The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wine Hotels in Italy
Italians, famously, love their food. And good food needs good wine. The sheer geographical length of Italy means that it’s blessed with a huge diversity of wines, from sparkling Prosecco to Super-Tuscan reds. This also means that the best wine hotels in Italy are not just restricted to one or two regions.
Some of our Italy wine hotel collections:
- Wine hotels in Tuscany
- Wine hotels in Chianti
- Wine hotels in the Veneto
- Wine hotels in Piedmont
- Wine hotels in Sicily
- Best places to stay in Puglia
- Best places to stay in Lombardy
You could choose an Italian wine hotel near the shores of Lake Garda close to the Veneto region - home of Valpolicella and Prosecco - or in the coastal resorts of Sicily. Tuscany is perhaps the most famous wine region, particularly for Chianti and Sangiovese wines. The hills of Piedmont in the north-west are renowned for mighty reds such as Barolo while Puglia, down in Italy’s sun-baked south, has made significant improvements in its wine production, with wines such as Primitivo di Manduria. And then there are the sparkling wines of the Franciacorta wine route in Lombardy.
Use our guide to the best wine hotels in Italy to find familiar wine names, and make some new discoveries.
Wine hotels in Chianti
Everyone has heard of Chianti, even if they can’t place it on the map. And it does have one of the prime spots in Italy, stretching between glorious art-stuffed Florence and medieval-walled Siena. In between are a series of hill-top towns with names designed to seduce such as San Gimignano and Castellina in Chianti.
- If your idea of an Italian wine hotel is a castello, you’re in the right region. Perched on a hilltop with magnificent 360-degree views, Castello di Tornano ticks all the right boxes: bedrooms in turrets, four-poster beds and beamed ceilings. There are even stables, should you choose to arrive on horseback.
- Adding a modern spa and two swimming pools, Castello di Spaltenna also has the requisite thick walls and wooden rafters.
- Equally charming, Palazzo Leopoldo is a hilltop hotel whose terrace restaurant has lovely views over the vineyards.
Wine hotels in Tuscany (excluding Chianti)
Just saying the word Tuscany immediately conjures up rolling hills, cypress-lined roads and red pantile roofs. Its signature red grape, Sangiovese, is responsible for the distinctive flavours of Montepulciano and Montalcino wines while Cabernet Sauvignon is the main grape variety of the so-called ‘Super-Tuscan’ red wines.
Tuscany has one of the biggest collections of wine hotels in Italy, which means there are heaps of places we could recommend; here are just a few, around Montepulciano and Montalcino, to whet your appetite.
- Overlooking Montepulciano, Villa Poggiano is a classic Tuscan country house with terracotta floors, exposed beams and refined furnishings. There’s a small pool plus cookery classes are on offer, too.
- On a working farm near San Quirico d’Orcia, and with vine-covered terraces, Il Rigo combines a simple rusticity with family antiques and outstanding Tuscan food, much home-grown and organic.
- If food is your thing, check out Il Patriarca near Chiusi with its Michelin-starred restaurant.
- And if you want to splash out, Castello Banfi il Borgo is a 13th century castle surrounded by its own vineyards and boasts lush romantic bedrooms and a spa.
Wine hotels in the Veneto
The Veneto is smaller, geographically, than Italy’s other main wine-producing regions, yet produces more wine than any of them. The names to conjure with here are Valpolicella, Bardolino, Amarone, Soave and, of course, Prosecco.
- A lovely hideaway, surrounded by vineyards north of Verona, I Tamasotti has just six rooms, exposed beams, stone or wooden floors and a romantic gazebo.
- Nearby Tenuta Le Cave has boldly designed rooms - from rustic-chic to vintage - a spa and its own vineyard.
- For something completely over-the-top - fabulously design-conscious rooms, contemporary art on the walls and all hidden within a classic 16th-century exterior - check out Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista between Verona and Lake Garda. Spa and gourmet restaurant, too.
- Prosecco-lovers will head for Villa Abbazia in Follina near Conegliano, a luxurious and traditional country-house hotel with two restaurants, both Michelin-starred.
- More modestly priced, but equally well-placed, Hotel dei Chiostri has crisp, boutique-style rooms with original paintings and private balconies
Wine hotels in Piedmont
Often called the ‘Burgundy of Italy’, the Piedmont region has more DOCGs (the highest classification of Italian wines) than any other Italian region. Just listening to these names - Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d’Asti - and you begin to salivate. There are also the white truffles of Alba, too, to add to the gourmet mix.
- For complete relaxation, and set amongst its own vineyards, La Casa in Collina near Canelli takes some beating. This beautiful farmhouse has just six, antique-filled rooms and a pool from which you can gaze over the vines.
- Set amongst the vineyards of Verduno and Barbaresco, south west of Alba, Real Castello, as the name suggests, is the ‘real deal’: a 15th-century castle with vast, polished-floored rooms, painted wall-panels and sweeping views.
- Nearby Villa Beccaris, is a softly furnished, romantic retreat with beamed and frescoed ceilings. Walks from the villa take you deep into vineyards and truffle country. There’s also a stunning glass-walled dining room.
Wine hotels in Puglia
Puglia, the long, sun-baked region in the south, is the King of Italy’s olive production. But grapes now run a close second. Although there are vineyards throughout the region, most people feel the ‘real’ Puglia is in the south, around Alberobello - and its curious trulli houses - Ostuni, Lecce and Otranto.
- A great-value spot in the centre of Lecce, Palazzo Gorgoni has just four, simple but elegant - wooden floors, barrel-vaulted ceilings - light-filled rooms.
- Next to the town’s Santa Croce, the Baroque façade of Palazzo Personé hides crisp, minimalist rooms and an atmospheric cellar wine bar.
- South of Lecce, in Galatina, Palazzo Baldi is a homely townhouse B&B with traditional rooms with balconies overlooking rooftops, and a quiet courtyard.
Wine hotels in Emilia Romagna and Italy's "Food Valley"
Emilia Romagna may not be Italy's best know wine region, but this is Lambrusco country where they also produce a large quantity of sparkling wines.
- Roncolo 1888 is a stunning wine and balsamic vinegar estate in the heart of the region's "Food Valley", close to both Parma and Modena. Beautifully appointed rooms and suites boast plenty of period features alongside chic contemporary styling; elegance and sophistication reign supreme! Foodies will not be disappointed by the fine-dining restaurant all accompanied by the wines and vinegars that are produced on site.
Wine hotels in Lombardy and the Franciacorta wine route
Wine-lovers generally head to Lombardy’s Franciacorta region - between Bergamo and Brescia - which produces Italy’s finest sparkling wine, Franciacorta DOCG, made according to Champagne methods.
- Family-owned Relais da Vittorio, to the east of Bergamo, has soft, elegantly furnished rooms and one of the region’s finest restaurants. A definite ‘must’ for foodies!
- Villa San Pietro, to the south of Brescia, is a wonderfully inviting B&B with brightly coloured rooms featuring raftered ceilings and family antiques. Breakfast beneath frescoes or in the quiet gazebo.
- If you want to combine a luxury spa break with wine-tasting - and some of the region’s finest food - head to L’Albereta near Erbusco. This luxury hotel has the Espace Vitalite Henri Chenot wellbeing spa and is next door to the Bella Vista vineyards. L’Albereta’s chef, Gualtiero Marchesi, has been dubbed ‘the father of Modern Italian cuisine’.
Wine hotels in Sicily
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, has long been known for its sweet wines such as Malvasia and Marsala. But these days quality table wines, such as those produced by Planeta and Franchetti, are gaining followers. The sweet wines are largely produced in the west while the mountain slopes and coastal plains of the east - particularly Mount Etna and around Siracusa and Noto - produce notable DOCs.
- Within Palermo, Principe de Villafranca is a stylish, boutique hotel with parquet floors, cool white rooms and modern art. It’s close to many bars so you can pick up tips on your wine-tasting.
- Across the island, on the slopes of Mount Etna, Monaci delle Terre Nere is a design junkies’ dream. Stone walls and wooden beams mix with shiny glass and bold contemporary furnishings. Lie by the pool and gaze up at Mount Etna, or at the vineyards fanning out below you to the coast.
- And if you really want to get away from it all, try Masseria degli Ulivi, tucked into the hillsides above Noto and surrounded by olive groves. Bedrooms are simple, cool and serene, and there’s a beautiful infinity pool and open-sided dining room.
Unlike other European countries, in Italy there’s less preciousness around the business of wine drinking. This means that exploring the country’s vineyards, with our guide to the best wine hotels in Italy as your companion, is not fraught with the ‘correct’ way to do things. You can just focus on finding wines you thoroughly enjoy. If there's nothing amongst our Italian selection that fits the bill, take a look at our Ultimate guide to the best wine hotels in France.
-
Roncolo 1888 Quattro Castella, Emilia Romagna 17 rooms from £304
Foodies - Perfect for foodies Roncolo 1888 is in the heart of "Food Valley" and very close to the famous Osteria Francescana in ModenaCountry Escape - A beautiful country escape in a carefully restored historic property. Chic rooms, great food and wine produced on siteWine tasting - Not only does the estate produce its own organic Lambrusco and sparkling wines, but also delicious balsamic vinegarLocal exploring - Well located for exploring Emilia Romagna's Food Valley, plus Parma and Modena are easily accessibleA stunning wine and balsamic vinegar estate in Emilia-Romagna's "Food Valley". Beautifully appointed rooms and suites are the perfect balance of modern design and period features; interiors ooze elegance and sophistication. Ristorante Limonaia serves fabulous farm-to-fork cuisine. Countryside chic. See More
-
Castello di Tornano Gaiole in Chianti Siena, Tuscany 11 rooms from £134
WeddingsGroupsFamiliesRestaurant - Serving traditional Chianti cuisine and featuring vegetables grown in their own gardenRecommended by - I EscapeA beautiful castle serenely perched on a hilltop. Traditional rooms and apartments, some in turrets, with oak floors, four poster beds, and magnificent valley views. Ideal for weddings, groups or family holidays. See More
-
Castello di Spaltenna Gaiole In Chianti Siena, Tuscany 37 rooms from £190
Foodies - Two restaurants offer the choice of informal or formal dining, the latter of which has been awarded one Michelin StarFamilies - Apartments sleep four and have their own kitchens, ideal for families wanting a little privacySights nearby - The church of San Sigismondo, Gaiole in Chianti Stadium, and Medieval Tower of Barbischio are all easily accessibleRestaurant - There are various dining options from Michelin starred to Pizzeria!A striking stone castle set in the Chianti hills offering a peaceful rural escape. Elegant rooms feature exposed stonework, beamed ceilings and antiques. The expansive grounds house a large pool and there's an indulgent spa to aid total relaxation. Best yet there's two good restaurants to pick from. See More
-
Villa Poggiano Montepulciano (Tuscany) 14 rooms from £182
Cooking classes - The hotel offers cooking classes so you can take home some of their local secrets.Local markets - If your stay falls on a Thursday head to Montepulciano’s vibrant market.Sights nearby - The impressive Cathedral of Pienza is well worth a visit.Great walks - Walk to the medieval town of Montepulciano.After years of restoration current owners have returned this villa to its former glory. In 6 hectares of parkland it has rural views of the medieval town of Montepulciano. Exposed beams, terracotta floors and large windows feature in the rooms. There's a large pool & terrace. A rural idyll. See More
-
Il Rigo San Quirico d'Orcia (Podere Casabianca) 13 rooms from £95
Local exploring - Thermal baths in Bagno Vignoni (4km); walkable sights of Vileta Chapel and Pienza; San Quirico with 16th century gardensFoodies - Home grown organic produce from the farm, annual olive oil festival, nearby is home of Brunello di Montalcino wineCooking classes - Within hotel kitchen, 1 or 4 day coursesSights nearby - Val d'Orcia's small hilltop villagesRecommended by - SawdaysA lovely country house in the Tuscan hills. Rooms are minimalist with rustic touches of embroidery and antiques. Complete with working farm, cyprus trees and vine covered terraces. Outstanding Tuscan cuisine, bicycles available, secluded setting. A great choice for couples or families. See More
-
Il Patriarca Chiusi Siena, Tuscany 22 rooms from £108
Views - Stunning views over the vineyards.Foodies - Michelin star Tuscan cuisine.Romantic - Good for couples.Local markets - Good for local colour.An outstanding hotel surrounded by vineyards. Romantic bedrooms have soft fabrics, four poster beds, and floor to ceiling windows. Michelin starred restaurant, a large wine cellar and bistro, pool and beautiful views over the vines. Dreamy, very relaxing, and romantic. See More
-
Castello Banfi il Borgo Tuscany 14 rooms from £364
Foodies - Fantastic traditional Tuscan dishes and an Enoteca stocking wine from the 7000 acre wine estate.Good wine list - The castle has its own vineyard which produces award-winning wines.Romantic - Utterly romantic in location, decoration, and ambience.Views - Panoramic views of the hotel's vineyards around.Recommended by - Kiwi CollectionAn award-winning Tuscan boutique hotel with serious joie de vivre. A stunning 13th-century castle and wine estate with traditional romantic interiors, gourmet Tuscan cuisine, an enoteca, and heated pool. Luxurious rooms and suites have arched ceilings, four poster beds, and stunning views. See More
-
I Tamasotti Mezzane, Veneto 6 rooms from £95
Hideaway - Only 6 rooms, surrounded by vineyards, this is a peaceful break, with beautiful Verona a short drive, and plenty of cycle routesGreat walks - Around nearby Lake GardaSights nearby - Less than 20km to VeronaRestrictions on children - Children over 5 welcomePeaceful country house hotel. Traditional rooms have stone floors, balconies and cream furnishings. Outdoor terrace and gardens. Excellent regional cuisine from locally sourced produce. Intimate, romantic and quiet. See More
-
Tenuta Le Cave Verona, Veneto 13 rooms from £116
Good wine list - Located in its own vineyard, Tenuta le Cave offers an array of its own and other local winesFull of character - The Horse Suite is decorated all things equine, with an old jumping frame for the bed and saddles for the bedside tablesSpa - Including a salt cave, Turkish baths, a sauna, treatment rooms and a relaxation roomSights nearby - Historic and beautiful Milan, Verona and Venice are not too far to visitContemporary luxuries, rustic Italian design and eco-development meet in this Manor House located in a vineyard in the northern Italian hills. Each room has an individual style influenced by the local region. Drink in the hotel's own wine and stunning views of the valley on your private patio. See More
-
Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista Verona, Veneto 60 rooms from £189
Artworks - The hotel houses works by world famous contemporary artists5* Luxury - Very high service standards.HoneymoonsDesigner - Uniquely designed interiors.Recommended by - TabletFantastic boutique hotel for the design conscious. Baroque furniture, fountains, landscaped gardens, contemporary art, Scandinavian furniture and Venetian chandeliers. Like something from Gatsby. There's also an excellent restaurant and spa. See More
-
Villa Abbazia Follina, Veneto 18 rooms from £182
Restaurant - Two restaurants; choose between a charming bistro or top notch fine diningFoodies - The fabulous La Corte Restaurant holds one Michelin StarFamiliesCountry EscapeRecommended by - Kiwi Collection, Relais & ChateauxWelcoming country comfort for gourmets and oenophiles. Two restaurants with Michelin stars and extensive wine lists. Beautiful and elegantly decorated rooms, and a family annexe, painted in creams and pastel colours. A wonderful spot for exploring. See More
-
Hotel Dei Chiostri Follina Treviso, Veneto 15 rooms from £121
Foodies - A bistro and fantastic restaurant, plenty of Prosecco.Luxury - Stunning interiors and all the mod cons.Garden - Immersed in the prosecco vineyards.Romantic BreakA great little hotel in Prosecco country with boutique interiors. Rooms and suites are individually decorated with paintings on the walls, lots of rich fabrics, natural light, and private balconies. Set amid the vineyards and with a gourmet bistro and restaurant at its sister hotel next door. See More
-
La Casa in Collina Canelli Asti, Piedmont 6 rooms from £69
Views - Wonderful views over the hotel's vines.Restaurant - Recommended.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorTraditionalA gorgeous Italian farmhouse still retained as a private residence with its own vineyards. Traditional rooms have stone walls, iron bedsteads, and antique furniture. Lovely gardens, buffets in the summer, and a pool to cool off in. The perfect spot to unwind in the tranquil countryside. See More
-
Real Castello La Morra 17 rooms from £111
Views - Fab views over the Langhe district, the Tanaro valley, the Roero district and the AlpsHistoric - A beautiful 15th century castle with whitewashed walls and green shutters.Wine tasting - Vineyards of Verduno and Barbaresco and tours of hotel wine cellarsFoodies - Many vineyards nearby including Verduno PelavergaA beautiful and authentic hotel in a former castle. Large rooms are filled with antiques and elegant furnishings. Traditional restaurant with sweeping views over stunning grounds. Lots of wine tasting in the region. A great choice for families or couples, especially those interested in wine. See More
-
Villa Beccaris Piedmont 23 rooms from £137
Foodies - Hotel is in the Langhe vineyard region, and guests can also go on white truffle huntsGreat walks - Seven routes originating in the village that lead to delightful farmsteads, chapels, woods and vineyardsSights nearby - Scarampi palace and the Piazza dell'Antica ChiesaRomantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - Michelin TravelLovely hotel in the hills with glorious views. Elegant rooms have either wooden beamed or frescoed ceilings, antique furniture and cream furnishings. Outdoor pool, gardens and sun terrace. Breakfast is served in glass dining room. Romantic and ideal for wine lovers. See More
-
Palazzo Gorgoni Lecce, Puglia 4 rooms from £61
Local exploring - Set beside the Sant'Oronzo Square in the historical quarter, most of Lecce's historical sites are a walk awaySights nearby - Visit the old Greek Theatre and the Benedictine Monastery (the oldest Monastery of the city)Great walks - Take a stroll through the pretty gardens, the Villa Comunale di LecceLocal markets - Good for local colour.Graceful B&B near Sant'Oronzo Square in the centre of Lecce. Huge, light-filled bedrooms with sandstone walls feature parquet floors and elegant furniture. A great value spot, and family friendly too. See More
-
Corte Baldi Galatina 14 rooms from £56
Local exploring - Perfectly placed to reach the Otranto and Gallipoli beaches as well as the historic city of LecceValue chic - Elegant traditional interiors offering some real grandeur at very reasonable ratesSights nearby - Visit the Papal Basilica Minor of St. Catherine, one of Salanto's only examples of Gothic architectureGreat walks - Take hikes in the Natural Park of Portoselvaggio which overlooks the Ionian SeaRecommended by - CN TravellerExcellent value B&B in the centre of Galatina. A lovely yellow townhouse building with traditional rooms and suites. Vaulted meeting rooms, breakfast room, and art room. See More
-
Relais da Vittorio Bergamo 10 rooms from £217
FoodiesRestaurant - The restaurant is ranked one of the Best Restaurants in the World.Cooking classes - The restaurant has a professional cookery school.Restaurant with roomsRecommended by - Relais & ChateauxA famous restaurant with boutique rooms. Da Vittorio restaurant ranks as one of the best in the world and has been in the family for generations. Boutique rooms and suites have elegant furnishings. Excellent food, swimming pool and gardens, and extensive facilities for special occasions. Foodies! See More
-
Villa San Pietro Montichiari (Lombardy) 3 rooms from £87
Sights nearby - Right in the centre of mediaeval Montichiari and only 20mins from Lake GardaCooking classes - Learn the art of traditional Italian cuisine from owner AnnaSwimming Pool - There is an olympic sized pool just 2 mins walk awayTennis - Communal tennis courts in MontichiariRecommended by - SawdaysCharming B&B in the centre of mediaeval Montichiari. Three spacious rooms are all individually decorated and feature antiques which have been in the family for years! Expect a warm welcome and loads of activities from ping pong to cookery classes. A real Italian home from home. See More
-
L’Albereta Erbusco-Franciacorta, Lake Iseo 57 rooms from £226
Country EscapeSpa - Espace Vitalite Henri Chenot led by a team of physicians, therapists, dieticians & beauticians.Restaurant - Chef is Gualtiero Marchesi - father of Italian high cuisine!Swimming Pool - Indoor PoolRecommended by - Tablet, Relais & ChateauxA very luxurious hotel that has almost made a religion out of wellbeing. A world-class spa and a kitchen operating under a chef named the ‘the Father of Modern Italian Cuisine’. A spa and gourmet break off the beaten track. See More
-
Principe di villafranca Palermo 32 rooms from £143
Great walks - Walk the city from Via Maqueda and Corso Vittorio EmanuelSights nearby - Explore 16th-century catacombsLocal markets - Explore Ballarò MarketShort breakRecommended by - FodorsBoutique hotel in the heart of Palermo, a short walk from the Politeama and Massimo theatres. Rooms have antique furnishings, marble floors, and vaulted ceilings giving an authentic, luxurious feel. A cozy Sicilian restaurant at the hotel and many bars on nearby streets. Ideal for work or pleasure. See More
-
Monaci Delle Terre Nere Zafferana Etnea, Sicily 19 rooms from £234
HoneymoonsWellbeingRomantic BreakTotal relaxationRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, CN TravellerWonderfully chic retreat on the slopes of Mount Etna. Rooms and suites blend contemporary design with original elements; glass walls and parquet floors complement stone walls and wooden beams. Cinema, games room, tennis, an excellent restaurant. Very romantic, gourmet and family friendly. See More
-
Masseria degli Ulivi Noto, Sicily 34 rooms from £95
Sights nearby - Palazzolo Acreide and the delights of the World Heritage Site NotoRestaurant - Serving typical rustic Sicilian cuisineBirdwatching - Wetlands around Vendicari.Secluded setting - For escaping.Recommended by - I EscapeA serene hillside hotel surrounded by olive groves in a remote setting above Noto. Bedrooms (plus some triples and quadruples) are perfect for families and groups, all decorated with contemporary elegance. Fabulous infinity pool and excellent restaurant. Close to beaches and sights nearby. See More