B O R G O V E S C I N E
Stefano Chieregati
An interview with General Manager Marco Berti
KW: Borgo Vescine is more than just a hotel-it feels like a living piece of Tuscan history. How would you describe its essence to someone who’s never been?
MB: Borgo Vescine is more than just a hotel; it is a living village: a Longobard fortress that over time became a farming village, now restored by Lucia Paladin and transformed into a charming resort. Every stone tells its story, every valley preserves the warmth of an authentic past while offering the contemporary comforts of a luxury relais. Inside the Borgo, guests experience the true essence of Tuscany: a place where they can find everything they seek – unspoiled landscapes, vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields, history, great food, and unforgettable experiences. Sunset walks among lavender rows, cooking classes using ingredients picked directly from the garden, wine tastings in the ancient cellar, tasting freshly made gelato, discovering our essences, shopping in the base of the ancient tower… these are just some of the moments every guest takes home as authentic memories of an unforgettable stay.
KW: How does the surrounding Chianti countryside shape the guest experience at Borgo Vescine?
MB: Borgo Vescine is nestled within over 100 acres of pristine nature: centuries-old olive groves, orderly vineyards, woods, lavender, and the typical terraces of Chianti. In the background, the picturesque village of Radda in Chianti adds charm to the landscape, creating a unique and suggestive setting. Here, nature is not just a view—it is an active part of the experience. Guests can explore the countryside through hikes, sunset walks among the lavender, Vespa or vintage Alfa Romeo tours, horseback riding, or simple moments of relaxation under an olive tree. The Chianti landscape shapes every day, gifting peace, beauty, and a sense of belonging.
KW: Tuscany is synonymous with food and wine. How does Borgo Vescine celebrate local culinary traditions in its dining experiences?
MB: The cuisine at Borgo Vescine celebrates Tuscan tradition with zero-kilometer, fresh, and seasonal ingredients: herbs and vegetables from our garden, homemade extra virgin olive oil, honey, saffron, and local cured meats. In our two restaurants – La Terrazza del Borgo and Il Bistrot La Torre – peasant cooking meets contemporary refinement, accompanied by a wine list of over 200 labels, especially Chianti Classico and Brunello. Borgo Vescine is also famous for its convivial dinners, true community experiences where food brings people together and tells stories. Every week we organize special evenings with live music and shows, where guests can dine under the stars, either in the heart of the village square or in our enchanting ancient olive grove. All accompanied by traditional dishes and the authentic scents of the Tuscan countryside. Every dinner is a moment of celebration, connection, and genuine Tuscan living to be experienced with all the senses.
KW: What does “luxury” mean to you in the context of Borgo Vescine, and how do you deliver that in a way that feels personal and intimate?
MB: At Borgo Vescine, luxury is not ostentation but the sweet art of doing nothing: the privilege of slowing down, breathing deeply, and being cradled by the rhythm of nature and the Tuscan landscape surrounding us. It’s waking up to the light filtering through the olive trees, listening to the silence of the hills, enjoying a glass of wine while watching the sunset without haste. For us, luxury means offering authentic experiences that tell the true Tuscany story: a cooking class with products from our garden, an outdoor massage among the scents of lavender, a tasting in the cellar, or a dinner under the stars. All within the elegant and intimate setting of a charming resort, where every detail is carefully and lovingly curated. The guest is not just a visitor but part of a living, breathing, and warmly welcoming village.
KW: Borgo Vescine is set within a restored medieval village-how do you weave that history into the guest experience without it feeling like a museum?
MB: At Borgo Vescine, history is alive, lived every day, never static or preserved like a museum. Every corner of the village tells its past, but in an authentic and current way, blending into the guest’s daily experience.
The ancient oven is still used weekly to prepare pizza, bread, and large roasts, just like in the old days. The old greenhouses, once used to protect plants during winter, have come back to life and are now two charming restaurants celebrating Tuscan cuisine.
The base of an ancient tower is today a refined shop, where guests can buy essences, local products, and small objects that tell the spirit of the place.
Walking through the village means entering a place where every stone has memory, but every experience is alive, sincere, and deeply connected to the present. Here history can be touched, tasted, and lived — never as spectators but always as protagonists.
KW: If a guest only had one night at Borgo Vescine, what experience would you insist they not miss-from sunset to sunrise?
MB: If a guest could stay just one night, we would suggest not missing the essence of the Borgo: a sunset aperitif among the lavender, followed by dinner under the olive trees or in the square, with typical dishes and local wines. After a night among the ancient stones of the village, the day opens with the song of the swallows and an outdoor breakfast, perhaps accompanied by a slow walk in the vineyards still bathed in the golden morning light. Every moment is designed to let guests live the truest Tuscany.
To find out more visit https://www.vescine.it/