September and October are great months for food festivals in Italy. Here are details of just two; the first is a wonderful food and drink festival, held in a medieval town in the heart of Tuscany. The second the infamous European Chocolate Festival held in Perugia, and celebrating its 21st year. Both events promise to be quite special. Accommodation options catering for each event, via Essential Italy ( www.essentialitaly.co.uk ), are also detailed.

Boccaccesca, Certaldo ( http://www.boccaccesca.it ). Last two weekends in September.
A fabulous gastronomic fair held in Certaldo Alto in Tuscany, 20 - 21 and 27 – 28 September, 2014
This fair features the region's best traditional food and wine, of which there is a lot, and is located in the rolling Tuscan countryside in Certaldo Alto, a typical Tuscan town which  is divided between its medieval walled town on a hill and the modern residential and industrial suburb spread out below. The charming medieval upper town, reached on foot in 10 minutes or by cable car from the station in the main piazza, is built almost entirely of brick, and is well preserved despite some damage during the Second World War. All the principal buildings, as well as some attractive houses, face onto Via Boccaccio.

Boccaccesca offers wine tastings with food pairings led by professional sommeliers, rows upon row of stands operated by local merchants selling high-quality local food and wine product, talks by Italian food specialists, cooking competitions, demonstrations, music, dancing, theatre performances and even medieval re-enactments. It really is a wonderful and typical Tuscan event.

Il Torrino Apartments, Montaione - https://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/tuscany_apartments_il-torrino-di-montaione.php 

These 7 apartments sleeping from 2 to 8 people are housed in this wonderful stone-clad building dating back to 1400,  perfectly positioned on one of the rolling hills in the super Tuscan countryside with Florence, Pisa, San Gimignano and Siena all within easy reach. The property is surrounded by immaculate gardens, sparkling pools with sun terraces, and a tennis court. The apartments are all beautifully restored and furnished in true Tuscan style with spacious bedrooms and well equipped kitchens. The owners also provide a wonderful breakfast service and once a week a typical Tuscan meal will be available, served from a beautiful panoramic terrace. Il Torrino also offer regular wine tastings too.

Location: Montaione 2 km, Florence 55km, Pisa 62km, San Gimignano 20km, Siena 60km, Certaldo 15km, Vinci 35km, Castelfiorentino 13km
Price: 2 bedroom apartment in September £550 per week

The International Chocolate Exhibition or Eurochocolate Festival ( www.eurochocolate.com ) is held in Perugia (70km from Siena) from 17 – 26 October, 2014.

Celebrating its 21st year, this fair is simply heaven for all lovers of chocolate, professionals in the field and importers.  The streets of Perugia fill with upwards of one million visitors seeking to indulge in everything chocolate. Guided tours, massive chocolate sculptures, and exhibitions showcase the history of the city's candy commerce, while plenty of free tastings and shopping booths keep guests happy. This year's theme is Masterchoc.

Hotel Santa Maria degli Ancillotti - http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/umbria_hotels_santa-maria-degli-ancilotti.php 
This hotel provides the ideal place to relax and unwind in classic Italian countryside, yet still within a few kilometres from the sights of Umbria – Assisi, Perugia, Todi, Spoleto and Gubbio. With just 8 rooms, a lush garden offering plenty of private corners to relax, a pool and hydro-massage tub and a fantastic restaurant - this hotel offers guests everything.

Location: Assisi 10kms, Perugia 15kms
Price:  £130 per room per night (sleeping 2) on a B&B basis