Planning a trip to Tuscany—or dreaming about it?

Whether you're already signed up for my Tuscany Dream Trip this November or still toying with the idea of swapping your daily routine for vineyard views and pasta al dente, this post is for you.

I’ve rounded up the ultimate reading list to set the mood: from wine-soaked memoirs to travel guides and timeless fiction, these books will get you ready to embrace the good life in the Chianti Region—and might even convince you to book that plane ticket.


Affiliate links ahead, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). That’s just one more glass of wine I can toast to you with!

1. Tuscany for the Shameless Hedonist 2025 by Ariela Bankier
For those who believe life’s too short to skip the wine tasting.

This delicious little guide is like your cheeky best friend whispering all the insider secrets about Tuscany’s pleasures—food, boutique hotels, scenic drives, and, of course, wine. If you want to lean fully into the hedonistic side of your Tuscany travels (yes, please), this book is your new manifesto. Buy on Amazon

2. Brunello to Zibibbo: The Wines of Tuscany and Beyond by Nicolas Belfrage
Because your palate deserves an upgrade before we hit the vineyards.

A wine guide that reads like a love letter to Tuscany’s grapes, regions, and stories. It’s packed with useful details for anyone who wants to sound like they know their Chianti from their Brunello (you will by November).

3. Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
A classic memoir that launched a thousand Italian fantasies.

You’ve probably heard of it—or at least seen the movie—but the original memoir is so much richer. Frances Mayes captures the magic of everyday Tuscan life in a way that makes you want to fix up a villa and never look back. It’s pure sunshine in book form.

4. A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream by Ferenc Máté
If you’ve ever dreamed of giving it all up and becoming a winemaker.

Part renovation adventure, part wine-soaked love story, this memoir will have you half-packed for your new Tuscan life by the time you finish. (Spoiler alert: our group trip includes vineyard visits that might make this dream feel very real.)

5. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
Technically Liguria, but the mood is peak Tuscan villa escape with your besties.

Four women. One Italian villa. A whole lot of transformation and gorgeous prose. This is the ultimate escape read for anyone craving a slower, more soulful life—exactly what our November trip offers.

6. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Tuscany & Umbria
For the planner, the dreamer, and the photo-flipper alike.

Yes, I’ll handle all the details of our trip—but flipping through this travel guide is still pure joy. With stunning photos, cultural insights, and detailed maps, it’s great for getting the lay of the land before we meet in Florence.

Time to Turn the Page?

If you’ve made it this far and you’re imagining yourself sipping Sangiovese at golden hour or wandering a medieval hilltop town… it might be time to go from book lover to traveler.

Join me this November on a curated, small-group journey through Tuscany—designed for curious, savvy travelers (especially women over 40!) who crave a slower, richer kind of travel experience.

We’ll explore the Chianti Region, indulge in unforgettable meals, and soak up every ounce of Tuscan beauty—with no planning required on your part.

This group trip is all about slowing down, enjoying incredible food and wine, and soaking in the magic of Italy in the fall. And the best part? I’ll be celebrating my birthday there, and I’d love for you to be part of it!

➡️ Click here to learn more and reserve your spot. ⬅️
Special group pricing ends May 20—after that, this chapter might be closed!

Are you looking to plan a trip?
Reach out with your ideas and we can plan your next trip together!