The enterprising hotel has put its 740 acres to good use, cultivating olive oil, two wines and, soon enough, there will be honey too. The only difficulty lies in keeping the free roaming wild boar on the estate away from the grapes, apparently, they have a taste for the finer things in life.
Walking across the estate, whether into the forest or up into the hills, you will pass dilapidated old farmhouses, crafted in the traditional Tuscan style. Taking a moment to absorb stimulates thought and reflection, traits which permeate Castello Del Nero’s very core.
Recently, the team at Castello Del Nero have delivered a new Reconnect package, which focuses on mindfulness and stress reduction via a process of yoga, exercise, nutritious meals, walks through the hills and treatments in the hotels 10,000 square foot spa. Developed in association with ESPA, the package is an excellent way to unwind, recuperate and find peace. It’s an idyllic escape from modern life.
If you are like me, however, and find relaxation is best achieved with a good bottle of red then Castello Del Nero is well-placed to accommodate such base instincts. During my stay, I was fortunate enough to visit the vaulted cellar and enjoy the castle’s exceptional wine tasting experience.
Complemented by a delicious antipasto selection, that would equate to a hearty meal for most, Castello Del Nero’s expert sommelier will take you through your selected tasting experience. Whilst over a thousand labels from around the world can be found in the cellar, it’s prudent to try the exceptional Tuscan wines that reside there. After all, you are sat in the heart of the Chianti region so crack into a delicious mix and match and slurp on a sumptuous Brunello Di Montalcino, Super Tuscan and a Tignanello.
Another enjoyable excursion just half an hour from the castle is the historic town of San Gimignano which is a picturesque place surrounded by 13th-century walls. You can spend time roaming the town’s piazza, exploring the medieval streets and taking in the 12th century church.
There, on balmy summer’s days indulging in a classic gelato is par for the course and I suggest you go one step further by taking a private class with a master of the surprisingly scientific art of gelato making, Sergio Dondeli.
Brimming with charisma, TV personality Sergio and his son, Roberto, will explain the history of gelato before showing you how they make it in an all natural way. It’s an incredibly fun way to get a true taste of Italy. The best bit is trying your wonderful creation but it’s both a blessing and a curse. In Italy, most gelato shops use unnatural ingredients and there are only 30 shops that produce it properly. It’s a blessing to try the real deal, something so natural in taste and beautifully composed, yet a curse because it will ruin all other gelato and ice cream for you.
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