Veneto - This bed and breakfast accommodation is within a 600-year old fortified farmhouse, itself lying on a prestigious wine estate between Verona and Lake Garda.
With comfortable vacation accommodation, an excellent restaurant, and the chance to sample and buy fine Valpolicella, Amarone and Recioto wines, this promises a holiday of indulgence and luxury.
Pietra Corteforte was built at the beginning of the 15th century, occupying a strategic point in the Fumane valley. Originally comprising four towers joined by imposing stone walls, it was a crucial point in the defence against attacks from the north.
In 1600, the house became the property of an important family from Verona, who transformed it into a grand country residence. The building was now embellished with arches of marble and was ornately decorated, and other dwellings were built nearby.
Since 1989, Corteforte has been the property of Carlo Maria Cerutti, an enthusiastic wine grower who has restructured the winery, maintaining as far as possible its original characteristics. Only one of the original towers remains today. Next to it, Carlo has transformed the building into a new winery, beneath which the cellars have been relocated. Nearly eight acres of vines surround the winery, producing Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Amarone, Recioto Amandorlato, and Il Sole di Corteforte.
The estate’s first vintage was 1993. Producing in quality rather than quantity, the owners immediately achieved excellence and market their wines as rare niche products, highly prized due to their very limited quantities. Now, the wines of Corteforte: including Amarone, Recioto Amandorlato, Valpolicella Classico Superiore, and Il Sole (a sweet white wine from dried out grapes produced in tiny quantities) have achieved some of the top awards in Italy and abroad. In addition, the estate produces its own extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Lying halfway between Verona and Lake Garda, Corteforte and Fumane are at the heart of the Valpolicella area. The situation is quite idyllic, with the sun warming the slopes of the estate from dawn to dusk, and giving the wines delicate notes of rose, violet and almond. This is the best wine-growing country in the area, as you will taste for yourself. Here at Corteforte, you can taste and buy these great wines in the ideal setting - in the enchanting medieval rooms of its ancient tower.
The Ristorante Enoteca della Valpolicella serves traditional Veneto cuisine and seats up to 100 guests. All major credit cards are accepted, and English and German are spoken. The average price of dinner, wine excluded, ranges from EURO €31 to €36. The menu is based on fresh, seasonal ingredients and is itself centred around the wines, with an impressive regional wine list and regular tasting evenings all adding to the enjoyment.
An image of the country house Olivella
You’ll also love the simple, rustic yet luxurious accommodation. All doubles, the rooms each have a private bathroom and hairdryer, and every room is furnished differently with antiques, TV, and a minibar. There is no air conditioning, but you won’t need it, the metre-thick walls keep the rooms cool and fresh. Nightly rental is €100, breakfast included, or €80 without breakfast. You can pay by Bancomat or American Express; there is (uncovered) parking, and pets are allowed.
There is also available a little country house "Olivella", a fully modernised self-contained building which can comfortably accommodate 4 - 6 people. Surrounded by olive groves and vines, it overlooks the village of Fiumane. And from the balcomy you can admire the breathtaking views over the Lessini mountain range and the surrounding countryside. The house is composed of 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen, while outside the guests can relax in the garden. Daily rental is €120 for 2 guests and €140 for 4 guests.
When you head out from the estate you’ll find plenty to explore. Verona, immortalised by Shakespeare, and a picturesque mix of Roman sites and rose-painted mediaeval buildings is just 17km away; it runs Venice a close second as the most delightful of the cities of the Veneto region. Lake Garda, meanwhile, is a haven for those who love watersports, or just want to savour the cool breezes wafting down this largest and cleanest of the Italian Lakes. Windsurfing and sailing on the crystal waters, lush banks of olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees ... this is an idyllic and tranquil spot.
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