Localita San Donato 6, San Gimignano, Italy | (618) 248-8274
Working vineyard and olive oil farm
Historic Tuscan farm buildings with medieval ruins on the grounds
Excellent homemade cuisine with fresh ingredients from the farm
Outdoor pool, equipped with life belts and small boards for kids
Breakfast and dinner served
Playground for kids
Apartments with kitchenettes available
Wine cellar and shop with tastings
Pet-friendly (cats and dogs)
Mountain bike rentals available
Free Wi-Fi
Fee for breakfast
No pool towels
Worn decor
Restaurant closes early
A working farm set in the scenic Tuscan countryside near the medieval town of San Gimingano, Fattoria San Donato offers an authentic agriturismo experience, where wine- and olive oil-making are the main businesses, and guests just drop by to experience it and stay in the mid-range accommodations. The family-run operation is welcoming -- the "nonna" might be making your meal, made with organic local produce and served with the organic house wine -- and the grounds are as extensive and picturesque as the historic farm buildings that dot them. But the rustic, somewhat worn decor in the rooms and apartments isn't for everyone, nor is the rather basic collection of amenities. Rooms lack TVs (but there's one in the common room). The farm has an outdoor pool, a kids' playground, and a wine cellar and shop that offers tastings. Mountain bike rentals can be arranged, and there's Wi-Fi in all areas.
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Scene
A working Tuscan winery and farm set on sprawling grounds amid medieval buildings and ruins
Fattoria San Donato is a working vineyard and farm and, as such, feels like a lively, authentic slice of Tuscany. The verdant grounds are sprawling, and the medieval village and farm buildings have been occupied for centuries. The village church is still intact in the main complex, although there are ruins on the grounds to be explored, along with courtyards and gardens. The large, sun-soaked pool (lined with a lawn, a small stone deck, and some loungers) is popular with children and adults alike. The rustic dining room is located in the old tower, and its stone walls, beamed ceiling, and large fireplace look as if they haven't changed over the centuries. The farm attracts a range of families, couples, and groups who are looking for an authentic farm experience rather than a luxury stay.
Location
Amid the rolling Tuscan hills outside San Gimignano
Fattoria San Donato is about a 10-minute drive from the picturesque medieval town of San Gimignano, amid the verdant hills of the Tuscan countryside. The surrounding area is the Chianti wine region, and there are numerous renowned local wineries within a short drive. Siena is approximately a 40-minute drive away. The area is also popular for mountain biking and hiking. Horseback riding and tennis courts are within a half mile of the property.
Rooms
Rooms, suites, and apartments with historic architectural features and rustic style
The rooms and apartments at the Fattoria San Donato are all located within the historic village and farm buildings, and vary in size, condition, and amenities. The largest lodgings have large sitting and dining areas, with kitchenettes and fireplaces. All rooms are rustic in style -- with such original architectural features as terra-cotta tile floors, beamed ceilings, and stone walls -- but the decor is somewhat worn, with mismatched furniture, polyester bedspreads, and some broken facilities. Some rooms have atmospheric accent pieces like ornate crystal chandeliers and Tuscan artwork and pottery. Bathrooms also vary in quality and style, with some having newer tilework; most have walk-in shower stalls. Rooms have free Wi-Fi but no TVs.
Features
Swimming pool, extensive grounds, wine cellar, house restaurant
As a working farm, Fattoria San Donato doesn't emphasize its tourist facilities, but it does have a handful of nice features in addition to its sprawling, bucolic grounds and gardens. There's a large outdoor pool, and pool toys and floats for children are available. There's also a playground for children. There's a wine cellar and shop that offers wine tastings. Homemade, high-quality breakfast and dinner are served in the dining room/restaurant, but the breakfast buffet comes at a fee. There's a common room with a TV, and a collection of books on Tuscany. Mountain bike rentals and horseback riding can be arranged. And free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
