The vision of Tuscany in most travellers minds is one of undeniable beauty, no matter what aspect is being imagined. You may picture wine tastings, likely in a gorgeous grove among rolling hills. Or you might imagine the cuisine, authentic Italian dishes in the blissful sunshine. Naturally, villa holidays in Tuscany live up to this picturesque standard. However, to really get a taste of the Tuscan lifestyle, the Borgo Pignano Estate offers everything you could dream of and more, making a strong argument to compete among the top luxury eststaes in Italy. For this blog, we spoke to the team at Borgo Pignano to get their unqiue insights into exactly what makes this Tuscany Estate so special for every guest.
Whether you want to visit Tuscany in autumn to watch the leaves change colour or in summer to bask in the peak heat in a luxury villa with a pool by your side, this estate awaits for those seeking superb standards of service, relaxation and lots of recreational opportunities. Read on to discover why you should visit Borgo Pignano this year…
Describe a Villa Holiday in Tuscany at the Borgo Pignano Estate
It’s hard to define and categorise a luxury holiday at this villa estate. The space is among the most stunning aspects, with 750 acres of lush vegetation rolling back as far as the eye can see. At Borgo Pignano, the rural Tuscan scenery reaches its pinnacle. This green paradise sits atop a hill, for optimal photo opportunities, between the medieval towns of Volterra and San Gimignano. Conveniently, the estate is just under an hour from both Pisa and Florence’s airports. Thanks to this, you can easily maximise your time and fit in as many activities as you desire.
This historic estate invites guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. There’s a wide variety of excursions to entertain every taste; nature and arts lovers, wellness enthusiasts, culinary adventurers, as well as those desiring relaxing countryside stays. Everyone can find enjoyment on their holidays in the Tuscan hills.
Borgo Pignano is an idyllic retreat blending luxury, culture, and timeless beauty so that guests enjoy an unparalleled Tuscany holiday. But above all, it aims to preserve and protect the natural environment wherever possible. Borgo Pignano’s commitment to sustainable tourism and hospitality practices has resulted in the accolade of Condé Nast Johansens’ 2019 Award of Excellence in Sustainability. Organic farming practices interweave with the agriculture, supported by the dedicated herbalist and a beekeeper, whose bee-hives contribute to the biodiversity and overall health of the ecosystem. Self-sufficiency is a goal for the team at Borgo Pignano. Wines and olive oils are produced on site, as well as much of the harvest being used in the restaurants. So, if you’re looking for a sustainable summer holiday in Italy, this is the place for you!
Where to Wine and Dine
When it comes to the dining experience, Borgo Pignano features exceptional venues – just make sure you come hungry! Firstly, we have Villa Pignano, the estate’s Green Michelin Star restaurant. This sustainable, gourmet eatery is helmed by Chef Stefano Cavallini, who crafts contemporary interpretations of classic Italian dishes. As Italy is agriculturally abundant, the majority of the ingredients are fresh and local; some are even sourced directly from Borgo Pignano Estate!
During the summer months, the Al Fresco Restaurant offers a more informal setting. The menu here is full of refreshing dishes, as well as delectable wood-fired pizzas. For a communal dining experience, guests can gather around the large table near the fireplace in the original kitchen. Watch the chefs at work while you relax in pure summer bliss!
Of course, the stay is not all about food. Drinks are just as important, especially when the setting is so stunning! Sunset cocktails are the best way to enjoy those warm late afternoons. As the day winds down, guests can head to the outdoor bar that doubles as one of the many panoramic viewpoints on the estate. Here, you can sample the expertly crafted cocktails while watching the sun set over the rolling Tuscan hills. This serene experience provides the perfect conclusion to a day of exploration and indulgence.
Additionally, if you plan to expand your palate, you can take part in a true sensory journey with the wine tasting sessions available to you. Surely a staple for luxury holidays in Italy, these wine tastings are the perfect introduction to local culture. The wines showcased at Borgo Pignano highlight the estate’s own organic and biodynamic wines. By talking through the winemaking process with experts, you really learn to appreciate the nuanced flavours of Tuscany’s renowned wines.
What to Do for Fitness and Wellness
HORSE-RIDING
One of the most poignant experiences the estate offers is horse-riding in Tuscany through the estate’s picturesque terrains. This is a guided activity, so it caters to both novice and experienced riders. Take a journey through the dappled sunshine in the woodland areas for a charcuterie picnic, and form memorable bonds with these majestic creatures. Children and adults alike are sure to enjoy the experience, which grants a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.
YOGA
To really emphasise the regenerative aspects of villa holidays in Tuscany, Borgo Pignano provides both private and group yoga sessions designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness. These classes are held in various tranquil settings, including an indoor yoga room, the spacious hall at the La Fonte farmhouse, or outdoors on the villa’s lawned terrace, allowing guests to connect deeply with their surroundings.
WALKS, HIKES, AND BIKES
The estate’s expansive woodlands and fields serve as a perfect backdrop for walking tours and treks. Situated within a major game reserve and at the crossroads of the Berignone and Castelvecchio natural reserves, the area offers trails suitable for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes. Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter various species, including partridges, pheasants, roe deer, and foxes. For cycling enthusiasts, Borgo Pignano provides gravel, mountain, and electric bikes, allowing guests to traverse the picturesque landscapes at their own pace.
SPA TREATMENTS
The on-site spa offers a range of treatments aimed at rejuvenating the body and mind. Guests can indulge in massages and therapies that utilise natural and organic ingredients sourced from the estate’s own herb and flower gardens. On a luxury holiday in Tuscany, relaxation is of the utmost importance. So, the team at Borgo Pignano make sure the spa is a pure haven for every guest.
Immerse Yourself in Culture
CLASSIC CARS
Automobile aficionados will appreciate Borgo Pignano’s collection of vintage Italian vehicles, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the country’s rich automotive history. This collection isn’t just a show of record-breaking cars with the highest price points. It pedestals history, looking at the revolutionary machines that turned Italy into a reputable name in the automotive industry. Alongside Vespers, Topolinos, and original Alfa Romeros, one can also find unique collectors items, whose names only ring bells to devoted fans.
SUMMER CONCERTS
During the summer months, the estate hosts a series of concerts featuring a diverse range of musical genres. Your villa holidays in Tuscany are best experienced with a musical accompaniment to soundtrack your days. These events provide an enchanting ambiance under the Tuscan sky, perfectly paired with a glass of champagne!
TRUFFLE HUNTING
Expert guides and their trained dogs are on hand for truffle-hunting expeditions through the estate’s woodlands. This unique experience culminates in a tasting session where guests can savour their finds in specially prepared dishes. Truffles are among the finest, delicacies in Italy, but experiencing them from the source is unbeatable.
TOURS
With the guided tours through the estate, guests can gain precious insight into the rich history and sustainable practices of Borgo Pignano. Explore the organic gardens, vineyards, and historic buildings that define this remarkable agricultural landscape. You can also try your hand at helping out the team on the ground!
ART COLLECTION
Borgo Pignano rooms and public areas are adorned with paintings and drawings by artists connected to Tuscany and Borgo Pignano. The collection includes works by renowned modern and contemporary British artists, as well as pieces created during residencies by students and alumni of The Royal Drawing School. Walking through the hallowed gallery halls, you really can feel the emotion and culture that weaves into each piece.
Explore a Range of Classes and Workshops
ARTISANAL WORKSHOPS
Can’t sit still on holiday? Well, Borgo Pignano has a plethora of artisanal workshops to make sure you stay entertained while developing and discovering skills. Delve into traditional crafts with workshops that highlight local artisanal techniques. These sessions provide hands-on experiences, allowing guests to create unique souvenirs under the guidance of skilled artisans. Parents and children can participate; take part in soap-making using herbs from the land surrounding the luxury Tuscany villas, and learn about hand-printing silk scarves.
PAINTING CLASSES
Drawing inspiration from the stunning Tuscan scenery, Borgo Pignano offers painting classes suitable for all skill levels. Participants can capture the essence of the landscape while receiving personalised instruction. There’s nothing quite like looking out at the sun-kissed scenery with a paintbrush in hand, living the Italian holiday dream.
COOKING CLASSES
Villa holidays in Tuscany are without a doubt culinarily inspiring. At Borgo Pignano, guests can take advantage of this and discover the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine through immersive cooking classes. Utilise fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from Borgo Pignano’s gardens to craft traditional dishes under the expert tutelage of skilled chefs.
Where to Stay on a Tuscan Getaway
Villa La Fonte
Seeking privacy and comfort on your villa holidays in Tuscany? Then Villa La Fonte is for you. This elegant villa in Tuscany features spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, a private pool, and a sundeck with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Each of the 5 bedrooms, sleeping up to 11 guests in total, embody the balance of both rustic elegance and luxury. This Tuscany villa, steeped in floral aromas from the surrounding gardens and an inimitable sense of peace, also sits beside the lake that suppplies the sustainable irrigation system – take in the view, with a purpose! Every part of this villa assures you that it deserves to be known as one of the best luxury villas in Tuscany.
Villa Il Poggio & Villa Il Poggiarello
For large group villa holidays in Italy, the 4-bedroom Villa Il Poggio and 2-bedroom Villa Il Poggiarello are the perfect choice. These neighbouring properties are perched atop a hill to allow for some of the best views on the estate! They can also be taken as individual properties or together to form a 6-bedroom option that sleeps up to 12 guests. This way, the space is expanded greatly with plenty of Tuscan architecture to admire. The traditional style of these newly refurbished villas is complemented by contemporary furnishings, private gardens, and infinity pools, so they serve as a perfect sanctuary for relaxation or private celebration holidays. The layout also means it is perfect for Tuscany family holidays with multiple families, as there is plenty of space for kids to explore and adults to relax!
Thank you to the wonderful team at the Borgio Pignano Estate for these lovely glimpses into this gorgeous holiday destination. If you’re looking for villa holidays, Tuscany has some of the best options out there. And on top of that, the Borgo Pignano Estate, with its wealth of natural beauty, activities, and luxury properties, easily boasts some of the top villas in Italy!
If you need more convincing on why the Borgo Pignano Estate is perfect for you, or you’d like to enquire about our portfolio of luxury villas, get in touch. Send us an email, or give us a call on +44 (0)1202 203656; our team of summer holiday experts are ready to help you decide! Keep up to date on Instagram, Facebook and our other blog posts for more inspiration on luxury villas and destinations.
