Crafting World-Renowned Artisanal Gelato Since 1992
Founded in 1992 by Sergio Dondoli in the heart of San Gimignano, Gelateria Dondoli is today one of the world’s most renowned artisanal gelaterias. Featured in the leading international guidebooks, it is distinguished by the exceptional quality of its ingredients, its continuous pursuit of creativity, and its deep connection to the Tuscan territory.
The gelato is crafted using carefully selected premium ingredients, including San Gimignano DOP saffron, Vernaccia wine, Vinsanto, and biodynamic milk from Fattoria di Camporbiano. The milk comes from cows adopted by the gelateria, raised with the highest standards of animal welfare and fed exclusively with forage grown on the farm.
Other outstanding Italian ingredients include Sicilian pistachios, hazelnuts from the Langhe region, and almonds from Avola. Sergio Dondoli has earned an international reputation thanks to his original creations and the many prestigious awards he has received, including the MAM – Master of Art and Craft title, the Tre Coni awarded by Gambero Rosso, his appointment as Ambassador of Made in Italy, and Gambero Rosso’s 2026 award recognizing him as one of the “Gelato Makers Who Made History”. He also represented Italy at the Gelato World Cup, where he now serves as an international judge.
Today, the gelateria is led by the Dondoli family. Stefano oversees the laboratory and research, where he develops new flavors and interprets the finest ingredients through an approach that combines technique, creativity, and innovation. Sara is the welcoming face of the gelateria, greeting visitors from all over the world, managing relationships with tour operators and groups, and serving as the constant link between the public and the laboratory.
Working closely with Stefano, she contributes every day to enhancing both the customer experience and the quality of the gelato. Today, Gelateria Dondoli has three locations: the historic gelateria in San Gimignano, opened in 1992; a corner inside Galleria Continua in Paris, inaugurated in 2022; and the Poggibonsi gelateria, opened in 2023. The business is further enriched by the renowned Gelato Classes, during which Sergio shares his expertise and the culture of authentic artisanal gelato with participants from around the world.
