Sarah’s Travels to Tuscany, Italy

This spring, I was beyond grateful to travel to Italy again, reconnecting with our artisans and partners abroad. (I’m fully vaccinated and followed all appropriate precautions.)

In between visits and meetings, I was able to enjoy an incredible stay in Tuscany arranged by Cuvée, a luxury hospitality firm that pairs guests with private villas and customized experiences. I can safely say: this was one of the most gorgeous weekends I’ve had in a very long time.

The Stay: Cuvee’s Tuscan Farmhouse

This restored 16th-century farmhouse, set among vineyards in Chianti, was like out of a movie. The gorgeous interior—with its stonework and vaulted ceilings—was rivaled only by the breathtaking grounds and views of rolling hills. I think the quickest way to my heart may be through dripping wisteria, rows of Cyprus trees, and an onsite infinity pool and pizza oven.

The Activities: Ceramics Studio Tour + Wine Tasting

Cuvée also organized two lovely private outings for our small group. The first was to Nicolleta Penco’s ceramics studio, where she gave us a demonstration on how she makes her beautiful plates and vases. I especially loved her hand-painted designs, and commissioned a small vase for myself with blue and burgundy florals.

The second was to Il Cellese winery, in the heart of the Chianti region. We enjoyed a private wine tasting along with a dinner of pasta bolognese and chocolate gelato. My favorite wine was definitely one of their Supertuscans, though it was exciting to taste-test all of their different varieties.

The Food:

We were lucky to have so many delicious homecooked meals, made by the farmhouse’s private chef, Alessio Sedran. He led us in a pizza-making lunch and a pasta-making dinner, using the fresh vegetables grown right there on the grounds. Special highlights were the agnolotti, the arugula and prosciutto pizza, the zucchini flower flan, and the mille feuille with chantilly cream.