This article is published in Vanity Fair issue 28-29 on newsstands until July 19, 2022
Bright spaces, extraordinary landscapes and aromatic wines, among the most elegant in Italy. To discover South Tyrol you can follow various itineraries: for example starting from Lake Caldaro, among steep vineyards, castles and design cellars along one of the oldest wine routes. From Bolzano you reach the Cantina Produttori San Michele Appiano, where unforgettable labels are born; continuing to Kaltern wineryaround the elliptical bar counter you can taste the wines curated by kellermeister Andrea Moser. The best view of the lake is from the seventeenth century Ringberg Castlewhich also has a bistro in the Elena Walch company, while from Kurtatsch winerywith a spectacular rock wall and a terrace overlooking the vineyards, we leave for an excursion in Cortaccia wine trail, discovering the aromatic differences between a Müller-Thurgau and a Riesling. In the evening, sunset with bubbles and the creative cuisine of the restaurant Rungghof of Cornaiano. He sleeps in the vineyards on the farm Kristplonerhofabove Bolzano in the locality of Guncina, in the barn of 1930. Continuing north, stage a Monteleone Castle in Cermes, in the Merano area, to visit the French gardens and the Rococo-style hall of mirrors (vinialtoadige.com).
Everyone says “I love Etna”
The districts around Etna are increasingly famous, not only among the professionals of the wine galaxy, and spending a few days in one of the wine resorts in the area is the perfect way to get closer to the «muntagna». The estate Baron of Villagrande it is one of the most historic in Sicily: at the beginning of 1700 it was already here, and with the same family, the Nicolosi. Perhaps this is also the reason why the large open farmhouse is like a novel, and the atmosphere is intense, but also contemporary. Tasting, tasting the dishes of the chef Vittorio Caruso and enjoying the ancient shade of centuries-old trees makes you want to stop and sleep, perhaps stretching up to Milo for a free stop in front of Franco Battiato’s house (wineresortvillagrande.it).
The house of the dream
Making a dream come true: creating great wines and a symbiotic bond between terroir, men and art. The house immersed in a chestnut wood in Franciacorta, where Maurizio Zanella had landed as a kid, has become Ca ‘del Bosco, one of the most modern and surprising wineries in Italy, a recommended destination for lovers of the famous classic method sparkling wines and for those who want an immersive experience between nature and sculptures by great artists – from Mimmo Paladino to Igor Motoraj – placed in the park and in the cellar. And, in the coming months, another surprise is on the way. Stay tuned! (cadelbosco.com).
Monastic (and digital) luxury
As a hotel it is one of the golden addresses in Italy. Refined, luxurious, with spectacular gardens: the special microclimate of theAlta Langa surprisingly donates secular olive trees and cedars of Lebanon. But if the vine is your favorite plant, know that the tradition of wine al Relais San Maurizio di Santo Stefano Belbo (Cuneo) is very ancient: production began in the Cistercian monastery as early as 1619. Those who stay here, in addition to feeling the best of the best, can taste and learn about the excellence of the area thanks to the careful relationship of the property with local producers . And the connection with wine lovers goes beyond its borders: the San Maurizio Wine Club is a unique project in Italy created to digitally reach anyone who shares this passion (relaissanmaurizio.it).
I’ll take you there in a balloon
Living in a distant time, in the atmosphere of historic Tuscan residences but with a refined contemporaneity. Borgo San Felicea widespread hotel not far from Siena, Dimora Relais & Chateaux nel Chianti Classico with rooms and suites obtained from the ancient houses of the village, it is a world of its own, where you can relax in absolute privacy or by the pool, at the Botanic Spa in the old oil mill and at the starred restaurant Il Poggio Rosso dello chef Juan Camilo Quintero, tasting the award-winning wines of one of the most suitable wine producers in the area. To visit the surroundings you can choose between a bicycle, a Vespa, a vintage Spider or an adventurous tour in a balloon (borgosanfelice.it).
The secrets of the castle
From the hill (south of Siena) the centuries-old castle dominates the Sangiovese vineyards where a great Brunello di Montalcino is born. But Banfi Castleas well as a well-known wine estate, it is also a wine resort where you can stay in the rooms obtained from the stone houses built in the 18th century in the shadow of the castle to welcome the peasants, and then fully experience a sensory experience dedicated to the food and wine tradition: the specialties of the restaurant The Tavernthe starred dishes of Sala dei Grappoliwine tasting in the cellar and a visit to the Balmery to discover the Etruscan Balsamic Dressing, a unique and versatile preparation, perfect from strawberry risotto (castellobanfiwineresort.it).
Source: Vanity Fair
