My partner and I had the opportunity to stay at Vitalonga for one night in February 2010 and it was the highlight of his trip to Italy. The winery is only an hour and a half by car or train (take the train to Fabro station and you are then 10 minutes from the winery). When we drove up to the house we were greeted with a warm fire and one of their bottles of wine. As we leisurely walked around the estate sipping our wine, we couldn't believe the view, though the winery is in Umbria, you can see the hills of Tuscany and of Lazio. We ate dinner at the restaurant that night and it was a one of a kind experience. The restaurant tries to use only local ingredients, that are the freshest possible. We had a warm radicchio salad, than blue potato gnocchi (my favorite), than fresh pork, followed by a chocolate 'salami' dessert (that my boyfriend that never eats dessert, devoured!). During all of this we drank wine from the estate and met the chefs Patrizia and Riccardo, whose passion for food comes across very easily when you talk to them. And Simon and Monica were wonderful, taking care of us and making sure to explain all the elements of everything we ate. After a full dinner, we headed back to the house where we enjoyed our beautiful room with it's queen size bed and in-room bathroom, it was very peaceful and we were about to really relax. The next morning we ate a breakfast of a fresh berry tort and then headed to the winery for our tour. Francesco, one of the owners, gave us our tour and wine tasting (which was included in the package). His love for his land (which has been in his family for generations) and the wine he produces is palpable, and he tries to share all the elements of the experience with you. I look forward to returning soon especially as the weather gets warmer and they begin to offer outside seating over looking the vineyard. It is a wonderful place that is close to Rome, but feels like a different world!

My husband and I, along with our two elder boys (and girlfriends) were taking a day trip through southern Umbria when we came across Vitalonga Estate. What a find it turned out to be! It really made the highlight of our trip.
Francesco, the owner, greeted us so warmly and gave us a tour of the facilities and the cellar.

After the tour Francesco arranged a wine and food sampling for the six of us in their restaurant: we had an amazing four course meal accompanied by their Terra di Confine red. We sampled local cheeses and ham, homemade pasta and local meats. The chef told us that all the herbs, salads and fruits are grown in the estate and everything is made from scratch in the kitchen. What a treat it was indeed!

Francesco also explained that the estate comprises of a beautiful agriturismo in a restored old farmhouse surrounded by vineyards, we took a tour of the accommodation and the swimming pool and regretted not having found this place earlier!

If you want authentic Umbrian hospitality in an idyllic setting we highlyrecommend Vitalonga. Make sure you stay for Sunday lunch!!