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Author Dario Castagno is Italian through and through but just happened to be born in the Wimbledon district of London to Italian parents (who were importing fine Italian wine and spirits to England). He moved back to the Chianti hills - a region first settled by the Etruscans - at age 9, and embarked on a deeply personal exploration of its landscape, legends and lore. Dario later began guiding small groups through the riches of the province of Siena's countryside, and first wrote of his experiences in 2004's Too Much Tuscan Sun- originally self published that became a world wide best seller and later - Confessions Of A Chianti Tour Guide. That same authentic spirit infuses his latest book, 2007's A Day In Tuscany - More Confessions Of A Chianti Tour Guide.

His Tuscany is a place where everyday life is still infused with magic; a flood of recollections of its people, places and sensory pleasures come to life. His third book Too Much Tuscan Wine will be available soon. Dario Also produces fabulous DVD's based on his land and traditions and a fine olive oil that he shares only with true gourmet fanatics.

Browsing through this site you will share observations and emotions of a real Tuscan reaffirming what is so unique and enchanting about a region that captures the imaginations of people worldwide.

"Ever the gentleman, Castagno plays the gracious host with great humor and abundant humility."- Chicago Tribune

"An excruciatingly funny book that will be appreciated by all English-speaking expatriats." - Book News Biography/True Travel/Italian Interest 

"The author is a good-natured anecdotalist who writes at an ambling pace..."       - San Francisco Chronicle 

"This work generates much of its humor from the clash of cultures, told from the Italian perspective at the gentle expense of Americans" - Library Journal 

"Most refreshingly, his book doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is: a light, engaging jaunt into the Italian countryside, unfiltered by an outsider's prejudice and romanticism." - New York Times 

"Castagno's perspective may be less romantic than that of Americans who flock to Italy in search of a unique cultural experience, but his emotional connection to his homeland and countrymen is authentic." - USA Today

"Interspersed with these misadventures is a goodly view of Castagno's personal history and glimpses of the Tuscany that has disappeared beneath the veneer of modern tourism" - Globe Newspaper Company