FAQs

Question

What Should I Know About Tuscany?

Answer

Nestled on the coast of Italy, the Tuscany region is packed with beautiful scenery, historical architecture and luscious vineyards. It is the birthplace of the Italian language, Leonardo da Vinci and the home of Chianti Classico (which you'll have a lot of at Cinciano!). Typical Tuscan food includes bread (the Tuscan's love their bread; they even use stale bread to make Pappa al Pomodoro), meat and pasta (mostly meat-based). Because of the climate, Tuscany is known for its red wine: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Canaiolo Nero. Common white wines include: Trebbiano, Pinot Grigio, Moscato. Top Tuscan foods to try: www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-tuscany Top things to do in Tuscany: www.visittuscany.com/en/ideas/10-things-you-shoulddo-in-tuscany Typical Tuscan grape varietals: www.tuscanytonight.com/Tuscan-Grape-Varietals

Question

What is Cinciano?

Answer

Cinciano is an ancient hamlet in the heart of Chianti. All wines and olive oil are made on site (you'll see many olive groves and grape vines around the property!). The Prestano-LoGalbo family will stay in the main villa, Zaballina, with family and friends spread out in upscale recently renovated farmhouses around the property. The property also includes a gym, 2 swimming pools and a top Tuscan restaurant, Osteria 1126.

Question

How Old is Cinciano? Tell Me its History!

Answer

Cinciano has Latin origins. In 1126 it was donated by Zaballina, widow of Ridolfino da Catignano, to the Bishop of Florence Gottifredo, together with the castles of Linari and Catignano. Cinciano is also mentioned in the texts of 1292, when some land was sold by Bishop Andrea for an annual sum of 14 staia (an ancient unit of measure) of wheat. The springs and fountains on the property have been known since the 13th century. Due to its dominating position over the upper hills of Val d’Elsa and Via Francigena (the route followed by pilgrims on their way to Rome), as well as its proximity to the ancient Poggio di Bonizio, many fought over Cinciano until its annexing to the Republic of Florence. Today, Cinciano is owned by a local family.

Question

On Which Airlines Should I Fly? From Where?

Answer

If possible, we recommend flying direct from JFK or Newark to Rome or Milan. If you're coming from Florida, it's best to fly from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. The flights are much easier and tend to be cheaper. We like to fly out in the evening, so you can sleep on the flight and get to Rome or Milan in the morning (Italy time). We typically fly Delta or Alitalia, but Norwegian, Air France and American are good options as well. Before you arrive in Rome, Milan, Florence or Pisa, make sure you book car services and transportation from the airport to your hotel ahead of time. If you are flying into Rome, and plan to spend a few days there before or after the wedding, call Rome Cabs (info@romecabs.com) or Rome Chauffeur (info@rome-chauffeur.com).

Question

How Do I Get to Cinciano?

Answer

This is the beauty of Cinciano! You have so many options; it's just 40 minutes south of Florence, 30 minutes north of Siena and 55 minutes east of Pisa. If you're traveling in Italy before the wedding, we recommend stopping in Florence for 1-2 days before coming to Cinciano. It's easy to get to Florence by train from anywhere: Rome, Milan, Pisa, Naples, etc. From Florence, you can either book a private car service or rent a car near Florence and drive down (more more mobility). Parking is available at Cinciano. If you're heading straight to Cinciano from Rome or Milan airports, we suggest taking a train from the airport directly to Florence. Once you're in Florence, you can then take a private car service or rent a car and drive down to the venue. If you plan on taking day trips and want to explore during the wedding weekend, we recommend renting a car.

Question

When Do I Check In to Cinciano?

Answer

Check-in is at 2:30 on Friday, June 1 and check-out is at 11:00 on Monday, June 4.

Question

How Do I Get Around Chianti and Most of Italy?

Answer

For longer trips between major cities in Italy, we HIGHLY recommend traveling around by train. The high speed rails are an absolute pleasure. They feed you snacks (and give you water/coffee!) and get you from point A to point B without the stress of driving through the very large hills/mountains of Italy. Links to train transportation: TrenItalia: www.italiarail.com or www.trenitalia.com Italo: www.italotreno.it/en For local transportation by car, here are our recommendations. Rental car: Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Europcar (we recommend using a car service or taxis vs. driving) When traveling in the bigger cities, like Rome, Milan, Florence or even Naples, we do not suggest driving. It is extremely challenging and there are too many historic districts. There are cameras everywhere and driving in the historic districts often leads to extremely expensive tickets (we learned the hard way!).

Question

Where Should I Travel Outside of Cinciano and Around Chianti?

Answer

For day trips, you are more than welcome to travel around Chianti! If you book a rental car, it's easy to navigate around to nearby cities like Certaldo Alto, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti or Siena. You can also book a private car service (the more expensive option). Here are Cinciano's recommended car services: 1. Claudio Sostegni 00 39 348 6033146 2. Marco Cristofani 00 39 339 8998667 3. Fabio Cavicchioli 00 39 329 4171495 4. Remo Marzoli 00 39 333 6030524

Question

What Should I Know About Driving in Italy?

Answer

In order to drive in Italy, you need to have a valid passport and apply for an international license. To get your international license, you can visit any AAA near you.

Question

What Foods are in Season in June?

Answer

Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes! Artichokes, eggplant, asparagus, chicory, zucchini, all the best! More information here: www.visittuscany.com/en/ideas/tuscan-seasonal-fruits-and-vegetables-calendar

Question

Who Should I Call With Questions?

Answer

Primary contact numbers: Kristen: +1 516 317 1486 Chris: +1 631 278 4238 Mascia (our wedding planner): +39 339 4794968 Angela (manager at Fattoria di Cinciano): +39 0577 936588

Question

Where Else Should I Visit in Italy?

Answer

It depends on what you like or if you've already been to Italy. We understand most people are using the wedding as an excuse to vacation in Italy; that's great! We highly recommend visiting Rome (2-3 days), Florence (1-2 days), broader Tuscany area (outside of Chianti), the Amalfi Coast (if you have more time, best spots: Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Capri), Venice (northern Italy) or Cinque Terre. Tuscany is central to the rest of Italy, so you have many options. You can get almost anywhere in the country from Florence.