26 July 2026 · CineFood Italia Editorial Team
Under the Tuscan Sun: the Tuscany of Cortona, between wine and country cooking
The film Under the Tuscan Sun is set in Cortona: hills, wine and Tuscan cuisine. A guide to the film's places and the flavours of the Val di Chiana, from the fiorentina steak to bold red wines.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) made millions of travellers dream with its golden Tuscany. The protagonist Frances buys and restores a villa in Cortona, a splendid town in the province of Arezzo, rediscovering herself among hills, wine and genuine cooking.
The Cortona of the film
Cortona is an Etruscan gem overlooking the Val di Chiana: steep alleys, medieval squares and endless views over the vineyards. The film’s villa, “Bramasole”, has become a small place of pilgrimage.
The flavours of Tuscany
Tuscan cuisine is honest and memorable. Not to be missed:
- The bistecca alla fiorentina, thick and rare;
- Pici, the hand-rolled local pasta, with ragù or cacio e pepe;
- Ribollita and pappa al pomodoro;
- The great red wines (Chianti, Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello) and the extra-virgin olive oil.
An itinerary between hills and wineries
Cortona is the ideal base for a slow itinerary through villages (Montepulciano, Pienza), wineries and farmhouses. The film’s slow pace is truly in the air.
In short
Under the Tuscan Sun is Tuscany as we dream it: sun, wine and rebirth. Cortona is the perfect starting point for a tasty journey. Discover the other films and their food locations.
