"Essence" escape: 1 night at Menegola Winery in Valtellina

Your one-night stay takes place at Nebbiolo Wine B&B by Cantina Menegola, set among the terraced vineyards of Valtellina in Castione Andevenno, a little over 2 hours from Milan by car. The Menegola family has been part of the local wine tradition since the 19th century, with Nebbiolo at the centre of its production.

After settling into your room, you join a 90-minute guided tasting in the winery’s tasting room. A member of the hospitality team leads you through 5 wines, showing how Nebbiolo can express itself in different styles across this mountain territory.

The tasting begins with Inciso, a fresh 100% Nebbiolo rosé, before moving to two Valtellina Superiore DOCG reds: Orante 2019, elegant and balanced, and Rupestre Sassella 2022, a more mineral expression from older vines. You then taste Riserva 2021 Sassella DOCG, with greater depth and structure, before finishing with Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 2016. Made from partially dried Nebbiolo grapes, Sforzato offers a richer and more concentrated expression while retaining the freshness typical of Valtellina.

The wines are accompanied by a board of local products, including proucts like Bresaola della Valtellina and Bitto cheese, bringing some of the region’s most recognisable flavours to the tasting.

The rest of the evening is left free, so you can choose where to have dinner and explore the surrounding area at your own pace before returning for your overnight stay.

The following morning, breakfast is included, giving you a relaxed start to the day before departure.