The streets of Montalcino are still empty and, more shocking still, there is parking to be had wherever and whenever.

If you walk down the main street there are more flags than people.

Via Mazzini is where we lived for four years. I left number 37 in my wedding dress, walking past the iconic view immortalized by Isabella Dusi on the cover of her Montalcino novel, Vanilla Beans & Brodo. It pains my heart to see Montalcino so deserted. In the last few days several restaurants and agriturismi have announced their plans to open in the coming weeks.

Forza Montalcino! Forza Ilcinesi!