This is a classic old Tuscan villa that a family has converted to an eight-bedroom boutique hotel. With an eclectic mix of furnishings and some rather odd wall art and other artifacts, it just misses being elegant, but has more of a feel of a country house. Our bathroom was great with a large walk-in shower - the bedroom small but adequate although we were disappointed there was no chest of draws so we couldn't unpack during our six-night stay. That said, the staff are delightful and can't do enough for you-recommending (and booking) restaurants in the area as well as offering advice on places to visit. The buffet breakfast is excellent and sitting in the pretty garden surrounded by vineyards under the Tuscan sun is a perfect way to start the day. Special shout out to Nelson and especially Thomas who is an authority on just about everything! Le Prata produces about 12000 bottles per year from their own small Vinyard of about six acres. The Sangiovese grape produces the acclaimed Brunello wine and there are about 230 vineyards in the region, so competition is fierce. Under strict self-imposed rules no Brunello can be drunk until five years after harvest so vintages are all important and prices vary dramatically depending on which year you choose. Booking to go tasting at vineyards can be a hassle as they only do tours at specific times for which they are happy to charge about 50 Euros a head- totally unlike France where the process is more informal and usually free! Of course, you can do tasting at Le Prata. Tasting are also offered by a multitude of wine shops in nearby towns and villages which is a more convenient option. If you are a wine connoisseur, you might be doing back flips over Brunello but personally I think it is overrated for the price- but don't let that spoil you fun.
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