Capannelle Farmhouse: An intimate wine experience near Florence

One of the most amazing wine cellars in Italy ... a vast underground cave, lined with dozens of French oak barrels, with a centerpiece of a beautiful 17th century, 18 foot long convent table where you can enjoy a tasting from a collection of over 8,000 wonderful Tuscan wines with a local expert. But that's just the start of an incredible wine experience at Capannelle Farmhouse, in the heart of Italy's Chianti region ...

Perched on a hillside, overlooking the yellow-gold rooftops of Florence, this lovely farmhouse is a hub of the refined wine-making activity in this region. The cellar is one of the best in Tuscany, with their vast collection of wines stored in a unique, hi-tech, armored caveau which keeps the wine at the ideal temperatures. The tasting room is extraordinary ... natural rock walls that make you feel like you're deep underground! It's here in these huge sandstone vaults that top wines are made before being shipped to world-famous hotels, restaurants and bars like the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, and Harry's Bar in London. The five guest rooms have been nicely modernized with comfortable sittings rooms, wood-beam ceilings, and open fireplaces (perfect for those cooler nights!). There's a fabulous terrace for al fresco dining, and a panoramic pool in the gardens with spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards and pencil pines in the distance ... very romantic. Your own butler will serve wines matched to delicious Italian meals made from Capannelle's own home-grown olive oil. Best time to go: April through October.

Inspired? My trusted specialist Carolyn at Black Tomato is an expert on Tuscany wine tours and can arrange a few days and nights of total relaxation, amazing views and authentic wine tasting experiences in and around Capannelle Farmhouse. Simply place your request here to get connected to Carolyn.