the main sapori stage

The end of May into early June marked the 23rd anniversary of the Fivizzano Sapori. A multi-day event highlighting local products, talents, and wares. It’s not often we find our hidden-away Tuscany as a cultural epicentre (we’re beautifully unbothered usually – just how we like it!), but once a year the nearby hill-top town hosts a celebration dedicated to highlighting all the wonderful people, places, and things Lunigiana has to offer.

recreations of stele lunigianese

What does ‘Sapori’ mean?

Sapori translates directly in English to flavours. There are certainly distinct profiles that make up the cultural food landscape of the Fivizzano area. Such delights include:

• Panigacci: crispy bread baked in special terracotta pots over a wood-fire oven. Served with soft cheese and meats, (and occasionally Nutella for a salty and sweet treat!).
• Focacette: a fried pasta stuffed with cheese.
• Cian: Small crêpes made withchestnut flour (and our daughter, Lydia’s, personal favourite) paired with ricotta and local honey.
• Testaroli: Thin spongy pasta excellent for absorbing the flavours of pesto.

Alongside these tasty treats, these sapori, vendors supplied wine tastings of local Apuine wine and the chance to buy farm-to-table products such as DOP honey. What does DOP stand for? Denominazione di Origine Protetta, or Protected Designation of Origin. If you see that on a jar or bottle or label, it guarantees the item is locally grown, processed, and packaged using traditional methods. You might have spotted the sticker recently on Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and Chianti wine.

panigacci in action

Enjoy a Taste of Tuscany

While, unfortunately, we can’t promise a Sapori ever week at the mill, our new course offering this year aims to give you the experience of a Tuscan local – without the hassle of planning! Enjoy a stress-free week at the mill as we serve you locally sourced and made meals, show you linen-filled seaside markets, and uncover the wonders of Lunigiana both known and hidden. Taste of Tuscany runs July 18th – 25th 2026 – spaces still available!