Fagiolari

A perfect location in the center of Chianti country with easy access to Siena, San Gimignano, Montalcino for day trips. Only an hour from the Florence airport. The last 1.5 km down to the property is a real adventure through vineyards and olive groves, but what awaits you is worth it. Our room was large with a great bathroom (especially the shower). Giulietta was very welcoming and helpful. Each room has a booklet with exceptional detail about local sights and driving directions (down to the tenth of a km) to all the principal tourist attractions. And, of course, there are the home cooked dinners - yummy - frequently put together with the help of her daily cooking class students;also her own wine, grapa, soap, cookbook, aprons, etc. A keeper and we’ll be there again some day.

I happen to book my stay thru AAA and knew nothing specific about my ’Tuscan B&B with Cooking Classes’. This was really my first experience with a B & B. But.....the vacation gods were shining on me! My husband and I had a fabulous experience...the scenery, the food, the wine, the new friends we made around the dining table. Really not one thing wrong except that we had to leave. I’ve since learned that this is a highly recommended place (Karen Brown’s rating as well as others) and Giulietta is an international chef/educator. While I don’t really like to cook, I thoroughly enjoyed the classes and have used some of the recipes at home. Really surprised my family! Now that is a talented teacher. I read Sandra Monk’s review and can’t possibly relate. During our time on property, Giulietta was a perfect hostess. She showed concerned for how her guests were treated. I think we got asked every day either what we were up to or what we had done. And when we asked for some advice on local things, she shared what she could. I’m afraid Ms Monk is traveling to Europe but not willing to take in the European experience, quite possibly adding to the bad sterotype of an American tourist. It’s that bad tourist image that probably lead to the request to leave Giulietta alone prior to cooking classes and the meal preparation. Isn’t it reasonable that she needs uninterrupted time to prepare so classes run smoothly and dinner is served or breakfast is out so people can start their day? Aren’t we taught that better communication occurs when expectations are established. In reading Giulietta’s response, it just goes to show you how much she does think of her actions. This place is fabulous. I highly recommend it to all. I can’t wait until I can travel back and bring my friends who I know would enjoy all it it’s charms.