I moved out to Certaldo around 2002 and am only 14km from San Gimignano. We don’t tend to go very often as it is such a popular tourist destination. But I know how to time visits and often can arrive at my favorite gelato place and not find a line, which is rare.
The man behind this incredible gelato is Sergio Dondoli. He is pure joy personified. Not only is he a great gelato maker, he has also coached the Italian Pastry team which competes in international competitions.
His gelato flavors reflect his personality and are fun, flavorful and surprising. Some of my personal favorites are Champelmo– a sparkling Vernaccia and pink grapefruit; Rosemary’s Baby– Raspberry and Rosemary; Venere Nera– Blackberry with Lavendar and don’t miss trying the Santa Fina with locally produced saffron.
Each time I go, I fall in love with another flavor. He is so creative. Here is the list of his specialties.
He may surprise you with his Gorgonzola or a gelato with black olives. The other day we stopped by after one of our cooking classes and he brought out this season’s new flavor, Hazelnut with Truffle. OMG.
When creating new flavors, they are not put together without thinking. The best hazelnuts are grown in northern Italy in the Piemonte area, which also is where you can find truffles, growing underground near the roots of the trees. PURE GENIUS.
That said, I always judge a gelato shop by the two basic flavors, Vanilla and Chocolate.
If you have always dreamed of making your own gelato, Sergio is now offering gelato workshops, just down the street from the shop.
Gelateria Sergio Dondoli
Piazza della Cisterna, 4
San Gimignano
Don’t be fooled by the guy down on the corner saying he has the best gelato in the world!!!
There are a lot of reasons to go to San Gimignano, I have some great restaurants there listed on my free app, TASTE CHIANTI.
Still dreaming about the honey and sesame you convinced me to try in Florence! Some of the flavours Dondoli makes sound so good…OK…I give up they all sound amazing and no alici!
the honey sesame is a personal favorite and i haven’t see it anywhere else. glad you tried it.
Love Dondoli gelati
We stoped st the store in March and I fell in love with leechi and rose flavor . Absolutely dreamy!