Italy’s symbiotic relationship with wine is one of the many reasons visitors flock to vineyard hotels all over the country. Along with classic cities, iconic cuisine, and stunning landscapes, Italy’s miles of rolling grapevines captures a sense of majesty and timelessness only found in Italy. Book a gorgeous hotel room with classic Italian décor in a rustic farmhouse, complete with views over miles of neatly aligned vines, elegant Cyprus trees, and sun-scorched fields.
Tuscany’s Chianti region is located in the heart of the Italian countryside, and is packed with traditional towns and miles of farmland producing the region’s most famous export: wine. Chianti wine dates back to the 13th century, and has been perfected by connoisseurs in the region for hundreds of years. Vineyard hotels in Chianti provide a wealth of activities and excursions, as well as swimming pools and spa facilities to make your stay even more spectacular. Head to the medieval village of Gaiole in Chianti and pick up some locally bottled vino along with a fresh clay-baked pizza, and explore this traditional former market village. Surrounded by castles and fortified towns, Gaiole’s wine-making culture has seeped into its history, as witnessed in the grand Castello Di Brolio – the largest of Chianti’s vineyards. It was here that Baron Bettino Ricasoli invented the unique Chianti formula the 19th century.
From here, you can access Tuscany’s most stunning cities. Florence, Siena, and even Rome are easily accessible from vineyard hotels in Chianti, as are some of Tuscany’s most popular wineries. Just south of Chianti is Castello Banfi, a sprawling castle complex which has been producing a splendid variety of wines from regions all over Tuscany, which you can sample on a winery visit. The castle is also home to a Bottle and Glass Museum which showcases the eras of wine production throughout history.
Long driveways lined with Cyprus trees lead to deluxe vineyard hotels in Northern Italy. From Piedmont to Friuli-Venezia Giulia, northern Italy’s rolling Alpine foothills and rugged terrain have carved the perfect conditions for growing hundreds of grape varieties. Seek vineyard hotels on the hills surrounding Lake Garda and have access to all the relaxation opportunities that come with a lakeside vacation. Visit the popular fortified town of Simione and explore its palm-lined streets and ancient city walls completely surrounded by cool blue water. Get out in nature and hike along the Ponale Road, which offers panoramic views of the lake, taking you through hidden tunnels and past dramatic cliff faces. Retire to your vineyard and sit on the deck with a crisp Pinot Grigio in hand, overlooking miles of vines in one direction and the glittering Lake Garda in the other.