SacinoVilla's Casa Amore

Authentic Home Cooking School

Simonetta and Paola teach authentic home cooking, and afterwards, your eat with the family in their 1000-year-old home. They are special friends - it was their cooking school I attended when I fell in love with this region and later bought my home. If you have one stop, make it here.

Visiting Wineries

There are dozens of wineries around San Sano. The best time of year to visit is in the fall with the early harvest. The best one is at Castello di Ama, which is within five miles of San Sano.

Buying Groceries

Shop in local markets in Radda, Gaiole or Siena. In San Sano, there is a small store with some necessities and plenty of wine, pasta & olive oil.

Civita di Bagnoregio

For the most memorable visit - go to Civita di Bagnoregio. With only eight residents, this village is literally falling away day by day. Excellent food and about two hours from San Sano, near Orvieto.

Ristoro di Lamole

Oh my oh my, I love this restaurant and love these guys. The food is incredible, get the black risotto if it is in season. They have the BEST views so go on a clear day. I didn't know which photo to use - the food, view, interior or the owners, so I picked my favorite - Filippo, one of the owners!

Butcher of Panzano

If you have the time...make a reservation (in advance of your visit) to eat in Panzano at one of the pre-set meals. I had one with 11 servings of MEAT dishes only. Truly remarkable experience. Plan to sleep in your car before driving home.

Cooking with Simone

Simone is an extraordinary chef and master sommelier - and a total joy. His kitchen is intimate so the classes are small, so you learn wonderful dishes to impress your friends back home.

Home Cooking in San Sano

This restaurant is excellent, and only steps away from the front door or Casa Amore. As a local tip: they will make sauce for you, or pizza if you ask in advance. They are closed Wednesdays.

Lake Como

Lake Como is worth the effort - get there by train and then ferry to a costal village. It is far from San Sano (about six hours) so plan to go before or after your stay at Casa Amore.

Siena

There is a bus to Siena every day in the morning around 8 am. It returns around 2 pm. It is a good way to go - you can buy a ticket in Monte when the bus goes into town. Get off at the first stop, then it will turn around while you are in the shop buying the bus ticket, then get back on and resume your trip. I grocery shop in Siena and love walking around this city. It's about 30 minutes from San Sano, if you drive, I suggest parking at the train station and taking the escalators into the city.

Ristorante Malborghetto

Only two miles away in Lecchi - Always my first and last meal - I love this place - and Simone and his wife, Alyssa. Order different food - or ask Simone to make a variety of his favorites. Never a bad meal here.

Le Contrade in Gaiole

I go to visit this master chef (trained by the love of food). Andrea is way over the top as far as cooking goes - you will never be disappointed. Le Contrade is in the hills overlooking Gaiole, very close to San Sano. Sorry, I only have one food shot, I always grab a bite the minute the plate arrives, so all my photos have my fork in them.

Typical pasta of the area

I'm so hungry right now.

Just a little lunch.

The presentation of the food at Ristoro di Lamole is always perfect.

Cheese, glorious cheese.