The 100 acre wine estate of Poggio al Casone is a very special place: perfect for a 3 night winter break or a week or two in summer. It’s an organic wine estate, twinned with the wineries of New York State. They are in collaboration to re-discover the lost grape varieties of yesteryear, aiming to create sublime “new” vintages for the discerning wine lover. Dr. Castellani exports his wines worldwide. He’s a seasoned traveller himself and has insisted that Villa Ulivi must offer elegant comfort to the very highest standard - and he’s succeeded! Taking a holiday on the 100 acre vineyard of Poggio al Casone is to step into a very special environment, a genuine oasis of peace. You’ll find yourself luxuriously lapped in authentic Tuscan hospitality and discreet security on this private, gated estate less than 30 minutes drive from Pisa airport.

Poggio al Casone is all about genuine Tuscan living and the opportunity to experience the emotion that is the Tuscany most tourists never get to see. Michela looks after reception and she’s your five-star holiday helper. Breakfast in bed, opera tickets, horse riding, having the estate’s bicycles waiting at your front door for a happy ramble or organising a visit to admire the skills of the last basket weaver in the area (off the beaten tourist track of course!) or merely pointing out the best places to eat and the best sights to see - she’ll do it all. She’s an invaluable aid to ensuring you have a truly perfect holiday!

Poggio al Casone is a haven of peace and exclusivity, offering quiet walks through its immaculate vineyards and beautiful views across its swimming pool and lake. The hamlet of Quattro Strade is just 1 km away. For such a small place it’s got an amazing number of amenities - a bank, a news agent for your favourite paper, two bars, two excellent cake shops, plus a supermarket and the choice of two restaurants! If you are intent on serious sightseeing, you’ll find yourself wonderfully located. Naturally, you’ll want to visit the Field of Miracles to gaze at the famous leaning tower, admire the duomo and marvel at the baptistery - and it’s only 24 km away. San Gimignano, Lucca, Florence, Prato, Viareggio, Pistoia, Volterra and Siena are all within an hour’s drive. The village of Montelupo specialises in fabulous terracotta, while Empoli turns out interesting glassware, San Miniato boasts a rich summer calendar of cultural events and the antiques market on the first Sunday of every month is unmissable, or head for Castellina in Chianti and snap up some fine crystal (and some wine of course!) then stop off at Vinci on the way back to visit the Museo Leonardiano which celebrates the town’s most famous citizen, Leonardo da Vinci. The season of opera at Torre di Lago Puccini and the alabaster of Volterra are temptatious too - and none of these destinations requires more than an hour at the wheel!

Villa Ulivi is a pretty villa on the estate, ideal for a young family or even just two. It’s stylishly and comfortably furnished. The small, ground floor bedroom offers full sized bunk beds, while the first floor double bedroom is bright and really spacious. The kitchen is nicely equipped with a full sized electric oven, gas hobs, double sinks and a microwave - though there’s no dishwasher. However, if you want domestic help, Michela will happily organise it for you!

If you simply want to chill and be discreetly pampered in deliciously exclusive surroundings, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more perfect spot. Or if you want an elegant base from which to explore the art, the wines and the culture of glorious Tuscany, then stop searching - I think you've just found what you are looking for!