As Tuscany settles into a quieter rhythm, Belmond extends the season at Villa San Michele through food, craftsmanship, culture and the pleasures of taking things slowly.
There is something especially seductive about Tuscany in autumn. The summer crowds start to thin, the heat has softened and the landscape begins its annual change, from the golden hills around Florence to the vineyards and olive groves of the countryside. It is a season for lingering over lunch, walking beneath changing leaves and rediscovering the region at a gentler pace. This year, Belmond is leaning into that slower rhythm by extending the opening season of Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence. The former Renaissance convent nestled in the hills of Fiesole will remain open through autumn and the festive season, welcoming guests until January 3, 2027.
Autumn at Villa San Michele
The autumn programme features a series of events dedicated to the people, places and traditions behind some of Italy’s most distinctive ingredients, from artisanal salumi and Chianti Classico wines to freshly pressed olive oil and truffles.
The opening Wine and Mortadella Party! welcomes Beatrice Contini Bonacossi of Tenuta di Capezzana in Carmignano and Sue Ellen Mannori of Salumificio Mannori in Prato. Guests can explore Tuscan wines, including Capezzana’s Carmignano DOCG, alongside artisanal salumi. The event takes place at Bar Doccia from 6pm, with tickets priced at 45 euro per person.
On November 12, the focus shifts to Chianti Classico with the Wine and Cheese Party!, featuring Giovanni Manetti of Fontodi, one of the region’s best-known wineries. Through a selection of wines and local cheeses, guests can discover the winemaking philosophy and traditions of Panzano in Chianti.
The programme continues on November 19 with the Riso & Truffle Party!, celebrating two distinctive Italian ingredients. Contessa Rosetta Clara Cavalli d’Olivola and her son, Conte Paolo Salvadori di Weisenhoff, will present the centuries-old rice-growing traditions of Principato di Lucedio, joined by Cristiano Savini of Savini Tartufi. The evening begins with a truffle aperitivo before moving on to risotto, with tastings and conversation exploring the expertise behind these exceptional products. Tickets are priced at €120 per person.
As the season progresses, the celebrations turn to Thanksgiving and the olive harvest. On November 26, Villa San Michele marks Thanksgiving with a special lunch at Ristorante San Michele, inspired by the traditional American holiday and interpreted through the flavours of Tuscany. €130 per person, excluding wines.
On December 3, the Fettunta Party! celebrates the arrival of the season’s new olive oil. Beatrice Contini-Bonacossi of Tenuta di Capezzana, Cristina Bini-Smaghi of I Tattoli and Matteo Frescobaldi of Laudemio Frescobaldi will guide guests through a tasting of freshly pressed oils, served with fettunta (toasted Tuscan bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with new olive oil). The event takes place at the Pool Grill from 5pm, with tickets priced at €45 per person.
The autumn series concludes on December 10 with the Chianti Classico Wine Party!, featuring Giovanna Stianti Mascheroni of Castello di Volpaia in Radda in Chianti. Through wine tastings, carefully selected pairings and stories from the vineyard, guests can explore the landscapes and winemaking traditions that define one of Tuscany’s most celebrated appellations.
Across the programme, the emphasis is on more than tasting exceptional food and wine. It is an invitation to meet the producers, hear their stories and discover the heritage behind the ingredients that shape Tuscany’s culinary identity.
For reservations: Concierge.vsm@belmond.com | +39 055 5678200
Advance reservations are required for the events, which are subject to availability.
