Stay at Top Guide Sandro’s Place

Sandro Draghi, long-time Ciclismo Classico Top Guide for bike tours in Tuscany, is also the owner of an enchanting farmhouse on the outskirts of Asciano, Tuscany. He and his family run this delightful place: a restored mill that dates back to the 13th century. Guests who have experienced the magic of Sandro’s home, il Molinello, have described it as “”a place of beauty, but above all, a place where you are surrounded by graciousness.”” 

Before “”figuring life out,”” as he put it, Alessandro studied as an undergrad to become a biologist and teacher. In the early 90s, and just out of school, Sandro did a number of varied, interesting things in search of the perfect career for himself. When his wife Elisa entered his life, things changed and Sandro worked as a “”Jack of all trades”” (bartender, bus driver, outdoor activity instructor) to support the family. He also ran a local game and wildlife management company and the began to work on the farm-stay we know today as “”Il Molinello.””

Once Sandro and Elisa’s first daughter, Emma, was born, Sandro turned to his real passions: learning as much as he could about wine and olive oil. Meanwhile, he began spending more and more time nurturing yet another deep passion and favorite sport: cycling. 

Sandro and Elisa at Il Molinello with their first two children Emma and Guido; the grandparents (nonni) in the background. 

With a law degree and a long period of serious engagement in local Tuscan politics, Elisa shares Sandro’s passion, which besides politics and travel, is cooking. “”I feel very lucky that I can express my love for food and cooking with our guests at Molinello,”” Elisa says.

Elisa and Sandro: Team Passion! 

photo: Massimo Costoli

Not only is he a passionate cook, Sandro studied for his Masters in wine making at the University of Siena, worked at an important winery, and then as the Director of a wine library (enoteca, in Italian). In 2007, he committed himself full time to the farm and leading bicycle tours for Ciclismo Classico.  

“”Facendo la guida mi piace condividere quello che mi piace: vino, olio, biclicletta…io sono fatto di queste cose qui. Il Molinello è la stessa cosa ….sto con persone e parlo delle cose che a me piace.“”

“”Leading bike tours for Ciclismo Classico I share the things that I like: wine, olive oil, the bicycle…I am made of these things. Il Molinello is the same thing; I am with people, sharing the things I love.””

Sandro has led a majority of our Ciclismo Classico tours and took it upon himself to study Spanish which allowed him to lead many of our Spanish trips as well. He teaches at the local secondary schools during the off-season for Ciclismo Classico bicycle tour guiding.

Il Molinello (molinello means mill), the Draghi family’s lovely life project, is built on a huge travertine base, the strong material once used during the Etruscan period for the building of tombs. Very close to the farm, it’s possible to visit an extraordinary example of an Etruscan tomb. This travertine has been formed near the outlet of a thermal spring, which in ancient times (since the beginning of the XIV century) has been canalised into the inside of the house and used to create a small, horizontal mill wheel (the molino), whose ruins have been renovated. The family is proud to show off the mill, whenever possible. 

Sandro adds: “”We have reconstructed the history of our farm, thanks to the ancient documents from the past owners of the farm estate.”” 

“”When I was approached by Lauren of Ciclismo Classico a few years ago to create a Top Guide tour, I felt honored,”” Sandro shares. “”I was thankful for this wonderful opportunity. I had many ideas, but in the end, I realized the idea was closer than it seemed, and all I had to do was put the ingredients together and voila! Tuscany Green emerged.””

“”Staying in an agriturismo like ours is the best way to discover the real rural and green Tuscany. Il Molinello is dedicated to the Slow Food philosophy,”” explains Sandro. “”On our family farm stay, you’ll enjoy the most beautiful bike rides in the world while experiencing warm hospitality and a complete cultural immersion into the Tuscan lifestyle.””

Strong values, family ties, history and well…all things Tuscan certainly have their “”place”” at Sandro & Elisa’s home, il Molinello. Why not join them on our next Tuscany Green tour?

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