Italian Wine Resorts
Wine resorts are a great vacation option if you want to be pampered on vacation, while still enjoying the sophisticated, wholesome elements of tourism — the local food and wine. Below are some of my favorite resorts across Italy.
Filodivino (Le Marche)
The Highlights - The resort is small and intimate, so go alone, go as a couple, or bring a group of friends. There is a charming spa with an infinity pool overlooking the vineyards. The cuisine is local and balanced, with ingredients grown alongside the wines, complementing them perfectly. It is my dream to rent this one out for a birthday party.
Cost - Starting at less than €300/night, but recommend booking one of their inclusive weekend or day packages to take the planning out of your hands.
How to get there - Fly into Ancora, rent a car, and drive 20 minutes.
A bit about the region’s wines - Verdicchio (white) and Lacrima (red) are the local grapes. Two wines to try are the winery’s Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC, an aromatic dry white wine with notes of lemon, peach, and almond, and its Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, a dry red wine that is internationally lesser known, but a pleasurable aromatic ruby wine tasting of violets and blackberries.
Website - https://www.filodivino.it/en/
Masseria Amastuola (Apulia)
The Highlights - The highlight of this wine resort must be its elegance and the views, especially from the infinity pool. You are transported to another world by the architecture, the food, and of course the wine. It offers the perfect mix of luxury and relaxation. They have a range of tastings and wine cellar tours you can add to your stay.
Cost - Starting around €239/night, and rate includes breakfast.
How to get there - Fly into Bari or Brindisi and rent a car or take a cab.
A bit about the region’s wines - The local grapes in Puglia include Primitivo (red), Aglianico (red), Fiano (white), and Malvasia (white). Due to the region’s heat, these wines will be full-bodied, fruit-forward, and ripe. Primitivo is particularly enjoyable to drink and pair with foods from the region.
Website - https://www.amastuola.it
Masseria Montenapoleone (Apulia)
The Highlights - This is one of the most unique wellness, culinary, nature experiences you will find in a holiday destination. It is family-owned and you can sense that love and soul envelops the property. You will encounter such coziness when exploring the property, settling in for a night in the beautiful rooms, or enjoying a meal made from ingredients grown on the masseria. They make their own olive oil and serve a tasting platter at their restaurant - this is a must. I think about the dinner I had there so often. It is family-owned, so lovely, and you’ll never want to leave.
Cost - Starting around €251/night during high season, and rate includes breakfast.
How to get there - Fly into Brindisi or Bari, it’s ~45min from both. Very close to the town of Ostuni!
A bit about the region’s wines - Montenapoleone grows and produces wine from an ancient red grape on their farm called Susumaniello. It is full-bodied, with high tannins, often used as a blending grape in wines of Puglia. Lovers of Primitivo will enjoy.
Vinilia Wine Resort (Apulia)
The Highlights - I might be biased because I am getting married here, but this resort is stunning. They served a breakfast here that is another meal I think about often. I would describe this resort as casual luxury; you have high-end amenities and a Michelin restaurant while enjoying the peacefulness and freedom of a castle in the Apulian countryside.
Cost - Starting around €243/night during high season, and the rate includes breakfast.
How to get there - Fly into Brindisi or Bari.
A bit about the region’s wines - Primitivo is the primary red grape of the region. The family-owned winery, Trullo Di Pezza, offers a selection of red wines along with a white and rosé. The reds are rub in color, with full-bodied, dark fruit flavor. Puglia produces some of the best value Italian wine, and I highly recommend.
Website - https://www.viniliaresort.com
