Agrivilla I Pini is a 100% vegan organic agriturismo set amid the rolling hills and vineyards just outside San Gimignano, Tuscany. Housed in a restored medieval stone villa overlooking the famous skyline of towers, I Pini offers an intimate eco-retreat with 11 elegant guest rooms. In 2018 the property’s renovation was guided by a vision of absolute sustainability: insulating walls made of hempcrete (hemp, clay, and rice husks) keep the villa naturally cool, and all paints, varnishes, and fabrics are chemical-free and organic. The furniture is an upcycled assortment of antique Tuscan pieces and custom carpentry, and the terracotta tiles underfoot were handmade by local artisans – even the bed linens are hand-sewn from organic cotton and linen. Agrivilla I Pini operates nearly off-grid: power comes largely from solar panels, water is heated by solar-thermal systems, and the property uses only well water (assisted by rainwater tanks) for its needs. Importantly, the agriturismo embraces permaculture farming across its 20 acres: olive groves (from which a delicate extra-virgin oil is produced), a vineyard (yielding natural vegan wines), and abundant vegetable gardens and fruit orchards that are biodynamically tended and free of any pesticides. The result is a “seed-to-table” culinary experience that is the soul of I Pini – from the morning’s cold-pressed juices and almond ricotta on homemade bread, to the five-course gourmet dinners where every element (like cashew-aged cheeses, fresh fig compote, wild fennel pesto) is crafted in-house from the land’s bounty. Guests dine together at a long communal table under vine-draped pergolas, often by candlelight, forging a sense of community. Afternoons might be spent lounging by the chemical-free saltwater pool, which overlooks olive trees and lavender fields, or napping in a hammock in the olive grove accompanied by bees and birdsong. Daily yoga sessions are offered on a terrace amid scent of rosemary, and the agrivilla also hosts workshops on vegan cooking, natural dyeing, or wine tasting – all emphasizing harmony with nature and respect for all life. Notably, Agrivilla I Pini’s commitment to animals goes beyond the plate: the agriturismo supports local farm sanctuaries and has an on-site “insect hotel” and bird nesting boxes to foster biodiversity. By combining traditional Tuscan charm with avant-garde sustainable practices, Vegan Agrivilla I Pini has been recognized as one of Europe’s most sustainable hotels – a place where you “experience the world differently”, leaving truly rejuvenated and inspired.