Panzano in Chianti is a small, country village with medieval roots located in the heart of Tuscany, midway between Florence and Siena.

The village is perched on a hilltop with beautiful views of the Conca d’Oro (golden valley) and it is here, in the medieval piazza, that Janine has her ceramics studio where she designs and paints ceramics and domestic accessories.

Panzano is also home to many small shops that support the local people, as well as several fine restaurants and wine shops.

On Sundays, there’s an open-air market in the main piazza, drawing people from far and wide. And on the first Sunday of every month, a larger market—with arts and crafts, antiques and local food—fills the streets of Panzano.

The annual wine festival, “Vino al Vino,” is held the third weekend in September and is a good time to taste the best wines produced in the area. During the summer, there are also many music festivals organized in Panzano and nearby villages.