We wanted to use our hands, to be artisans; we felt the need to shape a living material but even before we wished to be those producing it. We wished to live according to natural rhythms, accepting the quiet wintry melancholy and then enjoying the spring outburst. We wanted to replicate archaic gestures for pleasure to feel moving, to be, to think, like pruning: you clip while looking for the coming production, you collect wood and leave it to dry for few seasons and then burn it, cooking on it and heating the old farmhouse. We yearned to be uncomfortable, physically tired but intellectually happy, focused on a project not aimed to reach one's choice result in the immediate future but shifted forward according to rhythms of nature. We wanted to give our children the chance of an unconditional, undemanding choice, a conscious choice; the industrial and service world was already familiar, now it was time to show another face. And loving since forever wine, medieval history and Romanic art, we could not have chosen a better place than Tuscany. Monica and Giorgio

Il Palagione is an historic farmstead dating back to 1594, set along the scenic Volterrana road connecting San Gimignano to Volterra. The old farmhouse, placed on a hilltop, is recorded at the Land registry as building of notable historical value due to the unaltered features of rural architecture and up to mid-twentieth century held the farmer families working on surrounding terrains. The peculiar high position of the structure, set among old vineyards and olive groves, offers to the tourist an appealing overlook on the surrounding valley, including a view of San Gimignano. The proximity of tree-lined areas mitigates the summer weather and offers the opportunity to follow touristic trails and itineraries among nature, relax and culture; and anyhow at short distance from Florence (45 km), Siena (35 km), the Chianti hills and even the Tyrrhenian sea beaches (70 km). Tasting of our agricultural products, as well as visiting our cellar, is possible.

Production of Tuscan excellencies like the Vernaccia di San Gimignano, precious white wine that cheered the tables of landed gentry, clergy, and rich merchants from 12th to 14th century and of Chianti, indisputable flag holder of Italian wine in the world, as well as extra virgin olive oil, is our business card for a tasting to our welcomed guest. In the old farmhouse, the terracotta tiles floor with wooden rafters' ceilings and bricks decorate according to the Tuscan tradition the cozy and spacious rooms, equipped with private bathroom, mini bar, kettle, hairdryer and air conditioning. The small amount of available places (12) allows a careful and personalized familiar reception, in order to make feel everyone at ease. A rich and hearty breakfast, with hot and colds beverages, yogurt and fresh fruit, local cold cuts and cheeses together with homemade jams, pies and biscuits, satisfies both lovers of sweet and savory. Upon request, guided wine tasting is possible, combined with Tuscan cold cuts and cheeses together with visit of vineyards and cellar.