Leaving Florence was difficult, because every ounce of my being wanted to stay and explore the magnificent city further, however I was excited to participate in our next Trafalagar Tour’s Be My Guest dining experience and we would be returning later in the evening. Within minutes the cobblestone streets and ancient cathedrals gave way to sprawling villas surrounded by olive groves — we were back in the heart of Tuscany again.
I Tre Pini, the restaurant where we would be both cooking and dining, is located in the Chianti region. It is the creation of Chef Libero, our guide through the food market in Florence.
The elegant restaurant is housed in a 500-year old restored farmhouse with manicured gardens and an adjacent vineyard. If you are looking for the best in Tuscan cuisine, look no further than this establishment. Each traditional dish has been passed from generation to generation and I am confident that they have been even further perfected by Chef Libero.
If you have been following my blog, you would know that champagne is one of the loves of my life. Thus, imagine my delight when I was introduced to a new hybrid of champagne called Fragolino. It is a sparkling wine infused with strawberries and quite possibly one of the best things I have ever tasted.
Chef Libero has worked tirelessly to create other award winning wines from his vineyard, and while they really were sensational, I kept asking for refills of the Fragolino.
After our introduction to the restaurant and its wines, we donned aprons and hairnets and were each instructed to complete different tasks in the kitchen. Thankfully, all I had to do was add some bread crumbs to the stew, as I am not gifted when it comes to cooking. Being a part of the entire process was a special experience for me though and it definitely made me appreciate each bite of food that I put into my mouth more.
Around the 5th course, an incredibly charming gentleman surprised us by performing some classic Italian songs for us. During his rendition of “That’s Amore” he asked me to dance with him. How could I say no to that face?
Before we departed, I, of course, had to buy a bottle of Fragolino to gift my family. I wish that I could have bought more, however my luggage (and honestly myself after all of the food I had just consumed) was already over the required weight limit. . .
I need fragolino in my life NOW!
You have NO idea how badly I wanted to buy you and Kyle a bottle!!!
That wine looks ridiculously good. Is it because I can’t have it that I want it so bad? Ha!
Haha yes I’m sure that’s why you’re craving it so badly, but you know I’ve heard it’s actually healthy for pregnant women to have a glass every once in a while…
Very jealous! Tuscan cuisine, estate wine and that incredible landscape! Take me there now….I may never leave!
I’ll back with you!!! It was such a Paradise. And Chef Libero is AMAZING.
What a brilliant trip – each post on it just sounds better and better. Tuscany is such a beautiful part of the world and this sounds like a unique experience.
It was such a brilliant trip and I agree it did just get better and better!!! And Tuscany is truly a special place that I hope everyone gets to visit once in their life.
Mmm – fragolino sounds delightful! Those olive groves and vineyards are beautiful
Oh it’s so unbelievably good!!! I wish that I had 10 bottles so that I could open one now. 🙂
Gorgeous pics Andi!
Thank you Ashely!
OMG, where can I get a bottle of that Fragolino? I must have some! Champagne and strawberries is my favorite.
I didn’t think you could buy it, but then I googled it and found a link to a website where you can. So in the post click on the link for Fragolino. I will be buying some more!!! 🙂
Great article, thanks for the share!!
You’re very welcome!
Wow Tuscany looks so beautiful. I want frangolino now!
Hahahaha I swear I should have bought like 100 bottles and sold them for twice the price! 🙂 Tuscany is gooooorgeous!!!
So damn cute!! Love it!!
Thanks!!! 🙂
Italy is such an awesome country!
It sure is!
I wish there was video of the dance with the Italian gentleman. That is awesome.
There is a video of him singing, but not of us dancing! I do have more photos of dancing though… 😉
Loved this post!
I’m so delighted to hear that! 🙂
That’s the thing about trying different wines when you travel, it’s hard to bring it back home! Glad you had such a lovely time 🙂
Agree!!! Just gotta start bringing an extra piece of luggage with me!
Stunning pics!
Thank you!!!
Great post!
Thanks! 🙂
You got me dreaming of Italy now!
Wahooooo!
WOW fabulous!
Glad you enjoyed it!!!
One of my favorite posts of yours!
Wahoooo!
Those Italian men have such a way with women!
Ain’t that the truth!!!!!
What a life you lead Andi!!!
Thank you! I feel so lucky to live the life that I do. 🙂
What a stunning adventure you went on!
It really was! Trafalgar is the best!!!
Gorgeous pics Andi!
Thanks John!
I haven’t been to Tuscany since 2001–this is making me itch to get back there!
I want to go spend a week or two there doing absolutely nothing but eating and drinking.
This is an fantastic website!
Why thank you!!!
This is an great site with a lot of good information!
Glad you enjoy it!!!
INCREDIBLE PICS ANDI!
Thanks Mark!
Amazing pics Andi!
Thanks Lea!
Lovely Andi, lovely!
Thanks Stacy!
Awww, what a great way to have your meal prepared.
I wonder if I could order Fragolino to Mexico. Hehehe.
I bet you could! I’m going to order some more soon. I miss it terribly!!!