Honey honey honey in Montalcino

B is for Brunello, but from the 7th to 9th September, Montalcino is all about honey. This is, after all, la città del miele, as the sign proudly proclaims at the entrance to town. It is the 36th Settimana del Miele (the three day Honey Week) in Montalcino. Yes, that's why all the shopfronts have wax candles in the shape of honeycombs and coy little bumblebees and why all the restaurants are heavy on the honey based recipes this weekend.

From Friday to Sunday the medieval fortress of Montalcino hosts a honey market with all local producers selling their wares and/or related products included soaps, candles and bitter propoli cough sweets. There are conferences, award ceremonies and talks throughout the day, including guided honey tasting. The full programme is here. Be sure to enjoy the crogetti with honey that are being handed out in the main square on Saturday and Sunday afternoon....