
"Our recent stay at the Villa on the Santo Stefano Vineyard was wonderful! We had a party of 8 staying there for a week and the accommodations were perfect. The photos on VRBO can’t capture the views from the private patio and pool area. Sunsets were phenomenal! The best part of this stay was the delightful hostess Elena! When we arrived there was a huge bowl of fruit from their garden on the kitchen table and the fridge was stocked with water, several bottles of wine from the vineyard and cheese. Elena gave us a tour of the villa and then we were given a wine tasting of their wines just steps away. Breakfast can be arranged in advance and it is worth the additional cost. It is an amazing spread with eggs, cheese, juice, croissants, meats, fruit, you name it. The croissants are baked fresh every morning and are the best I’ve ever had. Elena was so helpful in recommending and helping us make dinner reservations at local restaurants. They were all fabulous! I would also recommend scheduling a cooking class with Elena. She is an amazing chef. Our group took the cooking class and she was wonderful making sure the 2 children in our group were included in the fun. We made tempura zucchini flowers stuffed with sardines for an appetizer, homemade gnocchi with basil and garlic pesto, chicken with the most delicious tomato sauce, and tiramisu for dessert. We ate our delicious meal in the beautiful courtyard watching the sunset and drinking their fabulous wine! In addition to the wonderful Elena, the other staff members were delightful! It’s a family operation and we were treated to a tour of the wine cellars and vineyard by Elena’s charming niece, Irene. Also, Elena’s kitchen and housekeeping staff were so lovely. They did not speak English nor we Italian but somehow we were able to communicate and their warmth was felt! I must also give a nod to the vineyard cats, Billy and Romeo, who entertained my granddaughters the entire stay. My favorite memory from our visit was on our last day as we were carrying out our luggage. We heard “arrivederci!”. We looked across the street and one of the kitchen staff had opened her second story window and was waving goodbye to us with the sweetest smile! This is a truly magical place that goes the extra mile to make you feel welcome! Bravo to Elena and all! We will be back!"