Exploring Tuscany’s Splendor at Sant Agnese Farm

Whether it’s the scenery, the food, or the wine, Tuscany had captured my heart and soul from the beginning, which lead to me taking my third trip to the area in four years. I was a girl obsessed, and for the first time ever, my big, crazy family joined me. We had spent a gorgeous morning in Siena and on our way back to Florence, our driver, Franco, told us that we would be stopping somewhere for a “surprise”. A few minutes later, after passing fields of olive trees and vineyards, we pulled into Sant Agnese Farm.

To say the farm was “picture-perfect” would be an understatement. Perfectly-manicured rose bushes climbed across the farmhouse walls. Stacked wine barrels adorned the side of the small gravel parking lot. The lace curtains in the windows were evenly draped to the sides, revealing a gorgeous sit-down restaurant inside. Upon first impression alone, it was clear that love and care went into every tiny detail. We were greeted by a young man named Giuseppe who was going to be the guide for our lunch and wine tour. Once we were ready, he gave us a brief walking tour of the farm.

Sant Agnese Farm is nestled between the olive groves and vineyards that characterize the breathtaking Tuscan landscape. They produce all of their own products including their well known Chianti Classico red wine, extra virgin olive oil, tomato sauce, and balsamic vinegar. September is the most important month for the farm because every day is sunny, there’s almost no humidity, and most importantly: the drastic temperature shift between night and day puts extra stress on the plants, which increases productivity.

After our walk-around, we were introduced to Alessandro and Loria, the proud owners of Sant Agnese and two of the warmest people I’ve met to date. Although the language barrier was prevalent, from the very first hug we were treated just like family. I knew already that this would be far more personal and authentic than any wine tour or farm-to-table dinner that I had ever been to before. On our way inside, Alessandro asked me if I was hungry. I told him that I had skipped breakfast that morning and he said “Bene!” Once I got inside, I realized why.

In a charming private dining area with an immaculately-set table, we found a selection of hors d’oeuvres waiting for us. There were several types of cheeses, butters and jams to try with bread accompanied with prosciutto, chic peas, and tomatoes. Giuseppe brought out a few of their red wines for us to try, explaining the aging and tasting processes of each and how it affects the flavor of the wine. I was in a state of total bliss, and the main courses hadn’t even left the kitchen yet.

We started with a truffle oil scrambled egg and salad, followed by balsamic-glazed pork, then we finished with the most decadent lasagna I have ever tasted in all of Italy (or anywhere else, for that matter). With each new course, Giuseppe made sure to include a different wine to compliment each meal’s flavor. For dessert, we were served vanilla ice cream and watched, puzzled, as he drizzled their 30-year-aged “Balsamic Melagre Reserve” on it (a vinegar that is made with an apple and honey blend and matured with mulberry, ash, cherry, and juniper). He told us this balsamic was ideal for ice cream or fruit, and right he was! It was so delicious that I bought a bottle to take home.

After the lunch of a lifetime, I took a stroll around the farm in an attempt to walk off my very full (and very happy) belly. I passed by cherry and apple trees, olive groves, grape and tomato vines, lavender bushes, fields of various herbs, and couldn’t help but recall the incredible role that all of these freshly-grown ingredients played in the meal our hosts had made for us. The quality was incomparable and the case for farm-to-table dining was definitely made.

Between our wonderful hosts and the delicious meal, my afternoon at Sant Agnese will go down as one of the best experiences I’ve had in Italy so far. Just as I was nearing the end of my walk and admiring the view, I could hear my family calling to me from up the road. If it hadn’t been time to go, I would have gladly spent the rest of the day curled up in this wagon napping to the sound of the olive trees rustling in the breeze.