“And so you really are able to experience and meet the world from a very small and beautiful place, which makes you really aware of what’s around you. Its a very cosmopolitan place in the countryside next to a tiny town.”
We’re in great company with Angelica Fenzi, the 4th generation of the Fenzi family to play her part in savoring, refining and celebrating the history of Fattoria San Donato, a small medieval village, working farm, winery and agriturismo immersed in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside.
Fattoria San Donato and the Fenzi family will always hold a special place in my heart and memory as it was here that Nick Beyer got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, set to the scene of the sun setting over the vineyards, as we nestled into a private picnic paired with the most perfect wine.
As we celebrate the 1 year anniversary of our engagement, it brings me the greatest, most sincere pleasure to share this story of the place and the people that inspired Stay In Good Company.
Top Takeaways
[2:25] From a cherished childhood growing up on her family’s agriturismo, Angelica moved to London to study anthropology and then Milan to study food and wine, before returning home with that education and appreciation for the terroir and architecture at Fattoria San Donato’s doorstep.
[8:10] Its a whole family affair to keep the fattoria fully functioning with Angelica overseeing the marketing, weddings and events, her sister Fiamma taking care of the animals, and her sister Benedetta learning her way around the vineyard and winery.
[10:15] What Angelica’s parents have taught her about kindness, generosity, and passion for food and wine.
[11:50] How San Donato came to be, dating back to when it was a hilltop medieval village first documented in 971 AD, to when the Fenzi family purchased the property in 1932, slowly turning it into the farm, winery and agriturismo it is today.
[19:00] Expect to experience all of your senses when you arrive at San Donato - the warmth of the sun, the smell of rosemary, the view of beautiful green hills, the taste of a crisp glass of Vernaccia, and the sound of laughter coming from the courtyard.
[22:40] There’s so much of Tuscany to explore without having to leave San Donato - from cooking classes to truffle hunting, a dip in the pool to yoga and meditation with horses, you’ll learn the techniques, the history and the intention behind these cultural experiences.
[26:45] Since the beginning, the Fenzi family has realized they too are guests passing through this place and thus their respect for nature allows the grapes to speak for themselves and be a reflection of the terroir.
[42:00] What Angelica and her sisters aspire to do in being the next generation to steward San Donato, from showcasing more art, collaborating with local craftspeople, and continuing to celebrate the Tuscan gastronomy.
Notable Mentions
- ASD Piuma Sacra (Sacred Feather)
- Things to do about San Gimignano
- Gelateria Dondoli
- Galleria Continua
- Vernaccia Wine Experience
- Osteria del Carcere
- Ristorante Perucà
- Santo Spirito Square for aperitivo in Florence
- Volterra where Twilight was filmed
- Small towns of Monteriggioni & Abbadia a Isola
