where do I begin: I like to travel and usually don't complain but I have to write about this place. First I will say that it is charming in an old world, crumbling down around you, sort of way. The rooms are clean and have character. However, the beds are metal cots with thin, hard mattresses disguised with old bed frames. The pillows are thin and hard too. The showers stalls are so small that you cannot turn around in them and I banged my elbows several times. I was not happy with the first room she gave us because of the view of the half a dozen cats and laundry hanging from the rail. It was not easy to get a room change but the owner agreed and said we can stay in the new room for the rest of the week. Two days later she said she rented my room to someone else and I had to move. She did the same thing to my sister who did not ask for a change. I found everyone in Italy very friendly except the people in this hotel. The entire staff treated you like you were intruding in their lives. This is probably true since they all live there. Sleeping was also difficult because the church across the street rang the bell in the tower every half hour, and the cantina in front of the hotel had noisy patrons until early morning. If you could sleep you might be woken in the early morning when the butcher shop on the adjacent street slaughtered cows in the street. I was so unhappy at this hotel that I can say without hesitation that the hotel and the staff ruined an otherwise perfect trip. If you want old world charm and don't care about comfort or being treated well, stay here, but don't forget your earplugs.

Sounds romantic, in an old castle, but beware the castle is crumbling. The garden annex has al frescoed rooms, but it is not overlooking s garden, but in reality a parking lot and the meeting place for the town cats. Also visible was the laundry being dried to overlook the garden. While we asked to switch rooms , there was much confusion, we were told many different things, and in actuality changed our rooms twice, because they changed their minds about what was reserved and what wasn't. The family is not too friendly or accommodating. This could be a great stay , with a little refurbishment and a friendlier attitude. (sofa was threadbare in the palatial suite we stayed in for one night, because they made us move.)The beds were more like disguised army cots in antique bed frames.

We have been staying at Castello di Verduno about 10 times during 10 years. We have recommended it to friends and they have stayed there again and again. The amount of stay overs by our friends and their friends must be close to 200, if not more.

It is not a place for everyone, but for those who love wine, living in a historical place, a quiet and peaceful garden, excellent food and closeness to all delicisous food and wines you can dream of - it is paradise. It is NOT for those who want TV, minibar, swimmingpool, "suitable for families" - you should go to other places. There are plenty of those for you.

You can get help with arranging wine tastings both at the castle and at other producers'. You can get all kinds of help and assistance, just ask for it.