Through my lens ~ Volpaia, Tuscany.
Nov 23, 2015 19:59:10 #
Volpaia is situated along the spinal chord of the Chianti region of Italy and is one of the many hamlets one comes across when driving through the countryside. Historically, it was well known because of the della Volpaia family of clock and instrument makers, but in more recent times, the Chianti Classico wines have brought fame.
The castle was built in the 10th century as a prime location to guard the frontier area between Florence and Siena. Because 0f its location it was often involved in border disputes, frequently devastated, then rebuilt. Even today however, with such a tumultuous past, it still shows much of the Florentine influence.
Because of the climate and the unique soil, fine wine has been produced here for many years. Strict laws controlling and limiting construction throughout the countryside restricts any new buildings so the production of the wine is carried out in underground vaults of the ancient castle with the bottling operation in a small patrician palace.
The village boasts a population of about 50 persons, three restaurants, and a few vacation rental apartments. A slow easy lifestyle exists in these beautiful hills as life and prosperity of that culture is still (after hundreds of years) based on grapes and olives. Truly worth a stop and a meal ~ as well as a few photographs!
The castle was built in the 10th century as a prime location to guard the frontier area between Florence and Siena. Because 0f its location it was often involved in border disputes, frequently devastated, then rebuilt. Even today however, with such a tumultuous past, it still shows much of the Florentine influence.
Because of the climate and the unique soil, fine wine has been produced here for many years. Strict laws controlling and limiting construction throughout the countryside restricts any new buildings so the production of the wine is carried out in underground vaults of the ancient castle with the bottling operation in a small patrician palace.
The village boasts a population of about 50 persons, three restaurants, and a few vacation rental apartments. A slow easy lifestyle exists in these beautiful hills as life and prosperity of that culture is still (after hundreds of years) based on grapes and olives. Truly worth a stop and a meal ~ as well as a few photographs!
Nov 23, 2015 20:06:25 #
It is a beautiful region and you have done it well! I still want a Vespa. It sounds like you had a charming time. Great capture Ted.
J. R.
J. R.
Nov 23, 2015 20:21:32 #
Very good to hear from you, J.R. and you are right, it is a beautiful region. Every time we go 'over there' and I see a Vespa, I can't think of anything more fun than to ride around on one of them for an afternoon. However, at this point in my life, riding one in Italian traffic, I don't think I'd last too very long! It's fun to dream though.
Thanks for posting - have a good evening,
ted
Thanks for posting - have a good evening,
ted
Gifted One wrote:
It is a beautiful region and you have done it well! I still want a Vespa. It sounds like you had a charming time. Great capture Ted.
J. R.
J. R.
Nov 23, 2015 20:29:54 #
Once again you have posted a great set of images Ted. I especially like the doors. I am fascinated with all the different styles of doors and love to see both the plain and the ornate.
Nov 23, 2015 20:49:50 #
Doors have frequently held a fascination for me also. There was one street in Volterra that had dozens of doors, all different, and just one right after the other. I took photos of about 25 or 30 then had to move on. Can't help but wonder what's behind them.
Thanks for stopping in and posting -appreciate it.
Thanks for stopping in and posting -appreciate it.
Andrea.Jarrell wrote:
Once again you have posted a great set of images Ted. I especially like the doors. I am fascinated with all the different styles of doors and love to see both the plain and the ornate.
Nov 23, 2015 20:49:52 #
Very good shots, makes me want to go! Thanks!
Never owned a Vespa, but have great fondness for them. A family friend had one for sale when I was 18, and I had enough money to buy it. My Dad thought they were waaay too dangerous, so got a new car and "sold" me his old one for the price of the Vespa. A convertible with an 8 too!
Never owned a Vespa, but have great fondness for them. A family friend had one for sale when I was 18, and I had enough money to buy it. My Dad thought they were waaay too dangerous, so got a new car and "sold" me his old one for the price of the Vespa. A convertible with an 8 too!
Nov 23, 2015 20:55:28 #
Thank you for your visit and shared thoughts - always good to hear from you. In this country, the Vespa isn't the best choice for transportation unless in some city area that is used to such vehicles. It seems that many Americans don't like motorcycles, scooters, or bicycles and are rather intolerant of those that ride them. In Europe many people use them as it's their only way to get around.
At 18, one tends to think they're invincible so I think you got a good deal with a V-8 convertible - that certainly was a hit I'm sure.
Have a good evening,
ted
At 18, one tends to think they're invincible so I think you got a good deal with a V-8 convertible - that certainly was a hit I'm sure.
Have a good evening,
ted
quixdraw wrote:
Very good shots, makes me want to go! Thanks!
Never owned a Vespa, but have great fondness for them. A family friend had one for sale when I was 18, and I had enough money to buy it. My Dad thought they were waaay too dangerous, so got a new car and "sold" me his old one for the price of the Vespa. A convertible with an 8 too!
Never owned a Vespa, but have great fondness for them. A family friend had one for sale when I was 18, and I had enough money to buy it. My Dad thought they were waaay too dangerous, so got a new car and "sold" me his old one for the price of the Vespa. A convertible with an 8 too!
Nov 23, 2015 21:13:27 #
You did a wonderful job capturing the beautiful stone buildings, Ted. As always, I enjoyed your interesting story and images.
Nov 23, 2015 21:14:31 #
Nov 23, 2015 23:08:18 #
The light, at any time of the day, is very unique and lends itself to catching some interesting photos. Thanks for your observations, John, and for posting. You are appreciated,
ted
ted
John Lawrence wrote:
You did a wonderful job capturing the beautiful stone buildings, Ted. As always, I enjoyed your interesting story and images.
Nov 23, 2015 23:11:17 #
Hello Bob. I just couldn't find an Italian raccoon to add to my photo collection, sorry about that - might just have to go back for a longer period of time. I hear those little Italian girl raccoons are rather special!
Thanks for your visit and post, have a great night,
ted
Thanks for your visit and post, have a great night,
ted
rlaugh wrote:
Excellent set!!
Nov 24, 2015 05:03:44 #
travelerted wrote:
Hello Bob. I just couldn't find an Italian raccoon to add to my photo collection, sorry about that - might just have to go back for a longer period of time. I hear those little Italian girl raccoons are rather special!
Thanks for your visit and post, have a great night,
ted
Thanks for your visit and post, have a great night,
ted
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :roll: :lol:
Nov 24, 2015 05:40:56 #
Nov 24, 2015 07:11:31 #
travelerted, beautiful pictures, and interesting story. Thanks for sharing. :thumbup: Tejaswrangler :)
Nov 24, 2015 07:16:28 #
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