An Aperitivo Moment with Aperol in Greve

Since so many of you enjoyed a slow morning coffee with me in Florence, let me take you to Greve where we can enjoy a slow joyful aperitivo moment with an Aperol Spritz.

Although the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy is world renowned for its fabulous red wines, the region brings to my mind the memory of my first Aperol Spritz in the town square of Greve. A summery combination of Aperol liqueur (gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona), Prosecco, and Club Soda.

If you’ve been to Florence then you’ve almost certainly been to Greve. The triangular town square, Piazza Matteotti, is where you’ll land after a lovely day of sightseeing just 30kms. outside of Florence.

And so here I found myself on a hot summer afternoon ready for a light refreshing drink. My friend Nina suggested an Aperol Spritz. “Okay, I’ll try it.” I said enthusiastically. Because although I love my espressos, tea and red wine, it was time for cool and refreshing.

The cafe was alight with people, but we found a quiet corner overlooking the square. Shopping bags perched on the empty chair beside us, shaded from the hot Tuscan sun by the awning overhead, we leaned into relaxation.

My eyes reveled at the sight of potted olive trees on balconies over the shops, and the blooming hydrangeas that grow immensely huge in this region. Giovanni da Verrazzano, a famous 15th century explorer, stood imposingly over a young couple strolling by, while sounds of easy conversation and light laughter surrounded us. The summer air was as light and frivolous as the first sip of my Aperol Spritz. And I sank into this aperitivo moment.

Aperitivo is the Italian way of slowing down to celebrate the moment and spend time with friends. A beautiful ritual that involves light nibbles and a drink before dinner time. This cultural phenomenon of relaxation after a working day is common in Italy and other Latin European countries, France, Spain and Portugal, where the joy and beauty of life is celebrated regularly. Why don’t we do it here in North America?

Making Aperol Spritz is becoming a tradition with us at each family celebration thanks to my eldest who introduced the idea a couple of Christmases ago. Perhaps the joy is in the celebration of our kids’ Latin Italian heritage, or the joy is in the beauty of the spritz itself. For me, it reminds me of that slow joyful aperitivo moment in Greve that I now relive every time I sip an Aperol Spritz.

How do you enjoy slow aperitivo moments while travelling or at home?

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If You Go:

The easiest way to get to Greve is to take a cab or drive. The drive is about 45 minutes along route 222 from Florence. Or close to an hour from Siena, depending on which direction you are coming from.

There is also a bus that you can get from Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence.

Piazza Giancomo Matteotti, the triangular town square of Greve is filled with dining options and shops where you can find all kinds of unique gifts and artisanal items. A walk around will reveal some quaint and fun shops, like a lovely paper shop with cards and unique writing papers. Of course, I got some.

We enjoyed our aperitivo at Caffe Lepanto which has a nice casual atmosphere and good food.

Greve is considered the gateway to the Chianti region. An area for languorous lunches filled with amazing wines and delicious cheeses. Away from the bustle of the city, it is a great place for slow travel and easy picturesque drives.

How can you not enjoy Chianti after this sign?