We have been visiting San Gimignano for 20 years and more. We were recommended Podere Montese by a friend in the town and have been visiting at least one a year ever since. That was 14 years ago. Why? Because 'it' fits like a glove; friendly and informal; clean and uncluttered yet traditional in its' styling and 'lovingly' managed by the owners who are informative and helpful and never too visible unless needed. Across time they too have become valued friends.
Across time we have visited as a couple, with my children (as children and as adults with partners), with friends with their young family and with my father. We have met and remain in touch with Italians, Germans, Danes and French. Montese just would not be Montese without those 'European Evenings' of informal chat.
As for the area: wonderful landscape; close to Florence, Siena and other centers of interest, an abundance of restaurants, good food and wine, relatively cheap compared to Venice or Rome, then there are the porcupine, wild boar and deer .... what more could one want?!
Who knows, perhaps we will see you there one time?

Mike Burton UK . April 09
www.anothervenice.co.uk