The grocery store
Palmira's Alimentari or grocery store in Lecchi in Chianti is typical of the Chianti area. She stocks almost everything you could need during your stay in the Chianti, there is a friendly atmosphere and more often than not you are asked to taste from the provisions counter before you buy.

Shops usual hours 07.30 to 13.00 & 16.00 to 19.00
Closed Wednesday and Sunday afternoon
Further afield all of the Chianti towns have supermarkets
usual hours 08.00 to 13.00 & 16.00 to 19.00
Closed Wednesday and Sunday all day
In the cities there are hypermarkets which tend to offer a huge range at low prices
usual hours 09.00 to 21.00
Closed Sunday

Mass - There is a church in Lecchi. There is a Mass on Sunday at 10.00am.

There are no petrol stations, banks or chemists. The nearest town with these three is Radda in Chianti.

Next door her son Paulo has a small bar and stocks a huge range of Chianti wine, this is a favorite for private wine buyers looking to extend their own wine cellars.

Gaiole in Chianti
Situated on the road ss408, from Siena to Montevarchi.
Gaiole in Chianti owes its development to its position in the valley where an important market for the local populations was centered around the year 1000.
Its name likely comes from "gaggiolo" used to indicate a large forest.

Gaiole history

After 1300 Gaiole became important not only as a market but as a tertiary city of the League of Chianti, Florence's administrative and political instrument.

Gaiole today

The area surrounding Gaiole can easily be divided up into outings featuring the abbeys and parish churches or the castles and hamlets.
The oil and the wine found in Gaiole in Chianti today are the jewels of its agriculture and local economy.

Places of interest

Castello di Brolio
The Brolio Castle is truly spectacular and was so even after its neo-gothic transformation that took place in the second half of the 19th century.
The history of the Brolio Castle begins in the latter part of the 12th century. Its name is tied to the family of the Ricasoli Firidolfi who took sides with Florence against Siena. The Castle was invaded by the Sienese in 1252.
The Castle was altered and transformed over the years before the definitive 19th century version realized by Baron Bettino Ricasoli. Today you can visit the interior, the neo-Gothic Saint Jacop's Chapel, the observation deck and the palace with its beautiful tapestries.

Gaiole was not only an important commercial centre, but it was also important to the clergy, this is evident by the many parish churches and abbeys.

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La Grotta della Rana
La Grotta della Rana is a small family run restaurant found in the tiny village of San Sano on the road between Lecchi in Chianti and SS408 Siena-Gaiole road.
The family has worked hard to build the restaurant and wine cellar, which now has an excellent reputation amongst local Italians, it is also considered chic to come here from the city of Siena and dine in the countryside of the Chianti. The host and head of the family Pomorolo is usually found taking care of the bills, while his wife is in charge of the kitchen, your waiter David and Deborah their son and daughter offer an excellent service.
Tel: +39 0577 746 020

Osteria del Castello
Brolio, on the road between Gaiole and Siena
Home of Barone Bettino Ricasoli (1809-1880), Prime Minister of Italy after Cavour during the unification, then in 1874 the definer of the Chianti Classico formula.  Allow time to walk up to the Castle and enjoy one of the best views around from the terrace.
Closed Thursday
Tel: +39 0577 747 194

Ristorante L'Alto Chianti
Loc Castagnoli, Gaiole in Chianti
This is a restaurant and pizzeria.
Tel: + 39 0577 731008

Osteria Castello di Starda
This is a beautiful traditional restaurant which sells good food at reasonable prices. They have a very well priced tourist menu.
Location: Starda
Closed: Monday
Tel: +39 0577 734100

Banks - There are 3 banks all with cash dispensers that accept Credit Cards.

Chemist - The nearest chemist is in Radda and approximate opening times are 09.00-13.00 and 16.00-20.00, closed Wednesday.

Petrol - There are 2 stations that operate 24 hour machine service, you will need a 5, 10 or 20 Euro note when they are closed, Monday to Saturday, approximate opening times are 07.30/12.30 and 15.30/19.30.

A good shop is the famous Porciattis  grocery and butchery store, he is open also on Sunday mornings from May to October.
Approximate summer opening times are 07.45 - 13.00 & 17.00 - 20.00
Approximate winter opening times are 08.00 - 13.00 & 16.30 - 19.30
For full information you are welcome to visit www.casaporciatti.it
There is aslo a small COOP supermarket in Radda.

Radda in Chianti
Situated on the road SS429 from Castellina in Chianti to Montevarchi.

The "Leghe" (leagues), were born between the population of the Florentine country folk in the early years of three hundred for defensive reasons. At the head of every league was a captain or mayor named by the Florentine Signoria.He was obliged to reside in the provincial capital of the league.

Radda today

The end of the quarrels between Florence and Siena, created a bit of a downfall for the village.

Today, Radda in Chianti conserves the medieval harmonious structure of the village, but in the territory operates also several wine factories and it is the headquarters of the "Centro Studi Storici del Chianti" (Chianti Historical Studies Centre), founded in 1984 at the Fattoria Vignale.

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La Bottega di Carla Barucci
Volpaia
Tour the olive presses and winery (0577 738766) before (or after) a down to earth lunch with home made pasta and one of their wines in the little piazza of this lovingly restored hamlet. 

Le Vigne
East of Radda
Le Vigne which means the vineyards,  when you go there it is easy to see why, the restaurant is located literally on a vineyard, which makes the last 500 meters drive eventful. The food is very good with a wide variety of dishes from the inventive kitchen, there is an enjoyable atmosphere and a wine list which has much to offer.

Tel: +39 0577 738640