Tuscany’s Chocolate Valley

Stretching from Pisa all the way to Prato, the Chocolate Valley is where you’ll find some of Italy’s leading artisan chocolatiers, along with their small factories and gourmet boutiques.

A pioneer in the production of chocolate in Tuscany is Roberto Catinari, who opened his legendary chocolate shop in Agliana over 30 years ago after studying with Swiss chocolatiers for two decades. His rich, velvety pralines, which come in more than 100 varieties, are still regarded as some of the nation’s finest.

The area also includes the spa resort of Monsummano Terme, where Andrea Slitti, the first non-Frenchman to win the prestigious Grand Prix de la Chocolaterie de Paris, serves up decadent treats in a charming café; as well as the village of Pontedera, where widely-famous Amedei, run by the Tessieri family, produces what is arguably the best chocolate bar in the world.

Another must stop on your Chocolate Valley tour is Casa De Bondt in Pisa, whose Dutch-born confectioner has been chosen among the 15 best chocolate manufacturers in the world. His award-winning creations are flavored with Sicilian lemon, toasted coffee, or bergamot, and visitors can also participate in courses and tastings.

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