We flew direct from New York (JFK) to Rome where we picked up our rented Fiat and headed north up the A1 towards Firenze.  Veering off to the east we went to Rufina, crossed the Sieve into Montebonello and climbed the mountain road up to Acone.

There, on the other side of the crest, we checked into our home base for the week: Apt. #4 at "Il Giardino."  Our accommodations were in an old farmhouse surrounded by olive groves which we'd found and rented via the good folks at Gira! Italian Vacation Rentals. 

(click an image for more)

 

"Il Giardino" was a beautiful, peaceful place to make our base for the week.

 

Acone (el. 450 m/1462.5 ft above sea level) is a sleepy little town on the top of a hill about 25 km east of Florence. 

Rufina (el. 115 m/373.75 ft) is the "big city" down the hill from Acone.  .  It's a nice little town and the center of the "Chianti Rufina" D.O.C. where a somewhat fruitier version of the iconic wine is produced.  

Home Up Acone Il Giardino Rufina