La Collegiata, Chianti

Hotel. Built as a Franciscan monastery in 1589, what was once the cloister of this medieval estate is now the Hotel La Collegiata. Overlooking the Chianti region of Italy, each of the hotel’s 20 suites will take your breath away. One suite at the top of the tower has a 360 degree view of the valley and San Gimignano, the historic town nearby only a few kilometers away. La Collegiata, though historic by nature, consists of all the necessary amenities and services to satisfy the needs of any guest. From business meetings to romantic getaways, the hotel staff attends to every need while also making sure guests have a private, intimate experience.

Wine. One of the many amenities of the hotel is a beautifully designed wine cellar. Located under the well of the hotel, the wine bar and cellar has been beautifully transformed into the perfect space for private tasting of local Tuscan wines, as well as celebrated champagnes. Because La Collegiata sits in the Tuscan countryside, some of the world’s best vineyards are within reach to hotel guests for tours and visits.

Dining. Il Sagrato Ristorante serves to bring only the best of Tuscan traditional cuisine to its patrons. Set in the old church of the monastery, the restaurant’s beautiful architecture alone is something to marvel at. However, the chef’s commitment to flavors and Tuscan delicacies is also apparent. Alongside the comprehensive and excellent wine list, the restaurant boasts a remarkable oil tasting list. After all, Tuscany produces the best olive oil in the world.

Villa Mangiacane, Tuscany

Hotel. Do as much or as little as you want at Villa Mangiacane. With only 26 rooms at this Tuscan villa, only a few guests are privileged enough to enjoy Tuscany and this unbelievable hotel. As a working wine and olive oil estate built by the powerful Machiavelli family, there is not doubt that the 600 acres of vineyards and groves aren’t something worth marveling at. Amidst the villa’s beautifully preserved 15th century structure, the rose gardens and spa treatments provide sanctuary for hotel guests. Every nook and cranny of this estate is filled with Renaissance details that are worthy of even the finest museums. And what better place to capture Italian artistry than Florence, which is only 12 km from Villa Mangiacane?

Wine. The complexity of Villa Mangiacane’s wines stems from the diverse climate exposures created by the vastness of the estate’s 41 hectares. With vineyards in the San Casciano area and the Greve region, the combination of these grapes produces a fuller more satisfying flavor. During your stay, enjoy the winery’s Grappa along with the Merlots and Chianti Classico.

Dining. Along with providing guests with one-on-one cooking classes, executive chef Massimo Bocus shares his love of Tuscan cooking through his dishes. Innovative use of fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients have resulted in the signature dishes of red tuna fillet and braised beef calf. Bocus ensures that Villa Mangiacane wines compliment his own variety of flavors. Take advantage of the location by taking Bocus’ dishes al fresco out on the terrace.

Castello di Meleto, Tuscany

Hotel. Blossoming out of the idyllic Chianti landscape, Castello di Meleto sits amongst the swaying junipers and the gentle sloping vineyards. Once the home of Benedictine monks, the strong 15th century structure provides a sense of royalty and aristocracy. Complete with an 18th century theater in the Villa Nobile, the Castello di Meleto invites everyone to come make their own fairytale. This small quaint castle has a reputation for its beautiful weddings and even more beautiful surroundings. Located a short distance outside of Siena, the castle takes advantage of the Tuscan sun and soil by producing award-winning Chiantis.

Wine. With vineyards covering almost 180 hectares around the castle, the prevailing grapes are cultivated and evolved into the production of Chianti Classico, Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah and other varieties. The wine makers have found that the soil of marl and alberese has produced the best, most fragrant fruits. The winery’s most successful wines – Chianti Classico DOCG, Chianti Classico DOCG Reserve, Castello di Meleto Fiore – are all elegant with modern tastes and superior structure and body.

Castello di Vicarello, Tuscany

Hotel. Amongst the naked hills of Italy, stands alone the Castello di Vicarello. For miles, only rolling greens and ample trees fill your camera lens, but the marvelous seclusion brings about an utter peace that can’t be messed with. With only six gorgeous suites to choose from, pick the one that seems most like home. For this is a place of tranquility and relaxation. Magical in every way, this castle in the clouds hands the landscape of Italy to you on a silver platter. A small winery on the property and the swimming pool are enough for you to extend your stay here; that is if the views haven’t already convinced you.

Wine. Although wine may not be the focus of Castello di Vicarello, the owners still take much pride in the property’s products. Among the olive oil production, the castle cultivates many different varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Sangiovese. During August and September guests of the hotel can participate in the grape harvest and all year round the hotel staff offers wine tasting.

Dining. Because the Castello di Vicarello is more of a home than a hotel, there is a kitchen open to hotel guests for use. Of course a chef would be more than happy to prepare a meal for you under the stars or by the fireside, however there is the option of having total privacy. If learning about local dishes suites you, sign up for one of the cooking classes for a real Italian culinary experience.

Locanda Palazzone, Orvieto

Hotel. The Umbria country house of Locanda Palazzone should be marked as a historic landmark because of all the treasures that lie amidst it. Beautifully preserved to capture the essence of its original 13th century structure, the architectural style and construction exude the strength and grace that accompany thoughts of the medieval times. Believed to have originally been a hostel for travelers and pilgrims because of its very residential layout, the present owners honor its past by making it a sought after destination hotel. Along with the renovation of the interior, over the years the estate grew into a winery. The Palazzone’s endless views of vineyards and rolling hills provide a spectacular treat to anyone who sees it.

Wine. The grand potential of Locanda Palazzone’s winery rests in the carefully cultivated vines of the estate. The Dubini family works together as a cohesive unit on the land in an effort to foster the best wines and grape varieties. Less is more applies to this vineyard. Focusing only on the vines that produce the best tastes and structure has gained the winery its impeccable reputation. Complete with a cave for bottle aging alongside a spectacular cellar, the different varieties of reds and whites stand out amongst other wines from the Orvieto region.

L'Albereta, Franciacorta

Hotel. When Carmen Moretti de Rosa acquired L’Albereta she wanted to cultivate a welcoming place full of peace and harmony for the guests to enjoy a holiday filled with regeneration and relaxation. Located in the Franciacorta region of Lombardy in northwestern Italy, the hotel has evolved into a mini-resort. The beautiful spa, Espace Vitalite, designed by Henri Chenot, occupies two floors of the hotel, providing ample space for guests to utilize the menu of treatments that will refresh both body and mind. And with a restaurant that acts as the school of training for Il Maestro, Gualtiero Marchesi, L’Albereta becomes harder and harder to resist.

Wine. Because the soil of Franciacorta consists of gravel and sand it allows for water to drain well, making this a perfect region for cultivating vines. For centuries the Lombardy region of Italy has received praise for its wines, in particular its superior sparkling wines. As of now, this region alone has 15 Denomination of Controlled Origin and produces over 1.1 million hectoliters of wine each year. With L’Albereta’s central location in Franciacorta, guests can take in the scenery and fruits of the vineyards.

Dining. Blending the most elite cuisine with local dishes constitutes the philosophy behind Gualtiero Marchesi’s world. With his school of culinary arts at the heart of L’Albereta, Marchesi and his entourage of 18 talented elite, create innovative dishes that should very well be considered works of art. Elementary flavors shine through and spark the fire in each diner’s palate and when those avant-garde ingredients enter the dish, a magical harmonious world takes over the mouth.

Albergo Villa Marta, Lucca

Hotel. This really isn’t a hotel at all, but rather a home. Owners, Andrew and Alessia, greet you at the door with open arms and wide smiles welcoming you into this humble abode. The quaint and cozy atmosphere captivates Albergo Villa Marta’s guests, making them forget any worries or frustrations, leaving only room for relaxation and tranquility. Only short drives from the hotel lays the antique city of Lucca and just beyond, visit one of the world’s marvels, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and even farther Florence waits to be uncovered. But the Tuscan country living of Albergo Villa Marta’s four-star resort has yet to disappoint.

Wine. What more can be said about the fantastic wines of Tuscany? Well, for Albergo Villa Marta, their exclusive wine cellar, not to mention their close proximity to some of the best wineries in Italy, make them a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts looking to explore this famous Italian countryside.

Dining. Botton d’oro Restaurant’s comfortable country décor compliments the simple and traditional Tuscan dishes that cover the pages of the menu. Elegant, yet not excessive, the Albergo Villa Marta’s restaurant has plenty to satisfy both the picky eater and the refined palate. A thick plate of pasta probably never disappoints.