17 Best Places to Shop in Chianti, Siena, and Central Tuscany, Tuscany

Maurizio and Tiziana's shop has an arresting array of cheeses and perhaps the best array of verdure sott'olio in town. They also make top-notch panini, and killer sweets.

This just might be the world's most dramatic butcher shop. Here, amid classical music and lively conversation, owner Dario Cecchini holds court: while quoting Dante, he serves samples of his very fine sushi di Chianina (raw slices of Chianina beef gently salted and peppered). He has researched recipes from the 15th century, and sells pâtés and herb concoctions found nowhere else. Serious food enthusiasts should not miss the place.

Locals flock to this central café to quaff a cappuccino and pick up panforte (the chocolate panforte is a real treat) and ricciarelli to go.

A large loom dominates this tiny workshop and showroom where scarves, shawls, throws, and jackets are woven. Anna Maria's work, mostly in mohair, is done in lively hues.

There has been a salumeria (delicatessen) here since 1889. The cheeses, cured meats, and made-to-order panini are top-notch.

If you've always wanted a 14th- or 15th-century painting to hang on your wall, but the cost of acquiring one is prohibitive, consider purchasing one of the superb copies at this shop made by Chiara or her brother, Michelangelo Casoni. Their work in tempera and gold leaf is of the highest quality.

At Camillo Rossi, which has been around since 1912, you can watch artisans create household items in alabaster and then buy their wares.

Since 1895, two large showrooms here are housed in medieval buildings and contain a large number of alabaster objects for sale, including bookends, ashtrays, and boxes.

Mario Cappelletti carries interesting prints and reproductions of well-known Renaissance artworks, as well as contemporary paintings of the Tuscan countryside.

Bruno De Miccoli stocks an impressive array of verdure sott'olio, local wines, and dried herbs in his food-and-wine bar.

On Castellina's main street, Aleandro and Gilles stock an ample and well-chosen supply of local wines produced by small estates. On request, they can also organize visits to nearby wineries.

You'll find a delightful selection of delicately hand-painted ceramics in Lucia's studio and shop near the center of Castellina.

Volterra's market is held on Saturday morning from November to April in Piazza dei Priori and from May through October on Viale Ferrucci (just outside the city walls). In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, vendors selling everything from corkscrews to intimi (underwear).

As everywhere else, the town brightens on mercato (open-air market) mornings, every Thursday and Saturday, in Piazza del Duomo. It's the place to pick up fresh fruits and other snacks.

Siena has been famous for centuries for its fine embroidery work, and Bruna Brizza continues the tradition in her tiny shop. Hand stitching, usually on simple white and cream-color linen, adorns lamp shades, tablecloths, and other housewares.

This kiln and painting studio, 5 km (3 miles) south of Radda in Chianti, produces exquisite (and expensive) hand-painted ceramic objects, including plates, bowls, and candlesticks. The firm ships anywhere in the world and keeps its customers' information on file. If you break a plate or want to buy more, they'll know exactly what your pattern is.

Stained-glass artists create and sell contemporary secular and religious works here. If you want to learn the technique, they also offer workshops and apprenticeship programs.