A chic eco-retreat putting a sustainable spin on the finer things in life, in Italy’s Emilia region
Once upon a time, this sublime slice of Emilia was the private residence of Marquis Manodori. Today Relais Roncolo 1888 interweaves its aristocratic past with contemporary hotel style. Today, getting to the borgo will see you travelling across beautiful Tuscan landscapes – a journey best taken via classic Italian car along the meandering ‘Motor Valley’. After all, this eco-estate borders this and ‘Food Valley’, at the foothills of the Apennines. It’s a simply stunning setting, criss-crossed with vines and groves that produce award-winning organic wines, aceto balsamico and olive oils – celebrated in the estate’s farm-to-table fine dining menus.
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Wine sampling is less past-time, more passion at Relais Roncolo 1888, and guided tastings in the cellars are a must to unearth more about the estate’s sustainable ethos. Or embark on a gastronomic tour with balsamico tastings, paired with local parmesan cheese, of course. When the sun shines, channel your inner Sophia Loren at the pool. Then promenade in the Italianate gardens to the beautifully preserved Villa Manodori, before supper on the starlit Ristorante Limonaia terrace, where the estate’s organic produce truly shines.
The region of ‘slow food and fast cars’ sets the pace for daytime adventures. Delve deeper into the ‘Food Valley’ with pasta-making classes at the hotel. Take a chef-made gourmet picnic to a shaded spot in the grounds of the estate. Shift things up a gear on a visit to the home of Maserati. Or trace the Tuscan countryside around the estate on rented electric bikes, horseback and guided hikes. A touch further afield, you’ll encounter local producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto and Parma ham – as well as the cultural treasures in Piacenza, Ferrara, Modena and Bologna.
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Wine sampling is less past-time, more passion at Relais Roncolo 1888, and guided tastings in the cellars are a must to unearth more about the estate’s sustainable ethos. Or embark on a gastronomic tour with balsamico tastings, paired with local parmesan cheese, of course. When the sun shines, channel your inner Sophia Loren at the pool. Then promenade in the Italianate gardens to the beautifully preserved Villa Manodori, before supper on the starlit Ristorante Limonaia terrace, where the estate’s organic produce truly shines.
The region of ‘slow food and fast cars’ sets the pace for daytime adventures. Delve deeper into the ‘Food Valley’ with pasta-making classes at the hotel. Take a chef-made gourmet picnic to a shaded spot in the grounds of the estate. Shift things up a gear on a visit to the home of Maserati. Or trace the Tuscan countryside around the estate on rented electric bikes, horseback and guided hikes. A touch further afield, you’ll encounter local producers of Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto and Parma ham – as well as the cultural treasures in Piacenza, Ferrara, Modena and Bologna.
Enjoy your stay!
