally-produced salamis and cheeses.
A large wine exhibition-market, the largest in the Chianti area, is held each year in September in Greve.
