Val di Cornia DOC wine has become increasingly well-respected in recent years. Besides the more typical grape varieties like Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, a visit to the local vineyards also offers the opportunity to taste less defuse white wine varieties like Vermentino, Clairette, Ansonica and Trebbiano. When it comes to dining, an alternative to the many traditional restaurants and osterie (a more informal kind of restaurant) widely found throughout the area is the agriturismo (accommodation in farmhouses).
For those who want to dine closer to the source of their meal, try one of the local agriturismi which offer meals created with produce grown on their own land: fruits and vegetables from their gardens and salames, cheeses and meats from their farms. Local specialties like rabbit, roast cockerel and Etruscan pheasant.
The archaeology lovers can visit the Mineral and Archeology Park of San Silvestro, near Campiglia, an outdoor museum spread out over 45 square kilometres. A series of guided tours offers insight to the history and archeology of mineral extraction and metallurgy in the area, from Antiquity to the 20th century. After immersing yourself in history, indulge in snack of schiaccia campigliese - a local sweet whose recipe goes back centuries and which today is honoured by a DOP classification. This crunchy, light yellow pastry is best tasted with a glass of Aleatico della Val di Cornia, a local dessert wine with a strong flavour which is only produced in limited quantities.
