I'd love to surprise my aunt with some quality balsamic vinegar and some olive oil for my mother in law. I'd prefer to purchase them in Florence as that will be the last city that we travel to. Where can I buy some that will be special for them? The grocery stores or somewhere else?
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
There is a far flung chain of excellent oil and vinegar stores, some in the U.S., that have online services. Their address is: oiland vinegarusa.com. We used to buy from them in Missoula until that store closed.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
If you don't end up buying it in Italy and need an alternative, this is a great gourmet store...you can order anything online. It's pricy but the selection and quality is top-notch.
Posted by
winston salem, nc, usa
1078 posts
Marcato di San Lorenzo in Florence--all grades of Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and (my favorite) Grappa! Also a great place for lunch, however, need to do it before 1400.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
Modena is the best place...or Bologna...
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
We like Trader Joes. And patrons of TJ get to sample the coffee of the day.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32405 posts
sarah,
Rather than buying olive oil and balsamico in Italy and having to pack it home (with the risk the bottles could be broken in transit), you should be able to find the same Italian products locally (depending on where you live of course).
I'm fortunately able to get a range of products like that easily at the local Italian Deli or other specialty stores right here, so would never bother buying them in Italy and hauling them home.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
You can buy a very small bottle of aged (expensive) balsamic vinegar in Florence, it comes in a little box that holds the bottle.
Dean & DeLuca might be a good bet (online) if you want something special.
Posted by
Indianapolis
247 posts
Do you live near NYC or Chicago? Eataly stores have a pretty good slection of authentic Italian oils and vinegars
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
The small bottle of Balsamic in a little box, from Florence, mentioned by Zoe above, is what I gave to some friends at Christmas. I bought it at my local supermarket.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
The best stuff is Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena. This is far different from what most of us buy in grocery or (most) specialty stores in the U.S. It is at least 12 years old and often over 25.... One pays dearly for this, but you use little, as a condiment. It is very special. Try very hard to get the tradizionale which will be in the small bottle in a box mentioned by Zoe and Norma. It's worth it and I believe you will find it costs less in Italy than in the U.S.
Obsequium looks like a possibility where you may be able to do some tasting. The have olio too.