Our Italian wine travels were filled with many pleasant surprises. When finishing up our travels we decided to take two days to drive back from Umbria back to Milan to catch our return flight home. In preparation for my travels I usually take time when booking a hotel to avoid disappoint. It does not always work however, in this case it sure did. Our first stop was in Modena at Hotel Real Fini Baia del Rei, and the second was in Villanterio, where we stayed at Agriturismo Relais Tenuta il Cigno, a country house in Villanterio. Villanterio, Pavia, just 25 km south of Milan, was so convenient for us. We particularly loved the fact that it was not far from the Milan Airport. Our stopover, was not only convenient, but also filled with pleasant surprises. For sure this Villanterio country house is a hidden gem for those looking for something beyond a regular hotel experience. Let's find out why!
Relais Tenuta il Cigno di Villanterio, Pavia © Spaswinefood
Relaxing Countryside at Relais Tenuta il Cigno © Spaswinefood
A Villanterio Country House Stay
Upon arrival we check into our room and discovered the most relaxing setting.
Countryside Guest House © Spaswinefood
Yes, I knew there would be horses here. During our visit to Relais Tenuta il Cigno di Villanterio we discovered that it is also a place for retired racing horses. Varenne, the horse that won the most in the history of world trotting, after his retirement from racing, became a breeding stallion at this Pavia estate. It was exciting to discover this.
Horses, Relais Tenuta il Cigno © Spaswinefood
Perfect Place to Graze, Relais Tenuta il Cigno © Spaswinefood
Time to Graze, Relais Tenuta il Cigno © Spaswinefood
It is a Fun Area to ExploreBesides checking out the horses, guests can take horse rides and explore. They also keep other animals on the property, such as two donkeys, one of which is a large donkey with an amazing personality.
Given we arrived outside the tourist season their restaurant was not opened. Our host suggested we give Trattoria Nuova SAS a try. We were not disappointed.
Trattoria Nuova © Spaswinefood
That day we decided to give a Prosecco on their wine list a try.
Dogarina, Prosecco Superiore Brut Millesimato, Valodobbiadene DOC 2021 © Spaswinefood
Prosecco Time © Spaswinefood
Since we always enjoy a Caprese Salad it was an easy choice.
Caprese Salad © Spaswinefood
Of course a fish platter for John and a veggie pasta for me.
Fish Plate © Spaswinefood
Veggie Pasta © Spaswinefood
Yes, a gelato to share, and lemoncello was a great way to finish a late afternoon lunch.
Lemoncello and Gelato © Spaswinefood
Coffee Time © Spaswinefood
During lunch the writings on the wall also kept us entertained.
I Got the Wine Part © Spaswinefood
The chef also dropped by to chat with the guests. His hat and jacket sure caught attention. It reminded me of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Guest Posing with Chef © Spaswinefood
Diners, Trattoria Nuova © Spaswinefood
Good food with excellent service it was the perfect outing. Overall dining out in Italy is pretty amazing, especially if you stick to local restaurants. Thanks to our host we discovered a local favorite, which is even better.
All too soon it was time to leave. Relais Tenuta il Cigno is ideal for 2-3 day stopover for those looking to relax, or to get away from it all. During the tourist season they offer spa treatments, and provide dining on site.
Tribute to Varenne © Spaswinefood
Ours was just a one night say, and so next morning it was time to leave.
October Morning, Relais Tenuta il Cigno © Spaswinefood
It was so cozy here on an early mid-October morning.
Relais Tenuta il Cigno Moments © Spaswinefood
Breakfast that morning was awesome.
Breakfasting, Relais Tenuta il Cigno © Spaswinefood
This was the perfect way to end our Italian wine travels.
Country House, Relais Tenuta il Cigno © Spaswinefood
After breakfast it was off to the airport to return our car rental. For sure Agriturismo Relais Tenuta il Cigno was an amazing place to discover not far from the Milan Airport. Travelers looking for something different should consider staying here. I would also like to note, Pavia is home to Oltrepò Pavese wine country, which we visited earlier as part of our Lombardy wine country explorations. Also, we explored Marche and Umbria. I invite you to join me in our wine travels in Italy and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Twitter and Facebook. I am so looking forward to future vine-filled explorations in Italy.
CHEERS!
Sharon
October 2022
Villanterio, Italy
© Spaswinefood
Varenne, Relais Tenuta il Cigno © Spaswinefood
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