When you think Italian glass and crystal, chances are you think of Venice and its island of Murano. But in fact, the Tuscan town of Colle di Val d’Elsa, in the Chianti region, is Italy’s largest center for glassware, producing about 95 percent of the country’s crystal. The tradition here runs deep—some say as far back as the Etruscans, while others date it to medieval times—and you’ll find a number of larger factories outside of town as well as smaller workshops and boutiques in the town center. Among the latter is this family-owned shop specializing in goblets, glasses, oil cruets, and wine decanters—anything that holds liquid. Find a rainbow array of colors (as well as transparent pieces) in designs from classic to modern and matte to glossy. The shop caters to both the casual shopper and restaurants, bars, and wine producers, who love that they can find the perfect glass for every type of beverage.
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The Perfect Glass
When you think Italian glass and crystal, chances are you think of Venice and its island of Murano. But in fact, the Tuscan town of Colle di Val d’Elsa, in the Chianti region, is Italy’s largest center for glassware, producing about 95 percent of the country’s crystal. The tradition here runs deep—some say as far back as the Etruscans, while others date it to medieval times—and you’ll find a number of larger factories outside of town as well as smaller workshops and boutiques in the town center. Among the latter is this family-owned shop specializing in goblets, glasses, oil cruets, and wine decanters—anything that holds liquid. Find a rainbow array of colors (as well as transparent pieces) in designs from classic to modern and matte to glossy. The shop caters to both the casual shopper and restaurants, bars, and wine producers, who love that they can find the perfect glass for every type of beverage.
