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Set among rolling vineyards and oak woods in the hills of Emilia Romagna, Relais Roncolo 1888 is a restored estate retreat that feels like stepping into an aristocratic Italian dream, offering sweeping countryside views and a deeply peaceful sense of escape, shaped by the gastronomic and cultural richness of Italy’s Food Valley.

Story

Relais Roncolo 1888’s story begins in the late nineteenth century, when this hillside estate in the Emilian countryside was first shaped as part of a noble agricultural borgo surrounded by vineyards, oak woods and orchards. Over time, it became deeply woven into the rhythms of Emilia Romagna’s rural life, where wine, balsamic traditions and craftsmanship have long defined the cultural landscape.

More than a century later, the estate was carefully restored into an intimate relais of elegant rooms and suites, preserving original stone walls, timber beams, frescoed ceilings and the architectural soul of the historic borgo. Today, antiques, collected objects and locally crafted details add warmth without disturbing the spirit of the estate, while the surrounding vineyards continue to root the experience in place.

Local life & traditions

This is the land of Lambrusco, hillside vineyards and traditional balsamic vinegar, where family run acetaie still age vinegar in wooden barrels beneath tiled attics and vineyards continue to shape the rhythms of daily life. Parmigiano Reggiano is matured nearby, tied to agricultural traditions that have defined Emilia Romagna for generations.

The Roncolo hills rise in stone borgos, noble villas and cypress lined drives, a landscape proud of its Emilian heritage and long table culture. Frescoed salons, timber beams and vineyard cellars define the architecture, while kitchens centre on handmade tortelli, slow cooked ragù, local salumi and generous pours of regional wine.

Authentic experiences in the area

Wine tasting in the Roncolo hills

Discover the estate’s organic vineyards and nearby cellars through guided tastings of Lambrusco and regional Emilian wines, paired with local salumi and aged cheeses.

Traditional balsamic vinegar cellar visits

Step inside historic family run acetaie to learn the centuries old process of ageing traditional balsamic vinegar in wooden barrel batteries beneath attic roofs.

Parmigiano Reggiano and artisan food producers

Visit nearby dairies, salumifici and countryside producers to experience the craftsmanship behind Parmigiano Reggiano, cured meats and Emilia’s celebrated food culture.

Slow lunches in the Emilian countryside

Spend long afternoons exploring nearby borgos and hilltop villages before settling into traditional trattorias for handmade tortelli, ragù and regional wines served at the slower rhythm of Sunday lunch.

Protecting culture & land

At Relais Roncolo 1888, preservation begins with restoration. The nineteenth century borgo has been carefully revived rather than rebuilt, retaining original stone walls, frescoed ceilings, timber beams and vineyard buildings that safeguard the architectural soul of Emilia’s countryside.

Surrounded by organic vineyards, oak woods and agricultural hills, the estate protects the rural character of the Roncolo landscape, resisting overdevelopment and honouring the traditions of wine making, balsamic ageing and artisanal food production. Regional produce, Emilian wines and local craftsmanship keep both economic and cultural value rooted in place.

Location & surroundings

Located in the rolling hills of Emilia Romagna, the area surrounding Relais Roncolo 1888 is renowned for its vineyards, historic borgos and the gastronomic traditions that have made Italy’s Food Valley world famous.

Set among organic vineyards and oak woods in the Roncolo hills, the estate opens onto sweeping views of cypress lined drives, stone farmhouses and the softly undulating Emilian countryside. From its terraces, guests look out across vineyard rows, noble estates and the peaceful landscape that defines this richly cultivated corner of Emilia.

Key details

Address

Via Filippo Turati, 42
42020 Quattro Castella
RE, Italy

Getting here

By plane: Bologna Airport (approx. 1 hour 15 mins) or Parma Airport (approx. 40 minutes)
By train: Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station (approx. 25 minutes by car)
Private transfers, vineyard tours and supercar experiences can be arranged

Facilities

Elegant rooms and suites across the restored borgo, with frescoed ceilings and vineyard views
Fine dining restaurant, wine cellar tastings and seasonal terrace aperitivo spaces
Outdoor swimming pool set among vineyards and landscaped gardens
Wellness spa, sauna, steam room and treatment spaces for restorative rituals
Fitness room, estate walks and curated food and wine experiences across Emilia’s Food Valley

More

Rooms: 18 rooms and suites
Season: Year round

Words from the owners, Julia

“Our story begins with a deep love for this estate and the traditions that shape the Emilian countryside. Whatever brings you here, whether wine, long lunches, celebration or simply the desire to slow down among the vineyards, we hope Relais Roncolo becomes part of your own story of Emilia.”

Every stay booked direct keeps value with the people of this place, so they can reinvest in culture, community and land

We believe travel should give back more than it takes; that it can protect cultures, not erode them.

That is why we connect you directly with each hotel’s own website. By booking direct, value remains in the hands of those who shape these places, enabling reinvestment into local culture, community, and land.

Book Relais Roncolo 1888 direct. Play a part in preserving the culture, community and landscape of this place.

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Relais Roncolo 1888

Emilian Elegance in Italy’s Food Valley
Every stay booked direct keeps more value in the hands of the people who shape this place, so they can reinvest in local culture, community and land.