Tuscany has a way of slowing you down. Maybe it’s the ethereal light, or the undulating hills that never seem to end. Or maybe it’s simply the wine. The Fontanelle Estate brand embraces this slower pace. You might arrive at the Castelnuovo Berardenga resort property with an agenda, but once you settle into one of the estate’s two hotels — Hotel Le Fontanelle and The Club House — you’ll likely start to move at the region’s unhurried pace. They call it “Chianti Living,” and it’s defined by slow mornings, long lunches, and hospitality that feels like you’ve inherited a Chianti villa.
Overview
Set in the Tuscan hills, about twenty minutes from Siena and an hour from Florence, the estate unfolds across rolling vineyards and cypress-lined lanes. Its two distinct properties provide both classic and contemporary lodgings. One leans on tradition, the other is more modern. But both share the same idea: that true luxury is measured in how easily you can relax.
Hotel Le Fontanelle, the heart of the estate, is a five-star hideaway built from medieval bones. By contrast, The Club House (just a short drive up the hill), serves as the sleek younger sibling. It’s an adults-only sanctuary with a panoramic pool, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and an indulgent wellness spa.
Atmosphere
You’ll be awestruck by the cinematic views at Hotel Le Fontanelle and The Club House, but it’s the stillness that most resonates. Birdsong replaces traffic noise and cypress trees eclipse skyscrapers. Additionally, the swimming pools and their grassy decks feature chaise lounges that beckon you to relax with a good read and a spritz. And when the sun begins its descent over the estate’s Vallepicciola vineyards, you understand why they call it living and not visiting. But if and when you’re ready to do something more ambitious, arrangements are easily made for varied activity. Enjoy cycling through the vineyards, truffle hunting with local guides, or taking private cooking classes where you’ll learn how to make fresh pasta.
Rooms & Suites
Hotel Le Fontanelle’s rooms showcase understated Tuscan luxury. Terracotta floors, exposed beams, and hand-crafted furnishings are balanced with plush linens and spa-ready bathrooms with luxury bath amenities. Many open onto private gardens or terraces.
Across the way, Villa Il Mandorlo resembles a miniature hamlet within the hotel property. Its suites feature cozy sitting areas and shared spaces like book-lined living rooms, communal patios, and breathtaking panoramic views.
Meanwhile, The Club House is sleek and sophisticated. Suites here blend clean lines and warm neutrals, with glass doors opening directly onto the valley. It’s designed for couples and friends who seek both privacy and proximity to the spa, the pool, and the estate’s most exclusive dining experiences.
The Spa
And when it’s time to truly unwind, head to the Wellness Sanctuary at The Club House. It features a heated indoor pool, a Finnish sauna, and treatment rooms scented with olive and lavender. The spa menu balances science and soil. You’ll find luxurious organic skincare by Irene Forte, massages using local olive oil, and facials infused with vineyard botanicals. Therapists tailor each ritual to the season, and often, to the guest.
Cuisine
Restored and relaxed, you’ll naturally turn your attention to another Tuscan essential: cuisine. At La Colonna, the flagship restaurant at Hotel Le Fontanelle, classic Italian cuisine takes center stage. Dishes like handmade pastas and local meats pair with olive oil pressed on-site and Vallepicciola wines. The twinkle-lit, Al Fresco Pool Bar offers stunning views. For variety, guests venture to The Club House and its two restaurants: Osteria Il Tuscanico serving refined comfort food with a countryside soul, and Il Visibilio, the Michelin-starred crown jewel that transforms regional ingredients into edible art. Dinner here feels like theater and each course surprises.
The Winery: Vallepicciola
Of course, no Tuscan experience is complete without wine, and Vallepicciola Winery is the soul of the Fontanelle Brand estate. Their elegant Sangioveses, expressive Merlots, and Cabernet Francs have earned international acclaim. Tasting them here, just a few hills from where the grapes were grown, feels sublime. For many, that glass at sunset becomes the memory you take with you. Luckily, Vallepicciola exports to the U.S., so a return visit can begin with the pull of a cork back home.
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FAQs
Q: What is the best way to reach Hotel Le Fontanelle and The Club House?
A: It is a 20-minute drive from Siena and about 75 minutes from Florence. Most guests rent a car or arrange a private transfer; the drive through Chianti is part of the initiation.
Q: Can guests at Hotel Le Fontanelle access The Club House?
A: Yes. Both properties share access to the dining venues and winery, though The Club House is adults-only and offers a quieter, more contemporary setting.
Q: Can you wine taste on-site?
A: Absolutely. The estate’s Vallepicciola Winery is one of Chianti Classico’s rising stars. Guests can enjoy guided tastings and cellar tours.
