A unique store found in many Italian towns is the cantina for vino sfuso. Literally translated as "loose wine", they sell you their vintages by the liter, siphoned directly from the barrel into the bottle that you provide. Many people keep five liter jugs - one for red and one for white wine - to be refilled weekly.
The in-town stores are normally small, and often they do not have signs. You may need to ask someone where to find a vino sfuso shop, but once you've located the place you can buy decent (and sometimes, fantastic), locally-produced wine at rock-bottom prices. Some offer the premium regional varietals; others have a rather generic homemade "red" or "white" vino da tavola (table wine). Normally you are allowed to taste before buying.
If you cannot locate a sfuso shop in town, many wineries also offer the option to buy their basic level wine from the barrels, but don't forget that this is strictly a BYOB operation. Keeping a one-liter water bottle or two in the car while you're out touring is a good idea, so when you happen upon a winery you can get your fruit of the vine directly from the barrel.
The villages scattered all around the Cilento coast maintain a very ancient fishing technique, but non so closely tied to it than the pretty town of Pisciotta.
If you have searched the web looking for activities to do while vacationing on the Amalfi Coast, there is no doubt that you have already read about Mamma Agata and her incredible cooking school in Ravello.
Once you have peeled your eyes away from the stupendous scenery of the Amalfi Coast, one of the first things you’re bound to notice is the large lemons hanging from the trees.
The hills that surround the city of Salerno and stretch from the Amalfi Coast to the Cilento National Park give an extra-virgin olive oil with an intense colour and a unique fruity taste.
Agerola is known as "Città del Pane" - city of bread – nationwide popular brand that recognizes some Italian towns where this product assumes a special value due to the peculiar characteristics.
At Summer in Italy we do care about our guests, and this is why, in order to help you making your food shopping in Italy just perfect, we would like to share a few tips about high-quality local products.
Its unique and special characteristics, very much appreciated even abroad, gives the name to "Fico Bianco del Cilento": once dried, the sweet peel gets light yellow coloured rather than chestnut brown if oven-cooked.
Been there? Done that? Share your experience and tips!
Haven't visited yet? Have questions? Ask them here!