The term 'Chianti' is ubiquitous in Tuscany and covers seven different, although not always clearly defined, wine-making areas in the region. Chianti Classico, the best known of these among visitors, occupies the hilly stretch of land defined by Florence in the north and Siena in the south; Chianti Colli Fiorentini, a little less travelled but no less productive, lies immediately to the west. Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, 7km/4 miles from the villa, is one of the larger towns in the area (population 7,000) and provides the nearest supermarket and banks. Noce, 2km/1 mile, is a little hamlet with a single restaurant and tennis courts. Santa Cristina, 1km/0.5 miles, boasts a little food shop. Greve-in-Chianti, at the centre of the Classico area, is about 20 minutes' drive. Two splendid hill towns, San Gimignano and Certaldo, are 30 minutes away. Florence is about 20 minutes' drive and Siena can be reached in less than 1 hour.
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