We love Florence and Tuscany year-round, but there’s something extra special about visiting in the cooler months. The crowds thin, the countryside turns golden and quiet, and the food—oh, the food—becomes the star of the season. From slow-cooked soups to hearty pastas, it’s the kind of comfort cooking that warms you right through. So when we heard about the new cookbook Winter in Tuscany by Florence based author Amber Guinness, we couldn’t wait to dive in.

Following her gorgeous cookbooks A House Party in Tuscany and Italian Coastal, this book is all about the flavors and rhythms of life in Southern Tuscany and Florence during the quieter months. It’s a celebration of cooking and savoring life at a gentler pace. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the recipes will make you want to pull up a chair and stay awhile. And then roll up your sleeves, tie on an apron and get to work making them at home!

What makes Winter in Tuscany such an enjoyable cookbook just to sit down and read is how well it goes beyond recipes. It’s filled with snippets of history and local lore, tracing Tuscan cuisine all the way back to its ancient Etruscan roots. You’ll find practical guidance, too, like how to stock your pantry for Tuscan-style cooking at home. Simple ingredients that go a long way are key, from lentils and beans to grains, olive oil and herbs. There’s plenty here for vegetarians as well, since so much of Tuscany’s traditional fare relies on hearty, plant-based flavors. And yes, there’s a whole world of Tuscan soups beyond ribollita – plus pastas, roasts and even a spaghetti made with Chianti that is perfect for a chilly evening.

We love how Guinness has captured the feeling of being in Tuscany in the off season. It’s full of art, travel inspiration and the kind of details that transport you straight to Florence’s cobblestoned streets or a cozy trattoria in the hills.

Even if you can’t make it to Italy this winter, this book is a great way to bring a little piece of Tuscany home. Winter in Tuscany is also a perfect gift for anyone who loves Italian food, travel and the simple joy of a good meal shared. Or it might just inspire you to plan your next Tuscan getaway! Keep the inspiration going with a look at our Florence vacation rentals and dreamy villas in Tuscany.

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