The Summer In Italy Newsletter

Historic Cafes

There's certainly no lack of coffee bars in Italy; no matter where you go around the country, you'll find excellent espresso and other caffeinated drinks at practically every turn. One of the fun things about a vacation rental is "settling in" and finding "your" neighborhood bar for coffees and apertivi.

But there are some places that exalt the atmosphere as much as the brew, and let's face it, wrapping yourself in an historic ambiance makes it all just a bit more special. Here are some of Italy's most historic watering holes. We'll get to the most famous in Venice, Florence and Rome at the end, because there are plenty of others that are less known (but not less beautiful!) And yes, they're pricier, but its well worth the special experience you'll have!

Caffe Poliziano -Montepulciano. With a balcony overlooking the postcard Tuscan landscapes of the Valdichiana, the interior is stately with woods, marble and period furnishings. The Antico Caffe' Poliziano has served stars and sovereigns starting in 1868, and is still at it. To Try: the dense hot chocolate or choose from the impressive selection of teas. Via Voltaia del Corso, 27, Montepulciano. 

Gran Caffe Schenardi -Viterbo. With lofty vaulted ceilings framed by a stained-glass skylight, plush banquettes, the salon, mirrors and gilding, the atmosphere of the Schenardi is refined. Set in the Renaissance-era palazzo that once belonged to the Chigi family, the cafe and pastry shop has been in business since 1818. To Try: Cream-filled and chocolate-doused profitterols or any of the other sinful sweets on display. Corso Italia, 11, Viterbo.

Pasticceria Sandri -Perugia. Frescoed barrel vaulted ceiling, warm walnut woods, crystal chandeliers and waiters in jackets and bow ties, Pasticceria Sandri' exudes a by-gone era. In a city known for its chocolates, this pasty shop has been turning out quality candies and cakes since 1860. Their window displays will have you drooling on the glass. The art nouveau interior may be miniscule,  but it packs a delightful punch. Go inside to choose your treats before taking a spot at the outdoor tables. Corso Pietro Vannucci, 32, Perugia.

Pasticceria Andrea Pansa -Amalfi. In the incredible location right at the foot of the fancy Duomo, Andrea Pansa pastry shop and cafe has been making life sweeter in Amalfi since 1830. Inside, the pastry shop keeps its antique aura and aroma of exotic essences baked into the dolci. Outside, tables bask in the Amalfi sunshine. To Try: Orange-tinged curved scorzette painted with chocolate, or the coastal delight known as delizia al limone. Piazza Duomo, 40, Amalfi.

Napoli - Gran Caffe Gambrinus. Located in a sunny corner of Piazza Plebiscito, the historic coffee house has been a haunt of intellectuals, politicians, and everyday folk since 1860. The elegant Liberty Style building boasts marble, decorative ceilings, fine china, exquisite artwork and a bright interior. The refined spot has been dubbed, "Naples' drawing room". To Try: the decadent Caffe Brasiliano, the Gambrinus cocktail, and the diet-busting chocolate Vesuvius.

Turin Al Bicerin. A stalwart in Torino since 1763 (!) the chocolatier and coffee house bears lead-glass store front windows outside, and warm wood like an old world pub inside, with bistro marble-top tables. Classy without fussy. To Try: the Bicerin, invented here -rich Torino chocolate meets coffee and cream. Piazza della Consolata.

 Venice Florian. We've already dedicated a newsletter article to the venerable Caffe Florian, the grand dame of Italian coffee houses. It's the kind of elegant that makes you sigh. Operating since 1720, you get to live and breathe Venetian history along with your drink. To Try: the famous Florian hot chocolate (history in a cup!), or the delightfully spiked Caffe Anniversario. Nice cocktails, too. Whatever you order, make it special. Piazza San Marco

Florence -Caffe Gilli. In 1733 a Swiss family started making sugared donuts and took Florence by the sweet tooth. The oldest cafe in Florence, the elegant rooms and special concoctions -coffee, cocktails and sweets- continue to make it an alluring spot to while away some time in luxuriant surroundings. To Try: the Negroni cocktails, invented in Florence and the Gilli is recognized as making *the* best. Piazza della Repubblica.

Rome Antico Cafe Greco. The hallowed halls of the Antico Caffe Greco have been serving coffee and libations near the Spanish Steps since 1760. Famously a haven for writers and artists, the Via dei Condotti street on which it sits has gone stellar upscale in the post-war era, filled with the city's most expensive designer stores. Luckily the Greco has kept its ambiance and historic appeal, retaining its place as Rome's most elegant coffee house.

Italy's Oldest Winery

While we're visiting historic watering holes, it would be amiss to not mention the country's oldest and most prestigious winery. The Barone Ricasoli estate has been occupying the imposing Brolio Castle in Tuscany -and making wine there- since at least 1141! It's said one of the barons put down the exact blend ratio for Chianti Classico, thereby giving the region its most famous vintage.  

The historic castle and gorgeous grounds can be visited on a tour, as well as options for wine tasting, picnics in the vineyards, or a sunset tour. The estate is still in the hands of the noble Ricasoli family, giving it an unheard-of continuity through the centuries. The winery and Castello Brolio are an indelible part of Tuscan -and Italian- history.