Book the Relais Roncolo 1888 with VIP Benefits

Relais Roncolo 1888 is not simply a hotel. It is a place where history, nature, gastronomy, and quiet luxury come together in the heart of Emilia. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, this timeless retreat invites guests to slow down and experience Italy in its most authentic and refined form.

Set within the historic estate of Tenuta di Roncolo, Relais Roncolo 1888 stands in the Italian garden of Villa Manodori, carefully restored and thoughtfully reimagined as a boutique hotel. The estate extends across 350 acres of protected landscape in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, offering panoramic views and a deep sense of peace. Here, where Italy's renowned Food Valley meets the legendary Motor Valley, guests find themselves at the cultural and culinary crossroads of one of the country's richest regions.

A Timeless Borgo in the Hills of Emilia

Relais Roncolo 1888 is designed as a sustainable borgo built around the historic Villa Manodori. The buildings date back to the seventeenth century and have undergone a meticulous multi-year restoration. Great care was taken to preserve original architectural features while introducing modern comfort and discreet luxury.

The result is an atmosphere that feels both authentic and contemporary. Clean lines and natural materials highlight the beauty of the historic structures. Classic elegance blends seamlessly with modern design, creating interiors that are warm, refined, and deeply connected to the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation at Relais Roncolo 1888 is conceived as a new idea of space and time. It is a place where tranquillity is not an afterthought but a central philosophy. The rooms offer quiet luxury, ideal for couples seeking romance as well as families looking for a peaceful escape. Every detail reflects the essence of the Emilian landscape and the gentle rhythm of Italian dolce vita.

A Breakfast Rooted in the Land

Each morning begins with a generous breakfast buffet that celebrates local excellence. Organic products made in-house are complemented by carefully selected specialties from regional producers. Fresh pastries, seasonal fruits, artisanal cheeses, and traditional delicacies allow guests to taste the land from the very first bite of the day.

This connection to local agriculture and biodiversity is not a trend but a guiding principle. The estate's respect for regenerative agriculture and sustainability shapes every aspect of the guest experience, from the vineyard to the kitchen.

Wellness Among Cypress Trees

The estate's large swimming pool is surrounded by tall cypress trees, offering privacy and a serene atmosphere. The setting feels almost cinematic, with views stretching across the Matildic hills. Guests can spend long afternoons relaxing by the water, reading in the shade, or simply enjoying the silence.

For those who prefer a more active approach to wellbeing, a 24-hour gym is available, and yoga classes can be arranged. The surrounding landscape itself invites movement and exploration. The Parco di Roncolo, a protected natural area around the estate, offers kilometres of scenic trails perfect for walking or cycling. High-quality bicycles, including electric bikes in various sizes, can be rented through the hotel team, making it easy to discover the countryside on two wheels.

Golf enthusiasts will find the 18-hole "Matilde di Canossa" golf course just ten minutes away. The hotel team assists with green fees and tee time reservations, ensuring a seamless experience.

A Culinary Journey at Ristorante Limonaia

Dining at Relais Roncolo 1888 is an experience in its own right. Ristorante Limonaia is located within the estate's historic greenhouse, a luminous space bathed in natural light. Large windows open onto a terrace overlooking the green hills, creating a setting that feels both intimate and expansive.

The cuisine is modern Emilian, rooted in tradition yet creatively reinterpreted. The philosophy of the kitchen is founded on biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, and a deep respect for authentic flavours. The result is a culinary journey through the Italian Food Valley, where ingredients travel minimal distances and freshness defines every dish.

Guests can enjoy lunch or dinner in this unique environment where fine dining meets nature. The atmosphere is refined but never formal, allowing the beauty of the surroundings and the quality of the ingredients to take centre stage.

The gastronomic offering is further enriched by the estate's own wine cellar, Venturini Baldini, and the historic Acetaia di Canossa. Together, they represent excellence in wine and traditional balsamic vinegar production.

Wine, Balsamic Vinegar and Authentic Experiences

Relais Roncolo 1888 offers a wide range of curated experiences designed to immerse guests in the culture of Emilia. A tour of the Venturini Baldini winery introduces visitors to the estate's winemaking tradition, followed by tastings paired with local specialties. The historic vinegar cellar reveals the art of traditional balsamic vinegar, a product deeply tied to the identity of the region.

Various tour packages are available, including individually tailored experiences with optional lunch or dinner. Groups from two up to fifty people can be accommodated, making these tastings suitable for couples, families, or larger gatherings.

For those who wish to bring Emilian cuisine home with them, cooking courses are held in the country kitchen of Dimora Ancini. Under expert guidance, guests learn to prepare famous regional dishes using the finest local produce. It is a hands-on way to connect with the culinary heritage of Emilia and understand the craftsmanship behind its celebrated flavours.

Visitors can also explore the surrounding area through visits to local producers of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto Crudo. These encounters offer insight into centuries-old traditions that have shaped one of the world's most admired cuisines.

Discovering Emilia-Romagna

Relais Roncolo 1888 is ideally located for discovering Emilia-Romagna, a region of remarkable diversity. Within half an hour to an hour's drive, guests can reach the historic cities of Reggio Emilia, Parma, Modena, and Bologna. Each city offers a distinct blend of art, architecture, and gastronomy.

Emilia-Romagna is known as Italy's Food Valley, the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma Ham, traditional balsamic vinegar, and Lambrusco wine. It is also the Motor Valley, home to iconic automotive brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati. Visitors can explore museums, factories, and racetracks that celebrate Italy's engineering excellence.

Beyond cities and cuisine, the region is one of the greenest in Italy. It offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking in the Apennines to cycling through vineyards. Whether guests are drawn by history, art, food, wine, or automobiles, the choice is entirely theirs.

A Unique Venue for Memorable Events

Tenuta di Roncolo is also a sought-after destination for events. The estate provides a versatile backdrop for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. On the lower level of the property, a spacious hall overlooking the greenery accommodates up to 220 guests. Adjacent to it lies a romantic garden featuring a century-old mulberry tree, a favourite setting for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

On the upper level, Relais Roncolo 1888 offers a more exclusive atmosphere, ideal for buyout events of approximately sixty guests. Weddings, corporate meetings, and private celebrations benefit from the estate's combination of natural beauty, historic architecture, and professional event planning support. The experienced team ensures that every detail is carefully managed, allowing hosts to focus on enjoying their special occasion.

Easy Access in the Heart of Emilia

Despite its peaceful hillside setting, Relais Roncolo 1888 is easily accessible. It lies approximately fifteen kilometres from Reggio Emilia, thirty kilometres from Parma, forty kilometres from Modena, and eighty-five kilometres from Bologna. The high-speed train station Reggio Emilia Mediopadana is about twenty kilometres away, while Bologna Airport is eighty kilometres from the estate and Milan Linate Airport approximately one hundred fifty-five kilometres. Guests arriving by car can take the A1 motorway, exiting at Campegine Terre di Canossa from the north or Reggio Emilia from the south.

This strategic location allows visitors to combine rural tranquillity with cultural exploration. Guests can spend the morning visiting a historic city, the afternoon tasting wine in the vineyard, and the evening dining under the glass roof of the Limonaia.

A Place That Cares

What ultimately defines Relais Roncolo 1888 is its sense of harmony. The estate's commitment to sustainability is not merely symbolic but integrated into daily operations. Respect for biodiversity, regenerative agricultural practices, and the careful restoration of historic buildings demonstrate a long-term vision that honours both heritage and the environment.

Here, luxury is expressed through authenticity, space, and time. It is found in the quiet of the hills, the scent of cypress trees, the taste of freshly made pasta, and the golden light that filters through the greenhouse at sunset.

Relais Roncolo 1888 invites guests to experience Emilia in its purest form. It is a timeless place where history and modern comfort meet, where gastronomy and nature are inseparable, and where every stay becomes part of a larger story rooted in land, culture, and care.