My husband and I are traveling to Italy in Sept 2016 and want to go to one of the wine festivals. We are trying to decide which would be better, Greve or Panzano. WE like the idea of smaller crowds in Panzano, but have read that Greve also has music and olive oil tastings, ie... other things to do than just taste. Any one been that would like to share. This will determine where we stay also, so would love ideas on that and also thoughts on which town has the best ambiance and piazza for staying in and relaxing and eating! We will have a car. Grazi!
Posted by
Brunswick, Maine, USA
90 posts
Gail, why not do both? Greve and Panzano are only a few kilometers apart and both towns can be visited easily the same day. There are many fine places to stay in the area. We have stayed 4 different times in and around Panzano in agriturismos. Since you will have a car don't limit yourselves to staying in the village or town proper.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
The towns are only 10-15 minutes apart. So you could stay in either. The problem is the Wine Festivals
are not on the same weekend, rather a week apart so pick your dates carefully. The Greve Festival
is by far, the largest, with the best wine choices. Biggest problem...Don't drink and drive. The
tolerance level is much lower than here. You'd be a sitting duck for the police.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Do you have time to do both?
What are your wider plans?
Fri, Sat, Sun - Greve
Mon, Tue - Florence (or Lucca)
Wed, Thu - Siena (or Cinque Terre)
Fri, Sat, Sun - Panzano
Posted by
OP
Houston, Tx
3 posts
We can only do one of the festivals. I understand Greve should have better wine, we just didnt know if the crowds are worth fighting in Greve. Will be staying somewhere in the area for a week(not determined yet) but want to do day trips to Siena, Lucca, Florence and probably 1 day of the festival. We are thinking of somewhere outside of town to stay in, but would need to drive back to our accomodations at the end of the festival day? I am afraid if we stay in town, then we cant enjoy the town because it will be full of festival goers all weekend. Any ideas? The week before we will be staying in Verona, with side trips to Lake GArda, Soave, Trento and Modeno. This is our first trip and we want to do a lot, but we are most interested in the food and wine. I definetly want to tour balsalmic vinegar, and parm. cheese producers.
Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Greve has a large square and I would think offers the better/larger experience.
In 2012 I stayed with family in a villa half way between the two, and could walk to both.
However, if you stay in Panzano, it's all uphill from Greve.
Posted by
OP
Houston, Tx
3 posts
halfway sounds great! Do you remember the name of the place you stayed?
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
My aunt & uncle organised this place. It was wonderful, with my cousins and their families all having their own spaces. I'm not sure if they rent the spaces out separately. https://www.vrbo.com/64549