We'll be providing accommodations for the week of
May 12 through May 19 at Colognole, a villa near
the town of Rufina, as a courtesy for our guests.
We tried our best to choose a place that would
accommodate everyone, but we can't guarantee
there will be room for every guest if we get an
unexpectedly high turnout. So, if you'd like to stay
at the villa, please RSVP early! We'll also be happy
to help you find accommodations nearby if you
choose.

Colognole is a farm and working vineyard. We
haven't seen it yet, but here's a description from its
web site: "All the houses have use of the swimming
pool and enjoy a splendid view over Valdisieve,
where the hills slope gently down to the river,
alternating between vineyards, olive groves, fields
of wheat and sunflower, deciduous forests, century
old oaks and rows of cypress trees."

And here's more from the Wine of the Month  
newsletter: "It would be hard to imagine a prettier,
more uniquely Tuscan estate than Contessa
Gabriella Spalletti's Colognole. Situated amid more
than 1500 acres of forest, olive groves, peach
orchards, and pasture this lovingly restored family
estate, replete with a private chapel, is not only
stunningly beautiful, it also produces one of
Rufina's most exciting Chiantis. Rufina, not to be
confused with the brand name Ruffino, is the
smallest of the seven Chianti zones, but its wines
are thought to be the grandest, fullest expression
of Chianti.

Spallettii, a noble family, began making wine at the
famous neighboring estate of Poggio Reale, before
turning to wine production several decades ago at
Colognole, their family estate. Presently, there are
over 100 acres of vines at Colognole. In addition to
a growing production of excellent Chianti,
Colognole also turns out small quantities of superb
Chardonnay and first-rate olive oil. And if fine
wine and olive oil are not enough to make any self
respecting gourmand salivate and illicit the
collective cry of field trip from the constituency of
any bona fide food and wine society, the Spallettis
also make their own Pecorino and Ricotta cheeses
and produce their own cereal grains, fresh fruits,
and more."

A building at Colognole

A room at Colognole

The swimming pool