gailsgreatescapes.com - Tuscan Vineyards & Villages

The Tenuta Santo Pietro experience is centered on a powerful sense of place…a rare setting…vineyards and olive trees that spread through rolling hills rising to a small valley. At the valley's high point, an ancient pear tree can be seen for miles. It has been a local landmark for generations. From its vantage, the ancient hilltop towns of Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Radicofani and Montefollonico beckon.

The owners of Tenuta Santo Pietro recently completed a loving, and total, restoration of the property to maintain the integrity of its historic 13th-century structure. Its architecture is marked by graceful archways and enduring stone walls, while the mellowed terra cotta tiles and warm wood beams—even the fireplaces—all have been salvaged from the ruins of the old property.

Amid the materials and craftsmanship of another era though, all the modern comforts will make you feel at home. The inn is fully air-conditioned (windows are also screened so you can enjoy the Tuscan air) and has wireless access and TV in every room. Each of Santo Pietro's nine bedrooms has its own marble bathroom, and offers a welcoming bed with exquisite Italian-made linens, down pillows and comforters. Start the day with a fresh caffe’ and simple country breakfast in the dining room or in one of the many outdoor patios.

An expansive manicured lawn sits off the back of the house, along with several patio areas, comfortably furnished so you can sit and look out over the terraced lawn to the pool and to the town of Pienza beyond. The pool—complete with outdoor shower—welcomes guests with lovely padded teak chaises and umbrella tables. Its deck offers an outdoor kitchen suitable for dining in the soft evening air.

Tenuta Santo Pietro's 72-acre estate was part of a larger farm system laid out by Pope Pius II in the mid-1400s. Today it is a self-sufficient gentleman's farm with twelve acres of vineyards and twelve of olive trees. You can wander amid the splendor of the land for hours. At any time of year, enjoy superior olive oil and wine produced from the local bounty.

Food and wine in this part of Tuscany live up to the legend. The cuisine is drawn from the best this rich land produces, from porcini mushrooms and artichokes, to wild boar and truffles. Much of what you see growing around you—grapes and olives, figs, almonds, and apricots—makes its way to your table, perhaps the day it is picked. One local favorite is Pici, a thick, long pasta often served with ragu. Other specialties are succulent locally-raised lamb, pork and beef, especially the tender Chianina steaks, and Pienza’s habit-forming pecorino cheese. The local olive oil is some of the best in Italy.

And, oh, the wine! Wine has been part of Tuscan civilization for over 3,000 years; the Etruscans considered grape trees to be sacred, with special healing properties. And they may well have been right: a visit to today's Tuscan vineyards certainly provides a delicious sense of well-being. Enjoy strolling through Santo Pietro's vineyards, which include the local Sangiovese and Vermentino grapes, as well as Merlot.

Won't you join us?

Text and photos courtesy of Tenuta Santo Pietro.

Sitting Room