6 Sustainable Winery Resorts in Italy

Monaci delle Terre Nere (Sicily)

On Sicily’s East Coast, Mt. Etna has cultivated fans of its mineral-driven whites and vibrant reds. For travelers visiting wineries, staying at the base of the volcano instead of in nearby towns like Taormina, saves time. One of the most unique options for winery lodging is Monaci delle Terre Nere. Terre nere refers to black earth or volcanic stone. Rooms and villas feature walls of the roughly hewn lava to add character and a sense of place to this certified organic property. 

This quiet retreat set on cascading terraces features a pool, organic restaurant Locanda Nerello, and excellent wines under the Guido Coffa label. Some guest rooms and common areas occupy the renovated spaces of a faded pink 18th-century aristocratic villa. Pre-dinner cocktails on the terrace are straight from a scene in the Sicilian season of White Lotus. Separate villas with pools and multiple bedrooms fan out beneath the citrus and olive trees.  

Capofaro (Salina Island)

Capofaro falls under the purview of the Tascas, one of the leading winemaking families in Sicily. Alberto Tasca, the company’s CEO, has dedicated himself to establishing SOStain, an association of like-minded Sicilian producers who adhere to stringent sustainability practices. All Tasca wineries follow SOStain principles, including Capofaro, a stunning remote wine resort on the Aeolian Island of Salina.

Perched above the water, Capofaro feels like it’s on a movie set. Indeed, Salina provided the gorgeous natural backdrop for many of Il Postino’s film sites, including a verdant ridged section that evokes a mini volcanic Kauai. Surrounded by Malvasia vineyards, all-white, cube-shaped rooms lean into the clean, minimal lines of Aeolian design. Camp out on your terrace with a glass of chilled white wine to watch the fireworks from volcanic Stromboli, then head to the main house for garden-inspired cocktails and local Sicilian specialties in the rustic-chic dining room.

Tenuta San Marcello (Le Marche)

Tucked away in Le Marche, a region unspoiled by mass tourism, sits Tenuta San Marcello. In the small village of San Marcello in Jesi, this winery and agriturismo (farmhouse) includes a winery, restaurant, and guest rooms surrounded by organic vineyards. The owners, a wife-and-husband team, have incorporated geothermal and photovoltaic systems on the roof and a rainwater recovery system to reduce their environmental footprint. They produce several lines of wine, including classic expressions of the area’s DOC and DOCG labels like Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, as well as natural wines, some aged in amphora.

Compared to other winery resorts, rooms here are simple and rustic, but what it lacks in glamor, it makes up for with soul. Go for a yoga class at sunset overlooking the hills; greet the chickens that lay eggs for breakfast. It’s a farm experience, after all. Nearby, explore the Sibillini Mountains to visit the Frasassi Caves, one of Europe’s most extensive systems, or head to the wild beaches of Portonovo located in Conero Regional Park.

Borgo Gradis’ciutta (Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia)

From wine tasting to immersive nature bathing, organic winery and hotel Gradis’ciutta leans into the landscape – and they want guests to do so, too. The wine, a brand and representation of the land, was founded by Robert Princic in 1997 after returning home at age 20 to give shape to a legacy started by his father and grandfather. The property has grown to 110 acres to produce a range of wines typical of Friuli and Collio. The lineup includes whites made of Ribolla gialla and Malvasia and reds from Cabernet Franc and Franconia. The historic Borgo Gradis’ciutta building complex has found new purpose as a bed and breakfast with nine rooms and three apartments with scenic views. A palette of calming hues in white and gray complements the relaxed vibe of exposed beams and soft linen and cotton textiles. Guests enjoy a robust breakfast of local treats, which, in Italy, often means cakes. Lots of cakes.

Le Quattro Terre (Franciacorta, Lombardy)

Lake Iseo garners far less attention than neighboring Lake Garda or Clooney-favorite Lake Como. However, this narrow body of water, framed by vertical mountains, anchors Italy’s best sparkling wine region: Franciacorta. Just 10 minutes from the lake’s south shore, Le Quattro Terre welcomes fans of its Metodo Classico sparkling wine (the classic or traditional method made in the style of Champagne.) Visitors eager to enjoy this underrated destination, whether visiting wineries, hopping between the lake’s islands, or visiting 15th-century historical sites, can book an overnight stay at Le Quattro Terre’s agriturismo. The sustainable farming and winemaking ethos extends to the hospitality experience, from its 24 acres of vineyards farmed organically, to the local, seasonal ingredients served on the terrace and in the dining room. After a bottle of bubbles, guests can retire to rooms furnished in a simple farmhouse aesthetic.

Il Borro (Tuscany)

A Relais & Chateau property, Il Borro reimagines modern living in a Tuscan castle from the 13th century. The Ferragamo family acquired the historic estate in 1993, then outlined a meticulous renovation that would blend traditional Tuscan materials and architecture with contemporary touches. In tandem with the renovation, the gardens, farm, and vineyards underwent conversion to organic practices.

Osteria del Borro, the on-site restaurant, sources wine, herbs, and vegetables from the property, while meat, fish, and cheese come from carefully vetted regional suppliers. The property is powered by renewable energy, lighting up elegantly restored suites, villas, and farmhouses. Enjoy Il Borro’s well-regarded organic wines, mostly from Sangiovese, during dinner, by the pool, or in front of your cozy fireplace.