Balance, complexity and finish. For years, sommeliers have sought fine wines with harmonious components, depth of flavour and an effect which lingers on the senses. However, at the Castellani Wine Estate in Tuscany, it’s not just the produce which meets these criteria. In the depths of the vineyards of Italy, lines of straight-backed Cypress trees chaperone the walkway to Poggio al Casone, a luxury wine resort which is sure to leave a lasting taste. With delicate furnishings, organic surroundings and warm hospitality, this retreat offers a multi-layered, perfectly proportioned getaway for the serenity-seeking traveller.

Embraced by 30 hectares of organic vineyard, Poggio al Casone is an elegant resort situated on a private wine estate in Tuscany. Located in the municipality of Crespina on the hills overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the family-run haven seems to sit in symbiosis with an endless expanse of nature. At the heart of its vegetation stands an ancient villa and two rustic cottages, which have been transformed into 10 boutique Tuscan-style holiday apartments. Here, guests can expect a luxurious stay in one of Italy’s wine regions, with lyrical landscapes, soothing facilities and an intimate, yet unintrusive family feel.

The Castellani family have been protagonists of Italy’s wine production since the age of Dante. Years of experimentation in vineyards and cellars have led to countless oenological achievements, including the renaissance of the rich Italian Chianti. Generations later, the family wine is distributed internationally, with produce centred around six main estates in the vineyards of Italy. In the land around Poggio al Casone, the family have discovered optimum conditions for quality wine production, by virtue of deep soils, sea breezes and intense brightness. Since 2008, they have opened up their viticultural abode to visitors from around the world, offering guests a temporary home in their historic buildings.

Capturing the essence of Italian warmth and hospitality, Poggio al Casone is more than just a business; it is an extension of the Castellani home. The Tuscany wine resort offers a range of services and experiences to put guests at ease during their stay in Tuscany: babysitters, bespoke breakfasts and mountain bikes are all available on request. Visitors can also participate in a lively family cooking class, where an Italian chef will take them on a journey of authentic flavours and generational recipes. During the summer season, guests are invited to a weekly Bella Vita BBQ, an opportunity to celebrate the laid-back country life under the stars. Every Tuesday, twinkling fairy lights intertwine the branches that hang above a warmly laden table, where neighbours share experiences and rich Castellani wine amongst the vineyards of Italy.

Despite its comforting sense of seclusion, the resort is deceptively well-connected. Sitting halfway between Pisa, Lucca and Florence, Poggio al Casone is the ideal location to explore Tuscany’s rich cultural heritage. At only 30 minutes from the beach, guests can experience coast and countryside, visit the quaint surrounding villages and explore fresh local cuisine. Staff are at hand to curate bespoke itineraries, with personal tour guides and private drivers available for extra comfort. Others can discover the best of Italy’s wine regions on two wheels, using one of the bicycles available at the estate.
Much like a fine wine, the key to this relaxing stay in Tuscany is balance. Tranquil, yet stimulating; informal, yet unintrusive; classical, yet not antiquated: Poggio al Casone is the perfect harmony of the elements. As with any wine, there’s an element of subjectivity when it comes to an impressive resort. However, with its stylish interiors, serene surroundings and assortment of Tuscan experiences, Poggio al Casone will certainly leave guests reaching for a retaste.