Destination is the wine maker Vignano and we were in for a treat. It was very, very hot. This winery is perched on a hill with a very interesting road leading to it. Here's a view from our location.
The family greeted us on arrival. We start out under the shady spot seen here, discussing the location, wine-making, languages, etc.
When it's time for the formal tasting to begin, we move under the canopies (but it's hotter there!).
The tasting is carried out with great care. We have small accompaniments such as cucumber and peppers - each suited one of the wines. This alone was a heavenly, leisurely tasty experience.
Then they brought out lunch, which was a feast! The remaining wine was generously provided and we spent hours eating, drinking and talking, alternately in the sun and shade.
Here's another view from the winery. You can see San Gimignano, with it's towers, in the distance.
On the way home, we stopped at a small hilltop village called Monteriggioni. I've made a big exception here, because this is the first photo that isn't mine. I nicked it from the internet, because it was necessary to show how this is an intact medieval village surrounded by its wall.
Later that day, after a swim, we walked up the road to Osteria dell' oca satolla for dinner.
A good time was had by all, and I had my first Cantucci and Vin Santo experience (more would follow on this trip!).