"Essence" escape: 1 night at Altarocca Wine Resort in Orvieto

Spend one night at Altarocca Wine Resort, in the Umbrian countryside just outside Orvieto, surrounded by organic vineyards and olive groves. The resort combines accommodation, its own winery and olive-oil production in one setting, making wine a natural part of the stay.

Your accommodation is in Villa Gualtieri, a spacious suite designed for two. Terracotta floors and soft natural tones are paired with a comfortable king-size bed, a bright mosaic bathroom with a large rainfall shower and a sitting corner. Each suite also has a private panoramic patio furnished for outdoor relaxation, looking out over the Umbrian landscape.

Included in the stay is a guided tasting of 4 organic wines from Cantina Altarocca, led by the resort’s Sommelier or Hospitality manager on the panoramic terrace of Villa Gualtieri. The tasting introduces the estate’s organic approach and the different styles produced around Orvieto, with the Sommelier explaining the wines, the production philosophy and their connection with the surrounding vineyards.

Cantina Altarocca’s range gives you a broad picture of the local wine landscape, from sparkling whites and rosés to Orvieto Classico DOC whites and more structured Umbrian reds. Its production includes wines such as Rilievo, a Metodo Classico sparkling white; Mosaico, a sparkling rosé; Arcosesto, an Orvieto Classico DOC white; Albaco, an Orvieto Classico Superiore DOC white; and reds such as Librato Rosso Orvietano DOC, Lavico Umbria IGT and Rosso d’Altarocca Merlot Umbria IGT. The exact four labels served are selected by the winery.

The wines are accompanied by a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, like Prosciutto, salciccia and pecorino, adding a savoury Umbrian element to the tasting.

The rest of your stay is free to enjoy the resort and the countryside around Orvieto. During the summer season, you can also make use of the outdoor pools, including the quieter Gualtieri Pool close to Villa Gualtieri. The resort also has its own restaurant, wine spa and panoramic gym, which can be enjoyed separately according to availability and the services selected.

 The following morning, breakfast is included, with a generous sweet and savoury selection. The table can include organic jams, fresh eggs, locally produced yogurt and ricotta, pastries, warm bread, homemade biscuits and cakes, local cured meats and cheeses, fresh fruit, cereals, smoked salmon, bacon and muffins, together with coffee, cappuccino, teas and fruit juices. In warmer months, breakfast can be enjoyed on the panoramic terrace.