Dreamy Tuscany at Villa Petriolo

The rolling hills surrounding Florence provide the perfect environment for many things. These include quality Chianti Classico, sweeping views and luxurious resorts. All of these can be enjoyed at Villa Petriolo, an eco-conscious agriturismo located just an hour away from the bustling city of Florence. Though the distance is short, the vibe could not be any more different. While Florence houses grand Renaissance architecture with tourists bustling around, here you will find curving rows of grape vines and sheep grazing in the fields. The chatter of patrons outside an osteria is replaced by the tranquil sounds of nature. And where Florence offers an endless amount of exploration, Villa Petriolo entices one to simply slow down and relax.

Image 1: Blue chairs and table set in the Tuscan landscape, with a view of the green fields and blue sky in the distance. Image 2: A view of park or courtyard grounds with a paved pathway lined with olive trees, and a stone building in the distance.

Image 1: A wide, gravel pathway between tall trees on a sunny day. Image 2: Villa Petriolo lettering planted into the grass of the establishment's grounds.

I visited Villa Petriolo after a week spent exploring the wonders of Florence. I didn't quite realize what a relaxing retreat it would be, or how much I needed it after so much walking. The concierge greeted me early on the day of check-in with a booklet of activities and services available. These included a tour and tasting of the estate’s wine (which I booked), e-bikes to tour around the countryside and massages at the resort spa. I was able to drop my luggage at the front desk and enjoy the resort’s amenities. I quickly found myself lounging at the infinity pool with sweeping views of the hilly grounds and an Aperol spritz in hand. After spending the week with an itinerary full of museum tours and wine tastings, it was indescribably pleasant to lounge around and do nothing. The resort features the aforementioned infinity pool, as well as a hot tub and two additional pools exclusively for spa guests. There is also a poolside bistro serving drinks and lunch. Here I enjoyed a caprese salad with ingredients sourced from their own farm, before heading to my room.

Image 1: The villa's grape vineyards descending down a hill on a somewhat cloudy day. Image 2: A narrow, village road leading to stunning scenery of Tuscany on a sunny day.

Image 1: The villa's outdoor pool and lounge area, showcasing the breadth of the stunning, Tuscan landscape. Image 2: The master bedroom of the villa's Junior Suite, with a canopy style bed, chandelier, and rustic-chic decor.

The Junior Suite, which I booked for myself, was a beautiful display of farmhouse chic, which looked like it came straight out of Pinterest. It had a large canopy bed and plenty of space, giving it a luxurious and thoughtfully designed feel. The en-suite bathroom was beautifully modern, featuring a rain shower head and bottles of Villa Petriolo’s signature scented lotions, shampoo, conditioner and room spray. Each of these items were available for purchase. After relaxing in my room, I took a short walk to the lobby where my wine tour was set to begin. The walking tour was delightful and included information on the estate's history, the grounds where sheep and donkeys graze and, of course, the vineyards and wine cellar. Following our stroll around the estate, we sat down for a tasting of three of their signature wines. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and the wines were absolutely delicious.

Villa Petriolo has two restaurants in addition to the poolside bistro – a Michelin Green-starred, fine-dining restaurant, and a traditional Tuscan osteria. I opted for the osteria and enjoyed a delightful meal of wild boar ragu, fresh bread, tiramisu and, of course, wine. The service and quality of the ingredients were top-notch. The osteria is also where an exquisite breakfast spread was served. Again, all ingredients are sourced from their very own farm, meaning the eggs, bacon, yogurt and pastries were incredibly fresh and delicious. All of which I enjoyed the next morning before relaxing by the pool. Upon checkout, I treated myself to some bottles of the wine that I enjoyed the previous night, and left for the airport in the private transportation that the concierge gladly arranged for me.

Villa Petriolo is an ideal Tuscan retreat for couples, solo travelers, or small groups seeking a tranquil and luxurious stay near Florence. With a range of amenities and activities available, guests can easily spend several days here. It also serves as a stunning location for an engagement or wedding.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Tuscany. In need of further inspiration? Check out Lana Jainarain’s trip report, Tour of Villa Petriolo in Tuscany.