At Relais Roncolo 1888, a day might begin among the vineyards, continue with a tasting of traditional balsamic vinegar, and end over dinner drawn from the surrounding countryside. Beyond the estate, another side of Emilia-Romagna awaits: the museums, factories, and driving experiences associated with some of Italy’s most celebrated automotive names.
Set in the Terre di Canossa hills, the family-owned hotel brings these interests together on a working organic estate. For its 2027 season, Roncolo is planning a new chapter, introducing the Le Scuderie dining concept alongside new suites and spa treatment rooms.
For travelers drawn to food, wine, design, and time in the Italian countryside, the additions offer fresh reasons to explore this corner of Emilia-Romagna.
A Historic Home Reimagined for Guests
The estate’s history reaches back to the 17th century, long before its conversion into a hotel. For generations, it was home to the Marchesi Manodori, a family connected to the region’s agricultural and civic life.
Today, Austrian-born Julia Prestia and her Sicilian husband own the property. After leaving a career in finance, Julia led its transformation through a five-year restoration, with the hotel opening in 2022.
Its existing 17 rooms and suites occupy three historic buildings: Dimora Ancini, Dimora Acetaia, and Villa Manodori. Restored frescoed ceilings and original timber beams sit alongside wallpaper by French artist Vernet and armchairs by Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti.
The combination gives the interiors a residential character, with the original architecture providing the setting for carefully chosen furnishings.
Villa Manodori, once the family’s main residence, can also be reserved exclusively. With six bedrooms, a kitchen, and a private dining room, it accommodates up to 12 guests, making it an option for extended families or friends looking to share a countryside stay.
Outside, a swimming pool framed by cypress trees provides a place to pause between excursions and tastings.
Food and Wine Begin on the Estate
Roncolo sits within Tenuta di Roncolo, a 320-acre agricultural estate encompassing vineyards, olive groves, woodland, and gardens. Certified organic since 1994, the estate became a certified B Corp in 2025.
Its production includes wine, extra virgin olive oil, and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Reggio Emilia DOP. These are part of the working landscape guests encounter during their stay, giving the hotel a direct connection to the region’s food traditions.
That connection extends to Ristorante Limonaia, the existing greenhouse restaurant, where the estate’s kitchen garden helps inform the dining experience.
For 2027, Le Scuderie will introduce a new dining concept centered on seasonal estate produce and the surrounding countryside. It will join new suites and spa treatment rooms as part of the property’s next phase of development.
Together, the plans place food and the estate itself at the center of Roncolo’s evolution, with more space for guests to stay and unwind.
Discovering Emilia-Romagna Through Its Makers
A stay at Roncolo offers several ways to explore the ingredients that have made this part of Italy a culinary destination.
Guests can taste the estate’s organic wines, visit its historic acetaia to learn about traditional balsamic vinegar, or join a fresh pasta class with the estate’s chef. Excursions to Parmigiano Reggiano producers and local artisans extend that experience beyond the property.
These encounters provide context for what arrives at the table. The appeal is in meeting producers, seeing where ingredients originate, and understanding the time and skill involved in making them.
Parmigiano Reggiano, traditional balsamic vinegar, and Parma ham are among the specialties that define the area’s identity. DRIFT’s feature on how Emilia-Romagna feeds the world explores that wider relationship between place, production, and the pleasures of eating well.
Exploring Italy’s Motor Valley
The region’s automotive heritage adds a different dimension to a countryside escape. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Ducati are among the names associated with the surrounding Motor Valley.
Roncolo can arrange vintage cars and supercars for drives through the hills, as well as museum visits, selected factory experiences, track days, and Formula 1 simulator sessions at Museo Ferrari in Maranello.
For enthusiasts, these experiences can become the focus of a trip. For couples or groups with varied interests, they provide another option alongside culinary outings and relaxed afternoons at the estate.
A drive through the countryside followed by a wine tasting back at Roncolo captures the combination particularly well.
Planning a Stay at Relais Roncolo 1888
Relais Roncolo 1888 operates seasonally, from mid-March to mid-November. The property is approximately 20 minutes from Reggio Emilia’s high-speed railway station and about an hour from Bologna Airport, according to the hotel’s travel guidance. Milan is roughly a two-hour drive away, and the estate also has a helipad.
The new dining concept, suites, and spa treatment rooms are planned for the 2027 season. Further details and seasonal availability are available through Relais Roncolo 1888.
