My Beautiful Fortress in Italy.

Thanks for stopping by. This space is devoted to my life in the Italian countryside. In the furthest northern part of Tuscany. A region known as Lunigiana. I am a photo/prop stylist and author.

---

---

What is happening: Preparing for the season at La Fortezza.

Some of you may know that I am usually in Italy at this time of year. This is the longest stint I have had in the US. As you all know, it has been a challenging five months, but every day, I make my way through new territory.

Since I am here and not there, I wake up early; sometimes, at 4 am, I log in and communicate with the staff at La Fortezza. Getting the paint freshened and all the AC units checked. It’s a mammoth checklist. New lights by the pool. New fencing and stone wall. New stairs in front of the main house. To name a few. I have vowed to plant more planters and get the vegetable garden planted and ready to roll by the end of May. Spring cleaning starts next week. I can’t wait to return at the end of May. In the meantime, I will wake up early to check everything off my list.

PS The photo is not from my usual cleanup crew. My friends helped clean up before last year’s July party.

---

Think about your retreat in 2026!

Start planning your 2026 retreat experience at La Fortezza. We are completely sold out for this year. Check out the menu of experiences from which you can choose for your custom retreat. Consider a corporate retreat. Please bring your friends and family and celebrate with us—birthday anniversaries, or simply the sweet life in the Italian countryside.
We look forward to hosting your perfect Italian holiday next year. Please feel free to email Gen with any inquiries or general questions. For more in-depth information, please visit the retreats page.

Menu of Experiences:

● Cooking Classes from my cookbook, At the Table of La Fortezza - Learn to create authentic Italian dishes from the Lunigiana region*

● Cocktails and Charcuterie board lesson*

● Yoga by the pool - Start your day with yoga taught by a local teacher in Italian and English*

● Truffle Hunting with lunch (seasonal - Fall only) - Forage for truffles with an experienced truffle hunter, then linger over a four-course truffle-infused lunch. Moderate difficulty hike

● Foraging and Flower arranging*

● Styling and Photography lesson*

● Olive Mill/Flour Mill - Tour our local olive oil or fl our mill, learn about the process of pressing oil or grinding flour, and sample the freshest ingredients

● Amaro Factory Tour and Tasting - Learn about the famed Italian digestivo and enjoy a tasting

● Tour of Fivizzano - Tour this lovely historic town, including one of Annette’s favorite local cafes

● Tour of Sarzana - Tour a medieval town and fortress

● Tour of Modena - City tour and balsamic vinegar tasting with lunch at an artisan purveyor

● Tour of Parma - Tour the city and experience a tour and cheese tasting at a parmesan cheese factory

● Winery with Wine Tasting - Learn about biodynamic winemaking, followed by lunch with wine tasting

● Slow Food Lecture and Cooking Class - Visit the town of Fivizzano and learn about the slow food movement, followed by a cooking class at a local shop

● Panagacci Dinner - Experience this delicious specialty of the Lunigiana region at a local restaurant

● Pizza Party* a must

● Day at Cinque Terra, Portovenere (seasonal - Fall only) - Enjoy a day taking in the sights, sounds and flavors of the Italian Riviera

● Lunch or Supper at a Farm to farm-to-table winery

● Hiking, caving, rafting, mountain climbing, biking

● Flea Markets

● Tour of Pietrasanta - Tour this historic town famous for its artistic contributions to Italian culture

● Private Carrara Mine Tour with Lunch at the top of the mountain

● Private Castle Tour and art collection

● Testaroli Maker - Discover this ancient pasta, prepared by a local food purveyor

● Forte dei Marmi Market (seasonal - Summer only) - Experience this vibrant open-air market and enjoy a day at the beach

● Harvest at our Vineyard, dependent on the harvest timing

● Private boat rental; cruise the Bay of Poets with friends and have a picnic lunch on board.

*Indicates an experience personally hosted by Annette on-site

We have loads of choices and options for excursions and experiences. This is just a sample. You’ll get to know a little-known beautiful part of Italy. My special place. ~Annette x

---

La Fortezza Kitchen on YouTube: Master Pasta

This week, we're making various pasta shapes in the kitchen. Join Chef Leo and me for our funny cooking show. Homemade pasta is easy! Let me know if you try it. Thanks for watching and please consider subscribing to the channel.

---

MY LATEST REAL-ESTATE YouTube VIDEO:

All About Annette YouTube: This week, I have a new video on the channel. We initially visited this property, and the price was double that. Now, it is just a STEAL. This is your place if you’re considering an olive grove near town. BUY IT!

Check it out, and please like and subscribe to keep this crazy adventure going.

Thanks so much for watching my YouTube Channel, All About Annette. Please share my channel with your friends.

The channel has almost 11.8K + subscribers! I'm trying for 20K this year; thanks for the support! Love you guys x