GORGEOUS ancient farmhouse sequestered in a medieval hilltop town. From cobbled streets and narrow alleyways, enter the gate into the peaceful grounds of Pratello. Housing a vineyard, olive groves, cyprus lanes, a conventional pool as well as a biopool, and expansive green lawns, this was the perfect environment for our short 3 day stay. After the hustle and bustle of driving in a foreign country in 98 degree temperatures, to be greeted with a clean air-conditioned room and giant cool pool was a wonderful welcome! Instead of exploring Lake Guarda, we found ourselves staying put in this sanctuary, swimming, strolling the grounds and exploring the nearby castle. The breakfast served was one of the best we experienced on our month-long trip in Italy! Local meats, cheeses, sweetbreads, pastries, fruits, jams and, of course, fantastic espresso! . Pratello's Apertivi and dinner was quite good served outside on the cobblestone courtyard. We enjoyed eating, wine tasting, and making friends with locals out under the mulberry trees. Did I mention the wine? Absolutely fabulous!
Addressing some earlier reviews about grumpy staff and "unfinished construction"... While some staff where quite friendly, some were, indeed, impersonal while still accommodating. And, yes, some areas of the agritourismo are under construction. After all, this IS a WORKING FARM, folks! If you want cookie cutter sterile, check into the nearest Marriot. With very busy staff and the imperfections to be found on an ANCIENT farm, the pools, grounds, food, wine, clean and comfortable rooms make up for it. While we didn't become best friends with the staff, they were not rude and always attempted to accommodate when needed. I'd like to give extra kudos to Naike, who was an outstanding host, very patient, helpful and friendly!
I would recommend that the agritourismo offer a more personalized wine cellar tour as well as wine tastings with more varieties then just the 4 offered... and a wine professional to sit down with consumers, as opposed to a pamphlet describing the wines.
Pratello, your fabulous wines are worth this extra effort!