Fattoria San Donato

A beautiful property oozing with authentic Tuscan charm, run by a lovely family. We feel very lucky to have stayed here.

Some places simply stay with you long after you leave, and Fattoria San Donato is one of them. Just a 7–10 minute drive from the beautiful town of San Gimignano, this is the perfect base for exploring Tuscany while enjoying complete peace and authentic countryside living. We stayed in the Castelvecchio apartment on the second floor, and waking up to those breathtaking views every morning was unforgettable (I’ve shared a photo because words simply don’t do them justice). The apartment was charming, simple and full of traditional Tuscan character, thoughtfully combined with everything needed for a comfortable stay. One thing we particularly loved was the absence of a television. Instead, our mornings and evenings were filled with birdsong, and swallows had even built their nests around the apartment, making the experience feel even more connected to nature. The Fenzi family, together with every member of the staff, were genuinely warm, welcoming and always happy to help. They made us feel less like guests and more like part of the family. The estate itself is beautiful. The swimming pool is spotless and wonderfully relaxing, and the winery offers excellent wine tastings paired with delicious traditional Tuscan food. Sitting there with a glass of wine produced on the estate while watching the sunset over the vineyards is a memory we’ll treasure forever. One of the things that meant the most to us was how pet-friendly the property is. The owners are true animal lovers. Our two-year-old Miniature Dachshund, Luna, had the most wonderful time playing with Merlot and Tino, the owners’ lovely dogs, and meeting Gianni, their friendly cat. She was welcomed just as warmly as we were. Every corner of the estate invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Whether you’re wandering through the vineyards, watching the sunrise or sunset, relaxing by the pool, or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere, this is a place that captures the true spirit of Tuscany.

Old and beautiful but nice modern bathroom. Pool amazing.

Nothing.

I was really looking forward to staying at Fattoria San Donato, but unfortunately it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The room itself wasn’t very comfortable and felt somewhat unclean, with a noticeable sewage smell coming from the bathroom. The overall space felt quite outdated and in need of some maintenance. On a positive note, the food experiences such as the tastings and lunch were delicious and enjoyable, but I didn’t feel they were worth the high price charged. Similarly, the breakfast was underwhelming and overpriced for what was offered.