Vineyards in Tuscany and cosy hiking huts in Bavaria have not much in common, but they are ideal for quick and easy weekend getaways with a maximum of relaxation .
We selected three Vineries in Tuscany and two huts we like near Tegernsee.
TUSCANY:
Not only the landscape gets so beautiful in autumn when hues of burgundy and greens fill the landscape. The region’s hills house some of Italy’s best-known appellations, including Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, as well as Vernaccia di san Gimignano and Carmignano.
Stay in Florence or visit the coastal vineyards, and particularly the ‘Super Tuscan’ wineries around Bolgheri, where you drive along streets lined with 400-year-old cypress trees.
Here is our choice of must visit vineyards but make sure to contact them in advance for opening hours cause to COVID-19.
CASTELLO di NIPOZZANO:
Nipozzano a 1000-year-old castle and a true working farm, with more than 600ha, including olive trees and an on-site olive press. Chianina and Angus cows can be seen roaming free in the fields. A visit will include a tour of the monumental cellars used to age Chianti Rùfina, the higher altitude appellation in the Chianti area. Other highlights include the tasting room in an old kitchen, as well as the views of perfectly maintained vineyards across the valley.
CAPEZZANA
Just a few miles from Florence, towards Prato, is Capezzana. The estate has been producing wine and extra-virgin olive oil since the year 804. More recently, the Contini Bonaccossi family has been running the estate since the 1920s.
The youngest members, Oscar, Ettore, Giulia and Duccio – all 25 years old – created the newest aspect of the winery; a wine bar called La Vinsantaia (open April–October) where guests can enjoy informal wine tastings, as well as food.
CASTELLO DI AMA
The 12th-century castle is beautifully renovated and has one of the most important wine-related contemporary art installations, as well as fantastic fine wines, such as the Haiku Chianti Classico.
BAVARIA
It might already be snowing or if you are lucky you hit the golden October. If you like to clear your mind go hiking for a day near Munich in the hills around Tegernsee and get comfortable in the many huts around.
SCHWARZENTENN-ALM
The hike is easy, only one hour and you feel like you are in Canada, at least in some parts. Waterfalls cascade into the valley and the sound of falling water, the climb up the hill and the smell of green moss give you the ultimate escape even though you are only an hour’s drive from Munich.
The Schwarzentenn-Alm offers everything from classic soups and wild sausage to the best homemade cakes in the region.
KÖNIGSALM
The hike is beautiful and only 1.5 hours. The path to the former hunting lodge of King Ludwig already allows a beautiful view on the ascent. Once at the top, you can look forward to a cold beer and an original Bavarian Brotzeit.
TEGERNSEER HÜTTE
There are not many huts that are situated like an eagle nest, between the peaks of Roß – and Buchstein on a hight of 1650 meters .
You will love the view and you can even stay overnight (in field beds).