Fattoria del Colle Trequanda Tag

13 October 2026

in Farm experiences, Forum: News and lifestyle

THE CHARM OF FARMING TRADITIONS: ANTIQUE AGRICULTURAL TOOLS

AT FATTORIA DEL COLLE, NUMEROUS OBJECTS TELL THE STORY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE’S PAST AND OF THE OLD-TIME WINEMAKERS WHO – WITH GREAT TTALENT BUT LIMITED RESOURCES- CREATED MASTERPIECES. By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle (Trequanda), Casato Prime Donne (Montalcino) Let me start by saying this: I believe in technology and machinery serving nature. I have weather stations in my vineyards, I use an optical sorter to discard imperfect grapes during the harvest, and I use a peristaltic pump to move the wine—a piece of equipment originally designed for blood transfusions that is so gentle it is even used in fish...

1 October 2026

in Characters and places

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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FATTORIA DEL COLLE AND THE LISTS OF NAMES OF THOSE WHO BROUGHT IT BACK TO LIFE

AT FATTORIA DEL COLLE, THERE ARE LISTS OF NAMES ON THE WALLS. DONATELLA HD THEM INSCRIBED TO COMMEMORATE THE DATES AND THE KEY FIGURES BEHIND THE ETATE’S REVIVAL.

Toscana Fattoria del Colle agriturismo targa con nomi

Toscana Fattoria del Colle agriturismo list of names

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

Donatella Cinelli Colombini’s family displays two contrasting approaches: some cover the walls with inscriptions and commemorative phrases, while others do not even affix plaques to their most significant achievements. Donatella’s great-grandfather, Pio Colombini, placed his name everywhere at the Universities of Cagliari and Modena, where he served as Rector. Her grandfather, Giovanni Colombini, did not put up even a small plaque at the Fortress of Montalcino, which he restored in 1940, rescuing it from a state of severe disrepair (at the time, there were even graves inside).

DONATELLA AND HER HABIT OF WRITING NAMES EVERYWHERE

Donatella likes to make names and dates visible, yet she dislikes the rhetoric often associated with commemorations. That is why, in various spots around Fattoria del Colle, one finds actual lists of names—just names, without commentary—which has led to some misunderstandings.

24 September 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI IGT SANCHIMENTO 2025 (ORGANIC)

THE 2025 VINTAGE IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST OF THE LAST 20 YEARS DUE TO EXTRAORDINARY QUALITY OF THE GRAPES. GRAPE HARVEST BEGAN MID-AUGUST.

Vendemmia 2025 Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini

2025 Harvest Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini – Wine Destination – Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

Sanchimento wine is at the heart of an experimental project shaping the future white wines and vineyards of Donatella Cinelli Colombini. The grapes used include Traminer and Sangiovese grown at Fattoria del Colle, alongside purchased Procanico and Grechetto—two native Tuscan varieties. Procanico is a Trebbiano variant with smaller clusters, while Grechetto is highly prized by our female winemakers for its exceptional quality potential. However, in southern Tuscany, it bears a name that strikes fear into the sales team: *pulcinculo*—(fleas in the bottom) a term derived from the small black dot found at the base of the berries.

SANCHIMENTO: AN ALMOST-ORANGE SUPERTUSCAN

To determine the best way to express the qualities of each grape variety, the winemaking process utilized a variety of vessels: two terracotta amphorae, a Clayver, a concrete egg-shaped tank, and, naturally, temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats. The vinification process was thus complex and bold—almost like an experimental laboratory.

23 September 2026

in Vines and wines

by Donatella

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WHAT ARE “LOW-NAT” WINES AND WHY I LIKE THEM

I NOT ONLY ENJOY WINES WITH LOW NATURAL ALCOHOL CONTENT, BUT I ALREADY MAKE ONE: THE ROSA DI TETTO IGT ROSE’. LOW -NAT WINES ARE LESS PROCESSED AND TASTE BETTER

Rosa di Tetto, IGT Toscana rosato Low Nat

Low Nat Rosa di Tetto, IGT Toscana di Sangiovese Fattoria del Colle Donatella Cinelli Colombini

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda

A wonderful article by Gianluca Atzeni in “Trebicchieri” explains the reason for the great enthusiasm surrounding “LOW-NAT” wines—a category with an alcohol content similar to beer, yet which is unequivocally wine. This enthusiasm has led to amendments to the production regulations for appellations such as Orvieto, Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, Prosecco, and Garda.

LOW-NAT WINES: A WINNING FORMULA FOR EVERYONE

The fact is that temperatures are rising and consumer needs are shifting. There is a decline in overall consumption—including daily home consumption—alongside an increase in social drinking away from home. Coupled with this is a growing focus on health and waistlines.

20 August 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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SHELL ROYSTER

SHELL ROYSTER, THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHER AND JOURNALIST, VISITS FATTORIA DEL COLLE—AND I ONLY REALIZE IT AFTER SHE HAS LEFT—BUT SHE LOVES WHAT WE DO.

Fattoria del Colle Trequanda Toscana

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

Shell Royster is an award-winning food journalist and photographer based in Atlanta. After studying at the International Center of Photography in New York, she began travelling the world, driven by passion and “the art and magic of transforming experiences into powerful images.” Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including “National Geographic Traveller”, “Afar”, “Kraft”, Oprah’s “Oh That’s Good” Food, and Qantas Airlines. She is, in short, a prominent figure—though I only realized this after her stay at Fattoria del Colle, when it was already too late to invite her to dinner. It was only when she sent me questions for an interview that I recognized her talent and began to look into her background. After all, asking questions is far more difficult than giving answers, and only someone with a true journalist’s instinct knows exactly what to ask.

30 July 2026

in Characters and places, Farm experiences

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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WHAT TOURISTS DON’T EXPECT AT FATTORIA DEL COLLE (2)

FEW COUNTRY ESTATES BOAST A HISTORY AS ANCIENT, NOBLE, AND ENTERTAINING AS FATTORIA DEL COLLE – AND TOURISTS GET TO LIVE RIGHT IN THE MIDST OF IT.

Toscana agriturismo Fattoria del Colle Camera del Granduca

Toscana agriturismo Fattoria del Colle Grand Duke’s chamber

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

Let us continue sharing the little secrets of Fattoria del Colle that surprise and delight tourists—the details that make a stay there unique, distinctive, and memorable.

The villa’s historic rooms and its chapel house true art masterpieces. The owner, Donatella Cinelli Colombini, is an art historian by background and spent years specializing in medieval goldsmithing. She owns just one piece created by 15th-century Sienese goldsmiths: a copper processional cross. The other artworks are casually interspersed with everyday objects throughout the historic rooms of the villa, where she still resides. Donatella has always lived surrounded by masterpieces; she has no desire to put them on display, preferring simply to enjoy their presence around her. Nevertheless, she is well aware of the risks posed by frequent tourist visits and the threat of theft, which is why Fattoria del Colle is protected by security cameras and alarm systems.

The Hall of Coats of Arms, the billiard room, and the fireplace room retain some of their original furnishings and house many curiosities—such as the list of chickens, brooms, and eggs that each farmstead was required to supply, the alarm bell cord hidden inside the clock, and antique white porcelain from Richard (the company that later became Richard Ginori).

16 July 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle, Not only wine...

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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DONATELLA BEGINS WORKING AT FATTORIA DEI BARBI

PECORINO CHEESE, CURED MEATS, HOSPITALITY AND PUBLIC RELATIONS – THIS IS HOW DONATELLA’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER BEGAN, A TIME DURING WHICH SHE ALSO BECAME MOTHER WITH THE ARRIVAL OF VIOLANTE

Donatella at Fattoria dei Barbi

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

DONATELLA BEGINS WORKING AT FATTORIA DEI BARBI

Tired of playing the role of the supportive wife and doing the cooking, I decided to ask my mother, Francesca, if I could work for the family business; she assigned me the task of managing the dairy, the cured meats production, the restaurant, inbound tourism, and media relations.

Meanwhile, our daughter Violante was on the way. There hadn’t really been a conscious decision to have a baby, either. My husband, Carlo, kept putting it off because he didn’t want to change our life as a couple, but then we went to Mexico; I caught “Montezuma’s Revenge”—traveller’s diarrhoea—which shifted my cycle, and I ended up pregnant. After a perfect pregnancy, Violante was born in the small hospital in Montalcino. She is the only member of the family born in the land of Brunello.

I arrived at the hospital at eight o’clock, and half an hour later, Violante was born. While most newborns are wrinkled, she was so beautiful she looked almost unreal. At first, she just ate and slept, but then our nights became a nightmare. When she finally slept for eight hours straight at the age of two, Carlo and I rushed to her crib to see what had happened. It was an experience that sealed our decision to let her remain an only child.

30 June 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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FATTORIA DEL COLLE’S WEDDINGS IN 2026

ONLY VERY LARGE AND TRADITIONAL PLACES ALLOW COUPLES TO HAVE A UNIQUE WEDDING, DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHERS, FULL OF ROMANCE AND BEAUTY.

tavola imperiale per un pizza party Fattoria del Colle matrimonio in Toscana

Pizza party at Fattoria del Colle-Tuscan style wedding

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

This year, Fattoria del Colle is hosting 17 weddings, all different and all beautiful.

Some are minimalist, others boasted spectacular floral arrangements and displays.

We’ve had couples with photographers and set designers, Instagrammers, videographers, and a whole repertoire of sun glasses, dresses, and decorations to create images to post online. Others asked for absolute privacy, even from their guests, to preserve the intimacy of the most beautiful day of their love.

WHY WEDDINGS AT FATTORIA DEL COLLE ARE ALL UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT

There are many ways to organize your wedding in a large venue with diverse and evocative spaces for the ceremony, aperitifs, dinner, cake cutting, and the closing party. At Fattoria del Colle, all couples have left happy and feeling like they’ve experienced a unique moment, uniquely theirs and unlike any other.

Of course, there are some places no one wants to miss out on, like the panoramic terrace above the winery. The Corten railing, reminiscent of the oak trees of the Val d’Orcia, frames a landscape of extraordinary beauty, and all newlyweds choose it for the ceremony or aperitifs. Another must-have, no one wants to miss out on, is the barn, restored a few years ago. The large windows feature state-of-the-art glass that keeps out sound, so you can dance until the wee hours without disturbing anyone. The light fountains, the harmonious architecture, the bar tender counter and the perfect air conditioning complete a very Tuscan atmosphere but perfect for parties.

1 May 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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ARE WINE SCORES STILL USEFUL?

THE ANSWER IS YES, BUT THEY ARE NOT ENOUGH IN AN ERA WHERE CONSUMERS SEEK IN WINE, AS IN EVERYTHING THEY BUY, A REPRESENTATION OF THEMSELVES AND THEIR VALUES.

Kostantin Baum MW wine scores

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

Today, critics are no longer the only ones who pass judgment on wines; there are sommeliers, wine educators, influencers, retailers, algorithms, and ordinary consumers who post their opinions on portals. Furthermore, many consumers, especially young ones, prioritize values such as sustainability, authenticity, and wine’s ability to narrate a story rather than “quality.” This is an abstract concept that perhaps less closely aligns with their need to represent themselves through what they eat, what they wear, or the style of their place of residence.

For this reason, “the authority once placed in a single score appears increasingly unstable,” writes Konstantin Baum, Germany’s youngest Master of Wine. The notes below are largely taken from his WineSearcher article, which I encourage you to read.

12 April 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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CENERENTOLA CHARMS CANADA

91, 93, 93, and 94/100 FOR THE 2019 CENERENTOLA ORCIA DOC FROM FOUR SUPER CANADIAN TASTERS WHO ARE IN LOVE WITH THIS WINE’S DIVERSITY AND LENGTH

Orcia Doc 2019 Cenerentola Donatella Cinelli Colombini

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino

The most cautious opinion comes from Michael Godel, a great connoisseur of Brunello and Tuscan winemaking in general, who tasted the 2019 Orcia Doc Cenerentola in November 2024 when it was “better to continue waiting” as he himself wrote.

ORCIA DOC, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WINE IN THE WORLD

The other tastings were conducted in March 2026, and the score rises to 93-94 points. David Lawrason has words of high praise: “The nose is extraordinary, very expressive, with complexity from maturation and a mix of red and black fruits… It’s full-bodied, with pronounced acidity and a notable warmth from the 15% alcohol. The tannins are quite firm and drying, but not green. The length is excellent, verging on exceptional.”

Wow, what a beautiful comment.

Sara d’Amato—an ecologist, writer, and highly experienced sommelier—also delivers a thrilling description. “The result is elegant and generous, both in aromas and on the palate. The oak is expertly integrated, allowing fruit and spice to unfold harmoniously. The tannins are ripe and enveloping, in line with the growing sensation of warmth provided by the 15% alcohol in the finish, which offers excellent length.”

The 94/100 rating comes from John Szabo, Canada’s first Master Sommelier and author of the book Volcanic Wines, which helped the world rediscover the uniqueness and charm of wines born near smoking mountains.

Regarding Cenerentola, he writes, “2019 is a spectacular vintage, and the wine’s class emerges here with an almost perfect balance, now beautifully harmonized.”

He also notes the “excellent length” of the Orca DOC Cenerentola, a character that seems to have impressed all tasters.

4 March 2026

in Forum: News and lifestyle, Vines and wines

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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THE VALUE OF “ONLY THERE” IN TOURISM

FROM TOURISM SHOPPING BASED ON AUTHENTIC, IDENTITY-ORIENTED, AND EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL STRENGTHENING OF TERRITORIES. THIS IS NON-CANNIBAL TOURISM.

l'importanza dei prodotti autentici e identitari per il turismo soprattutto quando sono esclusivi di un luogo

Famous street food in Naples – pizza margherita. Authenticity at its best!

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda

When I first went to the UK, I bought a kilt that I wore for years. I was 17, and in Italy, especially in Siena, it wasn’t possible to buy anything similar. There were pleated skirts with tartan patterns, but not in the same wool and not with such beautiful designs.

Over the next 50 years, the industrial production of clothing, food, and originally handcrafted objects, as well as globalization, led to a progressive diffusion of “ethnic products” in world markets. Kilts could also be purchased in Tuscany and later online, at prices much cheaper than my first tartan skirt. But the quality was no longer the same, nor was the charm of an authentic object purchased in the production area.

Once upon a time, the greatest appeal of travel was the possibility of immersing oneself in a reality different from one’s own, where the sights, lifestyle, sounds, flavours, and smells allowed one to discover a civilization whose artistic monuments were the jewels of its crown.

2 September 2025

in Forum: News and lifestyle

by Donatella Cinelli Colombini

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TRENDY TUSCAN CERAMICS

IN THE FLORENTINE AREA, FOR 600 YEARS, WATER, EARTH, AND FIRE HAVE BECOME ARTISTIC CERAMICS. NOT ANTIQUE DECORATIONS, BUT TRENDY AND TRADITIONAL SHAPES

Toscana Lovers, ceramiche per pinzimonio e olio EVO della Fattoria del Colle

Toscana Lovers ceramics cruet for EVO Oil from Fattoria del Colle

By Donatella Cinelli Colombini, winedestination, Casato Prime Donne Montalcino, Fattoria del Colle Trequanda

“Among the villages of the Val di Pesa, Valdelsa, and Val di Virginio is the workshop where our ceramics are born, nestled among the vineyards and hills,” says Sara Petreni, welcoming us to the Toscana Lovers shop in Siena, in Piazza Indipendenza, just a few steps from Piazza del Campo, where the Palio is run. “They are still made using the ancient techniques of the wheel, casting, and press, in a blend of styles. From country chic with dusty hues and shabby details to classic and contemporary. Hands that first draw and then shape the clay.” Sara shows the results of the ceramists’ patient work: bowls, plates, trays, jugs, cruets… the colours are typical of the Tuscan palette and landscapes. “Each shade is unique, created by the brush of a true artist who adds a touch of chiaroscuro, thus making the ceramic vibrate.”

The items for sale at Toscana Lovers appear to be of a new design, but instead they tell an ancient story.