Nice scenery, disappointing hospitality.
The estate is beautiful and the surroundings are undeniably picturesque, but unfortunately the service was the exact opposite of the warm hospitality we’ve come to expect in Tuscany — a region we’ve visited for many years.
We arrived after midnight due to a delayed flight, only to find that the room we were given looked nothing like the one advertised. It was outdated, completely different from the pictures, and the air conditioning unit made a loud humming noise throughout the night, clearly in need of maintenance.
The next morning, we approached the reception to request a different room — not unreasonably, since the one we had booked had clearly been misrepresented. Instead of any form of understanding, we were met with a condescending lecture that we should have booked a “premium” room if we wanted the one in the photos. At that point, we gave up — there was no point continuing the discussion with someone being openly rude.
We had to insist on a cancellation, which was only granted after some back and forth. It was an unpleasant process that could have been handled with a touch of professionalism — even a gesture as simple as an apology or a bottle of wine might have made a difference. But instead, we were left with the feeling that we were being blamed for their misleading presentation.
I’m not paying to be lectured — especially when there’s clear misrepresentation involved, whether intentional or not. We ended up booking a far nicer hotel in Florence, and enjoyed the rest of...
Read moreAs a travel agency, we always seek out exceptional experiences for our clients, and Ruffino’s Tenuta Poggio Casciano never disappoints. The estate is a perfect blend of history, elegance, and Tuscan charm, offering breathtaking vineyard views, warm hospitality, and an immersive journey into the world of wine.
Our visit began with a fantastic lunch at Tre Rane, where Claudiu, the maître sommelier, expertly paired Ruffino’s wines with each dish. Every plate, served on Richard Ginori porcelain, showcased the finest seasonal ingredients, with a special highlight being Laudemio extra virgin olive oil from Tenuta Santedame—its vibrant green color and intense aroma perfectly complemented the fresh bread and simple yet exquisite flavors.
Following lunch, Camilla led us through a private wine tasting, where her passion and deep knowledge of Ruffino’s heritage made the experience truly special. The underground winery was a fascinating part of the journey—barrels resting beneath ancient stone walls, the scent of French oak filling the air, and the stories behind each vintage creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Every time we organize a visit here, we know our clients will be in excellent hands. Ruffino’s team ensures that every guest experiences the very best of Tuscan winemaking, food, and hospitality. Highly recommended for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of fine wine in a...
Read moreWe visited for a tour and wine tasting and were not disappointed. We had an excellent experience and it started with the winery assisting us with arrangements for a driver to get to the winery from Florence. Nestled in the Tuscan countryside, you can see Florence in the distance. The winery is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and roads.
Upon arrival, we were treated to a caffe and awaited the start of our tour. The grounds are beautiful with many seating areas, small spots to gather, statuary, and even a bocce ball court. The store on site is relatively small, but a wide selection of small Italian snack items and all of the Ruffino products.
Our tour included the production area, the storage area under the main building, including an original part of the building that had an indoor well, and a view of the "reference vault" where they kept bottles from more recent vintages.
The tasting was sublime with three separate mid-to-high end wines, their newer Venus product, a tasting of olive oil, and an accompaniment of meats and cheeses. The tasting was finished off with a taste of their grappa made from their...
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