Adding to the beauty of Tuscany’s Maremma countryside, Castello di Vicarello, a boutique, family-owned estate, has reopened for the 2026 season with new exclusive experiences and a spotlight on Villa La Vedetta, the 12th century watchtower turned private two-bedroom villa. Stewards of the region’s cultural and agricultural riches, the Baccheschi-Berti brothers take great pride in caring for the estate’s vineyards, gardens and surrounding landscapes; their efforts ensure they are crafting bespoke experiences that reflect their commitment to quality, history and genuine Italian hospitality.
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
New for the 2026 season, Castello di Vicarello is partnering with a local pilot to offer a curated selection of flight itineraries, each of which can be fully tailored and personalized. Departing from private Grosseto airport, guests can travel to Elba for a leisurely day exploring the island. With departures available until 18:30, guests can opt for a coastal sunset experience. Alternatively, guests can discover the Maremma countryside from above, flying over Montalcino, Val d’Orcia, or again head to the sea to tour the Tuscan coast. Back at the estate, Castello di Vicarello has partnered with Gabriela Grandi from Copihue Atelier to create personalized perfume-making classes in the castle’s flourishing vegetable garden. This intimate experience will introduce travelers to bespoke fragrance profiles, pulling in rose, sandalwood, lavender, and rosemary essential oils, whilst surrounded by over 50 varieties of vegetables and 30 aromatic herbs.
HISTORIC TRANSFORMATION
Hand-carved window frames and doors, Marmorino walls, French oak parquet, original terracotta and stone flooring, and bold black-and-white checkered marble create a sophisticated yet timeless atmosphere as Villa La Vedetta honors the heritage of the castle’s former watchtower. The estate’s first standalone villa has been sensitively transformed into a refined two-bedroom private retreat. A long-held dream of the Baccheschi Berti family, the transformation of the former watchtower took shape over the course of a year and a half, bringing together the finest local artisans to craft this unique jewel. Spanning over 2,000 square feet across four elegantly appointed floors, Villa La Vedetta offers uninterrupted views of the castle and surrounding vineyards. The villa features two spacious suites with marble-clad ensuite bathrooms, each with freestanding copper bathtubs and distinctive checkered marble floors. The open-plan ground floor includes a grand fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen that opens onto a private garden – ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. Outside, the villa offers nearly 5,000 square feet of secluded gardens, a heated private swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace perfect for sunset views.
HARVESTING & FORAGING
Each autumn, the property comes alive with the rhythms of the harvest: September marks the grape vendemmia, followed by the olive raccolta from mid-October through November. Guests staying during harvest season are invited to experience the process firsthand: walking the vineyards with Brando Baccheschi-Berti, who continues his father Carlo’s legacy; assisting the team as they hand-pick grapes from the 17 acres of high-density, organically grown vines; and tasting the estate’s award-winning wines in the medieval open-kitchen or overlooking the vines themselves. Castello di Vicarello produces five small-batch organic wines, shaped by the estate’s unique terroir: marine-rich soils, sea breezes from the Tyrrhenian coast, and natural protection from Monte Amiata. From grape to glass, the experience is a celebration of Italian craftsmanship.
Truffle hunting is an authentic Tuscan adventure that guests at Castello di Vicarello can embark on, equipped with a local skilled guide and his exceptional ‘truffle’ dog. The unique experience begins in the morning dawn as guests venture deep into the forest to explore hidden forest trails and learn more about the art of foraging these culinary gems. After being led through the woodlands by the dog’s remarkable sense of smell, foragers indulge in a well-earned farm to table lunch that highlights the intense flavors of the truffle, curiously paired with local ingredients and wines from the estate.
HOW – Rates at Castello di Vicarello start from €736 (approx. $863) ) in low season (March and November) and €1,377 (approx. $1,615) in high season (April through October) for two guests, per room and are inclusive of breakfast and parking. For more information, please visit www.castellodivicarello.com
