TUSCAN WINE TREASURES

The medieval fortress of Montalcino.

Outside one of the many wine shops in Montalcino.

A view of Montalcino's valley from the wine estate of Il Marroneto.

Winemaker Livio Sassetti offers some "giuggela", a Tuscan date-like fruit.

The town hall in Montepulciano.

Checking out the vineyards of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

A winemaker's hands: evidence of the harvest.

The medieval cityscape of Siena.

Overlooking the gardens at the Castello di Brolio.

Chianti's wild beauty, seen from the Cacchiano wine estate.

Harvest in Chianti.

Touring an underground aging room in Chianti.

Organic olive oil producer Francesco Lombardi.

Virgin olive oil: an essential ingredient for Tuscan cooking.

Al fresco lunch on the olive oil producer's patio.

Toasts and Tuscan beans, complemented by Chianti.

"Collaborazione!" A hands-on cooking lesson gets in gear.

Claudio Bisio gives a lesson in how to read a wine label.