At the centre of the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany, Panzano has long been on the radar of international winemakers but this delightful village is increasingly making a name for itself among discerning travellers across the globe; and we couldn’t be more excited to bring you a Simpson Partner Hotel right at the very heart of it.

Uniquely situated just moments from the main square, Hotel Panzano is a truly exquisite retreat; a place of elegance and serenity where simplicity reigns and life’s gentle pleasures are the order of the day. The astonishing view from the hotel terraces showcases the very best of the Tuscan landscape; an achingly romantic panorama where neat vineyards border ancient woodland, stone farmhouses nestle amidst fertile olive groves and the silhouettes of distant mountain ridges rise as an indomitably proud backdrop to it all.

Once an ancient villa serving as the first (and only) restaurant on the medieval route connecting Florence to Siena, it doesn’t take long to be touched by the enormous charm and beauty of Hotel Panzano. The owner, Christine, has put her heart and soul into the sympathetic renovation of the house, which had become tired and run down, and her vision has brought it back to life with flair, imagination and love. A plaque on the wall showcases the names of all those involved in the project, a fitting testimony to the passion and determination that has gone into its careful restoration.

The interiors are sympathetically designed to enhance the natural beauty of the building, a restful blend of tradition and comfort where style is understated but never overlooked. Communal areas have a relaxed, easy atmosphere with space for local artists to exhibit their work, quiet places to pick up a book and engage with local history and an honesty bar for those moments when the view of the vineyards just wouldn’t be complete without sampling the harvest. Christine arranges occasional wine tastings at the hotel too, but with the nearest vineyard just a short walk away, tours and tastings are always on the menu.

The five hotel rooms/suites are individually designed and unique in feel, a comfortable blend of old and new, where antique pieces sit happily alongside contemporary classics and luxurious beds dressed with natural linens ensure nights are restful and restorative. Breakfasts are a mouth-watering feast of local ingredients, to be enjoyed outside on the terrace or at the splendid dining table next to the kitchen. Light lunches are also available on request with the option to dine at the hotel once a week.

But the real beauty of Hotel Panzano is its location. There are several wine-bars and some excellent restaurants in the village; two of them belonging to local celebrity Dario Cecchini, a third-generation butcher, restaurateur and friend of Jamie Oliver. Lunch or dinner at MacDario’s is a must – not just to enjoy the excellent food but to experience the inimitable hospitality of its proprietor. Further afield, Chianti’s evocative landscapes, golden towns and hilltop villages await, with Florence and Siena also easily accessible for an unmissable daytrip. But whether you venture out, spend your days by the sun-drenched pool or idle away the hours in the shade of the ancient beech tree on the terrace, this bewitching spot has it all. With the heavenly Tuscan landscape before you and the many pleasures of Panzano and Chianti just beyond the hotel walls, you couldn’t be better placed to enjoy la dolce vita. At certain times of the year it is also possible to rent the hotel as a private home; see Villa Petraia for further information.

Our choice of Italian properties is diverse, ranging from simple charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal.

To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.