A real must-do in Italy is driving a wine route, or Strada del Vino. Just follow the signs, which will not only guide you to the greatest wineries, but also along the most picturesque countryside.

Strada del Vino Colline Lucchesi en Montecarlo:
We took this marvelous route in 2003. The slopes of the Apenines to the north of Lucca and Montecarlo (a bit to the east) are the homebase of unexpected good wines. The route takes you from Pieve Santo Stefano to Montecarlo and the countryside around the latter. If you are planning on driving this route, do stop at Tenuta di Forci, a tenuta that sells great wine, olive oil, vinegar, olives, cheese, honey and grappa.

More routes can be found at www.terreditoscana.regione.toscana.it/stradedelvino.