Autumn in Tuscany is the season for sunny, golden-hued grapes. It is time to cherish the earth and the fruits of the vine. Restaurants put up handwritten signs about fresh porcini mushrooms, and small towns hold sagra, festivals celebrating local food and history.

Living in Florence over the years, I have enjoyed short local train travel within the region of Tuscany, which is divided into 10 provinces, each with a capital city, and each with a different character, saints, folk traditions. preside over and culinary specialties.