Marchesi Alfieri

What an old oak could tell

Already the way to the winery Marchesi Alfieri makes us hope for much. We drive up to one of the many hills in the region and in the small village of San Martino Alfieri, which surrounds the old castle and the associated park, the road leads us a little further up until we finally arrive in the middle of the large courtyard of the vineyard estate. Directly in front of the entrance we find three nicely installed Destination Chargers waiting for us. Our Model S likes it here and so do we!

The symmetric castle of Marchesi Alfieri

The estate once was the summer residence of the Alfieri family, a noble and influential aristocratic family from Asti. Wine has been produced here since 1696, and since 1982 the three sisters Emanuela, Antonella and Giovanna San Martino di San Germano are directing the fortunes of the winery and the small hotel. They manage a total of 21 hectares of land between Asti and Alba, and they have been the ones who decided to focus on quality rather than quantity – a philosophy that is well known to us and that we also follow ourselves.

A picnic in the shade

In addition to the two keys to the house and to our room we receive another one, which allows us access to the wonderful park! Here every guest is welcomed to feel at home and to enjoy a very private atmosphere.

It is hard to believe, but the huge park of about 5 hectares was designed and built in 1815 in English style. It was the epoch of romanticism and it was the fashion at the time to use exotic trees (such as Lebanese cedars) and plants. Only the 300-year-old oak has been standing for much longer and if it could speak it would have a lot to tell. Who knows how often someone was kissed under this tree while having a picnic in the cool shade. 🙂

Big, old oak tree

Two gardeners take good care that everything stays as pretty as we find it. The entire small forest is an ecological artwork and the soil is also fertile ground for very special treasures. During the truffle season one may look for culinary delights.

The park also provides for other small “miracles” – Mr T is jogging in the morning while Mrs T looks out for the most beautiful flower motif. Roses wherever you look, peonies in full bloom. Trees of incredible variety and size alternate with lush rose bushes and the view of the castle. Even a bewitched playground and countless other picnic areas are spread out in the park. Equipped with our laptops and books we set up our office directly in the park. And because it’s so nice, we decide to also have our dinner here. It does not always have to be the big gala menu – a glass of wine, of which one knows the story, some bread and local cheese in the castle park can sometimes be the best thing that can happen to a gourmet :-).

Our office in the garden of Marchesi Alfieri

The rooms are simply decorated in typical Italian style, but offer everything you need: plenty of space, a small kitchen, a comfortable bed and once again absolute peace – ideal for those seeking peace, nature- and wine lovers. What this B & B offers is a different type of luxury. It does not need 5 stars for that – just a little bit of space, nature and tranquility as well as people who lovingly and attentively take care of their guests.

A castle that lives

Of course, we did not miss the opportunity to visit the winery as part of a guided tour. We were able to discover not only the wine cellar and the wines themselves, but also the magnificent orangery in the private part of the castle.

The orangery from outside

The large castle is still inhabited and we learn that the three owners do also spend the summer vacation with the whole family at the castle – this includes the total of 20 grandchildren! What did we just say about the old oak in the park? 🙂

It is nice to see that this castle is not just a museum or a hotel, but that it does live and animate for generations.