Standing handsome and elegant on the highest point in the village (with the best views) you are surrounded by the warmth of real Italian country life. Elegant interiors and everything a traveller needs from white linen, kitchen pots, comfortable beds to wifi &TV. Short drive to the white beaches of Lake Trasimeno. Breathtaking 180 degree views from balconies on every floor. Private access and parking Villa Gioiella is smack-bam in the middle of the Tuscan wine-lands of Montepulciano, Cortona. A pleasant drive from Florence and Rome, 15minutes from Lake Trasimeno. Surrounded by the Umbrian countryside, your enchanting C18 villa awaits. Gioiella In the historic village of Gioiella, you are a few steps from wine and coffee at Bar Ruota. Fresh bread and groceries at the local Conad shop. The largest supermarket for a ‘big’ shop is in COOP in Castiglione del Lago - just 15mins drive. Nestled in the sweet rolling hills of Italy’s green heart, on the border of Umbria & Tuscany, is the enchanting village of Gioiella. Depending on who you ask “Gioiella” means little gem- or little joy. Either way it sums it up perfectly. In the historic village of Gioiella you are a few steps from wine and coffee at Bar Ruota. Fresh bread and groceries at the local Conad shop. The largest supermarket for a ‘big’ shop is in COOP in Castiglione del Lago - just 15mins drive Smack-bam in the middle of the Tuscan wine-lands of Montepulciano, a pleasant drive from Florence and Rome, 15 minutes from Lake Trasimeno, surrounded by the Umbrian countryside, you have food, wine, history and art Medieval villages. Gorgeous hikes, bike riding. Montepulciano, Chiusi, Cortona, Pienza, and the hill top towns of Trasimano: Panicale, Paciano, Città della Pieve, Pozzuolo, Vaiano and Passignano are all around you Rome, Florence, Siena and the Val d'Orcia are perfect daytrips. Or why not relax in the hot springs of Bango Vignolo or Bagni San Fillippo. Vineyards, hilltop towns, natural hot springs, Etruscan remains, museums, art galleries, islands, restaurants, artisans, farmer’s and antique markets are all waiting to be explored. WINE AND OLIVE OIL The olive oil is from the garden THE TERROIR OF TRASIMENO The unique wines of Umbria are from three native grapes: the Trasimeno Gamay (or Gamay Perugino), the Grechetto and the Sangiovese. The vines grow on the hills of Castiglione del Lago, from Panicale, Paciano, Città della Pieve, Pozzuolo, Vaiano to Agello. Most vineyards have ‘vino sfuso’ which is Italian for wine-by-the-gallon’ ;-) -Poggio Bertaio On the drive to Castiglione del Lago you will see and unobtrusive sign. Do stop! Do knock! Do drink!! - Madrevite Nestled between two lakes, Lake Trasimeno and Lake Chiusi. Apart from spectacular wine you can buy Fagiolina del Trasimeno - ancient Etruscans beans that nearly went extinct. - Podere Marella Organic Umbrian wine! FOOD There are undisputed delicacies of Umbria—extra virgin olive oil, truffles, porchetta (suckling pig), pici, salami, and prosciutto, cheeses, lentils, fish from Lake Trasimeno and much more Please ask me for details about group cooking or language classes, wine tours, artisan food tours, a driver, private chef or personalised cooking classes at the villa. I am happy to further advise on my top tips I will be available on call all the time before and after to make you feel at home. The neighbourhood is very friendly and relaxed 20 minutes from the autostrada. The stations of Chiusi and Castiglione del Lago are nearby. A car is essential