Who is Anastasia Kellermann?
Welcome to the world of See Feel Taste Val d’Orcia!
My name is Anastasia Kellermann, and I live in the heart of the Val d’Orcia. I am half American and half Dutch, speak seven languages and many years ago I fell in love with this landscape — its beauty, its people, its wines and its soul. I studied international law in Leiden, Paris and New York and hold a post-doctorate degree in Sustainable Business. I have spent most of my career working internationally as an author, lawyer, consultant and coach. Over the years, I learned Italian so I could feel at home with the people and traditions of this region. Together with my husband, I renovated our home in the Val d’Orcia, and we are currently restoring another property, which will partly open to guests in 2027.
I am author of books on sustainability leadership. With See Feel Taste Val d’Orcia — My Hidden Gems in Tuscany, Part 1, I brought together my love for Tuscany with my background in writing and design to create my latest book.
A book created from real encounters – real experiences
This is the first in-depth guidebook ever written about the Val d’Orcia — and the first book in the world to shine a light on the remarkable Orcia D.O.C. wines. My wish was to take readers on a journey through this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage area and let them experience it with all their senses: to see, feel and taste the real Tuscany.
Every person in this book is someone I met personally. I visited them, interviewed them, walked through their vineyards and learned about their traditions, culture and way of life. These are real stories, shaped by the land and the people who make the Val d’Orcia so special.
My goal is to help readers experience the Val d'Orcia — not just see it.
Not the tourist version, but the genuine, soulful one you only find when you know where to look and allow yourself to feel and taste what’s unique.
What you will discover
In my book, you will find:
- my personal hidden gems
- breathtaking landscapes
- authentic stories of Orcia wine producers and local cheesemakers — explore their vineyards, their craft and their favourite recipes
- the hill towns that define the Val d’Orcia — Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, Castiglione d’Orcia, Montalcino, Radicofani and more
- wine & food pairing tips by Robert van den Bergh, my husband and a sommelier
- inspiration for thermal baths, local festivals, scenic walks, cultural traditions, romantic weddings
- a curated selection of places to stay, eat and drink real Orcia wines and beers— all carefully chosen and off the beaten path
This book reflects what I have learned from living here:
how to discover the places and moments that tourists rarely find — the ones that stay with you forever.
Why I wrote this book
More than 25 years ago, I dreamed of writing a book about the culinary and cultural richness of Tuscany. Over time, I found something was missing: there was no guide dedicated solely to the Val d’Orcia — and no wine book focused on the Orcia D.O.C. wines and the passionate people behind them.
So I decided to create it myself.
I wrote this book to honour the land, the people, the traditions, the culture, the food and the wines I love — and to share the hidden gems I have discovered with readers who want to truly experience the Val d’Orcia, not just visit it.
A personal note
This book is my way of opening the door to a Tuscany that is authentic, warm, beautiful and deeply inspiring.
I hope it takes you on a journey — and that it brings you as much joy as it brought me to create it.
Anastasia Kellermann
