It is said that the best time to visit here is in May or early autumn when Tuscany reveals its most beautiful face. South of Siena, veer off from the touristy Pienza towards the equally famous Montepulciano (make sure to stop for ice cream here!). But don’t linger there too long—keep going to the small town of Montefollonico.

Nestled among vineyards and fields lies a country house, lovingly restored by gourmet couple Fabio and Suzanne. This place seems frozen in time, much like the surrounding area. Here, you can forget about the clock for a moment and simply admire the stunning views. Rush seems to be an unfamiliar concept here.

From Montefollonico, you’re not far from the moonlit land of Crete Senesi. One of its charms is the Italian desert—Deserto di Accona—filled with canyons resembling craters. In these parts, you must try the local delicacy—Pecorino cheese—as well as the exquisite olive oil. However, as a guest at Follonico, you won’t need to worry about hunting down these treats. Fabio and Suzanne serve only local products. Vegetables and fruits go straight from their garden to your plate, while other products come from neighboring farmers. Simple, delicious, and true—just like Tuscany itself.

Photos: follonico.com