With its rolling hills, medieval cities and art treasures, Tuscany is a great place to holiday. Added to that there's plenty of great food and wine to sample as you're smack bang in the middle of Chianti country - what's not to like?

Lying between Florence and Siena, the Castello di Gabbiano makes a great base for a holiday. This 12th century castle has been converted into a comfortable and surprisingly homely hotel, offering rooms on a B&B basis. If you don't fancy staying in the castle itself, there are also four well-appointed self-catering apartments inside a renovated 16th century farmhouse, so you still get your historical fix.

The Castello is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves and is perfectly placed for getting away from it all. You will need a car here, but don't let that put you off. The peace and beauty of the place will soon work its magic and you'll find yourself reluctant to leave! Do make the effort though, as Florence is only 15 km away and Siena just 40 km.

Exploring Florence
Florence is known as the 'cradle of the Renaissance' with its beautiful churches and buildings. Wander just about anywhere and you'll stumble across fabulous landmarks. But don't be fooled by Michelangelo's David standing in the Piazza della Signoria. This is just a replica. The original is in the Accademia di belle arti, home to several other Renaissance masterpieces. The city's centre, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is steeped in history, but it's also home to some great shops. Whether it's designer gear you're after, or more familiar high streets names, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Make time to check out the food markets in Florence. Stroll around the stalls of fresh and fabulous looking vegetables at the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio (open Monday to Saturday from 7am - 2pm) 
and you'll never feel the same about the quality of produce on sale in British supermarkets - why do we accept such a lower standard as our norm? Inside the covered market, you'll discover delicatessen stalls where you can buy slices of Mortadella as big as your head, and tasty cheeses. Most stall holders are happy for you to sample things, so check out the different flavours before you buy.

Bread and beans?
The food in Tuscany is often dismissed as just dishes made of beans and stale bread, but this is misleading. True, traditional recipes make full use of seasonal ingredients, and there's an emphasis on using things up, but that should appeal to the frugal cook. Tuscan recipes tend to be hearty and delicious and include a whole range of ingredients.

Italians are well-known for their passion, and this extends to their food. Meals are social occasions and even simple offerings are expected to taste good. Drizzle the local olive oil over a fresh tomato and basil bruschetta, and you'll see just how hard it is to eat badly in Tuscany!

To find out just how tasty Tuscan food is, try cooking some at home. Try these recipes now.

Raise your glass
The Castello has been producing Gabbiano wines since 1124, so you won't have to go far to sample some of the area's most famous export. All the Gabbiano wines are made using traditional methods and you can arrange a wine-tasting with a tour of the cellars, where vast barrels of Chianti are aging in French oak casks.

Production of the Chianti Classico is strictly regulated. It can only be made in a specified area and has to contain at least 80 per cent Sangiovese grapes. There is also a limit on how much Chianti Classico can be produced each year. The Castello uses its surplus to make Super Tuscans - Bellezza and Alleanza. Look for IGT Toscana on the label to show it's a local regional wine.

Need to know
To find out more about staying at Castello di Gabbiano or the self-catering apartments, go to www.castellogabbiano.it

You can buy Gabbiano Pinot Grigio IGT Delle Venezie, Gabbiano Chianti DOCG and Gabbiano Rose Toscana at Asda priced £4.99 each