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Back to Chianti Classico
Dear In Italy,
We had a great time-the farmhouse was wonderful-was hard to communicate as Giuliana that spoke english was rarely available. We did manage to convey our needs to the older lady that was at breakfast each day. I'm not sure if we owed for one breakfast. They are having drought and water conservation concerns, so the washer was not available-would be nice to let people know that-we planned on washing and didn't have enough clothes-hand washed what we could, there is no self laundry in Greve and we were told that getting you laundry returned quickly is somewhat risky if you send it out. We are very resilient and just bought a few new things. I would be glad to recommend your company to our friends. Again thanks for your service.....
Susan and Joseph J.
Dear In Italy,
We were very pleased with the accommodations we booked through you. The owners were wonderful-friendly and helpful. When we got there there was no hot water, and they fixed the problem immediately. The Chianti region was as blissful as we'd been told, beautiful countryside, and cool enough for sweaters in the evening-in July! It was definitely the best part of our time in Italy. Not sure if this is a "hidden treasure" but after staying in Chianti we went to the Apuan Alp region. The mountains and towns were beautiful and it was somewhat off the beaten path-fewer tourists like us, also fewer people speaking English. We didn't like the place we stayed-La Lanterna Hotel near Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, but were only there for two nights. We were in Rome for 4 days before leaving and it was too hot and crowded-I would definitely steer people away from Rome in July or August. We were expecting this-but could only travel then and had to see all the "neat old stuff." Let me know if you would like any other feedback or for us to post a review of our place. Thank you for making our trip so pleasant and memorable.
John M.
Dear In Italy Online,
We booked two unique accommodations with you for our recent trip to Tuscany, and each was a delight in its own way. The first was "Chianti Classico" in Lamole run by Paolo and Juliane. You definitely need to have your own car to stay here as it is set along a narrow winding road about 15 minutes into the hills from Greve in Chianti. But the charm of this place is unmistakable and the hosts are warm and friendly. After a hectic day of sightseeing in local Firenze or Siena, it was wonderful to escape back to our pastoral farmhouse and drink wine overlooking the vineyards and rolling hills of Chianti. Definitely try some of Paolo's own wine (available for purchase onsite) as it is very good! Also, the local Ristoro di Lamole about 3 minutes away in the town of Lamole has fantastic food and a great view of the valley and hills around Greve.
Both of the properties where we stayed were lovely, charming and somewhat remote and we felt very lucky to have identified them through In Italy Online prior to landing in Italy as we would have never found them otherwise!
Thanks again,
Scott K.
Dear In Italy,
Never before have I been compelled to write a review after traveling; however, I feel it is imperative that I extol my stay at Chianti Classico. First, Paolo is a most gracious host. He obviously takes pride in his property and is available for anything a guest may need. For instance, he gladly called to make winery reservations for us and offered to show us his own winery as well. Also, the property is outstanding. The descriptions on the website do not begin to do justice for the charming apartment. The rustic look of brick walls and large beams is combined with up to date kitchen appliances and details such as a lighted cabinet for wine glasses and track lighting in the bathrooms. While we were visiting, Paolo added a picnic table and benches outside of our front door. What better place to enjoy local Pecorino and Chianti than at his picnic table overlooking the vineyards at sunset?
We will, without a doubt, return to Paolo’s spectacular “villa”. After a number of trips to Italy, “Chianti Classico” is one of the few properties that we feel we must visit again.
I hope that this letter will also find Paolo, and that you will express our genuine thanks for an outstanding visit to the wine country.
Many thanks,
Ashley Y.
Dear In Italy,
Thank you very much for recommending this B&B in the Tuscany area. It was just what we were looking for. Fortunately our stay there was during the wine festivals of the Chianti region. (Mid-September).
The room we stayed in was very clean and simple. I would like to point out that the windows did not have screens and the vineyard area is kind of buggy... Breakfast was simple and pleasant: some meats and cheese, fruit salad, toast and jams, cereal, cafe/tea/juice all self serve buffet style. Didn’t have time to use the above ground pool, but at least it was there.
I am not sure if we met the owners or the manager when we were there. Other people seem to have written very positively about them. Our interaction was minimal at check in and at check out for a few seconds. Paolo was not there - perhaps on his own vacation? Besides the wine festival I recommend a trip to Greve to check out the tourist square - grab picnic foods and find your own lunch spot with a view.
Thank you for all your help
Daniel P.
Dear Jessica,
We had a great time. Pleasant people, Great scenery, delicious food. What else you could wish for. We enjoyed meeting with Juliana and Paolo. Thank Kristina and Fabio for helping us to book this villa.
Inna and Boris O.
Greetings:
Dorothy and I had a great time on our honeymoon in chianti. Juliana was a fantastic host with wonderful breakfasts everyday plus helpful hints on local travel and sightseeing. The best part of the area is the restaurant Lamole and the country backroads to Volpaia, Radda, Greve, Castelina, Sienna, etc. The farmhouse one bedroom apartment was so charming and delightful to visit. We cried as we drove away on to our next stop in Sienna. We enjoyed our visit with Paolo and Juliana so much that we have been recommending Chianti Classico and initaly.com to all of our friends. We had a wonderful visit to this magical area. OHHHH the wines and the food! Fantastico!!!!
Ciao
PS. be sure to recommend provincial road maps-they were very helpful
Carmen P.
Dear Julie ---
Chianti Classico: We were truly amazed and astounded by the beauty and simplicity of this amazing property and the surrounding countryside. We'd been to Florence, but not the Tuscan countryside, and we actually regretted only having three days to spend there. If, or should I say when, we go back to Italy, it will be to Lamole. It's definitely off the beaten track, but we were prepared for that (thanks to your information and your former guests' feedback), and it was absolutely worth the extra drive time. We flew from Brindisi to Rome, and drove to Lamole from Rome.
I suggest Initaly advise guests checking into Chianti Classico to call the hosts ahead of time to let them know their anticipated general arrival time. Many former guests have commented on this, and we thought we were prepared for it, but we ended up being thwarted by an out-of-order phone. We weren't instructed to call ahead, and I fully expected to find no one on the premises, and then planned to back track to the "town" (Ristoro di Lamole and the church). When we got to the town, prepared to call the phone numbers we were instructed to call, the phone was out of order! We tried asking for help, but there was no other public phone. We saw a car go back up the hill, toward the B&B, so we drove back, and found a lovely American couple, also guests of the B&B, who let us in so that we could call Paolo and tell him we were checking in.
When Paolo arrived, he said he was told by your contact in Italy that we'd be checking in the following day. Anyway, it ended up working out. He had our room for us, and we were good to go. I have to say, coming from our previous tiny room which lacked privacy, I cannot tell you how thrilled we were to see this room. It was on the ground floor, and it was HUGE! And, it was beautiful, and it was renovated, and the plumbing was amazingly modern! We just could not get over the beauty of this restored farmhouse and its environs. My husband ran out with our digital camera and took about 85 photos, just that night. Paolo was informative, charming, and funny, and his wife is absolutely lovely. The breakfasts were perfect: simple, fresh and delicious. Everything was so easy here.
And the views! The memories I have of just sitting at our little picnic table, outside our room, listening to music and the quiet of the countryside, overlooking the vineyards...just thinking of it brings tears to my eyes. Oh, and did I mention our host's delicious Lamole di Lamole wine? Available (for a price, of course, but soooo inexpensive!) to all the guests, any time they want it. And plenty of water and delicious olive oil to purchase as well. And freedom! Nobody bothering you ever, unless you want them too. We didn't have any problem with the hosts not being on premises. We had their phone numbers, and they had told us where they lived, just down the road.
And, speaking of down the road: that Ristoro di Lamole!! I had read such wonderful comments from former patrons, but we were still amazed at how incredibly delectable the food and wine were at this amazing restaurant. We ate there all three nights, had a beautiful table on the terrace, with an unbelievable view of the vineyards and the lights of Castellina beyond. We got to know the wonderful owners and most of the staff. They were such fun, relaxed, warm, and friendly people. The only problem was not having enough time to try every single item on their menu. And, the wine list is, of course, fantastic, but what would you expect in Chianti? We tried so many different Chiantis, one better than the other, my head was spinning.
Speaking of wine tasting, we lucked out and ended up in the area the day of the wine tasting in Greve in Chianti. It was an amazing experience. Three long booths set up in the square with all the new Chiantis -- eight tastings (and they were good sized tasting, and nobody was spitting back out) for eight euros. We got our bread from the bakery, and our prosciutto, pecorino, and salami, from Maccelleria Falorni in the square, and of course our Chianti, and we, along with quite a few other people, had ourselves a little picnic. The Macceleria is a stunning place! We took loads of photos. It's really a tourist attraction. But, be forewarned: I don't know if they do this every day, but that day, they closed at 1:00 p.m., which I thought was odd for a shop selling food. Thank God we got there before one.
Oh, and that Saturday was also Market Day in Greve, so we absolutely hit the jackpot. We loved Greve so much, we didn't go anywhere else that day. We also loved Siena. We'd been to Florence, which of course we loved, and found Siena to be just as charming and beautiful a city, with less of the crowds one encounters in Florence. We loved having lunch in the fan-shaped square in Siena, despite all the tourist warnings. (Who cares? The pizza was great, of course, and we were craving pizza that day.)
We were very sad to have to leave the B&B and Lamole. We also wished we'd had time to visit some of the other nearby towns (Panzano, Radda, Castellina etc.), but it was on to Umbria for us.
Jayne F.
Dear In Italy,
We then headed toward our next place to stay, Chianti Classico, stopping in Carrera, only about 40 minutes south of Levanto, to see the marble mines in the mountains where Michaelangelo (and it seems the entire world) got his marble. Marble must be like linoleum there. The number of marble yards around the city is astounding, all containing 6x6 ft blocks of the stuff. I guess this isn't on most tour group itineraries, but we liked it, even in the rain. I was a little worried about our place near Lamole, after the guest comments of how far it was of the beaten track. Getting there (because you are anxious and don't know where you are going) seems farther than it really is, once you've done it once. But we did have a problem getting into our room. We found the place, and got the phone number (there were several different numbers) at the door. We didn't get any local number from you on our information to call. We went back to Lamole, which seemed deserted except for a couple of men working on the church tower. The restaurant was closed (the only business in town) but we saw a pay phone outside it. The pay phone wouldn't take our coins. Maybe it only took phone cards, but we didn't have a card. We were perplexed as to what to do. So we tried to get some help from one of the workers. He called a woman who came out from inside the church. We tried to communicate, then she knocked on the door of an old woman's home. We tried to talk to the woman and showed her the card with Paolo's number. Then she called upstairs and down came a young student who actually spoke a little English to translate--we thought she looked like an angel. The women were all very nice and helpful. The older woman invited us in and called several of the numbers but didn't get anyone. We decided to go back to the place and see if perhaps someone was there. The old woman told us to come back to her if we still needed help. Back at Chianti Classico we looked around a little more. Just as I discovered one of the doors was open, the owner drove up. She was apologetic. Apparently she had spent all day trying to find someplace to do the laundry. With her were stacks and stacks of folded fresh white towels and linens. The property was beautiful, with a view over the valley and vineyards. Rows of irises were in bloom. The common area where breakfast was served was beautiful, with a fireplace that we used, and had to ourselves. Candles were also available in that room. Very romantic--a consolation since it rained our first night and day there. Our room was nice, but not plush. It was like staying in a Shakespearean play--the house is really 400 or 500 years old. But everything worked fine. Hot water and everything. I loved the character. Outside our room was another room with a large original fireplace (unused for fires). The only minus was that it was pretty cold. In hot summer months it is probably welcomed, but in May (especially with the rain) it was chilly. So we liked using the common area fireplace. It was especially quiet--only one other party was in a guest house. No cars and no close neighbors. We ate at the Ristoro di Lamole, the closest place to eat. The food was very good. Loved the bread soup and the rabbit. But the staff atmosphere was more reserved than anywhere else we ate in Italy. It was a fine restaurant and they seemed to know it! It seemed sort of unusual for this little restaurant (the only business in town) to have that atmosphere. But then again, they gave us complimentary limoneira at the end of the meal! We really wanted to eat there again, but after driving back after a long day of sightseeing in Siena, we found out that the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays. (It's also closed between 2:30 and 7:30 every other day.) So we got back in the car and drove to Panzano, not really that far--about a 10 minute drive. We never met Paolo, but only his wife and her helper. They were very nice. Breakfasts were good. I miss the pecorino (goat) cheese we had at every breakfast. We had bruschetta one morning and a great almond and cherry torte. Of course the yogurt, cereal, juice, meat and bread. One unusual plus--they didn't just make you one cappuccino or an espresso (as we experienced at all other places in Europe we stayed). They set out carafes of Latte or coffee (dark enough to be espresso). Coffee drinkers rejoice! We filled our cups a few times.
A comment about the drive and location of this place: We are used to driving (we're Californians) and enjoy it, so it didn't bother us and the road didn't seemed inordinately winding or even steep. We found it a fine place to enjoy the beauty away from the tourist towns that we visited during the day. And the drive back and forth was simply more sightseeing. There are plenty of wineries, castles and small picturesque towns everywhere (also a herd of cashmere goats that take great photos). Next time I might also choose a place where the owner was on premises. In a foreign country when it's hard to understand what is going on and where things are, it is nice to have someone at the place you are staying to ask questions of, even if you have to mime a little. We did see the owners at breakfast. In Florence we stayed in a B&B that we found at the train station. Or rather it found us. A woman was trying to fill the rooms at her B&B. It had been her family home and now she and her husband made it into a B & B. It was great to talk with them. She marked on a map what to see and what her opinion was of places. She also marked restaurants that the locals go to that aren't the typical tourist restaurants. She made our trip feel more authentic. I could tell you more details if you are interested.
Kim F.
Julie-
Thanks for the welcome home. We did have a wonderful time. We enjoyed both accommodations you helped us arrange as well as the car rental - it was a blessing to not have to deal with arranging that.
Since you asked, a few comments!
Chianti Classico - very nice, Paulo is very charming and we enjoyed talked to him about his vinyards. We had a LOT of trouble finding the place. Since we had never been to Tuscany before, we didn't appreciate just how far off the beaten path it was. We turned around twice because we didn't expect it to be on a dirt road. It might be helpful in the directions to put some distances in there or even just a note that it is on a dirt road so people don't give up. Also, I think it is pretty customary in Italy not to have your linens changed daily but in our four days there, we didn't have one change. In addition, one day we didn't even have our bed made or towels refreshed. It may have been an oversight. We were disappointed to learn that they had sold out of their olive oil - I guess we will have to go earlier next time!
The restaurant you recommended in the materials that are sent out (I think the name was just Lamole restaurant) was some of the best food we had in all of Italy. The staff there is super and we even went back a second time. Wonderful!
While it is over a hours drive from Lamole we really enjoyed our lunch and tour of Banfi vinyards. For $33 a person, we had a four course lunch with different wine at each course. I would definatly recommend that! Anyway, thanks again for everything. We enjoyed working with In Italy and will call on you again.
Jennifer S.
Hello Cynthia,
It was difficult to hear about the tragedy in the U.S. while we were in Italy. The Italians were really lovely to us and very sympathetic. The friendliness of the great people we met helped make it a wonderful vacation despite our sadness.
We really loved Chianti Classico. However,if youre afraid of heights the drive up can be scarey. Once there, the view is spectacular! Paulo was a great help in planning our days. We had a good chuckle listening to him go from English, to Italian, to German language at breakfast.
Unfortunately it was really unseasonably cold while we were there in early September, and we didn't bring appropriate warm clothes. We missed out on some of the hikes that sounded interesting.
We highly recommend Paulo's Chianti Classico 1996! Truly one of the best wines we've tasted.
We had two really good dinners at the resteraunt in Lamole, and the staff made sure we felt welcome. They brought us a variety of grappa to try at the end of our meal. It was pretty strong for us soft Americans, but we appreciated the gesture. They told us, "Drink more wine! It will make the drive down the mountain easier, less stressful!" Such an Italian thing to say.
Thank you for helping us to find Fattoria in Lamole. We'll be back one day.
Christy S
Dear In Italy,
The next place we stayed was in Tuscany at Chianti Classico. The view of the vineyards from our window each morning was breathtaking. Out host family the Socci's were delightful and very helpful with directions and places to visit. The restaurant "Ristoro de Lamole" right up the road was one of the best places we ate in Italy.
The McGeehans
Hello,
I have one or two comments. The Lamole ring walk, starting and ending near the church in Lamole, is relatively easy to hike, takes no more than five hours even if you take lots of breaks, and offers a variety of terrain and plant life, plus spectacular views--this is a must for anyone moderately fit and staying at the fattoria. Also, the restaurant in Lamole had the best food and service of anywhere we dined while in Tuscana, including Siena and Firenze. As for the inn itself, it was well-managed and comfortable, although the absence of anyone there when checking in is a little disconcerting. Given the historic significance of the building, I was glad there was a shower at all, but it must be the smallest rigid enclosure I have been in, which therefore excludes my sleeping bag. The breakfasts were certainly superior to the expresso and bread served elsewhere in Italy, but for $120 per day I think that is to be expected. I would stay again at Fattoria di Lamole, should we return to Tuscana some day.
Knowles P.
Dear In Italy,
Yes, it is hard to reach! But once you get to Chianti Classico and see your first sunset high in the hills of the Chianti region, you'll soon realize just what a privileged location this is. This is not the place to stay if you just have a few days to visit Florence & Siena. This is a place to unwind with a few good books and as many bottles of Chianti Classico. Greve in Chianti is as delightful as any small town in Italy. You'll fall in love with its Centro and the friendliness of its people.
Arnaldo L.
Dear In Italy,
The hosts at Chianti Classico were fantastic; friendly, helpful and gracious. Tell others that it is hard to find, but worth the effort. No tv. Pack a wash cloth. Ask hosts for castles in the ares. We went to Castle Brolio and ate the best luch in all of Italy at the castle. Siena was great, Florence was remarkable. We have already recommended friends to contact you. Thanks for your help.
The Hamiltons
Dear In Italy,
Chianti Classico was in an especially lovely setting and the fruhstucken (German breakfasts) were wonderful. The only thing that I would suggest is to remind travelers to call their agriturismos the day before to let them know of their specific arrival (for Lamole, there is no "concierge"; however, if notified of your arrival, they will meet you there with keys). My only regret is not having purchased another bottle of the wonderful grappa before leaving.
Regards,
J&G C.
Hi, Cynthia,
Yes . . . our trip was wonderful. Chianti Classico was just charming. The views were absolutely incredible; in a word the setting was peaceful -- from the irises to the rolling vineyards. The drive either from Greve or from Panzano is not for the faint of heart -- huge cliffs. But, it is absolutely gorgeous. I definitely didn't think it would be as remote as it was -- this made it wonderful, but it also added a good chunk of time onto any driving trip. A 9K drive through that region could take you and hour because you can't just zip around the curves.
Paolo and his wife were really wonderful. We only met Paolo this last morning, but chatted with him for a long time.
We had a little mishap the first night. Someone in our party turned on her hairdryer and blew the fuse. So, we really got the country experience - we were in the dark all night. And had no warm water in the morning. But, the owners fixed it by afternoon.
One thing I wasn't expecting is that they have a darling kitchen in the main house and welcome you to make food if you'd like. Which is great for an extended stay. Also, they have bottled water available and wine from their own vineyard -- both to be purchased, of course.
One suggestion -- it was very confusing when we arrived because Paolo and his wife do not live there. There were no signs as to where we should get keys or how we could reach them. One of the other guests -- who didn't speak English -- pointed to a business card lying on a table. No instructions, though. So, I called that number and asked for Paolo. He wasn't there, but another women came to meet us and give us the keys. It would have been terribly confusing for someone who didn't speak Italian. So, the check-in process could be a bit smoother.
Other than that, we really had a wonderful time. Plus, we got engaged in Venice. So, I wouldn't remember anything bad anyway. Thanks much! I've already referred several people to your web site and will visit it the next time I am fortunate enough to travel to Italia.
Liz M.
Cynthia,
We had a wonderful time in Chianti Classico and in Medieval Castle in Umbria. We have found in both places what we were looking for and much more!
At Fattoria di Lamola, we had the chance to spend hours under the sun of Tuscany, gazing at the wineyards and the hills. When we first got there, we couldn't believe that this was the place...we thought that this was too good to be true. On all 4 nights we've stayed there, we ate a Restoro Di Lamole and this is where I've tasted the best food in all Italy.
Louis T.
Dear Cynthia,
We really enjoyed Italy and particularly our stay at Chianti Classico. We thought the farmhouse was tastefully redone, the room was spacious and the setting was magnificent. The Socci's were gracious hosts-- Paolo spent time giving us ideas of where to visit in the area and my wife conversed quite a bit with Juliana- who was very friendly--in German. We ended up eating most of the time at the local Ristoro di Lamole which was excellent-- very nice staff there. So all in all, we were extremely happy and would love to go back there someday. The only thing I might, in fairness warn other prospective clients about is that it is a relatively long drive at night back from either Panzano or Greve to the B&B if you decide to eat out. Especially after sharing a bottle of Chianti, those winding roads can be a challenge. But we survived!
Thanks
Lon D.
Dear Cynthia,
You must warn your clients to persevere on the road up to the property as it first turns to gravel from pavement, and then narrows to a single track. Your directions are so good, however, that visitors, if they have patience for just a few minutes longer than seems right, will invariably and inevitably arrive.
The property's rustic qualities are softened by the care the owners have taken in ensuring comfortable furnishings and just the right degree of attentiveness to ensure a pleasant stay. The views from the house are as lovely as any in Tuscany. We were treated to a spectacular display of thunder and lightning one night.
Chianti Classico is wonderfully situated for daytripping to the major sites of Tuscany and that was the principle activity of all the guests. The local restaurant, serving several bed and breakfast operations in the neighbourhood in addition to the local villagers, is about a mile down the road. It served quality fare, and was staffed by a charming and attentive staff. We ate there the first night, and every other night of our stay except the one night of the week the restaurant is closed. That night we dined at the fattoria on local breads, sausage and wine. Too great a distance to dinner was felt an unacceptable damper on our enjoyment of wine with the meal. After all, this is the heart of Chianti!
When we return to Chianti, it will be to Chianti Classico.
Cynthia, I want to remind you that when I originally booked, I got my dates screwed up and booked four nights when I only wanted three at Lamole. You very graciously arranged for a refund of the unused night. I also recruited you to arrange for an extra room for a friend at Le Magnolie. You managed to get us a room in the hotel, but when we arrived, they were distraught to have to tell us that there was no room in the hotel and that our friend would have to settle for a suite in Le Magnolie itself. No extra charge of course. You should have seen the suite! Delightful, and very special for our friend who played the princess. Thank you for putting us in the care of such a first class establishment.
Best wishes,
James C
Dear In Italy,
This is an excellent location with good breakfast. It's near many delightful small villages and wonderful country side. A car is a must. I will definitely recommend this to friends.
Jim and Crystal F.