Agriturismo Brolio Quinto

Our family reunion brought 25 people to the Villa over two weeks, including 20 family members. Some of us stayed the whole time, while others joined when their schedules allowed. Two weeks still wasn’t enough, and it’s a trip I’ll remember for life. Giovanna is lovely. She made the place feel like our own home, living “Under the Tuscan Sun.” The covered back patio became our favorite room. We had breakfast and espresso there while taking in the view and planning the day, then returned for dinner, conversation, games, and moonrise. The front patio was another lovely place to greet the day or have a quiet moment. For cocktails, we used the back building as a “summer kitchen.” Stock up on ice at the local grocery store, along with wine, beer, and liquor. The pool has spectacular views and plenty of covered lounge chairs. There’s a lovely spot under the willow tree for a nap, and it’s ideal for an afternoon cocktail. It’s close enough to the Villa to be convenient, yet far enough away to feel like paradise. The chef prepared breakfast and dinner, leaving us plenty of leftovers for lunch and snacks. We ate every meal outside on the covered patio. The Villa itself felt magical, with plenty of room and little nooks to retreat to when you want time alone. The olive-lined driveway set the mood as soon as the gates opened. Nature is everywhere: the sun rises near Cortona, fiery skies appear over the olive grove at sunset, and every direction has flowers, herbs, or trees. Even hanging laundry to dry in the Tuscan sun felt like a dream. The town is about a 10-minute drive along a beautiful, adventurous road. There are bodegas and shops selling prepared meals made with care, plus a grocery store with everything you might want for cooking. There’s also a gym that offers day passes. It’s a great base for day trips, though there’s also everything you could want right on the property. Pack flip-flops, a bathing suit, a cover-up, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Some nights were cool, so a light layer came in handy.