Almond Blossoms at Fonte Martino…
Ciao a tutti! Spring has sprung in beautiful Tuscany and it is wonderful to see nature waking up from its slumber. Our new cherry and almond trees are in full bloom and the seedlings in the greenhouse continue to amaze. The marigolds and alyssum are already flowering and the tomatoes are about 6 inches high. Soon they will find their permanent home in the gardens of Fonte Martino!
This past weekend was the 4th annual Montepulciano Chocolate Festival! Of course, we could not pass up the opportunity to indulge in our chocolate addiction. The numerous stands displayed wonders made in chocolate…from the most delicate and intricately designed pieces to chocolates designed to look like tools: hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers, which were very popular this year. Walking through the festival, each stand offered a sample of their chocolates and nothing disappointed! We ended up choosing an assortment that included pistachio and dark chocolate truffles, milk chocolate mixed with roasted hazelnuts, and one of the most delicious cannoli we ever had!
Chocolate Festival in Montepulciano…
The Chocolate Festival also included live entertainment and we were fortunate to see the Montepulciano flag throwers. As we nibbled our chocolate, we could hear a steady beat of drums leading eight flag throwers through the cobbled streets to the steps of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, the church in Piazza Grande. Two by two, the flag throwers faced off with an elaborate display of waving and twirling their flags that ultimately lead to a wonderful aerial exhibition of the flags being thrown high into the sky and perfectly caught by the throwers. The crowd of onlookers would gasp and then applaud as each team of two displayed their talents. After the final team, all eight came forward and presented a synchronized grand finale. Each time the flags were hurled high into the blue skies, they were perfectly caught with elegance and precision. This was a wonderful spectacle to see!
Now for the renovations, they are going well as we get closer to welcoming our first guests in May. We will do a grand reveal once everything is completed, but let’s just say we can see the finish line! The contractors are busy putting the finishing touches on the suites. Soon we will be able to go in and begin decorating and making everything warm and welcoming for our guests to feel at home during their stay.
Our landscaper has been busy reshaping the grounds, installing irrigation, and planting a beautiful assortment of Mediterranean plants native to our climate. We have created a very special space on the upper hill of our property where our guests can meditate, exercise, do yoga, etc. The serene space has an incredible panoramic view of Montepulciano. We can already envision future yoga retreats enjoying this beautiful space…
Ok, our break is over and it’s time for us to get back to work making sure Fonte Martino is ready to welcome everyone in May. A presto!
We love reading about you adventures. Please keep them coming. Uncle bob aunt sandee
I just spent an entire evening reading your blog after watching your HGTV show and also having family in Montepulciano right now. I had never heard of this city in Italy, I was enthralled. Congratulations on following your dreams and continued success to you. Maybe we can visit someday from Kansas. Enjoy!
Ciao Barbara! Thank you so much for reading our blog and watching our HGTV show. How wonderful that you have family in Montepulciano right now…if they would like to come visit Fonte Martino, we would be happy to give them a tour and treat them to a glass of Prosecco!
Thank you so much for your compliments and kind words. We would love to have you visit us from Kansas in the future!!! Grazie mille!
-Toby & David