Foodie Retreat to Castello di Potentino in Tuscany. October 7th-12th

Join Marnie from Solstice Savory Pies for an enchanting foodie retreat at Castello di Potentino, a 1000-year-old Tuscan castle beautifully restored by Charlotte Horton and her Bohemian British family. Beyond its rustic charm and sophisticated elegance, this retreat offers an authentic experience of Tuscany's rich culture and cuisine. Relish gourmet meals prepared by local chefs, enjoy the finest estate wines, and enjoy an afternoon at a celebrated Brunello region winery. Embrace the tranquility of foraging on the property and the tradition of harvesting grapes to make wine with ancient Etruscan stones. This retreat is not just about discovery, but also relaxation—immerse yourself in the real Tuscany, away from the crowds, in a serene environment that encourages you to unwind and soak in the beauty and simplicity of Tuscan life.

October 7th-12th 2024

5 Nights/ 6 Days

6 Double rooms (1-2 guests) room & board: $3200   

2 Triple rooms (up to 3 guests) room & board: (2 guests)- $3200- (3 guests)-$3900

Includes:

Five gourmet dinners by local chefs/ Five Continental breakfasts/ Three lunches/ Artisan Cocktails and Wine every night. A bottle of Castello di Potentino wine and a special gift bag in your room.    

Activities, excursions, pool, exploration of the property and accommodations in the beautifully restored 1000 year old castle on Etruscan grounds for you to explore, swim and relax. 

         Monday, October 7th

• 4:00 PM: Check-in
• 5:30 to 7:00 PM: Wine tasting with Charlotte and her own wines.
• 7:30PM: Dinner made by guest chef with Castello di Potentino wine at the Castle.

         Tuesday, October 8th

• 7am to 10am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
• 9:30am to 10:30am Optional: Run/hike with Marnie 
• Midday: Making cheese with local cheesemaker followed by Lunch
• 5:30 to 6:30PM: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset
• 7:30PM: Dinner made by guest chef with Castello di Potentino wine at the Castle

         Wednesday, October 9th

• 7am to 10am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
• Free day for guests to explore local hot springs or hilltop villages
• 5:30 to 6:30PM: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset
• 7:30PM: Dinner made by guest chef with Castello di Potentino wine at the Castle

         Thursday, October 10th

• 7am to 10am: Self- serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
• 9am to 10am: Optional: Run/hike with Marnie
• 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM: Lunch, wine tasting, and tour of the beautiful Poggio Rubino Winery in the famous Brunello wine region. Then a couple hours exploring the hilltop village Montalcino. (shuttle included)
• 5:30 to 6:30 PM: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset
• 7:30PM: Dinner made by guest chef with Castello di Potentino wine at the Castle

         Friday, October 11th

• 7am to 10am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
• 10:00 AM: Guided foraging walk on grounds of castle, picnic in the garden, olive oil tasting, grape harvesting, traditional Etruscan wine-making with feet.
• 5:30 to 6:30 PM: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset
• Evening: 7:30 PM: Special Solstice Savory Pie dinner with Castello di Potentino Wine (Hosted by Marnie, Patrick, Zak, and Finn) *** If weather permits in the castle courtyard under candle light.

          Saturday, October 12th

• 7am to 10am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
• 9am to 10am: Optional: Run with Marnie or Hike with Zak and Finn on Property
• Check out 11am. Ciao till our next retreat!

 Important Information for Your Journey to Castello di Potentino

                     

Gallery of photos below to enjoy:

 

Relax, sunbathe, or swim in the stunning pool, nestled amidst olive trees and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the majestic castle. 

Surround yourself in the inner and outer courtyards and gates with views of Seggiano, the hilltop village in the distance. Take a moment to visit the church inside the castle walls and go back in time.

 

Spend your leisure moments immersed in a book, unwinding with friends, or indulging in a glass of wine or coffee in the grandeur of the grand drawing room. Revel in an experience that makes you feel like royalty, cherishing every second of your time here.

Experience the delight of savoring wines crafted directly from the grapes of the estate by the master winemaker, Charlotte, who is also the esteemed owner of the castle. Join us for more than just a wine tasting; embark on an educational journey that intertwines a lesson in the rich Etruscan culture, an insight into the enchanting land where our grapes thrive, and a sensory exploration that promises to captivate and intrigue. Marnie and Charlotte enjoying a glass of wine together.

Indulge in an exclusive experience with a wine tasting and a sumptuous four-course lunch at Poggio Rubino, located in the renowned and coveted Brunello wine region. This tour combines a delightful exploration of exquisite wines with the beauty of scenic views and exceptional cuisine, crafting an idyllic afternoon to remember.

 

Discover the art of cheese-making with Luisa, who will guide you in crafting delectable Pecorino and Ricotta cheeses using milk from her own sheep, grazed just a stone's throw away from the castle. Lunch is served with the cheese we've made! This hands-on experience promises both fun and flavor in a truly authentic setting.

 

Embark on a delightful stroll around the property and venture down to the river beneath the castle. Embrace your inner child as you explore trails, try your hand at fishing, enjoy a picnic, and seek out the ancient Etruscan carved stones. During your stay we will pick grapes and traditionally crush them with our bare feet in the stones. This unique adventure is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the library, where you can find the perfect book for some peaceful alone time. Wander between the 2nd and 3rd floors via the elegant spiral staircase, surrounded by beautiful and iconic paintings that add to the serene ambiance. This space is a haven for those seeking a quiet retreat.

Experience the enchantment of a Tuscan sunset, a spectacle you'll never forget, from various magical vantage points around the castle. Whether from the comfort of your room, the tranquil poolside, the grandeur of the room windows, or any spot within the castle's embrace, each moment under the mesmerizing hues of the evening sky promises to be nothing short of magical. Most nights we will be serving artisan cocktails at the pool with this view before dinner. 

 

Sampling of some of the rooms and bathroom. All rooms have their own bathroom either en-suite or next door.