06 April 2020 There are winemakers who make hospitality their trademark, an experience to relish in together with the excellent labels that they produce. In the Marche region, somebody has taken this path more seriously than others. For almost a century, Tenuta Cocci Grifoni has devoted itself to the production of outstanding wines in the province of Ascoli Piceno. What was once a family country house is now a winery renowned all over the world, led by the fourth generation of winemakers. An all-female generation: those who have had a taste of their hospitality know what we are talking about. The Marche region, the Italy we have yet to discover Biodiversity is what differentiates Tenuta Cocci Grifoni: various animals can be seen here The Marche region is the new frontier of foreign tourism in Italy. This gem nestled between Tuscany, Umbria and Emilia Romagna was still unknown overseas up until lately. Recently, it has been captivating lovers of the “Italian way of life”. Tenuta Cocci Grifoni has made biosustainability its symbol and it has added olive groves, wheat fields and forest areas to its vineyards. The relais is located in San Savino di Ripatransone, 10 km from the Adriatic Sea. It is not far from the national parks of Gran Sasso and Monti Sibillini. There are various activities offered by Tenuta Cocci Grifoni. Tours and guided tastings, walk in the vineyards and picnics; but there are also other activities such as bird watching, cooking lessons, vineyard trekking and wine painting. And, of course, it is possible to stay in the old family house and enjoy dinner on the terrace. Children and adolescents are welcome; visitors will be welcomed in Italian and English; French and German are also spoken, upon request. Reservations are recommended. Picnic in the vineyards A picnic in the vineyard is the perfect setting for an intimate lunch and wine tasting. A special V’vitella carry bag, packed with sandwiches made with locally-sourced meats and cheeses as well as a bottle of Vigna Messieri Rosso Piceno DOC Superiore, will be provided along with blankets. Stroll through Tenuta Cocci Grifoni’s historical Messieri Vineyard and discover exactly where the wine in your bag came from. Please note that the picnic wine experience is available only if the weather allows it. Yoga & Wine Enjoy a session of outdoor yoga on a unique and beautiful Terrace that offers an outstanding panoramic view of the vineyards and landscape. A choice of traditional yoga, or gentle exercises, are available to accommodate different levels of ability. This is an opportunity to experience personal wellness while enjoying all the winery has to offer. After the class the winery provide a choice of three different tastings. The Aperitif (a tasting menu of the historical wines served with light fare), or the Wine and Food pairings offered as a three course lunch or dinner. There is an experience for everyone. Countryside cooking class Led by the winery’s wonderful Chef Rita, this cooking course gives participants a chance to learn how to make traditional rural recipes. It will begin with a tour of Tenuta Cocci Grifoni’s wine cellar and a brief explanation of how their wine is made. The cooking class is held on the spectacular panoramic terrace and the recipes will be paired with Tenuta Cocci Grifoni DOC wines. Learn how to make biscuits, Ciambellone cake or ravioli – like the locals – and experience how local food and wine are connected to each other in the most delicious way. The aperitif Join a guided walk through the Historical Messieri Vineyard and then visit Tenuta Cocci Grifoni’s cellar. The tasting includes a selection of three of the winery’s iconic wines: Tarà Passerina Spumante Brut, Colle Vecchio Offida DOCG Pecorino and Rosso Piceno DOC Superiore. Traditional and locally-sourced appetizers are served during the tasting. Lunch on the panoramic terrace This visit to the winery features a tour of the cellar, a tasting of three wines, and a four-course lunch on Tenuta Cocci Grifoni’s panoramic terrace. The wines are the sparkling Tarà Passerina Spumante Brut, and two labels from the Historical Vineyards: Colle Vecchio Offida DOCG Pecorino and Vigna Messieri Rosso Piceno DOC Superiore or Il Grifone Offida DOCG Rosso. Locally-sourced and traditional dishes are followed by Moka coffee and Anise Liqueur. Dinner on the panoramic terrace Dinner with local dishes, natural pairings for the wines of the Tenuta After a tour of the Cocci Grifoni Cellar, you are served dinner on the panoramic terrace with a tasting of three wines from the Historical Vineyards. These labels represent the winery’s special crus. Locally-sourced and inspired by tradition, this four-course menu will delight your senses. It is complemented by Moka coffee and Anise Liqueur. An exceptional vertical tasting From its library of wines Tenuta Cocci Grifoni offers to the guests the opportunity to taste different vintages of our Historical Wines: Colle Vecchio Pecorino or Vigna Messieri. This is a unique, exceptional tasting, held within the wine cellar, that highlights the subtle differences of the same wine as it develops from one year to the next. This is a chance to see how the wine ages, how harvests can determine the outcome of the vintage and to learn about the winemaker’s style. After the vertical tasting you can accommodate yourself in the Panoramic Terrace for Dinner. Hiking and biking through vineyards Enjoy a self-guided hike through the beautiful San Basso Vineyard. Beneficial to both your body and soul, this tour throughout Tenuta Cocci Grigoni’s property will introduce you to its land and its wonderful elements that support the vineyards. The journey through this trail will help to give you a deeper understanding of the winery terroir, sustainable farming and unique eco-system. There are many cycling-hiking trails throughout the incredible properties. These GPS self-guided routes showcase the vineyards, the olive groves, the Badlands and old stone farmhouses. The trails are mapped out by kilometers and you can choose the best trails for your biking ability. E-Bikes are also available to rent which are suitable for all traveler’s fitness levels. An exceptional way to view the Marche at your own pace. It is very easy to plan more than one ride. Choose a few days of riding the trails for great exercise and enhanced enjoyment. At the end of cycling, or hiking, the trails you can choice are The Aperitif or Lunch Pairing or Dinner Pairing on the spectacular Panoramic Terrace. The Grand Wine Tour is a mark of excellence in hospitality distinguishing Italian wineries throughout the country. Book your tasting and your experience today!