Executive Golf Magazine

Wine enthusiasts wishing to learn about the process of winemaking can enjoy a luxury break at a private wine estate in the heart of the Tuscan region of Maremma, with a special ‘wine connoisseurs’ package from Sanctuary Villas & Apartments.

Maremma is the delightfully tranquil, lesser known region of southern Tuscany situated roughly south of Cecina, extending down to the province of Lazio. Historically, the Maremma was a swampy backwater plagued with mosquitoes and bandits; a region to which the wicked and unfortunate were banished. However, following drainage of the swamplands since the 18th century, and gradual inhabitation by wealthy city dwellers seeking a second home in a less touristy region than Chianti, Maremma is becoming the thinking persons Tuscany. Visitors enjoy discovering the small sleepy Etruscan villages and towns which perch atop the hillsides, whilst the coast of Uccellina is home to some of Tuscany’s best beaches, a world away from the crowded resorts of Forte dei Marmi in northern Tuscany. Maremma’s wine production is well established and like the region itself, increasing in popularity. The region boasts a number of successful wine estates including those of the well known Frescobaldis and Antinoris.

Sanctuary’s wine connoisseurs week is based at villa Podere Il Poggio, which is situated within a working farm near Bagno di Gavorrano. The package will include three half-day lessons held at Podere Il Poggio’s own wine estate.

The three sessions will be held privately with vineyard, wine production and tasting specialists. The first session will focus on the land, with guests learning about the planting, cultivation, maintenance of the vines and the harvest season. The second session will focus on the making of the wine itself, from the pressing of the grapes through to aging and bottling. The final session will be a sampling session designed to teach guests how to recognise wine through colour, smell and taste. This will include food matching to enable guests to select the correct wine for their chosen menu.

Sanctuary’s wine package includes seven nights at Podere Il Poggio, a deluxe farmhouse situated in the wine rich area of southern Maremma. The property is located just 2km from Ribolla and is just a fifteen minute drive to the exclusive beach resorts of Punta Ala and Follonica. Florence Airport is 140km away.

The luxury farmhouse is set within a working farm that produces three types of wines and also comes equipped with an eclectic wine cellar and fully equipped wine tasting lounges. It also benefits from a swimming pool; satellite TV with plasma screen; DVD/CD player with a library of DVDs; and panoramic views over the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.

Booking information:
Podere Il Poggio sleeps ten guests and can be rented from £7,705 per week on a Tailor Made (villa only) basis. The three private wine sessions cost £185 per person, excluding transfers. For those wishing to take two of the half-day sessions on the same day, lunch can be provided for £39 including wine. The break can further be enhanced by the provision of a professional chef for private cookery classes tailored to suit the interests and ability of aspiring cooks (supplement applies).

Podere Il Poggio, like all of Sanctuary’s villas, is available on a Tailor Made (villa only) basis or with an upgrade to the unique Sanctuary Hosted basis. The Sanctuary Hosted package offers guests an inclusive, but not intrusive, selection of extra services including an arrival supper, a welcome pack of toiletries and daily maid service amongst other special touches. Flights are not included, although these, along with extra services from private chefs to car hire can be arranged.

To book or for more information, please contact Sanctuary Villas & Apartments on 01242 547906 or see www.sanctuary-villas.com.

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