Autumn flavours: discover Tuscany through seasonal delicacies

Autumn is undoubtedly the best season to visit gorgeous Tuscany, thanks to the lower number of tourists, the mild, pleasant climate, and the magical atmosphere created by the warm colors of nature.

But Autumn is above all the best season for food and wine festivals, where the typical products of the season are celebrated: porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, truffles, new olive oil, wine, and much more. October and November are therefore ideal months to discover this wonderful region through its food and wine traditions.

Here is an overview of the main products of this season and the festivals dedicated to them, for those wanting to enjoy an authentic, traditional food and wine experience.

Porcini mushrooms are undoubtedly the absolute stars of the Tuscan Autumn. They grow in chestnut and oak forests and are appreciated for their strong and aromatic flavor. They are used in traditional dishes such as pappardelle with porcini mushrooms or simply served grilled, sautéed, or fried.

FESTA DEL PORCINO – CASTELFRANCO DI SOTTO (PI)

One of the most important festivals dedicated to porcini mushrooms is the Festa del Porcino in Castelfranco di Sotto (Pisa), held every weekend in October and the first weekend in November. During the festival, you can taste typical dishes made with porcini mushrooms, accompanied by local wines and typical products from the area.

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Chestnuts are one of the symbolic fruits of the Tuscan Autumn, especially in mountainous areas such as Mugello and Amiata. In particular, Chestnuts from Mugello IGP are highly appreciated for their sweetness and versatility, used to prepare traditional desserts such as Castagnaccio and Necci (chestnut flour pancakes).

MOSTRA MERCATO DEL MARRON BUONO – MARRADI (FI)

 In the village of Marradi in Mugello, the annual Mostra Mercato del Marron Buono - one of the most famous events dedicated to chestnuts - is now in its 61st year. Every weekend in October, you can taste roasted chestnuts, Castagnaccio, chestnut fritters, and typical desserts made with chestnuts. In addition to the tastings, the village comes alive with markets offering local products, crafts, and traditional shows. Not to be missed is the steam train departing from Florence and taking visitors to Marradi, offering a unique, charming way to visit the festival.

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Truffle is one of the most prized products of Tuscan cuisine, reaching its peak in Autumn. Tuscany, along with Piedmont, is a major producer of truffles, with locations such as San Miniato and Barberino di Mugello famous for the quality of their truffles.

MOSTRA MERCATO NAZIONALE DEL TARTUFO BIANCO – SAN MINIATO (PI)

The Mostra Mercato Nazionale del Tartufo Bianco in San Miniato (Pisa) is one of the most important national events dedicated to this precious delicacy, now in its 53rd year. It takes place on the last three weekends of November, and you can purchase both fresh truffles and truffle-based products, such as truffle-flavored oils, cheeses, and cured meats. Local restaurants also participate in the festival, offering themed menus with truffle dishes such as tagliatelle, risottos, and truffle-topped eggs. In addition to truffle tastings, you can also take part in guided truffle hunting excursions.

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MOSTRA MERCATO DEL TARTUFO BIANCO E NERO – BARBERINO DI MUGELLO (FI)

Another noteworthy event for truffle lovers is the Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco e Nero in Barberino di Mugello. This charming village attracts visitors from all over Italy to celebrate the gathering of white and black truffles and discover local culinary traditions. Every year, on the last weekend of October, the Municipality of Barberino di Mugello organizes this event involving numerous companies eager to promote the typical products of their territory, offering local specialties, fragrant fresh truffles, and other truffle-based delights. During your visit, you will also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful medieval village of Barberino, once ruled by the Ubaldini family, and the Villa Medicea di Cafaggiolo, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

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October and November are also the months of the olive harvest, and Tuscan extra virgin olive oil is one of the region's flagship products. The "olio nuovo" (new oil) is the first oil produced after the olive pressing, and is particularly appreciated for its intense and fruity flavor.

FESTA DELL'OLIO NOVO – CASTELMUZIO AND TREQUANDA (SI)

Castelmuzio, a small picturesque village, and Trequanda, famous for its centuries-old olive groves in the province of Siena, come together to host an event that involves the entire community and attracts visitors from all over Tuscany and beyond. This highly anticipated annual event celebrates freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil, a symbol of the region's agricultural and culinary tradition. You can taste the freshly pressed oil on a slice of toasted bread, accompanied by typical Tuscan products. You can also visit local mills to discover the oil production process.

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Last but not least, autumn is the season of grape harvest and wine. Tuscany is renowned for its wines, especially Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Montescudaio DOC. There are therefore several villages that organize wine festivals allowing visitors to savour the best of the local production.

FESTA DEL VINO DOC – MONTESCUDAIO (PI)

The Festa del Vino DOC in Montescudaio is the most anticipated event of the year, held since 1967 on the first weekend of October. Montescudaio, a small medieval village in the province of Pisa, is part of the Strada del Vino della Costa degli Etruschi and boasts a long winemaking tradition. The festival celebrates Montescudaio DOC wine, a certified "designation of origin" that includes a variety of excellent red and white wines produced in the surrounding hills. The program includes tastings of wines from the Montescudaio DOC Wine Consortium, street food, typical dishes along the village streets and in Piazzale del Castello, there will be refreshment points, musical performances, and a parade of vintage tractors.

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So, what are you waiting for? Choose one of our vacation homes and book your stay in Tuscany this autumn!

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