And here is a tip, check tourism body websites to see if any food, wine and cuisine related fairs or festivals might be happening while you are there. These  festivals are great sources for all sorts tastings and culinary souvenirs, a lot of which rarely reach even local city markets and prices will probably be more agreeable as well, since  goods will be sans export/import and aimed at locals.

They offer a treasure trove of authentic ingredients, home made jams, sauces and preserves, wines from small wineries, young cheeses… Factor in the handmade and creative elements and you have winning purchases hands down!

And even if nothing else materializes? Take heart because there is always the infallible fallback - of shops and super markets that locals shop at.

They might not be glamorous, but they will carry fresh supplies at prices borne by the local market and properly classified sections will help overcome language barriers. Remember smaller shops aimed at tourists will reflect their "boutique" classification in their prices.

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