First, and most importantly, was my daily need of gelato. Thus, we headed off to San Gimignano which, according to Lorenzo, had the best gelato store in all of Italy. Had he tried every gelato store in Italy? Probably not. But Lorenzo's favorite was going to be good enough for me. Since parking outside of San Gimignano was a little bit of a headache, we parked a little ways down the hill from the entrance at another one of the Zonin family's properties. This was a little hotel of sorts. Take a look at the infinity pool overlooking the Tuscan landscape! What a gorgeous view! I will definitely have to stay here in the future.
From the street was a perfect view of San Gimignano. It looks a little farther than it really is. Probably only a five minute walk.
As soon as we walked into the walled city, I knew I had been here before. Yes, yes. With Melissa and Gary a long time ago, I had gelato here. As we walked up the slow grade towards the main piazza, I knew we were getting closer. And then, there it was. Nearly ten years ago, I sat in one of those very black plastic wicker chairs in one of my very first gelato moments.
As I snapped the picture in nostalgia, I was full of affirmation that even back then, I knew what good gelato was. Just as I completed that thought, Lorenzo quickly turned me around and pointed to his favorite gelato store, which was next door. Oh well. The gelato next door ( Gelateria di Piazza) was fantastic and the gelato man (Sergio Dondoli) was such a dear.
Picture of a tower that Lorenzo took.
After gelato, it was time to go to Lorenzo's Tuscan estate called Frattoria il Palagio. Just take a look!
Marble busts in the stairwell.
The game room.
Me and Jennie's bedroom. There were so many available bedrooms but since Jennie and I were the only people on the third floor, we opted to share.
A pretty sitting room on the third floor for guests.
Even the bathrooms are beautiful.
Jennie and I wandered off and found the tasting room attached to the property. There we met a very nice girl who spoke excellent English. She was kind enough to give me and Jennie each a wooden wine storage crate which we hauled back to the States. Lorenzo must have thought we were crazy.
The estate even had it's own church!
Some rooms were adorned with frescos on the ceiling.
Some rooms were fully decorated with antique furniture.
More painted ceilings.
An intersting tree in the vineyard.
Rows and rows of vines!
One month until harvest! Look at those plump grapes!
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