Chianti’s Club House 5*L Draws Global Travelers With 15-Room Retreat and Michelin-Starred Dining

In the hills of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the heart of the Chianti Classico region near Siena, The Club House 5*L is drawing attention as an adults-only retreat that blends Tuscan heritage with modern hospitality. The property, which opened in spring 2022 after a detailed restoration, is set among vineyards and olive groves that turn gold and red as autumn arrives. The hotel is part of the Fontanelle Estate brand and was developed by the Bolfo family, who aimed to preserve the character of the original farmhouse while introducing contemporary comforts.

The Club House features 15 rooms, including three master suites and twelve superior rooms. Each space is designed with terracotta floors, exposed wooden beams, and large windows that frame views of the surrounding countryside. Architect Margherita Gozzi led the restoration, focusing on using traditional materials and maintaining a strong connection to the landscape. The result is a property that feels both rooted in local tradition and updated for today’s travelers.

Dining is a central part of the experience at The Club House. Executive chef Daniele Canella oversees two restaurants. Il Visibilio, which has earned a Michelin star, offers a blind tasting menu for just 12 guests at a time, focusing on seasonal ingredients and sensory exploration. Osteria Il Tuscanico, the more casual restaurant, has introduced an autumn menu that highlights regional dishes such as pappardelle with wild boar, duck breast in dolce forte sauce, and borlotti bean cream with ditalini pasta. These dishes are inspired by classic Tuscan flavors but are presented with a modern touch.

Wellness is another focus at The Club House. The Wellness Sanctuary spans 400 square meters and includes a sauna, tepidarium, Turkish bath, pools, yoga studio, and treatment rooms. The spa is designed to let in natural light and offers views of the vineyards, reinforcing the hotel’s connection to its environment.

As autumn progresses, The Club House prepares to close for the season on November 23. Its sister property, Hotel Le Fontanelle 5*, will close earlier on October 31. Phoebe Farolfi, General Manager of the Fontanelle Estate brand, says that the seasonal closure allows staff to reflect on the past year and plan improvements for the next season. She notes that guest feedback has been positive and that there is growing interest in the estate’s approach to hospitality.

Looking ahead to spring 2026, the estate plans to expand Villa Il Mandorlo and introduce new activities that immerse guests in the Chianti Classico region. These include collaborations with local artisans and experiences that highlight Tuscan traditions and products. Farolfi emphasizes that maintaining a strong connection to the land remains central to their philosophy.

The Club House aims to offer an experience that balances luxury with authenticity. By focusing on local culture, cuisine, and wellness, it seeks to provide guests with a sense of place that goes beyond typical hotel stays. As interest in Tuscany continues to grow among international travelers, properties like The Club House are positioning themselves as destinations where visitors can slow down and appreciate the rhythms of rural Italian life.