ARTISAN BEER IN ITALY: A TUSCAN FESTIVAL September 6/8 2013

It may seem like a sacrilege, but for once skip the best Brunello wineries and head for a beer instead. But not just any beer. Only a proper Italian artisan beer should convince you to leave Tuscany's wine mecca behind for a night in Buonconvento. Montalcino's much less famous but very enchanting neighbor may not be known for world class wines - understandably so, being located at the bottom of the valley - but it definitely has a future when it comes to craft beer. 

So for once don't drive uphill for Brunello tasting, but hop on a shuttle bus and meet Italy's and Belgium's microbreweries down in the valley at the VILLAGGIO DELLA BIRRA festival. The shuttle bus runs from San Quirico d'Orcia and Siena too. A great option for people who are planning to taste each single artisan beer. Or as an alternative bring your tent. The craft beer festival takes place in a beautiful villa near Buonconvento where camping is an option too!

Too much wine? Have a beer in Tuscany. 

And whilst I love anything Italian, I can't wait to finish off the night with a Belgian gueuze. Or two. After all I won't have to drive. 


VILLAGGIO DELLA BIRRA 2013; ARTISAN BEER FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 6 to 8, 2013
BUONCONVENTO, FATTORIA LA PIANA

To ground yourself have a break from time to time and visit Buonconvento's beautiful museums instead.