If you're after a foodie treat this autumn, Been there readers have the answer – try chestnuts in Sorrento, a wine tour of Alsace or a meat-feast in Rio
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WINNING TIP: Chestnut festival, San Felice D'Ocre, Italy – 30 November
In an impossibly perfect medieval hilltop village, a stripy food tent is crammed with extended family groups dining on chestnut dishes made with beef or chickpeas, then a selection of chestnut desserts. A steady stream of sacks is delivered to a giant hotplate for roasting, then transported to the back of the kitchens to be transformed into more chestnut delicacies. bit.ly/pQe7OM MandyMc
France/Germany
Alsace wine route
We toured the Alsace wine route one autumn. The vines were bare as it was after the harvest, but the little wine towns of Kaysersburg and Riquewihr were ravishing. For one afternoon we popped over the Rhine to the pretty university city of Freiburg in Baden-Württemburg for a look at the gorgeous high-gothic Münster. In the Christmas markets we sampled hot bratwurst in crusty rolls, currywurst and dampfnudel – a suet pudding – with a cherry sauce and custard.
duncandonuts
Italy
Sorrento, Campania
In late summer, the evenings are cooler, but the days are still sunny and warm, and the colours of the autumn foliage blaze along the Amalfi coast. Foodies are in for a treat, as this is the time of year for freshly picked mushrooms, chestnuts and walnuts. For a splurge try L'Antica Trattoria – fabulous food (tasting menu €180 for two people), a beautiful terrace and a cosy traditional interior for the cooler evenings. For a restaurant with a local neighbourhood feel, try Il Leone Rosso – spot on for an authentic pizza marinara (€4).
lanticatrattoria.com, illeonerosso.it
troutiemcfish
Sibillini mountains, Le Marche
We spent a superb weekend in autumn sunshine staying at Villa San Raffaello with its great apartments, amazing views and free organic vegetables. We blew away the cobwebs walking along old mule tracks in the rolling hills, past the heady scent of locals making vino cotto (cooked wine). The next day we hiked into the Sibillini mountains and ate at the rifugio (refuge) at Monte Amandola – tasty strozzapreti pasta with truffle and sausage, and succulent lamb cooked on coals. The bill, including wine and homemade tiramisu, was under €20 a head.
villasanraffaello.com, apartments from €700 in autumn; rifugiocittadiamandola.blogspot.com
VinniForno
Santa Lorica, Livorno, Tuscany
Surrounded by wooded hills and vine covered slopes, this rural agri' is perfect for foodies and families. Breakfast on homemade preserves, tarts and local cheeses while taking in the views across to the medieval town of Sassetto. The evening meal was our daily highlight, the friendly owner and his family served delicious and unusual regional dishes, always with an equally tasty veggie option. We chatted over local wine at communal tables under the stars while the kids hunted in the grounds for wild boar and fireflies.
+39 0565 794335, agriturismo.it/santalorica, €55pp half-board
dawnhove
Brazil
Marius Carnes, Rio de Janeiro
There are loads of all-you-can eat meat restaurants in Brazil and we tried three while I was there for a two-month stay working my way through Brazil. This place was the best. For meat-eaters it was heavenly. Best tip – don't bother having lunch and stroll up about 7pm. You'll feast. If you take a trip to Brazil now it will be coming into their spring – it'll be hot but a great time to visit.
Av Atlantica 290B, +55 21 2104 9000
Mozzawatt
UK
Northumbria Food and Wine Festival, Corbridge
This takes place over three days, featuring wine tasting and live music, plus classic British cuisine. You can indulge your tastes, explore some great local food, all in a picturesque rural setting. Entrance includes tokens for wine samples and a commemorative tasting glass to take with you as you trot gracefully (or stagger) between tables. A great starting point for a trip to Northumberland.
7-9 October, Tynedale Park, tickets £20, northumbriafoodandwinefestival.co.uk
Forbesspeaks