Among the Vines of Tuscany
A week of golden vines, soulful meals, and learning to simply allow
#23
Slow travel has its own kind of rhythm — one that asks you to listen to life’s natural pace instead of your to-do list. After our exciting few days together in Rome (and a very happy reunion!), we’ve now settled into a slower heartbeat in a small town called Sarteano, Tuscany.
I’ve never experienced Italy in October, and here in the countryside, where grapevines fade from green to gold, it feels like time itself is exhaling.
In Rome, we had packed days and full hearts — walking on the floor of the Colosseum on a glorious sunny afternoon on a private tour, to sharing dinner and laughter with my cousin John and his family, and then the following day wandering through the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. We walked eight miles that day, and every step felt sacred. Lots of pasta was eaten, and every meal was delicious.
When we picked up our rental car and escaped Rome’s traffic, the open countryside felt like a deep breath. Life surprised us again when Agriturismo La Sovana upgraded us to a two-bedroom apartment — complete with views of olive trees and vineyards. The staff here have been so warm and gracious, and every detail feels cared for.
I’ve taught Tim to play bocce ball, we’ve lingered by the pool, and shared a four-course dinner at the property restaurant that left us speechless. Heaven on Earth.
One day, we drove to Fattoria del Cerro, a beautiful estate near Montepulciano. Our guide, Francesca, was vibrant and full of stories. The tasting of their wines along with the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano was the best I’ve ever experienced. We hadn’t even planned to go there; Google maps simply rerouted us. I’ve learned to trust these “misguides.” They always seem to lead to magic.
On Sunday, we headed toward Montepulciano again, but parking was impossible. Instead, we found ourselves in a family-run trattoria buzzing with Sunday joy. After polenta with ragù, roasted chicken, and biscotti dipped in vin santo, I found myself with tears in my eyes — that full-body kind of gratitude that can’t quite be put into words. My soul is completely filled up.
And yet, even in these moments of beauty, I notice the parts of me still learning to receive it all. My mind drifts to travel logistics, blog drafts, YouTube uploads, and maps to plan. The do-er in me could go all day. But lately, I’ve been inviting in a softer energy — one that doesn’t rush or manage, but simply allows.
There’s a divine balance between creating and receiving, between action and surrender. And with each day, I’m practicing the art of shifting sooner — so I can fully soak in what’s already here.
Later this week, we’ll head south to Salerno, just below the Amalfi Coast. I found a cozy two-bedroom apartment there for our next week of exploring. The weather forecast says rain — but whatever arrives, we’ll move with presence and ease.
Time here feels fluid. Some nights I can’t sleep, so I meditate or research the next leg of our trip under the quiet Tuscan sky. And somewhere between the planning and the stillness, I remember: this is the journey. The living, breathing, in-between.
As they often say here — La Vita è Bella.
I’ve been uploading more short videos on YouTube — including a peek inside our Tuscan kitchen. Click here to watch, hit Subscribe, and come along for the journey.
https://youtube.com/shorts/HYWV11RWDe8?feature=share
To your highest and best,
Dianna
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